“Summer 2021 was filled with incredible opportunities for Turtle Mountain Bible Camp! As Charles Dickens wrote, ‘It was the best of times and worst of times,’ as we navigated the challenges, as we would plan, adjust and repeat to meet the ever-changing COVID regulations,” says Chelsie Zylstra the assistant director. “However, we were able to have families back after a full year and a half of being closed. Those families who joined us brought with them a joy and excitement that rejuvenated our weary hearts. Camp ministry is where God has called us. The ministry opportunities that came during 2021 reminded us of why we are here.”
TMBC hired Zylstra in May to meet the need for an experienced full-time equestrian director. She was able to offer horseback riding a few times during Family Camp, and on-site riding lessons officially started Aug.t 17.
“So far we have had an encouraging amount of interest from the local communities. Prices range from $35per hour for private lessons, $25 each for semi-private and $15 each for group lesson (up to four/group).
Riding lessons are being offered to help offset some costs for the Equine program and bring people on-site to learn what is available at TMBC. The board is presently looking at winterizing the barn to enable us to offer lessons year-round.
We are planning a skijoring fundraiser event this winter in November or February, depending on snow conditions. The goal for this is bring more awareness to our lesson program, as well as raise funds to assist towards expenses for horses and barn upgrades,” Zylstra said. For lessons or more information, call camp at 204-747-2587.
Having the new facility operational provided us the privilege of hosting several rental groups, along with Family Camping in July and August. It was encouraging to be able to safely meet the need for ‘community’ by providing fellowship that has been missing for so long. Optional events like “Build a Boat” (out of cardboard and duct tape), water balloon fights, “Who’s the Most?” and other activities were offered.
Wonderful home cooked meals were provided through our new dining hall and the waterfront for swimming (slide/kayaks/canoes/paddleboarding) were available. Guests could also sign up at various time slots for other activities. In the evenings, there were various campfire areas available for roasting marshmallows or family visiting. Outdoor chapels were held at the main campfire as families sat on blankets or in chairs as family ‘pods’. It was great to see many lasting memories being made.
JOY camp
In September, there was so much joy as ‘old’ and ‘new’ friends came to see the new facility and enjoy this long-anticipated time together at our JOY (Just Older Youth) Camp. Many took advantage of the lovely weather and enjoyed the zip line, horseback riding, archery and other outdoor games. Earl and Barb Case from Killarney came to share in the chapels. The musicians and seniors singing the old hymns was so wonderful to hear again. Many expressed how God’s presence was so evident!
Site manager Menno Bartsch said, “We chose not to operate the boat this summer since our lake water levels were extremely low. We were glad we rebuilt the water slide, as it was so rewarding to see the many smiles as it was enjoyed by all ages over and over again. Even dads and youth competed to see who could go the farthest in the tubes on the slide.
“Over-all the weather was incredible. We brought in more topsoil, seeded and used lake water in our old camp water system and sprinklers to keep things watered, which quickly paid off with a lush green lawn around the new facility. I always wish summers would last for another six months, but then again maybe that would be just a little too much grass to cut.
“Bonnie Dancey designed and orchestrated the building of beautiful rock/plant gardens around the new building and passed on her skills to our young people. Randall Buhler once again gave up his job to come and assist on maintenance for the ninth summer. He refurbished the old dinner bell and added a beautiful turtle hanger for it. The bell continues to be something all the little ones love to ring when it is mealtime. Randall and Peter Klassen showed just how flexible they were by stepping out of their comfort zone and helping with the kid’s day camp programs.”
In September, we were blessed to have two SOWER (Servants On Wheels Ever Ready) couples, Brian and Beverly Gauntlett from Chilliwack, B.C. and Darren and Sandra Urkevich from Drayton Valley, Alta. They shingled a donated Chalet building, put up more railings, assisted with meals and dishes at JOY Camp and worked on upgrading doors, windows, insulation and siding on the staff house.
We are so grateful for donations that came in to help towards this project. A highlight for the SOWERS was taking in the Food Grains Community Harvest event last weekend, as they had the opportunity to ride in the grain carts and combines with several of the local farmers.
During the first eight weeks of spring crew (May-June), our leadership team was often in limbo with so many unknowns, as they endeavored to navigate ever changing regulations (from being allowed to run Day Camps to having to focus on virtual camps and then switching back when Day Camps were once again permitted).
Our amazing off-site team of youth were incredible. They sacrificed so much and were committed to doing whatever was needed to make camp happen. At the end of the season we can celebrate the full five weeks of day camp and Ignite youth programs held in Brandon, Virdentwo separate locations in Killarney (where Boissevain children were bussed), Waskada/Deloraine and Rivers.
This year TMBC chose to offer full day programs. This provided the ability to build relationships, allowing more time for campers to talk, be heard and loved while experiencing fun and community.
Diana Pringle said, “The youth in our Ignite evening programs were eager to ask questions as we navigated topics such as loneliness, anxiety, why following Jesus is worth it, and why faith and hope are so important. A highlight was seeing many teens interested in our DNT (Disciples In Training) program and desire to serve at camp next summer.”
Assistant director Zylstra said, “Our Ignite Directors, Diana Pringle and Robyn Kampen were originally hired to create and lead a new Discipleship program at TMBC. However, this program wasn’t permitted this year. It was our desire to take what works well, our original DNT leadership program, and make it into a two-step program divided up by age and responsibilities.
The older age group (ages 16-17) would have a more cabin leader focus and we still hope to be able to run this over Spring Break 2022. This will equip TMBC with trained cabin leaders and establish a core team who can bring us back to overnight camping.
There were many new adaptions to how we run camp and as we reflect on the past two summers, we have found new things we can incorporate into our overnight camps when they return. We continue to seek God to lead us into the next chapter of ministry. It is an exciting and challenging time and these last two summers have shown us that God is on the move and is bringing us with Him as He makes Himself known throughout Manitoba!”
Adam Izzard, the programmer for the Day Camps said, “We intentionally chose themes for each day that were reflected in the Bible station, crafts, skits, games, and devotional. This allowed the campers to understand and internalize the Bible stories more effectively. We appreciated the partnership working with area churches who assisted us in providing meals and arranging accommodations for our team. Each and every week all of us had a roof and walls (albeit sometimes fabric) to stay in. Some were generous enough to allow us to take over their homes, or space in their basement. Our summer was completed with laughter, purpose, and community. It was a privilege to do ministry and extend God’s love to those we encountered, and in turn see lives impacted by the Gospel. Times of adversity were met with overwhelming provision and strength from God as He gave wisdom and guided us through. It was wonderful to bring hope and encouragement to many who were anxious, lonely or fearful.”
On an Instagram post, Adam said:
“God, thank you for a summer that broke us down so that you could restore. Thank you for a summer that taught us what it means for your mercies to be new every morning. Thank you for helping us rejoice in times of struggle. Thank you for a summer that unapologetically stretched us in new ways. And thank you for this “family unit” that shaped me in new ways. For them I am very thankful.”
The directors Howard and Kathy Weir said, “It has been amazing to see God faithfully provide for each need. The various staff needs of health officers, cooks (a huge blessing was having Tri-Leaf and Maple Grove Colony send us some amazing cooks for some of our Family Camping), wranglers or other team members were all met. Volunteers came to lend a hand.
“Donations of produce and buns from Wellwood colony, and others who provided meat, potatoes and gave financially, all made the ongoing ministry possible. We evidenced good health and safety of all our staff and guests.
“At the end of August, we were able to host our daughter Jenni’s marriage to Jeremy Doerksens at TMBC. It was a beautiful day for an outdoor ceremony and regulations permitted a small group to enjoy the reception dinner together.
“The summer was fruitful, lives were changed and we celebrate the unchanging hope we have in Christ! To hear campers express, “This was the best week of our lives” and another tell us that prior to camp they had no intention of continuing to live, made it all so worthwhile,” Weir said.
