Mackenzie, B.C. – Students in the Prince George School District will once again be allowed to use Ness Lake Bible Camp though only “on a strictly secular basis.”

Trustees voted in favour of the change at last nights monthly board meeting in Mackenzie.

Students haven’t used the facility since it was decided at an in-camera meeting last June that the camp’s statement of affirmation conflicted with the District’s LGBTQ policy.

As a result, schools were advised to stop using the facility until these concerns were addressed.

Following that decision, Ness Lake Bible Camp has revised their statement with the school district’s LGBTQ Advisory Group and it’s now been determined that it no longer is in violation with the district’s policy.

The District says the revised statement has also been reviewed by legal counsel.

Prior to future field trips to Ness Lake – which is used for outdoor education programs – parents will sign a waiver informing them that the camp is owned by One Hope Canada, a religious organization.

They’ll also be notified that while some members of the bible camp will be present during the field trip, their involvement with students will be “limited to assisting with the enjoyment, maintenance and safe use of the facilities” and will not include any religious instruction.

“I’m in favour of this motion,” said Trustee Bruce Wiebe. “We have the opportunity to use the facility which is well laid out and will allow kids to have a great time. It’s a win, win, win for our district.”