In his letter to the supporters of the Okanagan Anglican Camp (OAC), Ian Dixon said: For more than 75 years, OAC has been a place where children discover who they are — away from screens and expectations, and fully immersed in the joy of nature, play, and belonging. But in August 2023, when the McDougall Creek wildfire swept through the Okanagan, it destroyed 95% of the camp’s structure. More than the buildings, it disrupted powerful moments of connection for the children, youth, and families gathering here for generations.
Despite the devastation that turned decades of memories to ash, our story didn’t end there. The hope for OAC’s return has remained, and together, we are re-imagining what our camp can become. We envision a camp where children will have the space, freedom and chance to belong, explore, and lead.
Together with the Diocese of Kootenay, we’re launching a Planning Feasibility Study to listen, learn, and plan wisely as we move toward rebuilding a place where kids can be kids — outside, connected, and free.
REBUILDING OAC
THE NEED IS GROWING
1. Wait lists for camp sessions were increasing before the fire.
2. Rental demand consistency grew, with peak-season vacancy days dropping to just 8 days.
3. Shoulder-season programming (spring/fall) was expanding and is a key goal of the rebuild, particularly for school groups and community rentals.
4. Demand for a kid’s summer program is increasing, and the camp is intentionally rebuilding with universal design principles to create safer, more welcoming spaces for all.
PHASE ONE: IMMEDIATE
RENEWAL
The first phase focuses on restoring the core camp area and essential infrastructure control for year-round usage — everything needed to reopen OAC in time for the 2026 season. This includes:
- New cabin complexes with indoor washrooms, accessible and gender-inclusive design, and climate control for year-round use.
- A lakefront dining hall with seating for 150+, panoramic views, and an allergy-safe kitchen.
- A staff residence for 28 people, allowing for seasonal and retreat accommodations
- Medical and bathroom buildings with upgraded hygiene, treatment, and accessibility features.
- A rebuild Wingsong Gazebo, dock, sports areas, and multipurpose flex space.
- Infrastructure systems for water, septic, power, and Internet.
- A security gate and surveillance system to protect the site during and after construction.
All new buildings are modular, energy-efficient, and designed to minimize environmental and archaeological disturbance — many will sit on helical pile foundations, reducing ground impact.
PHASE TWO AND THREE
Future phases (introduced in 2027-2035 once Phase 1 is underway) will add camper capacity, program areas, and rental flexibility.
- Third and fourth cabin complexes, increasing overnight capacity to 192.
- A new rope course and relocated archery range.
- New staff cabins to accommodate international or seasonal team members.
- A second dock and fully enclosed waterfront swim zone.
- A new entrance road to improve traffic flow and emergency access.
Each phase is designed to scale OAC’s mission while protecting what makes it special.
FINANCIAL OVERVIEW
Funds committed to date $2,600,000
Phase One Funding Gap $2,203,000
Phase Two and Three $1,750,000
TOTAL $6,5553,000
Camp Director Ian Dixon said, “We’re not just rebuilding what was lost. We’re creating a camp that welcomes everyone — with safer, more inclusive spaces that honour the land and serve future generations.”
Make a Donation of support:
https://www.campoac.com/donate
