Camps with Meaning Update

Help us fill our summer camps!
In recent years our camper numbers have declined. Specialty camp options have exploded and hockey camps, art camps, university camps and others are competing for the summer times of our families. Our MCM church family has 2 amazing natural settings where kids can come to learn our theology, to build relationships with other kids and others from our churches, and to have a great time in the outdoors. We think that you will agree with us that that these are the camp experiences we want for our kids – to build a firm foundation in today’s world.

Here are a few things you can do to help:

1. Sign up! To get your kids, grandkids, neighbours and friends signed up for camp – go to
http://www.campswithmeaning.org/ If the cost is a barrier for anyone you know, there are funds available through the campership fund! Spread the word!

2. Bring People to camp to get a taste for themselves! Spring Open House at Assiniboia on Wed, May 16, 4-7 pm. We firmly believe that the way to rebuild our camping ministry is to get folks from our churches into the holy spaces at camp for themselves. They need to plant their feet on the soil, look up at the amazing tree canopy, hear the birds and feel the warmth of the fire. You can help with this by being a bridge builder – bring people to camp! Invite your friends to meet you there or simply pick them up and bring them along with you. Our Open house day is a great chance to do that.

3. Tell campers about the SPRING GIVEAWAYS – Campers and potential campers – watch your inboxes, or visit www.campswithmeaning.org/win for a chance to win neat prizes weekly!

THINKING OF VOLUNTEERING THIS SUMMER?

Some thoughts from Katelyn Waldner, summer volunteer extraordinaire!

The first time I volunteered in the Camp Assiniboia kitchen was summer of 2016 and it was a great experience. At the start of the week, there were five other people who I knew very little about, and by the end of the week, I would consider them my friends. At first, it can seem like there is a lot to learn, but the people working with you are more than willing to help you out and the head cook will provide direction. So if you have no experience in the kitchen, don’t worry!

Although I do love to cook and bake, my favourite part of being in the kitchen was the opportunity to get to know other people. I found that throughout the week, I was able to have meaningful conversations with everyone else volunteering. Now I work in the kitchen throughout the year, and I still find this to be true.

Volunteering in any capacity can be a humbling experience, but there is something special about the kitchen. There are two sayings that come to mind when I think of the kitchen: “home is where the heart is” and “the kitchen is the heart of the home”. In the same thought, I believe the kitchen can be thought of as the heart of camp. A place where people can connect through the preparing of food, and then serve to campers and staff for them to connect with each other and enjoy the food.

Volunteering in the kitchen is something everyone should do! If you are willing, it can be a truly great experience and I would recommend it to anyone seeking to serve others this summer.