Camp work began in the early 1980's held in churches, campgrounds, and rented facilities. We have been faced with increasing obstacles to secure facilities and dates for our camps. Some of which are:
1. Blessings of increased growth of membership.
2. Cost of using "catered" facilities - most outside camps rented will not allow us to cook our own food. The cost of the facility rental is increased significantly because the meals are catered by the camp itself.
3. Limited availability of the dates at rented facilities - limits the number of camps we can have and forces us to select dates that are not always at the most desirable times.
For over 20 years the Phoenix and Prescott congregations have looked into various options for a suitable camp facility. In the last three years the search intensified in part due to a generous donation to the local camp fund. Surveys were taken to see what we should be looking for in a camp. It showed by the surveys that we should be looking into a camp that is in the mountains, has trees, and is remote.
We received generous donations to the local camp fund that was followed by a 35 - acre land donation from Phoenix believer Chester Lodge.
A Camp Planning Committee was selected in May 2005 by the joint boards of Phoenix and Prescott. The Committee held their first meeting in August, walked the property and discussed resources within the Zion that could help with this project. It was brought forth that there were some architects who would be willing to donate their time to help us in this planning phase.
We also discussed having an LLC Camp liaison on the committee. At a subsequent meeting in November 2005, LLC liaison Adrian Pirness and Architect Dave Vilkama were present. At this meeting the intent was to build a "new facility"on the Lodge property. Things such as how the camp would be used (youth, couples, families, elderly, etc.) eventual uses as short term housing for foreign guests (language camps, confirmation camps, etc.) were also discussed. A mission statement was adopted, considering all the items mentioned, and most importantly, to the main reason for having a camp.
The Mission Statement is that Kamp Kipa would be "A Multi-generational facility to promote the gospel and for strengthening of faith."
At the end of this same meeting it came up that a 40 acre abandoned (for 10 years) Mormon camp 12 miles south of Prescott had become available. The Parcel is located at an elevation of approximately 7400 feet and is bordered by the Prescott National Forest on three sides.
This land, as it turned out, fit what everyone was asking for in the surveys years earlier.
As has often been said, "Man plans, God decides."
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