'We're hoping to be back to normal': Bible camp director

Two Manitoba Bible camps are thrilled to tentatively return to 'normal' camp life this summer as pandemic restrictions lift. 

"At camp you have a community like nowhere else and it's pretty amazing," says Janet Peters, the Associate Program Director for Camps with Meaning.

They have two summer Bible camps, which are Camp Assiniboia and Camp Koinonia.

"We are planning for a full summer of overnight and day camps at both camps," says Peter. "We're hoping to be back to normal, as much as we can be. It's looking really good."

Camp Assiniboia is just west of Headingly right outside of Winnipeg while Camp Koinonia is located south of Boissevain in Turtle Mountain Provincial Park. 

"A big part of camp is play, and play outside. Our kids just need that. Camp has a little of the structure and routine, you've got good supervision. You also come with your friends but you also meet new friends, try all kinds of activities and push yourself a little bit."

They offer activities like ziplining, swimming, archery, canoeing at Koinonia, and a rope course at Assiniboia to name just a few. 

"Kids can gain some independence from their parents in a pretty safe environment. Because we are a faith-based camp, we talk about Jesus, faith, and how to be a disciple. For me when I think about camp I think about connections with our Creator, creation, and with the community."

In 2020 and 2021 both camps haven't been able to run at full capacity. Peters says that Assiniboia was able to run day camps because of its close proximity to Winnipeg. 

"It's been a little tough for all camps," says Peters.

According to her, camp has been almost a rite of passage for many attending over the years.

"You hear so many people say, that's where they meet God, in nature. There's something about the beauty and wonder of creation. There's something about being outside and unplugged, and you're more open to feeling that presence."

Both camps offer a summer experience for grades one all the way through to grade 12. They also offer an overnight camping experience called Adults with Disabilities Venture.