Please see photo gallery below
At its 80th anniversary and ground-breaking celebration this August, Canyon Church Camp once again raised a Canadian flag on its flagpole. To camp board members, volunteers and supporters, the raising was significant: Camp is back!
Back in late August 2017, campers and staff ended the camping season by gathering around the pole to lower the flag. In early September, the Kenow wildfire destroyed half of the camp’s buildings and infrastructure and a significant portion of Waterton Lakes National Park in southwestern Alberta where the camp is located.
For nearly seven years, the camp board and volunteers have worked hard to overcome hurdles for rebuilding. They have now raised approximately 80 per cent of their $2 million rebuilding goal. In late August, the rebuilding began. Renovations started on existing buildings and the utilities and the girls’ washroom are being rebuilt. As well, the foundations are going in for buildings to be brought in next spring. The aim is to open camp next year, summer of 2025!
At the Camp Canyon celebration, Acting Superintendent for Waterton Lakes National Park John Festarini raised the flag with the Camp’s Fundraising Chair Karen Larter. Festarini said that collaboration between the Parks and partners such as Canyon Camp ensures meaningful visitor experiences in our national parks.
Chinook Winds Regional Minister Karen Medland also spoke from her experience as an adult leader at camps. She said that camping ministries strongly impact children and their young adult leaders, who experience a week immersed in God’s beautiful creation which may be the only time some get such an opportunity. She added that United Church camps take seriously their role in helping young people become leaders who care about others and our world.
Fundraising Chair Karen Larter and Board Chair Christina Whittmire took shovels to do the ceremonial groundbreaking on what will be the location for the new accessible craft shack that will include accessible washrooms and first aid station. It’s where the old craft shack and staff accommodation stood.
During the afternoon celebrations, people were able to take tours, make crafts, hear and tell stories of camp experiences and enjoy cupcakes. The day finished with a vesper service.
Fundraising efforts continue. You can make a DONATION on Camp Canyon’s website.
Also, GET TICKETS to attend the George Canyon Concert for Camp Canyon on October 3, 2024 at Southminster United, Lethbridge.
See previous post on Camp Canyon’s 80th
Please click on photos below to see captions. Photos by MiYeon Kim & Marianne Stevens
