Previous | Next 

Torrance, Ont.
Camp Crossroads celebrates 20 years

Pictured are (front, l-r) Hardy Klassen, Gord Weber, Jack Willms, Gerry Ediger, Henry Esau; (back) Jo Schimpky, Jake Willms, Ben Falk, Arn Baerg, Carolyn Goossen and Gord Hiebert.

June 3 was beautiful and sunny – a perfect day to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Camp Crossroads in Torrance, Ont. Many came “home” for the day. Present and former staff and campers and many faithful supporters attended. The day included recreation, tours, displays, a picnic lunch, a service of celebration and a barbecue supper.

The highlight of the day was the service of celebration held under the trees. Assistant director Carolyn “Goose” Goossen, Ben Lockyer and Board member Jake Willms led the worship time. Testimonies of how God has impacted lives at the Camp came from Tammy Froese, a camper; Ben Lockyer, a volunteer staff; and Hardy Klassen, a Board member who has given leadership to projects.

Henry “Chief” Esau of British Columbia, the first director of the Camp, reflected on the beginning years. Gerry “Charlie Brown” Ediger of Winnipeg, the first program director, told of the influence of Crossroads beyond Ontario. Ed Heinrichs, a frequent chapel leader, reminded those present that this is God’s work. A time of prayer was given to thank God for the Camp, the past and present visionaries, willing staff, and campers. An offering for the Camp brought in $23,000. Board chair Jack Willms expressed thanks to many who are actively involved at the Camp and for those responsible for planning the homecoming. The service concluded with the singing of “How Great Thou Art”, a testimony to God’s faithfulness and goodness to the Camp.

Two gifts were presented: A wall-hanging with the story of Camp Crossroads, designed by Charlotte Willms and quilted by several women from Vineland, hangs in the dining hall. Shawn Reimer created a painting showing that the fire in people’s hearts, which was started by the hearing of God’s Word, is revealed in all that they do.

Camp Crossroads was purchased in 1980 for $495,000. Key leadership at that time was given by Gord Hiebert, Henry Esau, Gerry Ediger and the Board of Trustees, especially Artur Duerrstein. The Ontario MB Conference’s decision to purchase the Camp has resulted in a ministry that has impacted thousands of campers and their families.

In the past 20 years, the directors of the Camp have been Henry Esau, 1980-84, and Joyce Schimpky, since 1985. Program directors have been Gerry Ediger, Daryl Kutz, Carolyn Goossen, Wes Toman and Andrew Hiebert. Summer Teams have given strong program leadership each year. Phil and Kaye Baese are currently serving as maintenance/caretakers.

Board members who have given leadership to improvements and building projects over the years are Hardy Klassen, Ben Falk, Gord Weber, Henry Dueckman, Neil Dyck and Jake Willms. This year “The Centre” (kitchen, dining hall and entrance) was completed.

Today, many people enjoy the Camp’s wonderful facilities and exciting programs. Thousands of people ranging from children to seniors are part of “the Camp family”. Those at the camp are often told that “Camp Crossroads is God’s camp”, a reminder that it is a gift from Him.

 – Joyce Schimpky

Previous | Next 

Last modified July 16, 2000.

© 2000 Mennonite Brethren Herald.
Published by the Canadian Conference of MB Churches.
Masthead and usage information.