July 2023 - So Much To Look Forward To!

Celebration and Gratitude

Summer in Naramata: families gathering, community forming, friends new and old rejoined on this land so filled with peace, love and belonging.

We're so excited to see so many of you registered this summer. Thank you! Children and Youth programming is back in full swing with the highest attendance we've seen in nearly a decade. Our campgrounds are full of life, with those new to the Centre arriving with curiosity and wonder. Worship is back in the chapel, and the spirit of our community, its traditions, and all that Naramata has meant to us over the years held in a gentle, grateful and caring embrace. 

If you haven't yet registered for summer, our Cottage Courts are now restored and available to book as of July 23rd, just in time for our busiest weeks. 

And we will, of course, be honouring the legacy of Bob Mclaren and commemorating Mclaren Hall. As we give thanks to Bob and his vision for this incredible land, we carry the spirit of his legacy forward.

Thank you all for your continued support. We are renewed thanks to you all. 

See you all very soon!

Sasha V.

Executive Human

Naramata Centre

Cottage Courts Lovingly Restored!

Still Making Your Summer Plans?

Click to photo to download a high-resolution PDF!

We have a variety of accommodations still available as the summer goes on. We have something for everyone, from pet-friendly options to catered lunch available - take advantage of the summer and make unforgettable memories with us! Laughter, new friends and joy included free with every booking.

The Recurring Activity Schedule is now Available!

We have a lot to look forward to this summer, with daily activities and events, and weekly site tours and celebrations. Review our calendar and plan your stay for an unforgettable summer!

From the Board

We held our Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Saturday May 20, 2023, as a hybrid model with 22 people in attendance in person in Alberta Hall and another 13 people attending online via zoom. After several years of an online only AGM due to COVID, the hybrid model allows for the opportunity to gather in person at the Centre for those that are able while still keeping it accessible for all to join

remotely.

Board Membership Update

At our AGM this year, Barb Gregg and Gord Putnam stepped down from the Board after completing their terms. Barb steps down after 6 and a half years on the Board, after a mid-term appointment in 2017. During that time Barb served as Treasurer and a member of the Finance Committee. Gord served on our Long-Term Site Planning Committee, playing a key role in many complicated aspects of site. We wish to thank Barb and Gord for their many contributions over the past few years.

In addition, Nancy Talbot, Minister of Mount Seymour United Church in North Vancouver, who has served on our board since 2019 as the ex-officio representative from the Pacific Mountain Region, is stepping down from the board. We are grateful for Nancy’s dedication, guidance, and input over the past few years, at a time when evaluating our identity and impact has been a critical piece of board work. The Region will appoint a new representative to the Naramata Centre board.

We welcomed two new board members, Alison Stewart and Kim Follis. Alison brings a legal and tourism background with extensive experience in strategic and operational planning. Kim is a seasoned fundraiser with experience in capital campaigns and in corporate and foundation relations.

As part of a transition plan for the board moving forward, Linda McCandless is stepping into the role of Co-Chair of the Board along with Kathy Hamilton, who has served as the Chair the past 3 years. Kathy is moving into her final year on the Board and will work closely with Linda on a smooth transition of the Board Chair role.

Our strategic planning work included intensive reflection and work by the board and Sasha, Executive Director, along with input from the broader community through our in-person sessions and online survey last summer. The feedback was in alignment with where the board feels the focus is most critical at this time for the Centre…Organizational Sustainability!

Click Here for Full Strategic Plan and One Page Summary

We continue to be open to your feedback and will be holding weekly drop-in sessions at the Centre this summer. In addition, please provide any feedback or questions to [email protected].