Facing unexpected expenses for the diocesan camp, delegates to the Diocese of Nevada's annual convention Oct. 11-13 have stepped forward to volunteer to keep the camp open.

The Rt. Rev. Stewart Zabriskie, Bishop of Nevada, in his convention address, told delegates that "loving Camp Galilee is not enough," and that "we must see the camp change from fond memories to responsible stewardship which does not drain the diocese's resources."

Diocesan treasurer Irv Cousins reported that almost $100,000 had been spent for "extraordinary items," most of them associated with the planned sale of a portion of the camp, located at Lake Tahoe.

Proceeds of the sale, to the U.S. Forest Service and to a conservancy group, are anticipated to provide funds for renovation of the camp. But the transactions may take two years to complete.

Representatives of the diocese's parishes responded to a call from the Rev. Burt Dudding, president of the camp's board of trustees, and volunteered to run the eight weeks of summer camp program for the 1997 season. Budget and staffing problems caused the camp to be closed during the summer season.

The board members will take greater oversight over the operation of the camp as well, Fr. Dudding said. By eliminating staff costs, the camp budget should end next year with a balance of approximately $20,000, enough for operations in the following year.

Bishop Zabriskie, Mr. Cousins and Fr. Dudding all agreed that the camp operations would be completely self-supporting with no diocesan funds available. Money from the diocese's investment reserves has covered the camp's recent expenses.

In other business, delegates voted to consider the possibility of adding four youth members to the diocesan council with seat and voice. The chancellor will be asked to draft a proposal for the 1997 convention.

Delegates learned that a team of stewardship consultants will be meeting with each parish "to share hope and accountability," Bishop Zabriskie said.

A budget of $584,515 was adopted for 1997. It projects a tentative deficit of about $10,000.