Its hard to know where to begin when trying to summarize this past summer out at camp. It was a summer that was truly full of community, creation, and Christ. This past summer, we created a stronger community than ever before, and worked together to make amazing memories, have a ton of fun, and bring God right to where we were. The summer started off with a truly magical harry potter themed leadership week, where all our counselors trained and got ready to spend the summer with some wonderful kids. Each and every week we got to see so many new and old faces, and have the time of our lives!  Some highlights of the summer included Morning worship sessions in our newly-refurbished outdoor chapel, zooming down the slip and slide, hilarious new campfire songs, and super rowdy lunches! 

Its impossible to really describe the experiences we had out here this summer, so instead I asked our staff and counselors to think of one word or phrase that comes to mind when reflecting on this past July and August! Here's what they said:

​"Rejuvenating"
"Endless Love"
"Life Changing"
"Exciting"
"Inspiring"
"Joyful"
"Cheeks hurt from laughing so much"
"Unforgettable"
"Fun"
"Amazing"
"Ocean"
"New connections"
"Endless laughter"
"The Heart of Worship"

Summer 2018 couldn't come soon enough! Until then we will keep our spirit alive, and we can't wait to see you all again next year! God is love. 

How is it already the middle of May!? We are just under a month until Summer programming begins and here at Camp we are already well into our spring season. The past 5 weeks have been full of getting camp ready for summer, meeting awesome kids from different school groups, watching hilarious skits around the campfire, and watching about 2 seasons worth of "The Office". Needless to say, its been crazy busy but amazing. I thought it would be good to do a little blog post with a update about our spring season so far, the upcoming summer, and all the exciting things going on here at camp, so keep reading if that sounds like a good time. 

Lets go back to about 5 weeks ago when the spring staff arrived here at camp! Amidst the craziness of final exams, we had some awesome training days and took some time to spend with each other and God, and got to learn everything about spring programming. Right around the end of April is when we had our spring retreat! We had such an awesome weekend full of love and laughter with our camp community. We had almost 20 awesome teens come out to spend the weekend with us, and reflected on our connections in life with ourselves, God, each other, and nature. We also had what potentially may have been one of the most hilarious campfires I've ever seen. It was so refreshing to spend time together and to be at camp during a time that isn't summer. 

Then it was suddenly May and groups began coming out to camp! We have had so much fun getting to program for such cool students, and its really reminded me why I love working with youth. From watching kids walk around  blindfolded for spiritual activities, to running around the island with pool noodles, spring has been a blast so far. The staff have been amazing as usual, and in our downtime we have been able to learn a ton of new card games, redo the entire outdoor chapel, and watch about 2 seasons worth of The Office. Yesterday was Falcons birthday, so we threw him a surprise party in the rec hall and Honeybadger made us Oreo Lasagna (which was gone as quickly as he made it)

Speaking of staff, about a month ago we got some exciting news that we were able to hire two more programmers for this summer thanks to two student grants! Cue Shadow and Bard, our female and male dorms supervisors for this summer! We were so excited to be able to add more awesome staff to our team. Shadow has even been working out at camp in the spring helping us out in the kitchen and it has been so much fun hanging out together. I think we can all say that we are having an amazing time out at camp, and we know its just going to get better.

One of the things I personally am the most excited for this summer is Lead Week. This will be my 8th lead week in a row (woah), and I cant wait to see all our volunteers come out to get trained on how to be a great camp counselor! We will see you all geared up for Lead Week on July 2nd at Platform 9 and 3/4 ;) 

​- Sunshine
​

Well hello there. 

I guess I should start by introducing myself. My name is Sunshine and I have recently begun serving camp in the position of Program Director. This job has always been a dream of mine, and I think I'm still in disbelief that it actually came true. Now bear with me, I'm not the best at writing blog posts, but I will try my best!
Today was a day full of the love of camp. In place of a formal winter retreat out at camp, we had a in-town "Winter Day Retreat". We spent the morning reconnecting and playing games, and then had an amazing morning worship session. I was personally inspired by the joy and love our camp community had for worship. We sang our hearts out for God! After our voices were raw, we enjoyed an amazing potluck lunch, and then headed outside to have a fire, roast marshmallows, and drink hot chocolate. It was truly a day full of God's love and the camp community. It was the perfect way to begin my time as Program Director, and on top of that the 2017 Program staff was able to be together for the first time!

On that note, I am so excited to say that we have an amazing team put together for the year, and I know they are going to do amazing things. I am so excited to have such a wonderful group of people caring for camp this year. So now since I have sparked your curiosity, head over to our "The Team" page to see just who these wonderful people are! Here you can also read a little about all of them, and get to know them before the summer begins. I am so excited to get this year started, and I hope you are too! 

​-- Sunshine 

The Summer of 2016
 
A blog post by Apollo
 
         The more things change, the more they stay the same. This quote could be no more of a lie to how the 2016 summer at Camp Encounter played out. It was a new beginning across the board. With new staff came new mentalities, future goals and a new direction for camp. I’ve been asked (and offered) to write up a post outlining the crowning achievements, challenges and hopeful future from this summer.
 
         Camp Encounter reliably created a balance for itself by maintaining an equilibrium with a similar staff over the course of 5 years and a continuous directorship for 3 of them. In fact, last summer, the program staff was 13 strong with only one new programmer joining the returning staff. This summer, with a staff of 13, only two staff returned and the rest were all new to the staff side of camp. In fact, the two directors, Wind as our Program Director and myself as the Assistant Director, were also entering our first years in our respective roles. Naturally there was a great deal to teach and to learn. Staff needed to learn how to be staff and the directors learned how to direct, for example, how to make schedules (and somehow lose them and have to restart – sigh). However, trading experience for youth comes with its perks. Our wonderful staff was determined to create a great summer experience for all who came out. They would actively seek out ways to make things more enjoyable for the campers and counselors. Their (seemingly) unlimited energy with the guidance of returning staff such as Macaroni and Stump created a great, loving and friendly environment.
         No staff fell short on their duties. Argo and Minnow revitalized Rec programming for the crazy wild kids as much as for the silent ones. Panda and Macaroni were able to immerse the kids in their adventure programming with driven passions and dedication. Sparrow and Mallard were able to activate the full potential of the island by seemingly living on it. Without a doubt they worked on creating some new bold games for the island day! Stump and Peaches created an exemplary collection of Spirits Programming to bring children closer to both their faith and themselves, whether it be about Star Wars or self-love. Nimbus injected a new passion for crafts by driving children to create what they wanted using him as a guide to success. He also marked himself by being the first male craft programmer in a while (if ever!). Falcon was thrust into a brand new position, Dorms and Dishwasher supervisor. With a new position, he was able to craft a role that is crucial to camp and its success. He also found time to be with kids and was an absolutely encouraging figure to the staff. Along similar lines, I also plunged into a newer role. The Assistant Program Director was a position revived last summer and occupied by my good friend Sunshine. I anticipated a challenge but what I was met with was more of it than I could’ve anticipated. My role was propelled to a far more directorial role than I thought it would and I loved it. Lastly, Maple was able to take up what was to me, the most chaotic summer for the first aider in a while. She was able to gain children’s trust as much as she could put staff in their place when it came to sickness or injuries. Also, she was able to identify and effectively help camp avoid an impetigo outbreak. The staff this summer was an unforgettable and incredible bunch!
 
         When Zebra announced she was leaving her position at the end of last summer, a hushed curiosity washed over camp. Who would be next? Who could fill those shoes? Would someone be able to? After many rumours, sure enough one person was selected for the position; Wind. Personally, I was surprised. I had no idea who she was but seemed like someone in charge did. However, after this summer (and fall by the time this comes out) I can say she is the right choice. Even though she was new to her position, she guided the staff effectively and with confidence over the summer. As her #2, it was impressive to see her handle what summer camp could throw at her!
 
         Whether we were sanitizing camp post-impetigo or play a daunting wide game, this summer was full of surprises! But it also birthed new goals for our beloved camp. Whether it was Stump creating a wide game that pitched many teams against one and other and ended with a game of capture the flag, Nimbus helping create a new tipi door cover, Wind taking the initiative to create new environment programs using our property or my cataloguing of our storied past, camp is assuredly going somewhere. The passion to create new and great things at camp was present this summer. Not all projects were completed (Outdoor chapel) but some quietly achieved their place (New exciting wide games, staff that wants to create a legacy). I’ve no doubt that after this summer, the expectations placed on summer staff of 2017 will be incredible. But I know that they’ll pull through. Camp is home of the resilient, brave, slightly deranged few. But gosh darn if we aren’t the best community around. So thank you to all who made summer of 2016 what it was. There will never be another one like it. And I take comfort in that.
 
​- André (Apollo) Prevost

Spending a week away at summer camp can be a scary experience for new campers.  Often our first year campers have never spent more than a night or two away from home.  Although it can be scary for the camper, it can also be a scary experience for parents.  We are asking them to trust us in caring for their most prized possessions for an entire week.   To help settle the fear a little bit, I thought I would dedicate this blog to our parents.
I called up 3 Camp Super Moms and asked them to answer a few questions about their experience in sending their kids to camp for the first time.   
Lisa's son Cody has been attending camp for many years and he currently volunteers most of his summer as a Counsellor.  
Perry sent all her 5 kids to camp as campers.  A few of them returned as volunteers and one worked as a Program Staff. Perry herself served on the Camp Board of Directors for many years.  
Sandy's daughter Paula attended camp as a camper, a volunteer counsellor, a program staff, and served on the Camp Board of Directors.  Sandy worked for several years as Admin Staff as well as Camp Director from 2013-2014.  
Here is what they have to say about being first time Camp Parents.

How did you first hear about Camp Encounter? 

Lisa: Grade 2 was a very challenging year for Cody both at school and in our home life - and I was looking for something to do with Cody for some of the summer. I approached our Youth Coordinator at our church (St. Charles) and she could not speak more highly about Camp Encounter. On her recommendation, I did some research and then enrolled Cody for his first week at Camp. 

Perry: A Friend of my son invited him to go with him.

Sandy: Through our school - Grade 6 camping trip.

How did you feel sending your child off to Camp for the first time?    

Lisa: I was devastated! Cody and I have been on our own since he was a baby and we had never been apart for more than a night at a time...how would I ever survive 5 nights without him. I took a deep breath, knowing this was a great thing for him, and booked lots of activities for myself to keep busy while he was gone. I was so happy he was going to the environment he was headed to, but so afraid to let him go! 

Perry: A bit nervous but thought it would be a good experience for him and felt it would be great for him to learn more about his faith in this environment instead of just going to church.

Sandy: Paula asked to go on her own to summer camp after the Gr 6 trip - I thought "wow" this place must be something for a 12 year old to want to go without friends.

What was your biggest fear about sending them? 

Lisa: I was so afraid that he would go and not make friends, that he would struggle without me, that he would be lonely and want to come home. I wished he had a friend to go with, but the first year he went by himself...at least for the first few hours. 

Perry: I was worried if he would like it and have fun and fit in!

Sandy: Probably supervision.

What was your biggest comfort in sending them? 

Lisa: I was very happy that the camp that we chose was faith based - that they had morals and values that they would instil in Cody. I loved hearing that a priest (Fr. Catfish) was a regular visitor of the camp and worked with the kids and guided them. 

Perry: That he was with a friend.

Sandy:  How safe she felt and how happy she was.

What was your biggest hope for their return? 

 Lisa: I hoped that Cody would come home with some inner peace. He desperately needed some self confidence and praise from someone other than mom! 

Perry: That they would have fun but also learn something about their faith and add to their faith - see it in a different way.

Sandy: That she was able to have some new experiences in a safe environment and making new friends    

What changes did you notice in your child when they returned home? 
 
Lisa: "Who is this child, and what did you do with my Cody?" I uttered those words many times in the few weeks after Cody came home! When Cody drove away on the bus headed for camp there were tears of fear and nervousness. When he returned, there were tears also, but they represented the amazing time he had, how he would miss his new friends and how much he loved the place he would learn to call his second home. When Cody got off the bus after his first week, he made the effort to go and talk to Gravey (David) - I thought he was going to thank him for the week and say see you next year...but what he said was "be careful Gravey, one day I'm going to have your job!" I truly believe after attending as a camper for 7 years and including this coming summer as a counsellor for 3 years...I will see that happen! Cody has become this amazing, outgoing person who has found his faith, his confidence, his love for children and his desire to give to the kids what camp has given to him. 

Perry: More Confident, New Friends which he to this day, 17 years later, still connects with.

Sandy: How excited she was about her experience, how she wanted to go back before she even came home and her opportunities to grow through managed risks

If you could tell Camp Staff anything about working with parents, what would you say? 

Lisa: Continue to do what you do! I love how you chat with the kids and parents at the bus - it gives them a friend before they even depart. 

Perry: To assure them their kid won't be left out and learn something and have fun learning about their faith.

Sandy: Understand that this is their "baby" so safety is always a concern, managing risks with still allowing their kids to have fun and extend themselves in ways they may never have before.  Also that everyone comes from a different background so not to over-react to criticism - assess whether the concern is real and if so address in a thoughtful way.

If you could tell parents sending their kids to camp anything, what would you say? 

Lisa: Let them go...you couldn't ask for them to be in a more fun and faithful place. The staff, counsellors and community will take the best of care of your children, they will wrap their arms around them, teach them and instil a faithful foundation that will help and guide them for many years to come.

Perry: It is the best on so many different levels: confidence, faith, friendship building, independence, problem solving etc.  I feel the staff at our Camp are so real and relevant which is huge for teaching about faith in todays world.  I love Camp and am so glad that all FIVE  of my kids experienced it of a number of years in their growing up!!!

Sandy: Camp Encounter is a wonderful place for children to have an opportunity to have fun, meet new friends, have new experiences and try new activities.  Today children don't always have an opportunity to try low-risk activities in a safe environment and that is such an important aspect of their growth.


Thank-you to Lisa, Perry, and Sandy for their honesty and wise words.  Also a thank-you to all our super moms, dads, grandparents, aunts, uncles, foster families, etc.  Thank-you for trusting us with your kids and I hope that you too will see the benefits of Camp for years to come.  Also please share your story with other parents whose kids you think could benefit from Camp.  

I'd like to start off by apologizing for the lack of blog posting.  Spring Programming is in full gear and the staff and I have been working our butts off.  I decided for this posting to do what I do best and tell my staff to do it.  Here is what they have been up to this spring.

Hey everyone, Sunshine here! Sitting with me are Kodiak and River, and we are so excited to be writing this blog! We thought it would be fun to tell you all how things work out at camp in the spring time. It’s much different than summer, but still tons of fun! 

This spring has been an amazing one so far. There has been tons of sun (which Kodiak is now allergic to), and earlier this week we even got to go swimming with a group (benefits of having the lifeguard on spring staff). In spring, rather than having kids out for the whole week, we have school retreats come out. Sometimes we have two groups per week, or sometimes even four! Even though most groups are only here for two short days, we always manage to have tons of fun with them. 

In the spring we mainly only run adventure programming, so rather than doing crafts and rec and other activities in our sessions, we rotate between canoeing, archery, rock wall, and challenge course. We all love running adventure programs.  Rivers favourite thing to run is canoeing, but Kodiak and I love Challenge Course. We play Capture the Flag with almost every group, and boy do some kids ever get into that game. It is definitely one of the favourites. The one thing that never changes even during spring is our campfire program. We do a campfire for every group, and introduce them to the silliness of camp. Working spring is a ton of fun, we all agree we couldn’t ask for a better job.

This is Kodiak now. And I know whats up, meaning I'm normally in charge no matter what Zebra might say. My favourite part of spring is the kids and the cookies. And the spring family is alright too. Just kidding, I love them! They keep me on my toes, even if it means getting me off my lazy butt to run (cardio is hardio), reminding me I'm tuff and keeping me from being too sassy. 

It's Sunshine again, Kodiak likes to think she's the boss sometimes, but really Zebra has appointed River in charge of Kodiak! As you can see, we have tons of fun joking around with each other out here but we really are a little family! Today is my birthday and when I got to camp River and Kodiak had made me chocolate covered strawberries, my favourite! It's awesome when all your coworkers are also your best friends. 

Anyway, that's all we have to say for now! Spring is awesome but summer will be as well and we can’t wait to see everyone who comes out! It's going to be an amazing summer for sure! We shall leave you with some picture of this spring so far! See you all soon!

I am so excited for our first Camp Encounter member feature.  Is there any better way to start it off, than by someone who was there at the beginning? So let me introduce someone to you. Someone who saw Camp as a dream before a physical place.  One of many behind our mission and values.  And the one responsible for the notorious "Survival Game" we still play today.  Meet Owl:

When we think of Camp Encounter, we often think of present day.  Whether it be the physical elements like our beautiful large mess hall or the present day community and the love that is felt there.  I am fortunate enough to have experienced 20 years of Camp.  While the physical elements may have changed some; the love, community, and appreciation for God and nature hasn't.  We need to step back sometimes and give a nod to the ones who started it all.  The ones who believed in a place and made it happen. And the ones who stuck to the dream for all the years following.  Camp exists and will continue to exist because of our past, because of our present, and because of our dreams for the future.

I asked Wilf a few simple questions, and got some pretty powerful answers.  So without any further ado, here we go.

How did You become involved in Camp Encounter?

Growing up in rural Alberta during simpler yet challenging times, connected me to the outdoors in a meaningful way. My understanding of how I should navigate life’s journey is rooted in many of the  outdoor experiences, which I have been privileged and continue to enjoy. Many of these experiences have given me an unadulterated sense of joy and continue to be a source of peace and happiness in which I continue to seek out meaning and goodness. I find God in this awesome place called the outdoors, a place of uncluttered, profound complexity, while still embracing an authentic, nurturing and refreshing simplicity.  

As a husband, father, grandfather, and science teacher, I believe that the outdoors is the natural classroom for learning. Lessons are learned through meaningful hands on experiences. Imagination is allowed to inspire. Freedom is nurtured by nature’s boundaries rather than the concrete walls of institutional buildings and virtual fantasies of the latest technology.

During the early seventies, outdoor and environmental education was receiving some emphasis in the educational systems across Alberta. Outdoor experiences and camps were popular and some resources were being provided to support this type of experiential learning.

The Edmonton Catholic School System created a position for an Outdoor and Environmental Education Consultant. I applied for the position and was appointed in 1975, a position I held until 1978. Like so many things within formal institutional structures of learning, fads come and go and unfortunately the position I occupied was one of the cosmetic items wiped from the agenda of educational priorities.

During this time, however, a few other colleagues in the school system shared a common vision of providing a permanent facility and place where kids could come and experience the outdoors. It was my dream that Outdoor Education would become integrated within the formal educational system, where Alberta Education and school boards would create and support this type of programming for all students during their formative grade school years. This was obviously a momentary illusion, not grounded in the reality of conventional educational economics and technological priority.

 During my time as Outdoor Consultant, however, good committed people saw merit in the cause for a permanent facility, formed a hard working board of directors and continued to pursue the dream outside the formal educational system. Because of this committed voluntary board and dedication of the wonderful, capable and caring staff that the Good Lord has provided over the years and the support by thousands of volunteer donors and helpers, camp has been sustained and will, hopefully continue to grow and flourish.    

My story with Camp Edmonton Encounter started during my time as an Outdoor Education and Environmental Consultant with the Edmonton Catholic School System and lasted until 2006, when I left the Camp Encounter Board. 

First Memory of Camp:

An assortment of dilapidated old buildings and piles of accumulated junk collected over years of neglect.

Also, working with a sense of purpose and in solidarity with others who shared hope and a common vision of building something worthwhile and good for our young people.

Favourite Camp Activity:

Any activity that had a certain sense of adventure, was physically active and encouraged happy, meaningful participation and relevant learning experiences.  An activity that was empowering for the participant and the teacher.

Also, singing the “Jay Bird” song at campfire with camp’s first director, Brent Keiser in lead and in fine voice. “Well a way down the road……..”

Favorite Camp Food:

Camp’s first cook, John Pearson’s chocolate chip cookies, which were always available in cookie jars anytime of the day for everyone.

What tools has camp given you?

A sense of appreciation, gratefulness and an attitude of abundance. I still reflect on the mission statement, name and logo that we created during the early years of camp. It has become my own personal mission statement.

“Encourage Christian Community, deepen Christian Commitment and sensitize through the natural environment, an understanding attitude of respect, reverence and celebration of all life."

Advise to First Time Campers:

Be open and welcoming. Enjoy one another, the camp surroundings, the activities and the opportunity to learn. Welcome the challenges without fear, knowing there are those around you who love you and are there to help you. 

Advise to Parents:

The same advise given to campers, within the same spirit of camp but in the context of being a parent.   

Advise to Staff:

Your role within the camp community is one of leadership. Wear and live the Camp Encounter spirit, mission and brand with respect and honor. Remember you are part of a loving supportive community. Gain strength and empowerment from the practise, witness and presence of this reality.

If you could buy one thing for camp, no matter the cost, no limits to imagination (or plausibility) what would you buy?

I would provide the necessary resources for staff development of leadership skills in all camp related areas of operation and programming. This would be an ongoing process of people and program support, allowing for professional development, certification and the recognition that the camping experience requires full time career people, who deserve fair, competitive compensation and working conditions that provide an incentive to remain in this area of service rather than losing good people because of burn out and lack of opportunity. 

With imagination, professional competence and necessary financial support, the potential is unlimited as to the types of wholesome experiences and programs that would be possible. These types of experiences should be the norm, rather than the exception in our educational system. This type of serious investment for all our youth allows for the education and development of the whole person and recognizes the great worth and potential of each human being. This in contrast to our current approach of educational delivery, where the emphasis is on programming people to become units of production in a world of consumerism and competition of winners and losers. 

Much more must be done in empowering and preparing our young people with the ability and tools to address the issues of environmental stewardship, social inclusion and how we can ensure life will not only be sustained on this planet but how it can also be embraced within a culture of justice, equity, peace and love.

I believe Pope Francis would agree.

As to an addition to a programming item: Anything that adds to the spirit of adventure such as a zip line from well above the top of the climbing wall to the island camp site.

Wilf Borgstede  (Owl)

Why hello there! It’s been awhile! Thanks for stopping by.

I’ve just returned from the Alberta Camping Association’s (check out albertacamping.com to see what they are all about) annual conference and I’m feeling re-energized about camp and the busy season ahead.  One thing that was talked about was blogging (yes we managed to escape from laser tag and recreating famous paintings long enough to actually get down to business).  I’ll admit I’ve failed at blogging in the past.  However I’m hoping that if I start and get into the habit before busy season, it will be a bit easier to handle in between capture the flag and campfires.

So why should you be interested in Camp Encounter’s blog?  Well I have a few reasons.

Parents-wouldn’t it be great to have a sneak peak into your kids week at camp WHILE they are still there?  Or how about learning more about the staff you are sending your kids off to for the week?  We can also give you testimonials from real parents who sent their kids to camp and why it changed their kid’s life or who can answer questions about some of your fears.

Alumni-learn more about how you can stay involved with camp.  See how camp has changed through the years or see how so much of what you loved is still the same.

Staff- get a chance to guest blog or help a camper to guest blog.  Get assess to resources to help you become a better staff.  Share your story on what camp has meant to you.

And many many more!

So this is my promise to you.  I will blog more. Or find someone to blog.  But I need your help to.  I need you to read.  I need you to comment. I need you to share.  I’m also going to attempt posting a weekly or bi-monthly feature of a member of our community.  This might be a staff member, super parent, camper, counselor, or volunteer.  I need you to nominate someone to be featured.  I’m also looking for guest bloggers.  So if writing is your thing (or even if it’s not), please let me know.

I hope this works and becomes a useful tool for our community, because we have a beautiful and diverse one.

Yours in Christ,

Zebra (Lisa Allen)