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Previous | Next Annual reports from provincial MB camps
The 2001 camp report
This past summer will long be remembered for its hot, dry weather. For many, however, it will be remembered as a time when they found a spiritual oasis in Christ. In this issue, we profile our camps from across Canada. Read about their amazing summer and their dynamic ministry.
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Redberry Bible Camp
Waldheim, Sask.
A bigger God, a bolder faith
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Redberry Bible Camp was loud, fast and a riot. The food was great, memory verses kept us hopping, and God was huge. This summer’s theme, “Stretch . . . A Bigger God, A Bolder Faith”, put staff and campers to the test.
Two work days before the camp season began helped transform the camp: 80 trees (8–20 feet tall) were moved; two concrete pads and some skateboard ramps and jumps were added; a play gym named Noah’s Ark was built; the camp office was renovated; new trees were planted, others pruned; leaves were raked; and a new fence was added around the dumpster.
Another attendance record was set with 1105 campers.
Sport Camps, a new addition to the program, ran during two separate weeks. Twenty 11–14 year olds enjoyed several out-trips, including golf, a canoe ride, waterskiing and a day of court sports at Bethany Bible Institute, Hepburn, Sask.
Chapel sessions were held twice daily. Indoor chapels, outdoor chapels and firesides were exciting times of knowing God and feeling His grace, peace and power. Each week brought new speakers.
Corwin Thiessen and Barb Kroeker, who worked part-time in winter, mentoring campers in partnership with Youth for Christ in Saskatoon, will continue until December. Dave and Mel Berg will be our full-time program directors, beginning in January 2002, directing the summer program, developing the follow-up program and helping with rental groups in the off-season. Dave and Chris Harms are our site managers. Bryant van Kuik is in charge of business management, off-season rentals and camper registrations. Wendell Andres does staff recruitment, fundraising and capital projects and church visitations.
We have appreciated the support of Bethany in helping to train staff and hosting our Sports Camps. We look forward to working with them in the future.
God stretches, challenges and strengthens us. – Wendell Andres, director
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Gardom Lake Bible Camp
Enderby, B.C.
Real life adventure
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This year’s summer camp brochure announced in big yellow letters “Real Life Adventure”. Adventure is a great word to describe our summer at Gardom Lake Bible Camp. July and August were packed with ups and downs, laughter, tears, chaos and peace.
Staff training began June 23 with young people who love Jesus.
Their enthusiasm was contagious. All pulled together and worked hard to prepare an excellent program, but realized that the program came second to the spiritual dimension of camp.
One day, the cabin mates of a sick camper were hanging their heads as they walked to the campfire. Their counsellor tried reassuring them that their friend would be OK. One of the girls responded, “We’re not hanging our heads because we’re sad. We are praying because prayer is the best medicine!” Prayer is the “best medicine”, and we witnessed over and again God’s faithfulness as we laid our concerns at His feet.
Our camp theme was “Enlightened”. Speakers and staff communicated to campers that they are the light of the world. Many campers shared a desire to be bolder witnesses for Christ to their friends.
One camper said people have unreal expectations of her because she is a pastor’s kid. But here she didn’t feel pressured to live up to anyone’s standards because “at camp people see others as God sees people.”
Campers enjoyed climbing wall, swimming, canoeing, kayaking, crafts, wilderness survival, target sports, high ropes, the obstacle course, water trampoline, horizontal bungee, sumo suits and the big mud pit. The run-on skit about Tarzan was a hit as were the theme meals Superhero Meal, 70s Supper and Hick Meal.
Of the 810 campers coming though our gate this summer, 27% were non-churched; 21 children and youth made first-time commitments and 37 rededicated their lives to God. Campers and over 100 staff experienced a life change as they met God. We know this ministry has far reaching effects as campers and staff return to their families, schools and workplaces.
What a privilege to experience this adventure – the dynamic ministry of Christian camping. – Leanne Carlaw, for Gardom Lake Bible Camp
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Simonhouse Bible Camp
Cranberry Portage, Man.
Getting to know Jesus more
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Simonhouse Bible Camp had another fantastic summer as campers got to know Jesus better and met new friends. We had three Junior Camps (Grades 3–6), a Junior High Camp (Grades 6–8), a Senior High Camp (Grades 9–12) and an Adventure Canoe Camp (Grades 9 and up). We had 370 campers in our summer program, breaking our previous record of 386 in 1999. Our three weekend youth retreats, held in March, June and September, had 215 campers, compared with 213 last year.
Staff did a fantastic job. Children, youth and parents were pointed to Jesus. Many made first-time commitments or rededicated their lives to Jesus.
This year’s theme verse – “He must become greater; I must become less”
(John 3:30) – challenged staff to give all glory and dependence to God and put away the desire to seek glory for themselves.
This year’s senior staff – Darren Derhousoff (The Pas, Man.), program director; Brianne Bigelow (Abbotsford, B.C.), assistant program director; Chris Richardson (The Pas), counsellor-in-training director; and Brenda Wilchowy (The Pas), camp secretary – led the camp with integrity, enthusiasm and excitement.
Our climbing tower was completed this year. A digital video camera, a computer with editing software and a video projector were added. A new generator shed is near completion, a waterfront equipment garage is being planned, and a pontoon boat was donated.
We praise God for the work He is doing here and for the many people who help make Simonhouse a quality camp. – Darrell Janzen, director
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Stillwood Camp and Conference Centre
Lindell Beach, B.C.
Staff serve above and beyond call
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Stillwood Camp (formerly Columbia Bible Camp) in Lindell Beach, B.C. had 150 staff ministering to over 1000 campers, including our single moms’ camp in July. This summer, 61 campers made first-time commitments and 215 made recommitments to Christ.
New for 2001 were our challenging rope course, whittling (campers made boomerangs that worked until they landed in trees), and a second set of tree
houses for overnighters. Returning highlights were golfing at Aquadel, rockets, a renovated archery range with new bows, a slide for the pool and the waterfront program at Cultus Lake.
For our Teen Weeks, we added a night game with glow sticks, a Hawaiian Luau and early morning wake boarding, and rented Cultus Lake Waterslides.
We praise God for safety. We had cuts, bruises and a broken ankle but were spared serious injuries.
Our speakers this summer – Paul Powers, Judy Griffioen, Vic Schellenberg, Rick Janzen, Dan Schroeder and Ed Weiss – clearly communicated the gospel, giving campers and staff the opportunity to move forward in their walk with the Lord.
Our summer staff was exceptionally focused, often serving above and beyond the call of duty. It was a joy serving with staff who were willing to forego high paying jobs, to invest in eternity. – Bob (Fozzy) Kroeker, program director
A summer not to forget
It started out like every other summer. There were swimming lessons, picnics at the beach, running through the sprinkler, the family vacation and sending the boys off to Camp Stillwood. But for one little boy, this summer would be one he would never forget.
My husband Mike and I have three children: Tony, 10, Ryan, 7, and Aaron, 4.
This was Ryan’s first time at Camp Stillwood. He would be gone for only two-and-a-half days, but it would be his first time away from home. Ryan could hardly wait for camp.
The two nights Ryan was at camp I lost sleep wondering whether he was homesick and was making friends. When I picked him up, he was grinning from ear to ear and chatted constantly about his experiences at camp.
When I asked him if he missed us, he just said, “Oh, I forgot to even think about you.” I wasn’t hurt by his comment, for in a weird way I felt better knowing he had been all right away from home.
The next couple of days Ryan was inquisitive about God, the devil, heaven and hell. We had some good talks, and his little mind was pondering some heavy stuff. The following Friday morning he came into the kitchen and said, “You know, Mom, our counsellor at camp told us that we don’t need to be afraid of the devil because God’s already fought the battle, and He’s won the victory.”
I told him that the counsellor was right and God is more powerful than Satan. As we continued to chat, I sensed he was on the verge of making an important decision. I asked if he knew what it meant to be a Christian.
“It means that Jesus died on the cross for my sins, right Mom?” he replied.
“Yes, but it’s not enough to know that,” I said. “We have to ask Jesus to come into our life and forgive us for our sins.”
We talked about the Bible verse he memorized at camp – John 3:16. He understood the promise about everlasting life and said that he wanted to go to heaven and be with Jesus forever when he died.
I asked if he wanted to pray and ask Jesus to come into his heart. He had a silly grin on his face and quickly nodded his head. We prayed together. It was a precious moment.
Tony then walked into the room. I said to him, “Remember when you were seven, and we prayed together and you asked Jesus into your heart?”
“Yes.”
“Well, Ryan has just done the same. He is not only your little brother but also your brother in Christ.”
Tony immediately started to jump up and down, clapping his hands. I remember thinking, Is this how the angels in heaven rejoice? I wrote the date in Ryan’s Bible, indicating the day of his spiritual rebirth. I told him that if he ever doubted this special moment, he could look in his Bible and know that he did make this commitment.
I explained to him that living as a Christian is hard. We need to ask what Jesus would want us to do when we face problems or sticky situations. I told him God would help him and would always be with him. I stressed how important it was to pray and read his Bible every day because that is how God shows us what to do. Then we phoned his dad at work and his grandparents to share the exciting news.
This summer was life-changing for Ryan. I am convinced it was for other kids who attended a Christian camp. Ryan’s experiences at camp had a direct link in his decision to follow Christ. Ryan has been raised in a Christian home, where the gospel is spoken openly, but the camp ambience allows kids to experience God in a deeper way. It really lit a fire in his heart. It is important that we support camps like Camp Stillwood, both financially and with our prayers. Lives are changed and seeds planted. May God continue to bless those who faithfully serve Him and touch the lives of kids who desperately need Him. – Connie Gaskin
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Camp Evergreen
Sundre, Alta.
Telling the next generation about the Lord
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Camp Evergreen had 681 children this summer, with 95 (14%) from MB churches. Last year, we had 761 campers, with 125 (16%) from MB churches. There were 87 new converts and 81 rededications. Hope Mission, an organization from Edmonton, brought 71 inner city kids for this camp. About 20% accepted Christ.
Speakers this summer were Derek Mueller, Bethany Bible Institute, Hepburn, Sask.; Art Bryson-Hare, Camp Evergreen; Konrad Loewen, Linden (Alta.) MB Church; Murray Schmidt, Crestwood MB Church, Medicine Hat, Alta.; Dale Friesen, Coaldale (Alta.) MB Church; and Travis Padgham, River West Christian Fellowship, Edmonton.
Since we did not have a program director, we used a program team of former staff. They did a great job.
About 140 came to “Rise-Up”, our senior high youth retreat in September. Randy Carter was the speaker, and the worship team was from Linden. As with every youth retreat there are always small pranks, but a challenge was given to the youth. To watch young people worship and desire to walk closer to God is amazing.
Camp Evergreen remains committed to Psalm 84:4 “We will tell the next generation about the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord.” – Paul Isaac, director
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Camp Crossroads
Torrace, Ont.
Hot summer makes waterfront popular
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One of the memories of Camp Crossroads was the hot summer in Ontario, making the waterfront the most popular program. God answered prayer and kept campers safe all the weeks of our busy program.
In late June, our 55+ Week featured the Cousins’ Choir, consisting of members of the Pauls’ family from across Canada. An unexpected reunion occurred with three women who had taught together in Orillia, Ont. 40 years ago. They shared their stories of how they and their husbands faithfully served God: the first couple as missionaries in South America for over 25 years, the second as a pastor couple for many years, and the third as missionaries in northern Ontario.
Camper registration exceeded last year’s record of 1228 campers with 1256 in children’s and youth programs (43% were from MB churches). There was an increase in the canoe trips. There were 98 people for the 55+ Week and 88 families at the Family Camp. Three adult retreats were also well attended.
Rental groups using our facilities for their programs included Youth Mission International, Bethesda, Eden High School, several MB churches and the Ontario Provincial Police Emergency Response Teams.
This summer, 311 people worked for a week or more of the 11-week program. The summer team gave strong, effective leadership. A group called “8 for 6” served for six weeks as cabin leaders and program staff. Nine young people completed the Leaders-in-Training program.
Phil and Kaye Baese have resigned as maintenance/caretaking couple, effective April 30, 2002. They plan to return to Port Rowan, Ont.
Chapel ministry was the highlight of the summer. Campers often say that worship times and teaching by the chapel leaders the best are parts of the day. In July, Outside-The-Lines ministry team led exciting chapels for younger campers. Other chapel leaders this summer were Mike Hotson, Graham Beer, Craig Daniellson, Paul McIlwraith and Blayne Greiner. Speakers at family camps and adult retreats effectively ministered to the needs of the listeners. About 200 decisions to accept Christ for the first time and recommitments were made. This is the reason for our ministry. – Joyce Schimpky, director
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Pines Bible Camp
Grand Forks, B.C.
Record breaking year at the Pines
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Pines Bible Camp in Grand Forks, B.C. had another record breaking year with 554 campers compared with 507 last year. There were 91 first-time decisions for Christ and 117 recommitments to God.
Speakers included Fuzzy Fellowship from Grand Forks, Henry and Edna Thiessen of Midway, B.C., Victor and Helen Stobbe of 150 Mile House, B.C., Bruce Jepsen of Grand Forks, Dave Bradford of Trail, B.C., Chester Wiebe of Grand Forks and Allan Rempel of Sardis, B.C.
A new activity was the slingshots. The Cooperative Challenge, designed to enhance team building skills, was a highlight for campers. Log rides, jumps and drop offs were added to the mountain biking course, making it more extreme.
The Young Adult Retreat was well attended. Scott Hemenway of Enderby, B.C. challenged everyone to be a Christian survivor. In a physical challenge, teams built boats out of cardboard and duct tape that carried them and a can of fire down the river, racing to be the first team to light the campfire.
The speaker at the Family Camp was Bill Hale of Walk Thru the Bible who helped families put the Old Testament into chronological order. Families also enjoyed hay rides and other activities.
Pines had an excellent staff, with counsellors coming from many points between Waldheim, Sask. and Langley, B.C. Program directors Dylan Zorn of Grand Forks and Richard Friesen of Abbotsford, B.C. provided exceptional leadership to the summer camp program.
Many people grew in their walk with God and had fun with all the activities at the Pines. The presence of Pines in our area is spiritually significant: 46% of our campers come from non-churched homes. For many, Pines Bible Camp is their only spiritual experience all year. – Gene Krahn, director
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West Bank Bible Camp
Swift Current, Sask.
God intersecting with kids
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West Bank Bible Camp’s adventure was memorizing Scripture. We chose a 200-word excerpt from Ephesians 5 and used actions for memory retention and studied it in cabin time.
Physical improvements to the camp included 80 donated spruce trees (2’–8’ tall), a new pool liner, upgrades in our main change rooms and an irrigation system off the creek.
Several staff were enlisted to say something at chapels, resulting in a thread of continuity in chapels as each message built upon the previous one.
In spring, a call from a parent raised concerns about how much time is spent on religion. Then at camp, this parent’s daughter asked questions about God. She later said she hadn’t make a decision about Christ, yet couldn’t believe anyone could find the Bible boring.
Two young counsellors explained that God keeps no record of wrongs. When He forgives us, we are free. Two mischievous boys continued asking questions throughout the fireside time about how they could be free of swearing and other sins.
Camp is full of stories of God intersecting with kids. – Brent and Verlynn Alexander, directors
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Last modified November 13, 2001.
© 2001 Mennonite Brethren Herald.
Published by the Canadian Conference of MB Churches.
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