Camp Crossroads celebrates 25 years

Joyce Schimpky, director of Camp Crossroads in Torrance, Ont., reflects on the June 4 celebration of the camp’s 25th anniversary and how God has blessed this ministry over the years.

“Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favour granted to us in answer to the prayers of many” (2 Corinthians 1:11).

Many came to celebrate, many stories were told, many of God’s blessings at Camp Crossroads were shared, many memories were recounted. We wanted to praise God.

One thing was evident – God has blessed us richly at this place of ministry. When the Ontario MB Conference faced the major decision of a camp purchase in Torrance in the late 1970s, no one could have imagined the impact Camp Crossroads would have on so many people who would come as program participants or staff volunteers. We are grateful for the early work of many camp supporters, especially of Henry Esau, Gerry Ediger and Gord Hiebert, who had a vision of what God could do if we owned a camp. It quickly became a ministry in which those within the Ontario MB Conference gave countless hours to build into both the lives of campers and expand the facilities in Torrance. There are too many names to be listed.

Some of the many people in Board and staff leadership at Camp Crossroads during the past 25 years.

Numbers help to tell the story. In 25 years there have been more than 23,000 campers, 1500 families at family camps, 1800 at 55+ retreats, 4500 people at weekend adult retreats, 560 young Pee Wee campers, 6400 filling staff needs and 80 summer team members leading programs. Thousands of lives have been impacted spiritually. For all these people and blessings, we thank and praise our heavenly Father. This has been the “fruit” of the ministry of the camp.

On June 4, the day of celebration, attendance and excitement were high and so encouraging. Many drove hours to share in the anniversary. A bus of loyal camp supporters came from the Niagara area. First-time visitors came as well. Guests enjoyed a picnic lunch, BBQ chicken supper, recreation, waterfront activities and “after dinner” concert. Many volunteers helped serve the meals. There were also displays and hundreds of photos to enjoy. Everyone had a good time seeing both the camp and friends once more.

A special anniversary wall hanging was created by Charlotte Willms for the dining hall. All families sending campers to us in 2005 will receive an anniversary gift, The Camper’s Bible. We appreciate the many donors who helped fund this purchase.

Another unique blessing of camp is intergenerational and total family involvement. This happens often. One such family is the Reimer family, with grandparents Cornie and Stella Reimer serving, as well as their children and now grandchildren in staff leadership roles.

The day’s highlight was the outdoor service of celebration in the early afternoon. Songs of worship and accounts of God’s blessings were shared. Campers, adults, parents, board members and staff told how God has used Camp Crossroads to minister to them. Pastor Jim Evans of Orchard Park Bible Church challenged us to give praise for God’s goodness. Prayers of thanks were offered on our behalf and guests again showed strong support with generous financial gifts. The concert of praise with the Fellowship Four quartet and singer Nat Evans ended our day of celebration.

What a blessing it is to have so many be a part of this big program at Camp Crossroads! An anniversary is a time to reflect on the past and then look ahead to new opportunities God will give us. This year there will again be full camp weeks, at least 600 staff positions filled, and many prayer warriors and donors supporting the ministry. Camp Crossroads belongs to all the Mennonite Brethren people of Ontario and we know it is “God’s Camp.” It is our privilege to serve in and support His work at Torrance.