Frequently Asked Questions: or questions you might have
Q: Why does the Camp need to raise funds;
aren't camp fees enough?
A: Camp fees are set to about 50% of the minimum cost of running the
current camp season. Additional giving is needed just to operate.
This doesn't account for expansion, staffing, or additional ministry
opportunity.
Q: I would like to designate my gift of
staff support to a specific person. Isn't that better?
A: There are two reasons why this is not the preferred method.
Firstly, by supporting a specific individual, it requires the camp to "start all over" should that person leave. Time taken to raise support is time taken away from ministry. If you are truly wanting to support camp's ministry, support whomever God leads to the positions needed.
Secondly, by supporting the General Staff Fund, you allow the Camp Board to direct the money in the manner they feel best meets the needs of camp. Designated giving can prevent allocation of the funds in the most equitable manner.
Q: I like to give to scholarships. I
want to make sure I am directly helping children attend camp. Why
isn't there a fund for scholarships?
A: Camp fees cover only about 50% of the minimum cost of camp. By
default every child receives a scholarship. No child is every
turned away due to lack of funds. Even if there is no money that
has been officially designated for scholarship, requests for scholarship
are still honored. These requests as well as the remaining 50% of
the camp costs are made up of General Funds.
By giving to the General Fund, you are participating in the scholarships of every child that attends camp. Likewise, it allows the camp to use the money in the manner needed, when it is needed. There have been times in the past where the camp has been faced with short falls in operating funds while funds are tied up in designated scholarship gifts.
Q: What financial accountability exists for
Camp Witness?
A: Camp Witness has an independent treasurer who monitors expenditures
and reports regularly to the Camp Board. The Camp Board is made up
of 9 individuals from various professions who have felt called by God to
assist in the oversight of the work and finances of the camp.
Q: If I sign up for one of the GRAPES
groups, is this a one year commitment or is it longer?
A: As with any non-profit, raising the needed funds to both continue and
expand the ministry of Camp Witness is an ongoing process. We
consider any commitment to join a GRAPES group to be ongoing until such
time as you feel called by God to redirect those funds. If you
intend on participating for just one year, we would still be very pleased
with your assistance. We only ask that you consider ongoing
support.
Q: Why is there both a monthly GRAPES group
as well as a one time gift GRAPES group for Capital Expenses?
A: Capital Expenses encompasses the growth area of the camp. To
plan for growth, the knowledge that individuals/families or churches
have committed to giving regularly to that fund will allow for longer
term planning and the knowledge that if we plan a work project in the
future that the funds should be available, even if they are not
available today. This is also the area where large gifts are most
likely needed and given. Participants who can not allocate
a monthly gift can make a one time gift to this vital area of growing
the camp. These one time gifts can be pooled together to allow for
the major projects needed at camp.
Q: I would like to make a one time gift to
something other than Capital Expenses. Can I?
A: By all means yes. The GRAPES program is only a tool to
encourage giving and to give people a method to see the progress of the
program. Other gifts can be sent to the regular camp address and
will gladly be put to use. The camp receives contributions in
many forms. These can be monetary or a specific item that the camp
needs. EX: We have had donations of beef or pork which allows the
camp to hold down the cost expended on food.
Q: Can I sign up to be a part of more than
one GRAPES group?
A: Absolutely. Either fill out more than one registration or make
a note on your registration that you would like to participate in more
than one group.
Q: I noticed that GRAPES groups 1 through 3
are set up in $25 increments. Can I give an amount not divisible
by 25?
A: Any amount given monthly can be used. We are using $25 dollar
thresholds to encourage people to make a specific commitment.
Likewise, the GRAPES graphs are set up to reflect $25 dollar
commitments. Any amount is gratefully appreciated and will used to
make a difference in children's lives.
Q: What happens once one of the GRAPES
groups reaches its goal?
A: With groups 1 through 3, the size of the GRAPES group will be
re-evaluated. once we reach the initial goal. If the specific area
of need is being met by the gifts being received, we will only seek to
replace those who are unable to continue.
Concerning the one time gift Capital Expense GRAPES group, the Camp Board and camp directors have identified several significant projects that will require additional funds. Therefore, a second bunch of GRAPES will set up for people to contribute to. A substantial gift would allow the camp to more quickly move forward with improvements that are planned.
Q: What should I do if this area didn't
answer my specific question?
A: Please contact the Director of Promotion and Marketing
Glenn Smith.