“I am really looking forward to seeing how this summer plays out.”

Julia Friesen
Spur Ottawa Writer

Christian camps have lots to celebrate this year. No longer constrained by restrictions on summer programs, they have registration numbers that one camp director said “exceed all expectations”.

“I feel like we can exhale,” says Joey Molloy, executive director of Camp Cherith. “Last year, there were always questions about the protocols. There was all this insecurity. [This year] to put our energies into giving campers an awesome experience is exciting.”

Most Christian camps Spur Ottawa reached out to have seen higher registration numbers this spring than in a long time. Camp IAWAH has already hit 90 percent capacity in registrations and Silver Lake Wesleyan Camp is expecting to host 1,000 campers this season—a record summer!

“An answer I receive frequently in my prayers is that this is going to be a season of abundance.” Photo courtesy of Camp Cherith.

As a last-minute plan in 2021, Silver Lake introduced a day camp option. It was so successful that they plan to run it simultaneously with their overnight camps this summer. Similarly, IAWAH will continue offering campground space for select weeks, in addition to their regular programming.

“Since 2008, every year we have had a few fewer, and a few fewer registrations,” says Dan Wesson, executive director of InterVarsity’s Circle Square Ranch. “This year, that is not the case. Every offer and program we’ve put out there is full to the max.”

During the past two years, frequently changing restrictions and a lack of government financial support caused serious uncertainty around planning, and even the viability of Christian camps. Without heavy-handed lockdowns, camp leaders are now free to implement safety measures that one director described as “reasonable and effective”.

“An answer I receive frequently in my prayers is that this is going to be a season of abundance,” says Wesson. “God is faithful. I am really looking forward to seeing how this summer plays out.”

Yet that abundance also comes with challenges: An abundance of campers and guests means camps need more help.

“God has brought our community closer together.” Photo courtesy of Camp IAWAH.

“Finding staff and volunteers this year is the number one challenge,” says Molloy. “My understanding is pretty much every camp is experiencing this.”

Since many graduating campers participate in leadership training programs and then move on to staff positions, the disruption of the past two years means a core group of young leaders are not returning to serve as staff. Many camps have had to “build from the ground up”.

“We welcome more staff. Every time we add a program staff, that means we can allow more campers in,” explains Dave Mason, Silver Lake’s executive director.

The camp leaders expressed their gratitude for the financial and practical support the Church is providing. Vissers, for example, had 90 volunteers come out to help Camp IAWAH prepare for the upcoming season.

“God has brought our community closer together. A lot of people have stepped up to make sure the IAWAH community will continue,” he says. “The loss of camp for a few years has brought a better recognition of what camp does and who we are.”

Despite limited numbers and restricted interactions, Molloy says about 145 campers chose to follow Jesus last year, at Camp Cherith. Molloy looks forward to reaching more campers this summer—especially youth, an age hard hit by the pandemic.

“A crucial development for any adolescent is learning to be a servant leader.” Photo courtesy of Camp IAWAH.

“Our approach is holistic,” Molloy says. “We are teaching young people it is good to serve mankind the way Christ served us. A crucial development for any adolescent is learning to be a servant leader.”

When asked how believers can best support local Christian camp ministries, the leaders said they need more prayer, helping hands, and advocacy.

“Tell your friends,” Vissers urges. “Go on social media and spread the news that camps make a positive difference in kid’s lives.”