Kids are having a blast at Luseland Bible Camp
By Joan Janzen
joanjanzen@yahoo.com
While few overnight kids camps were prepared to run during the summer of 2021, the Luseland Bible Camp (LBC) optimistically began preparations in April, even though regulations were ever changing. Camp Director Marilyn Kirk, said although it was a tough year, she was thankful for the support and encouragement of the LBC family and board members.
This is Marilyn’s 14th year as camp director. “I love serving with young leaders who love god, have a lot of fun and want to impact youth and families with the truth of God’s Word,” she said. Many of the young summer staff come from the surrounding communities.
The camp is owned and operated by One Hope Canada, which is based out of Winnipeg, Man. Founded in 1927 as the Canadian Sunday School Mission, One Hope Canada now has Bible camps in all ten Canadian provinces.
Olivia Bachman has been welcomed by LBC as their new Associate Director. She will serve in a half time position her first year while continuing school at Briercrest. She’ll be helping with the various camps from kids (ages 6-8), junior (ages 9-11) to teen camps (ages 12-15 and 16-18) held throughout the months of July and August.
Prior to those months, the LBC family pulled together to ensure everything was ready when they got the go ahead to have overnight camps. There were donations and deliveries of firewood for campfires, and other volunteers brought the necessary equipment to clean the swimming pool. There’s plenty of grass that needs to be cut at the camp, and volunteers stepped up to take on that job. Other organizations, individuals and businesses are always helping out, providing everything from loads of gravel to needed appliances. And of course, there were many helping hands who showed up for camp work days.
“It takes a community to get a camp ready. Each person, each gift of time, work and donation is so very appreciated!” Marilyn said.
Not only is LBC prepared for the present camp season, they are looking ahead and planning for the future. Because it plans to grow, a building project has been started. The plan for the project is to construct and repurpose the chapel/all purpose room into a dining hall/kitchen. Marilyn said the need for this project is great, and the move will more than double available floor space in a newer, well insulated building. “We hope to move LBC’s commercial dishwasher, range, grills, conventional oven and at least one sink to the new building,” she explained.
The project has just begun and has a lofty goal of approximately $275,000, which would complete the project. However they require 80% of funds to be in place before work will begin. During the month of May, the camp conducted a successful silent auction as part of their fundraising efforts. The board members play a crucial role in fundraising, planning and serving throughout the year.
All their efforts are more than worthwhile when they watch campers arrive and take part in all the activities that are available. Kids love participating in favourite games such as laser tag and archery. Another popular activity is archery tag, which is a unique sport that combines elements of dodgeball or other combat-type games with the timeless skills of archery. Players take aim at each other with non-lethal arrows to score points or eliminate opposing team members.
Campers also have the opportunity to learn new skills, gather around a campfire, scale the climbing wall, enjoy great meals and treats, listen to chapel talks, and make new friends.
“It feels like coming home,” Marilyn concluded, as they anticipate how God will use the summer months to transform hearts and lives with His message of hope.
