Permanent generator installed after generous donation from former camper
By William Crooks
Local Journalism Initiative
Local summer camp and nature education mainstay Quebec Lodge (QL) installed a new permanent generator April 12. The project was funded by Nils Bodtker, a former QL camper and whom after which QL’s new lodge is named. Bodtker was also instrumental in getting the camp restarted after it shut down nearly 20 years ago.
“With climate change we’re having more severe storms,” explained QL Director Brian Wharry in an interview with the Record April 17. “The power is going off regularly,” he added. Without power, the camp has no water or septic system.
Some two years ago, QL installed infrastructure to support running its lodge at a bare minimum level off a portable generator. QL would either rent one or borrow one from a nearby supporter. Word about the situation got back to Bodtker who insisted on installing something more permanent.
Loss of power at camp does not affect the campers’ experience much, Wharry said, but it creates a lot more work behind the scenes for QL staff. Cooking must be done on portable propane stoves and water must be carried up from the nearby stream. Potable water must be purchased.
The contract for the new generator was signed last November and its installation was completed April 12, but it is not yet in service. The generator runs on propane. This will allow a future upgrade of QL’s kitchen stoves from electric to propane. Propane stoves are much more efficient, Wharry said.
Severe weather is not just periodically knocking out QL’s power, but damaging its distinctive yurts. Strong winds have torn one of their roofs. The roof will have to be sent back to the manufacturer for repairs. Wharry is waiting for a good weather forecast to do so. In addition, the hot sun has over the years cracked some of the yurts’ characteristic domes, which were replaced free of charge.
Wharry reported QL’s overnight camps this summer are slotted to be full, with many prospective campers on waiting lists. “The day camps are starting to be filled up,” Wharry added. Staffing is also coming along well.
Wharry spoke candidly on Bodtker’s contribution to QL’s revival around 10 years ago. Bodtker donated the money then needed to hire a company to raise funds for QL’s reawakening. “[Bodtker] has been very outspoken that QL made him what he is today,” Wharry said.
“[Bodtker] was our first donor, and has been our most generous donor,” Quebec Lodge Board Chair Ruth Sheeran added over the phone with the The Record April 17. Sheeran said the Anglican Church used to send a carload of kids, of which Bodtker was a member, down from his hometown of Baie Comeau to QL every summer.
Bodtker attended when local Rev. Al Salt was QL’s director over 60 years ago. “[Bodtker] has great affection for the camp,” Sheeran said, and when Bodtker heard of QL’s need for a generator he quickly volunteered.
QL will be holding its annual Spring Work Day May 18, to which everyone is invited. More details are available here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2229161680