Horse Program at Caton's Island

For the past 25 years the horse program has played a significant role in attracting new and returning campers to the Island.  But in the last several years the cost associated with running a program of this nature has increased substantially. We have also noted a marked decrease in those registering for the horsemanship camps.  These realities have prompted us to reassess our present horse program, understanding interests among campers change with time.       
 
After evaluating the pros and cons of continuing to run an activity of this nature, the Camp Board voted unanimously to end the horse program effective immediately.  Plans are now underway to sell our existing horses along with all other related equipment.  
 
I want to take this opportunity as well to thank Dean Bell for his 18 years of dedicated service to this program.  His hard work and knowledge in caring for horses has without a doubt enabled Caton’s to maintain this program over the years.  I also want to wish Dean the very best in his new position as Teamster at Kings Landing.      
 
In order to fill this void in our programming, Dean Stephenson has begun the search for new attractions that will provide a wider appeal in today’s camper market.  Please pray along with us for God’s direction as we endeavor to provide each camper with a spiritually enriched and fun filled experience.  
 
Thank you for your continued prayers and support as we enter this new camping season.   

Rob Trafton,
Executive Director of Camping        

Thank You Dean and Andrea Bell

I want to take this opportunity to thank Dean Bell for a job well done. I have worked with Dean these past 16 years and have been impressed at his level of commitment and passion for the horse program as a ministry tool.  I have found Dean to be reliable and willing to do the extras. We have shared a good many “experiences” together that I will always hold as memorable moments - swimming horses, birthing foals in the dark, barging horses and hay runs across the Reach to mention a few. There were, to say the least, a lot of good times.
 
I would also like to thank Andrea for her outstanding work as the Caton’s Island Registrar. She is very efficient and skilled at running an office and took a lot of worries off me.
 
I am amazed at the sacrifice Dean and Andrea made each year to come to Caton’s. Their faith was strong enough to allow them to trust God to provide jobs when they got home in the fall not always knowing in advance what those jobs would be. Their faith should inspire others to risk more for Christ.
 
As we move into a new season of programming I want to express my deep appreciation and heartfelt thanks to Dean and Andrea for their hard work and commitment to the kingdom ministry at Caton’s Island. I wish Dean all the best in his new role at Kings Landing and trust he will find a ministry role there that will allow him to continue his kingdom work.
 
Remember to pray for the Bell family as they transition at this bittersweet time in their journey.
 
Dean Stephenson
Caton’s Island Director