The redoubtable camp has had its share of catastrophes in the last 60 years including hurricanes with the need to respond with rebuilding and new building. Just in the matter of seawalls, the camp has lost about 100 feet of shore land in its relatively short life--the seawall was a response.
The current oil pollution problem is not a matter of a few weeks this summer, but the consequences will be around for months and years. Camp Dixie, like other Gulf shore enterprises, must wait and see to determine a response. "It is one thing to cap the well," Hamburg will tell you, "but we also have the problem of getting the oil out!"
The oil has precluded swimming and boating. "'No swimming' has a major effect on a summer camp program. Camp Director Miller literally called every summer camper for 2010 to advise families of the problem." A short-term answer was the procurement of that 18 foot water slide for campers. "It has been an asset in these times. The camp could install a pool for $50,000 to $75,000 as a longer term answer, but camps have very limited resources."
2010 camp-goers are not coming in the numbers of last year and current estimates look at camp attendance being down about 30%. Historically the camp has drawn attendees from Louisiana, Mississippi, Florida, and Georgia as well as from Alabama. It has provided facilities for retreats and special events as well. The good news is, as Hamburg would say, “People do make last minute decisions when it comes to sending kids to camp, so there is some hope for this year.” Retreats in winter months especially will continue.
The reality is, however, that one camp session has been closed this year, i.e., a shortened season! Moreover, the impact of the spill on the next several years is frankly unknown. Perhaps a non-Perdido Bay swimming solution may be something that should be pursued, but usual maintenance and upkeep operations must continue, even with the shortfall of income from decreased camp attendance. "The good Lord has His plans and we at Camp Dixie will be obedient to what can be done with the resources we have," Hallburg opined. "if anybody is looking for a place to put some donated money, we've got a job for it," Miller and Hamburg quipped.
With revenues down and camping activities limited, the Camp Dixie Board has to deal with the short-fall of both campers and the changed financial picture for the camp’s viability. "The fact is that it takes money to run a camp. We have been budget-balanced, but we are dependent on our charter founders, Grace Lutheran (Mobile), St. Paul's Lutheran (Foley), St. Mark's Lutheran (Elberta), Redeemer Lutheran (Warrington), and Immanuel Lutheran (Pensacola).
In addition, the camp has promoted Sunday chicken dinners for the community throughout the year which serve an average of 550 people per dinner." That "chicken revenue" continues to supplement the budget.
As for right now, the Camp Dixie Board has now obtained a BP claim number and is working through the process of making a claim for damages with BP.
Camp Dixie, on the shores of Perdido Bay, began back in 1952. The well-known local Woods family provided early support. Treasurer Robert Hamburg of Foley has been on the Corporation Board since 1983 when he began his service as financial officer of the Camp. He and Camp Director Marty Miller dialogued with “Men’s 710” at the July meeting of the breakfast and speaker fellowship.
Camp Dixie, Lutheran Outdoor Ministry Center, is located at 29711 Josephine Drive in Elberta, Alabama 36530. For additional information concerning Camp Dixie, its website is Camp Dixie Online. You may contact the Camp at director@campdixieministries.org or by phone (251) 987-1201.
