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Previous | Next Reports from provincial MB Conference camps
The heart of camp ministry
Nine camps are currently being run by the various provincial MB conferences. Once again we asked our camp directors to report on their summer and how their camps are doing. The camp directors report that proclaiming Christ and making a difference in the lives of young people is what is at the heart of camp ministry. The report for Camp Penie’l in Quebec was not available at press time.
Camp Crossroads
Torrance, Ont.
Impacting lives beyond the days of summer
A summer without Camp Crossroads is hard for campers in Ontario to imagine. There is a high return rate of campers, families and staff to the Camp. This year was no exception.
In May, the camp program began with 56 Pee Wee campers along with a parent or grandparent enjoying their first independent camping experience.
In June, much work was done to prepare for the special 20th anniversary celebrations. Many “came home” to Camp for that day. A big group came for the “20s & 30s Retreat” in which campers enjoyed a weekend of tenting, times of worship and teaching by chapel leader Bob Froese. Later in June, the 55+ group enjoyed a week of ministry by church extension director Clinton Bell of Waterloo. There was enthusiastic hymn singing. This week is always special for Camp staff as well.
Staff needs were filled by volunteers who served at the Camp for a week or more. Strong leadership was given to the program by assistant director Carolyn “Goose” Goossen, team leader Katrina Snyder and the summer team consisting of Jamie Reimer, Amanda Baese, Danielle Braun, Jeremy Koop, Brian Dibben and Frank Pearson. Other staff came for six or more weeks, including the “8 for 6” group (Eight staff serving for a six-week block) and the Leaders-in-Training group. A group of 295 workers (78% from MB churches) served for 11 weeks of program. Maintenance and housekeeping responsibilities were well monitored by year-round staff Phil and Kaye Baese.
Campers often said that chapel was the best part of the day. Chapel leaders for children and youth were Glen Abrahams, Ed Heinrichs, Paul McIlwraith and Blayne Greiner. The Camp is grateful for their commitment and service.
July and August were busy with programs for families and children and youth. The enrollment for the seven weeks of Camp program was the highest ever recorded with 1,228 campers registered. In addition, three canoe trips happened. Of those attending Crossroads, 43% came from MB homes, which is consistent with previous years’ enrollment patterns.
The fall months include church rental events and special weekend retreats. Jim Holm of MB Biblical Seminary was the speaker for the annual Adult Bible Retreat and Pastors’ Retreat. A new retreat called “In Betweeners” for those aged 35-55 is planned for October. There are also plans for introducing some new programs in 2001. Work is underway on the Camp’s ongoing project of renovating and upgrading cabins.
The impact of the Camp’s ministry goes far beyond the days and weeks of camp. There were many decisions, stories and experiences of meeting God in new ways and of growing closer to Jesus. The excitement of accepting the love of Jesus for the first time, of joyfully worshipping God or forging new bonds of friendships have an impact on lives that cannot be measured in print. It is hoped that the seeds of influence planted at camp, in chapel and by staff relating to campers will give direction for life. Those on staff experienced joy, fulfillment, service and lots of fun. – Joyce (JO) Schimpky, director
Camp Evergreen
Sundre, Alta.
Partnering with others to share the good news
Once again, Camp Evergreen partnered with Hope Mission, an organization from Edmonton. It brought 73 inner-city youth to camp. Almost half of these youth accepted Christ as their personal Saviour. It was exciting to see these faces as they started to see Jesus as a God who loves them instead of just a swear word.
Evergreen also partnered with an organization from Calgary which brought six children from Korea and a translator. The purpose of this program was to teach English in a camp setting. The Camp hired two graduates from the “TEASEL” program from Providence College in Otterburne, Man. This was a four-week camp. Along with the language barrier there was also a cultural difference, which at times was hard to overcome.
Children sang and laughed at chapel making for a worthwhile experience. They are already e-mailing the Camp that they want to come back next summer.
Camp speakers this summer were Venture Teams International; Cathy Pyser, Hope Mission; Barry Langendoen, Camp Evergreen; Carl Ibbotson, pastor at Tofield (Alta.) MB Church; Murray Schmidt, pastor of Crestwood MB Church, Medicine Hat, Alta.; Bethany Bible Institute in Hepburn, Sask.; Dale Friesen, youth pastor at Coaldale (Alta.) MB Church; and Dan King, pastor at College Drive MB Church, Lethbridge, Alta.
Camp started this summer with a new a program director, Collin Peters, who did an excellent job. His “Slurpee Song” was a big hit. It made everyone “so happy”. (You had to be there.)
The following chart shows some statistics of the campers for the last three years:
Year
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2000
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1999
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1998
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Number of campers
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761
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727
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812
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Boys
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352
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324
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352
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Girls
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409
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403
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460
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Accepted Christ
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84
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97
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98
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Re-dedications
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79
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102
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133
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MB church affiliated
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125
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122
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124
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Campers arrived either a little nervous or very excited. Most mothers wanted a hug or a kiss good-bye, and for teens this was not cool. Most fathers think that it is enough once they are registered. Registration had many emotions for campers, parents and staff. For the counsellor, the cabin is where the relationship between camper and counsellor begins. For those who are returning, stories are shared and questions like, “Is so and so back this summer?”
Throughout the week, campers go from skill to skill, meal to meal and chapel to chapel. They learn new skills, make new friends and each day hear about a God who loves them deeply and who He wants to be their friend. As the week nears to the end, it is interesting to see how each cabin group has developed. At the Friday night outdoor Fireside Chapel, opportunity is given to share about the week. Some testimonies are short, others are longer and some are funny. Usually the cook and the horses are also thanked for their hard work. Some testimonies are emotional. Not all the campers have loving homes to return to. Not all the campers have a mom and dad at home. For many it is hard to say goodbye because of the good times and great memories.
On Saturday mornings, parents, siblings and sometimes grandparents start showing up. Questions often asked are: “How was your week?” or “Did it rain all week?” Most often the staff response is, “It was an awesome week!” – because it was.
Shortly, camp is quiet. There are no campers. The counsellors are gone. Clean up and paperwork for the next week begins for another 100 or so children to arrive. Staff will be ready to care for, nurture and love the new campers, and ready to open up and develop new relationships with a new cabin group. Next week will be good, but rest will be needed. Why do counsellors do this each summer? Each has his or her own reason, but I think the answer is found in Psalm 78:4: “We will tell the next generation about the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord.” – Paul Isaac, director
Columbia Bible Camp
Lindell Beach, B.C.
Hard work, sleepless nights
The records continue to fall at Columbia Bible Camp. Over 1,100 campers joined us this summer for “The Extreme Adventure”. Another record was that we had only two-and-a-half days of rain – something unheard of at Columbia. Finally, we had a record-breaking number of staff this summer with a total of 150 throughout the summer and an average of 85 staff per week.
God was faithful. By the end of eight weeks of camp, over 50 campers made a first-time commitment to Christ; another 300 campers made a recommitment in their walk with Christ. Somehow those numbers make all the hard work and sleepless nights worthwhile. Teen camps were a highlight of the summer. Cultus Lake Waterpark was rented for their exclusive use. On Tuesday nights, campers skipped supper in order to enjoy a luau.
The following chart compares the number of campers from previous years:
Year
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1999
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1998
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1997
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Total number of campers
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1,085
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909
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871
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Speakers this summer were Lorraine Dick, pastor at South Langley (B.C.) MB Church; Paul Powers of Little People’s Ministry; Vic Schellenberg, pastor at Northview Community Church in Abbotsford, B.C.; Joy Kelly of Canadian Sunday School Mission; Brad Hagkull, pastor at Broadway MB Church, Chilliwack, B.C.; and Randy Carter from Calgary.
Added features this summer include new tree houses in which cabin groups spent overnighters, and a renovated outdoor chapel. The Camp is also thankful for the “camp grandmas” who baked over 15,000 cookies this summer.
“Snooka”, a first-year counsellor, summed up the summer: “Ever since coming to camp as a camper, I’ve always dreamed of coming back on staff. This year has been one of the best summers of my life. It’s extremely rewarding impacting campers’ lives in a way that you will never fully understand. The staff has been awesome, and I feel like I have a second family.” – Bob Kroeker, program director
Gardom Lake Bible Camp
Enderby, B.C.
An unexplainable summer
“So, how was your summer?” This is the question that I am asked every fall. And every fall I am faced with the insurmountable task of putting everything that happened into an intelligible answer.
How can one explain what goes on at a summer camp and the reactions of the campers? This summer, 750 campers attended our camp.
Each would have his or her own story to tell. Their ages ranged from six-and seven-year-olds for the overnight camp to age 16 for Teen Week. The numbers have increased over the years. Last year, there were 600 campers; five years ago there were 362 campers. This summer, 28% of campers came from non-church backgrounds; 24% were from various MB churches.
The gospel was shared every week of the nine-week program. There were 55 campers who made new commitments or recommitments to following Christ. Each summer staff has his or her own perspective of the summer as they served God through loving and caring for the children. Staff members – whether cabin leaders, leaders in training or support staff – were also grounded in their relationship with God. Many told of a renewed submission to God.
The Camp theme this summer surrounded the book of Jonah. Before the first day of camp had ended, campers experienced a “storm” on Gardom Lake. On the camp dock (that handily doubled as the ship for Jonah to escape on), campers participated in an interactive drama that saw Jonah thrown into the water and “swallowed” by a kayak posing as a whale. The theme continued throughout the week during cabin Bible studies, in chapel and at campfires. Campers were asked where they were in their relationship with God.
Games, skills, activities and fun were part of the camping experience. Theme meals, a run-on-skit, beach day and western night added to the adventure. Each week was a story of its own as lives were changed through relationships with others and God.
Each week had stresses as well. A couple of trips to the hospital for sore throats and minor incidents kept us praying for safety. An afternoon was spent in emergency with a camper who had a serious fall. As she lay on a stiff board, she had questions. We prayed, and she was able to walk out of the hospital later that day. God answered our prayers in every situation, and we thank Him.
Summer staff was a wonderful group of young people who showed passion for God and kids. Staff was unified. Young people worked together to create a safe place where campers could meet God. Campers asked some tough questions, often stunning me with their depth of theology. Camp is a place to find answers to those questions.
So, how do I answer how the summer was? I just smile and say, “Unexplainable. Next summer, come for a visit.” – Doris Born
Pines Bible Camp
Grand Forks, B.C.
God touching lives
Summer camp has many highlights. Many things have come together in order to make camp successful. Here are some of those items:
- Staff. Over the past four months, our staff has had much energy and enthusiasm, sometimes leaving individuals with a lot less because they gave their all to campers until the last day. Godly young adults gave their best to God, resulting in a harvest. The largest hole is left by the scattering of the “Fabulous Five” (Richard Friesen of Abbotsford, B.C.; Keith Warkentin of Prince George, B.C.; Dylan Zorn of Grand Forks, B.C.; and Vicky and Gene Krahn of Grand Forks), the leadership team from May to August. Zorn, Warkentin and Friesen teamed up to provide leadership to both the school program and summer camps. The leadership team met for encouragement, spiritual wisdom and planning. God moved in our lives and taught us more than we were ready to learn. At camp, God touched campers’ lives, but also He touched leaders. What a privilege that was.
- Spring program. Our team of five started by tackling the running of the school program in spring. Rental groups and classes came to the Pines May 15 – June 29 for their year-end field trips. This is a significant part of the ministry at the Pines. Hosting school class field trips is an effective method for bringing youth to summer camp. The goal of this program is to get school youth excited and surpass their expectations of what camp is all about. Having the youth take part in wide games is only a small taste of what they can expect in the summer. They also take in activities like the challenge course, pond study, shelter building, nature walks, orienteering, crafts, ant study, beaver study and fire building. With five staff members instead of two we were able to handle more school groups, allowing us to reach into new schools. In particular, schools from Trail, B.C., came for the first time. As youth leave camp, they are given registration brochures for summer camp. They are told, “If you think you had fun today, you need to come back for a whole week during our summer camps.” It was exciting to see how many of these youth came back. We also develop relationships with the teachers. Many are impressed with our program and rates.
- Summer program. Campers’ time was full of many different exciting activities. Each day, campers chose two skills. Old favourites were enjoyed, but new ones popular this year were kayaking, rocketry and boomerang making. Campers never seem to tire of playing games like Safari, Outpost and Mission Impossible. They got excited for Mission Impossible II, a game where campers hunt the counsellors. Theme meals like “backwards meal” and “Siamese twin meal” were a lot of fun. The week was capped with a banquet and auction. Items auctioned off included a nine-foot banana split, homemade doughnuts and “mystery boxes”.
- Chapels and campfires. These were always started by singing and then moved into skits, chosen to introduce the Bible study. One staff gave a testimony. In many cases, the testimony said exactly what the speaker had in mind to talk on.
- Speakers. Good speakers are a must a Christian camp, and this summer the speakers were phenomenal. They were Mike Penninga of Kelowna, B.C., the Jepsen Family and Fuzzy Fellowship of Grand Forks, Henry and Edna Thiessen of Midway, B.C., Vic and Mary Peters of Abbotsford, Chester Wiebe of Grand Forks, Dave Klassen of Abbotsford, John Anderson of Calgary and the Fabulous Five. The impact these speakers have on children, youth and adults is a blessing from God.
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There are so many areas that need to be highlighted, like our huge family camp or the great food. But most of all, we always give God the honour and glory for allowing us to be part of many youth coming to know the Lord. This summer, 63 made first-time decisions for Christ and 73 made recommitments. Since 42% of campers come from unchurched, non-Christian homes, our goal is to provide great programs that reach to these families to tell them about what they need the most – Christ. – The Fabulous Five
West Bank Bible Camp
Swift Current, Sask.
Shining through their faces
This year again, West Bank Bible Camp in Swift Current, Sask., was filled with colour, sounds, bustle and faces. Humanness means imperfections, and yet we were surprised by the Light shining through to illuminate the picture we know as camp.
Camp was a kaleidoscope of colours. White was a house on wheels for an onsite residence at the Camp. Brown was a model of Noah’s Ark overlooking the sand hills of “Speedy Creek”. Green were the many trees and grass covering trenches.
The variety of sounds kept ears tingling. The silence of spring gave way to “Just Older Youth” singing the hymns of their youth. Staff training was overtaken by beating hooves as special needs campers were carried in. Family camp was drowned out by hundreds of happy voices. Youth campers, at their campout, were awakened to the thunderous pelting of rain and hail. Fortunately, they found refuge at a nearby farmhouse.
Hearts quickened as the bustle began. There was never a dull moment from the morning bell to the “Fireside Whooping Cough”, to zany characters interrupting meals in order to advertise that evening’s game, to the celebration of chapel. Sandwiched in between were archery, horsemanship, pelletry, swimming and canoeing.
Varied faces came to seek His face. It was the faces of the new, larger staff. It was the face of the camper bowed in prayer for his sick counsellor and then receiving God’s kind answer. It was the face of the boy that lit up as the camp nurse shared how she too had lost her mother as a child. It was the faces of the campers around the fireside as they expressed their appreciation for the love shown them through their counsellors. We know that Jesus loves all these faces dearly. – Brent Alexander, director
Redberry Bible Camp
Waldheim, Sask.
Soaring with the Mighty God
What an exciting time to be involved in youth ministries. Youth asked hard questions and were searching for meaning to life, making for wonderful opportunities to direct them to God’s gifts of peace, joy and love.
The theme this year was “Daring to soar with the Mighty God”. Jeff Peters, the chapel speaker at Summer Blast Off Camp, challenged the campers to soar. He also cautioned, “The problem with soaring is that everyone can see you.” Heather Epp and Corwin Thiessen put together devotional material that challenged 130 campers every week to believe, obey, stand their ground, serve and spread the good news “of the Mighty God who wants to take them to new and exciting heights”.
A privilege of camp is that campers get to hang out with college-aged Christians who believe that serving God is a blast. Gil Klassen, speaker at Youth Camp chapels, introduced one session with the title “I’m a Jesus freak! Whose freak are you?” He challenged youth to be willing to stand out in the world and be willing to love radically like Jesus did. Many youth took this challenge.
Counsellors had the opportunity to tell of real life adventures from the Bible that no cartoon can match for suspense. Many campers had never heard of Jesus, Noah, Elijiah, Shadrach, Meshach or Abednego. Counsellors taught campers life challenging verses of Scripture with “huge” actions to help them remember that “This is love for God: to obey His commands. And His commands are not burdensome, for everyone born of God overcomes the world” (1 John 5:3). What a promise that is. It makes loving and obeying God worthwhile, even in the tough world that so many of the campers go home to.
Staff also enjoyed the challenge of living Christ while teaching one of 11 skills: horseback riding, mountain biking, wall climbing, archery, riflery, outdoor adventure, canoeing, crafts, drama, ultimate sports and swimming. We believe God wants us to enjoy these opportunities. We praise God continually for the patience He gives when we rely on Him.
Redberry had the privilege this year of hosting the 8-16-year-olds during the Canadian MB Conference convention held at Bethany Bible Institute in Hepburn, Sask. Along with the adventure skills program there were two guest speakers. Derrick Mueller from Bethany took the 12-16-year-olds on a journey through the life of Jonah. He used various forums – from drama to sand sculptures – to show the challenges that led Jonah to obey God and the many parallels in life today. Gary Edwards, a gospel magician from Calgary, presented Christ as the answer to life’s confusion in a dynamic and hilarious manner. He kept the 8-12-year-olds on their toes, wondering “How did he do that?”.
Family camp is always a highlight. This year we told 30 families, “We’ll cook, we’ll do dishes, and we’ll even take care of your kids. Have a blast.”
They did. We found out again that parents love to party. It is a great time of offering family “time outs” in a busy world.
New additions to the facility this year include an outdoor chapel tucked away in the bush. Campers worshipped and praised God, accompanied by the whistle of the wind through leaves, melodic songs of birds and the percussion of hands slapping mosquitoes.
Over 1,100 campers came to the Camp this summer. Many of these campers were from unchurched homes. About 32% were from supporting MB church families. One of the greatest challenges to staff this summer came from youth who were confused because their families have conflicting beliefs with what was presented to them from the Bible. Over and again stories were told of youth who were “recharged” through God working in their lives at camp. Staff were challenged to make camp a safe place to ask questions, a respite from everyday pressures, a place to meet God in a new and powerful way, and to take to heart the theme “Soar with the Mighty God”. – Wendell Andres, director
Simonhouse Bible Camp
Cranberry Portage, Man.
Showing Christ’s love to campers
Simonhouse Bible Camp had another great summer. This summer, we had 324 campers in our regular summer program, which is down a little from the 1999 all-time record of 386 campers, and up a little from 1995 when there were 319 campers.
Nine campers and two leaders headed out into the northern wilderness for a week as part of the Adventure Canoe Camp. They had quite the adventure on the last day as they had to wait out a windstorm on an island for five hours.
During the year, three Youth Retreat weekends were held in March, June and September. On Sept. 8-10, Peter Dueck and Jeremy Olson, both from Bethany Bible Institute in Hepburn, Sask., came to Camp. Dueck spoke and Olson led worship times with some of the local youth. At the June Retreat, Robin Mauthe from Columbia Bible College in Abbotsford, B.C., spoke on the theme of discipleship and prayer, while Tim Durksen led worship times. In March, a team from Concord College in Winnipeg, provided cabin leadership and worship. Gerry Ediger, a professor from the College, spoke on the topic “No Shame” by telling true stories about the power in Christian living.
Total retreat campers were 213, which brought the youth program total to 537 campers. This total does not include the Northern Bible Conference or the Ladies’ retreat held every year.
This year’s staff did a fantastic job of showing Christ’s love to each camper (and parent) who came on site. All campers were pointed to Christ through words and through the example of staff. Many made first-time commitments, and many rededicated their lives.
God provided an excellent leadership team again this year. Darren Derhousoff of The Pas, Man., was program director. He did a fantastic job at inventing new games and keeping campers and staff laughing at his rendition of “Titanic”. Robin Mauthe of Abbotsford, B.C., did a great job of leading the counsellor-in-training program. Leslie Lockhart of Armstrong, B.C., kept the sanity in the office as secretary. Jodine (Goossen) Siebert returned once again as food services coordinator, and together with Val Foord, head cook, did a fantastic job of feeding the campers.
A three-sided climbing tower, to be completed for next summer, is currently being worked on. Fireball and Sabot sailboats were added to the Simonhouse fleet. Plans are in the works to offer more specialized camps along with the regular program. The Camp also has a new Web site that can been seen at www.simonhouse.mb.ca.
We praise God and give Him the glory for the work He has done through Simonhouse. – Darrell Janzen, executive director
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Last modified November 7, 2000.
© 2000 Mennonite Brethren Herald.
Published by the Canadian Conference of MB Churches.
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