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Previous | Next Summer ’99 camping ministries across Canada
Summer’s gone, memories live on
We recently asked the camp directors of the nine Canadian MB-affiliated camps to report on their summer camping programs. They eagerly complied, reporting on the excitement that a camping ministry can bring. Most experienced an increase in the number of campers and are working to improve their programs and facilities, ensuring that next year will only be better.
Camp Péniel
Wenthworth Nord, Que.
Working at improvements
Camp Péniel, a ministry of the Quebec MB Conference, is located about 20 minutes from St-Sauveur. We had an enjoyable summer. We had about 600 people at camp, including 90 children (ages 6-10), 70 children (ages 11-15), 60 teens (16-18) and 380 adults. This was an increase of about 30 per cent from last year. Fifteen per cent of the clients were from Mennonite churches. This past year, 20 teens and 15 adults made decisions for Christ.
Improvements
Camp Péniel, now open year-round, is working to improve its structure and programs. We make our facility available to groups and other Christian organizations. We are working at becoming an emergency shelter with the local community centre. Repairs have been made to the cross-country trails, cafeteria, lodge and playground, and the lakeshore was cleaned up. Most of the repairs, painting and cleaning came from 32 people from the Brethren in Christ church in Dillsburg, Pa., who worked at the camp for six days.
Future projects
Some of the future projects are the creation of a beach; landscaping; foundation repairs to some of its buildings and the construction of:
- a chapel
- a gym for winter activities
- an animal farm for use as a learning centre
- a garden for the camp’s use
- a sugarshack where maple sugar can be enjoyed
- a prayer camp in the wild for solitude
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We still need:
- accommodations for a volunteer couple from Switzerland staying for two years
- a 1.5 ton, diesel truck for work around the camp
- a vehicle for camp use
- a tractor for landscaping, snow removal and digging
- a back-up power generator
- an overhead projector for seminars, classes and worship services
- a 600-amp line to supplement electricity, which is expected to save 30 per cent of electricity costs
- a 400-watt sound system for outside activities
- a Pentium 400 MMX computer, a scanner and laser printer for administration and publicity.
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Please pray for us, and if you can, partner with us in serving God and others. This is our mission, the time is short; we want to be faithful. – Richard Gervais, director
Camp Crossroads
Torrance, Ont.
Chapels are special
The sounds of laughter, singing, crackling campfires and people at work could be heard during the weeks of programs at Camp Crossroads. These experiences helped make camp “like home” for many campers and staff.
By mid-May, camp was in full swing. At the annual work day, many helped prepare for the upcoming season. On the May long weekend, 60 children (ages 6 and 7) came with a parent or grandparent for their first camping experience at the Pee Wee and Parents mini camp.
In June, the 20s and 30s retreat drew a big group that enjoyed a weekend of tenting, sunshine and worship & praise. Also in June, those 55 and older and camp staff enjoyed a week of ministry by John Wall of Kitchener.
July and August were busy times for families, children and youth. The enrollment for the seven weeks of camp program was higher than ever, with 1,167 campers registered. In addition to our usual programs, three canoe trips were planned. Of those attending the camp, 43 per cent came from MB homes, consistent with previous years.
Chapels
Campers say chapels are the best part of their day, and staff were blessed by this ministry. The results of this ministry reach far beyond the summer and are often life-changing, and the impact of a week can be significant for a camper.
Staff
Staff needs were filled with volunteers serving for one or more weeks. Phil and Kaye Baese are the new maintenance/caretaking couple. Strong program leadership was given by Carolyn Goossen and Andrew Hiebert, assistant directors. Summer team leaders were Ben Lockyer, Amanda Baese, Tracey Baerg, Deanna Wall, Lee Tufford and Darryl Wilson. Others who came for at least six weeks, including leaders-in-training group, formed a strong, enthusiastic core group of staff. We had 317 workers (80% from MB churches) serving for the 11 weeks of program.
The fall Bible retreat with Jim Holm marked the end of the camp season. Rental groups continue to use the camp. The last events for the camp are the annual “Blessings Banquets” in October and November.
Renovations
After the Thanksgiving long weekend, work will begin on renovations for the dining hall, including the construction of a full basement and a new floor, and concluding with the exterior of the building. In addition, two cabins will be renovated. Workers are needed for both these projects.
The lines of this report reflect the many stories of those who met God in new ways, from hearing the news of Jesus’ love for the first time, to experiencing the joy of worship, to forging bonds of friendships, to planting seeds of truth for direction in life. All this happens in obvious and in quiet ways. – Joyce Schimpky, director
Simonhouse Bible Camp
Cranberry Portage, Man.
Dedicated staff minister to kids
Simonhouse Bible Camp exceeded the previous attendance record set in 1997 by 33 campers. This year, 386 campers came through the camp compared to 347 last year and 272 in 1994. These numbers do not include attendance at youth retreats held in March, June and September.
The September retreat was attended by 90 campers. They were challenged by Peter Dueck, a student at Bethany Bible Institute, to give their lives to Christ. Alex Suderman, also a student at Bethany, led the worship for the weekend, using the gifts of some of the campers to help him.
Total retreat campers were 253 this year, bringing the total of youth campers for the year to 639, an increase of 68 campers from 1998. This does not include the family camp, the Northern Bible Conference or the women’s retreat. This summer, 54 children made first-time decisions for God.
Leaders
Staff were hard-working, and their dedication was evident in the way they cared about the campers’ in all aspects of their lives: emotionally, physically, socially and spiritually.
God provided the summer leaders we needed. Once again, Bethany and Concord College sent a teams of students that gave leadership to chapels and activities. Tracey Bird did an excellent job as program director. Naomi Warkentin, among other things, gave leadership to the counsellor-in-training program. Eileen Kenny kept the sanity of the office as secretary. Jodine Goossen took over as food services coordinator, doing a great job of making sure everyone was well fed.
Jamie Harder and Tim Durksen, counsellors, wrote another song this year to accompany the devotional material by Derrick Mueller based on Psalm 23. Their song, “The Shepherd Shuffle” was a big hit with the junior campers. It made learning the psalm easy and fun through actions and rhythm.
Upgrades
This year, another cabin was built, a new deck around the main building was finished and more waterfront equipment was added: Kayaks, another sailboat and a water trike allowed new skills to be taught. A new shed is being built to house the generator donated last year. Money was raised for another industrial fridge thanks to the creation and sales of the Simonhouse Bible Camp Cookbook, which revealed many of the recipes used at the camp.
The biggest change was the departure of Ted Goossen and his family. Goossen, now associate pastor at Winkler MB Church, served the camp for 15 years and played a major part in the lives of the people in northern Manitoba.
It is exciting to be in the north and to see how God is working. – Darrell Janzen, executive director
West Bank Bible Camp
Swift Current, Sask.
The unchanging love of God
Change is a well-known theme in life. West Bank’s gentle tide of change included: a new well that is providing plenty of good water; a refurbished much-needed camp truck; four granaries-turned-cabins; an on-site wedding; a skill called “Creek, crickets and crayfish”; 80 new saplings; and a leader-in-training coordinator who encouraged the potential in young staff and organized a rotational schedule, allowing for campers to discover different skills.
A memorable time was the weekly “Johnny Crayfish Bridge Derby 500,” where teams pulled J.D. (Jorge Diego), the camp’s Argentine mascot, through the creek on a snowmobile.
Our greatest joy was witnessing the life-change brought by Christ in staff and campers throughout the summer. His strong love and infinite creativity in meeting His children continued to widen our eyes. The weekly presentation of the gospel through speakers, cabin time, Scripture memorization and corporate worship revealed the love and power of God.
A letter from a camper to God this summer says it all: “Dear God, I love You and Your Son Jesus. I was not a Christian before I came to camp, but now I believe in [You], and I’m a Christian.” – Brent and Verlynn Alexander, camp directors
Redberry Bible Camp
Waldheim, Sask.
Kids, kids and more kids
Over recent years, the number of kids coming to camp has been going up steadily. In response to this rapid growth, Bryant and Lynnette Van Kuik accepted the position of program directors, and were a great asset to the summer program.
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Enrollment totals |
| Year |
No. of Campers |
| 1999 |
1019 |
| 1998 |
742 |
| 1997 |
682 |
| 1996 |
641 |
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Religious background
(not including family camp or 55-plus day) |
| Denomination |
% |
| Mennonite Brethren |
37 |
| Evangelical |
31 |
| Roman Catholic |
12 |
| Non-church |
17 |
| Other |
3 | |
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Applications began coming only four weeks after Christmas. It was obvious more cabins were needed. In spring the Board approved the construction of two more cabins. Just in time for summer, 40 volunteers built two cottage-style cabins, each housing 10 people. Also, a giant jungle swing was added to the camp. Plans are in the works to build a Noah’s Ark wooden playground structure. Added to the skills program this year were a mountain bike course and a rifle range. A skateboard park is being considered for next year.
A new mountain bike trail camp was another positive addition this year. We ran three sessions of one-week cycling trips in northern Saskatchewan in an attempt to expand the camp experience. Next summer, we plan to further expand the program, and we are also considering other extreme out-tripping opportunities.
Changed lives
The most exciting part of the summer was watching the kids come to know Christ as Lord and Saviour of their lives – digging into God’s Word and singing heartily. Counsellors-in-training shared their testimonies, encouraging others to take a strong stand; staff were willing to model Christ, giving all for a higher calling.
Camp ministry is exciting, and God is using this tool to bring young people back to Him. This summer, I was often overwhelmed by the presence of God while 175 kids raised their hands in worship.
In closing I’d like to combine the words of “Tim the Tool Man” and Max Lucado: “God loves each of us the way we are, but He needs us to be ‘tweakable’ to make us more like Christ and draw others to Him.” – Wendell Andres, director
Camp Evergreen
Sundre, Alta.
An awesome summer, with snow
What an awesome summer. In the second week of July, a group of teens attended the adventure camp in the mountains west of the camp. During the week it started raining and getting colder. One morning, their tents were in 6-8 inches of snow. We had to cancel the white-water rafting activity. Snow in July was something we hadn’t programmed for.
This year, 727 children attended one of our many camps; 97 made decisions for Christ and 102 made rededications. We had 812 campers last year, 726 in 1997, 780 in 1996 and 656 in 1995. This year, 17 per cent of campers were from MB churches compared to 15 per cent last year.
We also partnered with Hope Mission from Edmonton. It brought 94 inner city kids from Edmonton. This was the most difficult week for camp staff. Counsellors struggled at the beginning of the week, then began to feel part of God’s team as the children started to make decisions for Christ.
A male camper said, “This week when I came to camp, I didn’t know that there was a Heavenly Father who loved me, and wants to be my friend. This week I accepted Jesus into my heart. If you don’t accept Jesus into your heart before you leave camp, you’re stupid.”
Summer speakers
This summer speakers at the camp were Dale Friesen, Coaldale MB Church; Venture Teams International; Carl Ibbotson, Tofield MB Church; Randy Carter, Straight Talk Ministry, Calgary; Garth Epp and Matt Klassen, Camp Evergreen; Calvin and Lori Thiessen, Millar College of the Bible, Pambrun, Sask.; and Travis Padgeham, River West Christian Church, Edmonton.
Two family camps were also held, and 83 families (233 people) attended. Speakers were from Evergreen and Phil Reimer, Highland MB Church, Calgary.
Rise Up
In September, we held our fourth annual youth retreat, “Rise Up.” Dan Bergen brought a group from Sunwest Christian Fellowship, Calgary, to lead the worship services. About 140 youth and sponsors attended. Randy Carter of Straight Talk had four sessions. On Sunday morning, he invited those who didn’t know God or wanted to change something in their lives to stand so he could pray for them. About 125 youth and sponsors stood up.
We hold this weekend for our youth to “rise up” and take their communities for Christ. Remember to pray for the youth in your church.
Why do we do what we do for children and youth? Because in Matthew 19:14, Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” – Paul Isaac, director
Pines Bible Camp
Grand Forks, B.C.
Exciting times
There were some exciting times at Pines this summer. Programs were expanded and there was an increase in the number of campers. The total number of campers for the seven camps was 468, compared to 422 last year. This year, 57 made decisions for Christ and 117 made recommitments. This year, 17 per cent of the campers came from Mennonite Brethren churches while 40 per cent said they do not go to church. Last year, 20 per cent of campers were from MB churches and 48.7 per cent said they do not attend church.
Upgrades
Kayaking was added to the river sports program. It proved to be very popular with staff and campers. We look forward to expansion and new developments in the future in this area. Also, a more professional and challenging archery range was completed with help from the staff.
Speakers this summer were Henry (“The Wild Man from Borneo”) and Edna Thiessen from Midway, B.C.; Matthew Hiller from Banks, Ore.; Russ Reid from Saskatoon; Rick Zufeld from Trail, B.C.; and Tim Paquette from Osoyoos, B.C.
Peter Unrau, from Campus Crusade for Christ, was the speaker at the family camp in August. Worship at each session was led by Ryan Dahl and a worship team from his church in Langley, B.C. Over 300 people attended. The young adults retreat was held at the beginning of July. Over 50 young adults attended. The speaker was Dave Klassen from Campus Crusade and director of Athletes in Action camps. He is also the chaplain for the Vancouver Grizzlies basketball and the B.C. Lions football teams. The college and career worship team from Hillside Community Church, Aldergrove, B.C., led the worship singing. A highlight of the retreat was the cardboard boat race down the Granby River.
“Star Wars” was the theme at the camp this summer. Teams chose the names of planets, and each had a pod racer. It was great to see the enthusiasm of the campers as they memorized Bible verses and played hard in the games in order to win the pod race by the end of the week. Sometimes only a few points separated the teams.
In Bible studies the theme was “Y-2-Kare,” a spin on the Y2K millennium bug. Campers were taught to care about doing the little things for God, to care about changing things in their lives for God, to care about introducing their friends to Jesus, to care about believing that the Bible is the Word of God, and to care for others in every way because God loved them first.
Many campers reported that their lives were changed by the chapels and campfires led by these speakers. The prayer of Pines staff is that the commitments made by the campers over the summer will carry on through the year and will have an impact on their families and friends. – Gene Krahn, director
Gardom Lake Bible Camp
Enderby, B.C.
A summer of tears and smiles
“This is what it must feel like to have a mother,” sighed a young camper, laying her head against the arm of her counsellor.
This caused me tears and smiles. Over the years, I’ve had many tears of sorrow and smiles of joy as I’ve witnessed God’s touch. Smiles are a way of camp.
Camp is to be a safe place where kids can come for a week of fun, challenge and a chance to meet a God who loves them. This summer, we had 660 campers, ranging in ages from six to teens, and 60 staff in seven weeks of programs. Thirty staff had a week of staff training prior to the summer season. Staff were mostly returning staff, making for an exciting and well-run summer.
Highlights
Highlights include the run-on skit that entertained the campers during lunch and the wide games. The water program included canoeing, paddle boating, kayaking and swimming. We even had a few Hawaiian-style suppers on the beach. The campers participated in daily skills such as archery, riflery, ropes course, hiking, and the new skill of slingshots. Sport skills included volleyball, basketball, wall climbing and biking. Others chose rocket building or a craft class. A life-size checker board and foosball tables kept some busy during free time. The camp was blessed with a safe summer with no major injuries.
Other activities included skit nights, theme meals and team competitions. Every minute of the day was scheduled. Program director Collin Peters made sure everything ran smoothly and on time. Shawn Kampstra was the camp’s director-in-training. Next year he will call the shots. Leaders-in-training director Graham Stobbe trained two groups of nine junior counsellors on how to be cabin leaders with hearts for God. Leanne Carlaw was an excellent camp secretary. Kitchen staff and volunteers helped Elaine Donnery cook over 150 meals. We praise God for every staff member and volunteer.
The gospel
The program is an important part of the camp ministry at Gardom Lake Bible Camp. All activities, friendships and scheduled Bible times worked together to provide a paved road that led to the purpose of camp. The message of the gospel was clearly articulated through chapels, campfires and daily cabin Bible studies. The overall theme was “Who is Jesus”? Each day staff used creative skits, songs and testimonies to aid the speaker in telling the message. Speakers encouraged the staff and campers in many ways.
Sixty-three campers publicly declared either a new decision or a recommitment to follow God. This is what camp is all about – a safe place where kids can have fun and hear about Jesus Christ.
A lot of prayer bathed the ministry. We prepare year round, and especially just prior to and during the summer we are challenged to take an intense stand in prayer. What joy to see prayers answered. Campers played, sang, laughed and prayed.
When the last child left, summer staff said their good-byes. Will and Doris Born (director) and Cal and Gail Foster (maintenance) are already talking about next summer. Although the camp is busy throughout the year, the heart of the camping ministry is the summer program. It is where the most tears and smiles are. – Doris Born
Columbia Bible Camp
Lindell Beach, B.C.
Campers take a stand for Jesus
We had another record-breaking summer at Columbia, with 1085 campers. By the end of eight weeks, 33 campers had made first-time decisions and 251 campers had made a public recommitment to Christ. Besides the summer camps, we also had men’s, womens’, single moms’, college and career and junior high camps. The cyclathon in May drew 147 participants.
What an incredible sight to see campers taking a stand in front of their friends during the Friday campfires. That is what camping is all about. Pray with us as we begin our follow-up program that these decisions would continue to grow in the coming year.
In order to run our program we needed to average about 85 volunteers per week. We trust that not only did the campers grow this summer, but that many of our staff deepened their relationship with Christ as well.
Baptism
A highlight this summer was a baptism in our pool during junior high camp. One camper felt that this was the right time to make a public testimony of his faith in front of his friends and family. What an awesome testimony to God’s faithfulness.
We were blessed with many speakers: Doreen Wall, Broadway MB Church; Vic Schellenberg and Bindu Sidhu, Northview Community Church, Abbotsford; David Kirsh, Chilliwack Baptist Church; Mike Penninga, Willow Park MB Church, Kelowna; and Paul Powers, Little People’s Ministry. Campers and staff were challenged to “Say yes to the King,” our theme this summer.
Improvements
Ten kayaks and a tournament ski boat were added to the waterfront program. Waterfront continues to be our most popular activity. Building projects continue with the completion of new cottages, a leadership cottage, picnic shelters, RV sites and a balcony on Maple Lodge. It was great to be able to tell campers to stay in their cabins till morning. No more bathroom runs in the middle of the night. Presently, our general store is coming close to completion.
In summary, God was once again faithful. Without His strength and guidance, we would be unable to run our program. Pray with us that we would continue to be faithful to His leading and caring. – Bob Kroeker, program director
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Last modified November 17, 1999.
© 1999 Mennonite Brethren Herald.
Published by the Canadian Conference of MB Churches.
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