Camp Artaban Society

The Camp Artaban Society is a Canadian nonprofit organization registered under the Societies Act of British Columbia with the business registration number 118826551RR0001. It is an independent, charitable Anglican Christian camp located on Gambier Island in Howe Sound, British Columbia. Having provided Christian camping experiences since 1923, Camp Artaban is one of the longest-running camps in the province, offering spiritual, mental, and physical growth opportunities primarily for children, youth, and adults in a recreational outdoor environment[2][5].

History

Camp Artaban was established in 1923 by a group of ministers and businessmen led by Bishop Heathcote. Owing to its remote waterfront location on Gambier Island, campers initially arrived by Union Steamship from Vancouver. Upon reaching the bay, campers and their luggage were transferred by boat to the campsite, where accommodations included tents and open-air huts known as “chicken coops”[5].

Mission and Purpose

The Society's mission is to challenge participants spiritually, mentally, and physically within the camping context, encouraging a closer relationship with God and with one another in a supportive and loving community. The programming emphasizes Christian values rooted in the Anglican tradition[2].

Location and Facilities

Situated on 67 acres of waterfront property on Gambier Island, Camp Artaban is accessible by approximately a 30-minute boat ride from Horseshoe Bay in West Vancouver. Its facilities can accommodate groups of up to 150 people and are utilized not only for summer camp programs but also frequently rented for weddings, reunions, school groups, corporate retreats, Scout camps, and other gatherings during spring and fall seasons[1].

Programs and Activities

Camp Artaban operates primarily as a summer camp from June through August, offering a variety of recreational and spiritual activities. These include sailing, canoeing, swimming, hiking, volleyball, climbing walls, crafts, campfires, music, and games. Each morning, participants gather for an upbeat worship service held in an outdoor chapel surrounded by the natural environment[2].

Governance

The Camp Artaban Society is governed by a general membership and a board of directors. It functions as a Related Group under the Diocese of New Westminster, Anglican Church of Canada. The board includes individuals with long-standing involvement in camp leadership and Anglican community life. Notable members include David Quinton, who has held various leadership roles such as Chairperson and Executive Director, and Nancy Ferris, who has contributed extensively as a volunteer, session director, onsite director, and board secretary[4].

Values

The camp community embraces core values including respect, safety, inclusiveness, stewardship, community, and Christianity. These values guide the camp experience and help foster a nurturing environment for all participants[5].

Charitable Status

Camp Artaban Society is registered as a charity with the Canada Revenue Agency, enabling it to receive donations that support its mission. It complies with CRA regulations and provides tax receipts for donations to facilitate charitable contributions[2].

Camp Artaban remains a significant institution within British Columbia, combining traditional Anglican Christian ministry with outdoor camping to create a unique environment for spiritual and personal development.

[1] https://www.campartaban.com [2] https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/camp-artaban-society/ [3] https://my.charitableimpact.com/charities/camp-artaban-society [4] https://www.campartaban.com/governance [5] https://www.campartaban.com/our-story