Camp Wildrose commenced on Wednesday, July 17 with an attendance of 35 campers and 25 adult volunteers. We had a wide spread of ages from 5 to 18, but were blessed with 16 of those children in the teenage group. Families traveled from British Columbia, various parts of Alberta, Saskatchewan and even Ontario.

We were blessed with hot, sunny days, but no severe thunderstorms. This provided excellent conditions for our canoeing, boat tubing and water play activities. The giant slip n' slide and our traditional Drip, Drip, Drop game (duck, duck, goose with water) were very much enjoyed in the heat of the day. Camp Wildrose also introduced a few new activities. Campers started camp off with The Quest. The Quest involved completing tasks to earn materials that they needed to build a small fire and roast hotdogs for their lunch. They worked together as a team in mixed age groups to complete The Quest. The activity was enjoyed by all and was a change from the usual schedule we have done in the past.

Two new activities were pellet gun riflery and slingshots. Riflery did target practice with pop cans, while slingshots had a firing range of assorted tin pots, pans and cans. Both were a big hit with our older youth. Campers also experienced activities including canoeing, archery, a challenging teamwork activity on a balancing platform, crafting paracord survival bracelets, geocaching, kickball and volleyball, to name a few.

Our camp theme this year was “Building Friendships for Eternity” with sub-themes of “Iron Sharpens Iron” and “Reaping and Sowing Good Friendships.” This theme was enhanced throughout the camp in our daily scriptures, morning sessions, Christian living classes, teen talks and Sabbath sermons. Many of our games and activities also enhanced this theme in our expectations of teamwork, collaboration and working in unity. Many discussions focused on choosing our friends wisely, what it means to be a good friend and how godly friendships help us develop godly character.

Many comments from the adult volunteers expressed appreciation for the efforts made for our youth. Our youth live in a dangerous and corrupt world, and they need tremendous support and love from their Church family. But this experience was not just for our youth. The adult staff also benefited immensely as they strengthened friendships and both sharpened and built up one other. Camp Wildrose is a unique experience of families living, working and playing together for five days in harmony, peace and safety. We truly felt God's presence and great love for us here. It is a little glimpse of God's Kingdom to come.

Thank you to all the volunteers and our supervising pastor, Michael Erickson, for all the preparations, work and commitment you put into this year's camp. This great and fulfilling experience only happens with the contributions of many great people.

We hope that more will join us next year and our family can continue to grow! Camp Wildrose is always scheduled around the third week in July. Please watch for announcements for camp registration in the spring!