Copyright © 2004 The Episcopal Diocese of East Tennessee

The Grace Point Camp and Retreat Center board of managers met Oct. 8 to review the year’s activities and plan for the future. On the agenda were long-range planning projects; the year’s budget; progress on the growing chapel fund; stepping up activities of the Environmental Stewardship Committee; and evaluating the rates charged for use of Grace Point.

Two budget notes are especially worth celebrating: The summer camps operated in the black this year; and money is now in hand to build the first “treehouse” dormitory.

Bishop and Council approved at its last meeting funding to construct the first treehouse, and the Grace Point board has approved the project as well.

Each treehouse will have two wings, and each wing will accommodate a counselor and 10 campers — children or adults — in bunk beds. The bunks will be semi-private, with each pair in its own alcove, and each bed will have its own window and reading light. Each wing of the treehouse will have its own facilities. This first treehouse is designed to be fully accessible to people who have disabilities.

Currently, when summer camps are going on, the Commons Building serves as dormitory, meeting space, cafeteria and kitchen for all the campers. Completion of the first treehouse will mean half the campers can sleep there. The other half will sleep upstairs in the Commons Building, which will free up the entire downstairs for program use and meals.

Completion of the first treehouse also will make a third facility available for use when camps aren’t in session. Plans are to build at least one additional treehouse dormitory.

The board discussed the fees charged for use of Grace Point, especially by youth. “No youth group should ever be made to feel that using Grace Point is not possible because of the prices,” said the Rev. Bo Lewis, center director and vicar.

The board plans to reduce fees for youth groups at parish and diocesan levels, but details still must be worked out. The board also has asked a committee to examine other fees charged, and consideration will be given to charging different fees for each camp facility. When decided, details will be posted on the Grace Point Web site, etdiocese.net/gracepoint.

Another major discussion concerned environmental stewardship and education. Goals in these areas require consideration of what impact buildings, programs and general use will have on the land and water. The board also plans to develop educational programs, including nature lore for summer camps and easily accessible self-guided nature trails for year-round use. The Environmental Stewardship Committee will lead the way in setting and reaching goals in this area.

Grace Point: etdiocese.net/gracepoint