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Coconut trees line the path through the agricultural area
The Agricultural Project:
In the fall of 2005, a three-man team from Calvary Chapel of North Plainfield (CCNP) embarked on a mission to Guyana, South America and linked up with an eight-man team of local Guyanese on Wesleyana Bible Campsite as a ministry for the Wesleyan Church.
Led by Bro Albert Bruce of Calvary Chapel, the objective of the mission was to plant coconut saplings around the three perimeters of the campsite boundaries. The purpose of the mission was two-fold with a third benefit. The defining of the boundary line was critical for the eventual development of the campsite, and, more importantly, the coconut plants provided the requirement of an agriculture crop as required for the continuation of our lease. The benefit, of course, was the prospect of a refreshing drink of coconut water that is so popular to all Guyanese.
It was quite an undertaking especially for our brothers Mike Pupa and Jim Dunne who were visiting Guyana for the first time and who, despite all the hard work of carrying the mold through the forest and the actual digging and planting of the saplings, enjoyed the trip very much. The manual work of clearing the boundaries had to be replaced with the introduction of heavy machinery and the one line of coconut palms led to the concept of having two rows and between those rows of palms the Coconut Roadway Project was born and the current major development of the Wesleyana Bible Camp began.
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| Construction of building on the Camp |
The ministry of CCNP has continued to provide major funding for infrastructural work done at Wesleyana Bible Camp. During 2006, several buildings were erected with this assistance. The goal was to provide the support structures to supervise the agricultural sector being developed on the camp site. Under the direction of Bro Petrie, the agricultural sector was being developed to produce crops for commercial purposes.
Rows of passion fruit were planted on stakes that stretched across the length of the western boundary of the camp site. Other crops were interspersed between the rows of passion fruit. However, it was quite a learning experience as rodents wrecked havoc among the crops being produced.
Current Projects:
The camp site is currently managed by a Camp Manager who resides on the camp site. At the district level, the Wesleyana Camp Committee is the appointed body with responsibility for overseeing the overall development of the camp site. The committee meets regularly to plan for and monitor programs and projects taking place at the camp. In addition to hosting the Wesleyana Bible Camps, the camp site is rented to groups to hold meetings and events during the off-peak season.
 Also, the camp is embarking on the production of chicken for commercial purposes. A pen has been constructed for this purpose, and to-date, the camp has successfully raised over 350 birds and is ready to expand its production to 1,000 birds.
In addition, the drilling of a well to supply the water needs of the camp is now being undertaken. The well construction and the distribution of the water system are being supported with help from overseas including GMOP and POMS.
But plans to complete and upgrade the camp buildings and structures would require much assistance and your involvement would be much appreciated. For more details: ( see archived report: Mission Trip Report) |
Camp Wesleyana
Camp Wesleyana nestles on over 110 acres of sandy forest on the Linden Highway not far from Georgetown. It is easily reached by car or bus, as one must travel along the same route to the Timehri Airport, only swerving pass the airport, as if going to Linden. In another fifteen minutes or so a bright green and white sign high along the sloping hills on the right, beckons you to turn into the entrance to this ‘jewel in the forest’. Along the route, the narrow winding sandy road leading to the camp site is shaded by over-hanging trees that covers you from the glaring sun or damp wet rain. On approaching the site, the camp manager’s residence stands guard on the left while several dorms, for campers, surround the area on the right and left. A chapel, that could easily accommodate several hundred persons, is tucked away on the right of the path and stands forlorn and in need of a face lift. Not far off the hill dips and races down to the enticing creek below. The creek’s clear brown water flows quietly as it meanders along the western banks of the camp. The creek entices the visitor, even the novice swimmer, to a cold and refreshing swim, or splash, since some areas are shallow enough to wade in, that rejuvenates you and makes you wish you had not a cause to leave its embrace.
