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Previous | Next Canadian Mennonite Brethren camps – annual reports
A season of renewal
As Canadian Mennonite Brethren we are fortunate to have camps in all of our provincial conference jurisdictions where young and old can come for spiritual and physical renewal. Following are brief reports from our camps.
Stillwood Camp and Conference Centre
Lindell Beach, B.C.
A theme, “Mission: Is Possible”, together with a theme verse, Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Him who gives me strength”, allowed the camp to give campers the best week of their summer. Over 1100 campers were part of the program, and at least 55 made first-time commitments to Christ; many others made a commitment to a deeper relationship with the Lord.
A staff of 150, ranging in age from 14 to 82, and a strong leadership team and counselling staff helped the camp attain the goal of a great summer. Speakers for the summer were Heather Schroeder, Rick Janzen, Paul Powers, Mark Friesen and Randy Carter. They each clearly communicated the gospel, and camp personnel are praying that the decisions made will take root and grow.
The dining hall has been completed, and meals at cabin tables could again be enjoyed. Also new for 2002 were the Frisbee golf course and a skate park. A third powerboat allowed campers to spend less time waiting on the beach and more time behind the boats. An excursion to Cultus Lake Waterslides and a “Stillwood Forest” medieval party made teen camps particularly enjoyable.
Mennonite Brethren youth and children made up the largest number of campers, and most camps had more girls than boys present. – from a news release by Bob Kroeker, Program Director
Redberry Bible Camp
Redberry Lake, Sask.
A theme of “Powerlines”, based on 2 Chronicles 16:9, “The eyes of the Lord search to and fro throughout the earth to strongly support those whose hearts are completely His”, formed the basis for the camp this summer. Campers were heard to say, “You mean church is free?” “Can you verify that this is a road apple?” “Is it okay to pray on the toilet? It’s the only place I can be alone” and “Prayer . . . does stuff.” The camp staff watched repentance turn to joy over and over. “We want to see Your power” changed to “We want to see Your face.” It was an incredible summer for both camp and staff. Of the 1106 campers that spent a week at camp this summer, many came to know Christ as their Saviour, and many others committed themselves to a deeper relationship with Him. Even though the crops were poor in Saskatchewan because of the drought, the harvest at Redberry and other Saskatchewan camps was amazing.
Staff changes at Redberry included the resignation of Bryant van Kuik as associate director.
Redberry Bible Camp has been at its present site for 50 years, and as the camp celebrates the many years of God’s faithfulness, our desire is not to measure what God has done, but rather to eagerly look ahead, listen for His voice and take one step at a time. – from a news release from Wendell Andres, Director
Pines Bible Camp
Grand Forks, B.C.
Changing lives is what the ministry of The Pines is all about. This summer, 566 kids came to kids camps, 82 made first-time decisions for Christ, and another 82 made a recommitment in their relationship with God. Camp also changed the lives of the staff. A parent recently wrote, “I can’t thank you enough for your influence. . . . She is on fire now. . . . She has encouraged me in my faith. Thank you so much for your example.”
Speakers at camp this summer included Fuzzy Fellowship from Grand Forks; retired missionaries Henry and Edna Thiessen from Abbotsford. B.C.; Bruce and Terri Elwood from Winfield, B.C.; Dave and Joy Kelly from Okanagan Falls, B.C.; Chester Wiebe from Grand Forks and Allan Rempel from Sardis, B.C.
Brad and Sheryl Hagkull of Chilliwack, B.C. spoke at the Young Adult Retreat. The program also included a challenge to the college & career group to be the extreme team as they battled through the Eco-challenge. The group attending Family Camp enjoyed Scott and Raena Hemenway from Enderby, B.C. as the speakers.
Leaders-in-Training was a new program for The Pines this year. Directors were Ryan and Joanne Friesen of Aldergrove, B.C. Here the youth attended a 2-week program built around deliberate discipleship, staff training and service. The youth grew spiritually when given the opportunity for a specific time of focus on Jesus Christ and service.
Total number of campers and retreaters this summer was 784. They came from many different church and non-church (38%) backgrounds, although the majority were still from Mennonite Brethren homes. The camp requests prayer as it continues to develop its facilities. – from a news release from Gene Krahn, Executive Director
Gardom Lake Bible Camp
Enderby, B.C.
A theme of “Extreme Life”, based on John 10:10, gave direction for the activities of the summer at Gardom Lake Camp. Program directors Trevlyn Baerg and Leanne Johnston planned activities that would reflect this theme, and speakers Shelley Sharkey, Joy Kelly, Leanne Johnston, Kenny Toews, Tony Janzen and Chris Willis also communicated to the campers and staff that life with Jesus is the ultimate thrill.
Staff came from all over B.C. and Alberta, while campers came from B.C., Alberta and Saskatchewan, as well as some from Ontario, California and Brazil. At least 30% of the children that come to GLBC are from non-churched homes; the rest from all denominations. At least 28 campers made decisions to follow Christ, and others rededicated their lives to Him.
Early in the spring, through generous donations, a gym was built. Although not entirely completed, the facility was able to be used during the summer, particularly for games during rainy days. Campers were also especially excited to try out the improved ropes course. One camper, on arrival at camp, loudly exclaimed, “The high ropes course is lost!” She was relieved to learn that it wasn’t “lost”, just moved and improved.
Camp is the ideal setting to explain to kids what the “full life” of John 10:10 is all about. For one week, they get a taste of it. The prayer of the camp staff is that the kids remember the fun they had, but also remember how incredible life with Jesus is. – from a news release by Leanne Carlaw
Camp Crossroads
Torrance, Ont.
“Following Jesus, one step at a time”, “Life with a purpose” and “Extreme Friendship” were some themes that chapel leaders used to help campers understand the message of God’s love and the gift of being born into God’s family. At least 250 campers made first-time decisions to follow Jesus or made recommitments to come close to the Lord.
Camp Crossroads was a busy place all summer. Most camp weeks were filled to capacity, with 1264 campers registered for the summer programs. Only 42% came from Mennonite Brethren homes; one-third of the campers were first-timers.
Retreats for families are a key part of Camp Crossroads. The first in the season is Peewee & Parents Mini Camp in May. Children aged 6 and 7 come with a parent or grandparent. Three family camps in the summer were also well attended.
The board for Camp Crossroads is committed to staffing with volunteers, and this summer 314 people served in this way for varying lengths of time.
Leadership was given by assistant program directors Jamie Reimer and Amanda Baese, and the summer team of Rachel Dueckman, Heather Baese, Melissa McEachern, Marti Bruner and Drew Unruh. In addition, a group known as “8 for 6” (those serving for six weeks) gave helpful support to this team. Twenty young people completed the Leaders-in-Training program this summer.
Mountain biking became a program option this summer, and new wake boards enhanced the water ski program. Ontario churches continue to use the Camp for retreats, as do other Conference ministries.
When campers come to the end of their week at camp, they are often heard to count the days and weeks until they come back, and when some of these young people are baptized during the winter months, they often tell of the important influence camp and staff have been in their Christian growth. – from a report by Joyce Schimpky, Director
Campfire Ministries
Black Creek, B.C.
Large canvas tents on wooden platforms tucked away in the forest, giant old growth trees, alpine trails, deep clear lake water, loons and cougars, canoes and sailboats, ski boats and kneeboards, the fireside circle, the presence of God, transformation, healing, worship, dance, joy, love and laughter, lifetime friendships, salvation – these words do not do justice to the summer at “Camp Bob”. Camp Bob is the temporary name of a new Mennonite Brethren camp situated on Robert Lake, 20 minutes north of Campbell River on Vancouver Island. This is a wilderness camp on over 100 acres of pristine wilderness with one kilometre of lake frontage. It is crown land recreational reserve, and negotiations are under way to obtain a long-term lease and eventually purchase the land.
Campfire Ministries is a ministry of Black Creek MB Church and is currently developing a partnership with the Vancouver Island MB churches and the B.C. MB Conference.
There were five weeks of camp this summer with 170 campers, and a junior leadership program with 23 participants. The camp is grateful to the B.C. MB Conference and its Board of Camping Ministries for offering partnership, support and encouragement to this new camp. – from a report by Barry Falk, Director
Simonhouse Bible Camp
Simonhouse Lake, Man.
This camp ran three junior camps, a junior high camp, a senior high camp and an adventure canoe camp with a total enrollment of 376. Weekend retreats in March, June and September saw another 181 campers attend.
The staff did a fantastic job of pointing lives to Jesus, and many campers made first-time decisions to follow God or rededicated their lives to Him. The theme of this year’s camp was “Finish the Race” from Hebrews 12.
Senior staff this year consisted of Brianne Bigelow from Abbotsford, B.C. serving as program director, Robin Mauthe from Abbotsford serving as director of Counsellor-in-Training, and Nicole Enns from Winkler, Man. serving as secretary.
New this summer was the banana boat and wakeboarding program. Camp upgrading projects included electrical work, completing the generator shed, a new diesel tank, a roof for the climbing tower, and a new staff housing unit. – from a report by Darrell Janzen
Camp Péniel attendance up 25%
Laurel, Que.
Camp Péniel, owned by the Quebec MB Conference, had a very good year. The principal objectives for the camp are restoration and rest for young people and their families. In 2002, camp was attended by 290 young people aged 10–15, 190 youth aged 16–18, and 325 adults. This represents a 25% increase over 2001 and a 10% increase in the number of Mennonite Brethren participants. There were 125 commitments made, and 10 people were baptized at camp.
The summer programs included a musical camp run by Mennonite Central Committee Quebec and a family camp with speaker Richard Ouellette. Several other groups also used the camp, including hobby centres, Scouts, church youth groups and Youth House (a nearby agency which offers help with homework, a listening ear and recreation to needy youth). Two marriages took place at camp this summer. The camp also gets involved in social work through an arrangement whereby prisoners come to the camp when there are no campers there to do maintenance work as part of their rehabilitation.
Located on the edge of a small private lake, Camp Péniel organized its annual trout fishing tournament Sept. 2, with the aims of making the camp known to nonbelievers and of raising funds for its operation.
The camp is requesting prayer for God’s guidance as it develops further. New developments include a maple sugar bush and a walking trail/obstacle course. The camp is in need of a general purpose excavator to plough snow in winter and do other work in spring and summer. – Richard Gervais, Director
West Bank Bible Camp
Swift Current, Sask.
The summer was full of laughter, games, challenges and singing. One of the challenges included a flash flood due to a brief, heavy thunderstorm. As staff were delegated to a variety of tasks, director Brent Alexander was thrilled by their sense of teamwork and responsibility. Staff member David and his wife Lois helped out at camp that week and got the office running again after the computer was put out of commission due to the storm. Another person was asked about his first experience as a staff person. His response was: “Working at camp is the best thing that has ever happened to me.” He explained how God had used his time at camp to grow in him a love for Jesus, and give him believing friends. A girl who stood to show her decision to follow Jesus was questioned by her cabin mates, and then teased, yet the Lord was her strength. Camp is an adventure and Alexander is thankful God has chosen West Bank as a dwelling place for His Spirit. – from a report from Brent Alexander, Director
The Good Samaritan
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Will Salikin
In the summer of 1999, a teenage boy attended the first week of Bible camp in his life – but he wasn’t there to expand his faith. He was there out of boredom and out of spite. All of his friends had left for the summer, and he had decided that it was his turn to go away. From the minute he got to camp, he felt out of place. Here was a guy who embraced his self-hate and self-loathing, and all of a sudden he was surrounded by cheerful, God-worshipping strangers. He knew who God was and had even become a Christian at a young age. However, because of events in his life prior to camp, he had rejected God and all He stood for. The boy even held a philosophy of “I’m going to hell, and I don’t care”, which he would state with a morbid sort of pride. He saw how everyone else would avoid him while they wondered why such a kid even came to camp.
Despite his attempts at keeping himself distant from everyone, there was one person who tried to befriend him – his counsellor. Unlike everyone else, his counsellor did not hold it against the boy for being bitter or for trying to reject everyone. Unlike everyone else, his counsellor believed in him.
When the boy went home, his eyes were open, and he could see things that he hadn’t been able to see before. He began noticing the sin in his life, and decided to rededicate his life to God. He wanted to be as free and as happy as his camp counsellor. Over the next year, he worked hard to become the godly man that his counsellor was. At the beginning of summer, he applied to work at the same camp his counsellor worked at – Pines Bible Camp in Grand Forks, B.C. To his surprise, he now became a counsellor himself. What amazing things God had done!
That camper is the one telling you this story. I served two years as a camp counsellor, and finally have the chance to thank my former counsellor for being the Good Samaritan he was to me. I only hope that I have been able to touch the life of a child as my counsellor touched my life.
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Last modified November 21, 2002.
© 2002 Mennonite Brethren Herald.
Published by the Canadian Conference of MB Churches.
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