Bus donations aid camp program

Dennis Oliphant and Steve Liebig presented the keys to donated buses to Tom and Joe Horn. Photo provided

Sun Country Tours, a whitewater rafting company in Bend, has donated two buses to a popular campground near Sisters, to assist in their new Outdoor Schools and Adventure Camping programs.

Company President Dennis Oliphant and General Manager Steve Liebig turned over titles and keys to the buses, both diesels in excellent condition, to Camp Davidson's staff on February 26.

The buses will be used to transport school children on field trips during Outdoor Schools at the camp, and as transportation for adults during Adventure Camps in the spring and fall.

"This story is unbelievable," said Thomas Horn, Executive Director at Camp Davidson. "We put off starting the Adventure Camps last year because we couldn't afford dependable buses. Frankly, we were not sure how to address this issue in 2003, either, until Sun Country Tours contacted us."

The donation grew out of conversations between Sun Country's Liebig and Camp Davidson's Activity Director, Joe Horn. As soon as Sun Country Tours understood Camp Davidson's need and how the buses would be used, they came forward with a plan to donate one of their buses to the camp. A few days later Horn negotiated with Sun Country Tours for a second bus.

"The whole thing is a miracle," Joe Horn said. "We are very grateful to Sun Country Tours for making this possible. The students and campers will be thrilled to have such safe and comfortable transportation. The addition of this equipment means our programs can expand on schedule."

In 2002, 16 denominations representing over 150 Oregon towns used Camp Davidson for their youth and camping programs. Five schools participated in the all-new Outdoor Education Studies. The Future Farmers of America, The Boy Scouts, The Girl Scouts, the Royal Family Kids Camps (for abused youth), and the International Students Association also use the camp.