Registration and Details HERE

Our second annual Imagine Children’s Retreat. It’s for Children and their leaders. Registration is now open.

First Third Ministry will offer children and youth programming in conjunction with the Chinook Winds Regional Meeting. You’ll find more information HERE

The post First Third Events for Winter & Spring 2026 appeared first on Chinook Winds Region.

Camp Caravan is already rolling into 2026 with energy, imagination, and big dreams—and we’re inviting people and communities to be part of the journey.

As a travelling, community-based summer day camp, Camp Caravan brings a week of joy, creativity, belonging, and connection to children and families across Chinook Winds Region and beyond. Each summer, local partnerships make it possible for campers to explore kindness, community, and faith through play, music, outdoor adventure, and shared stories.

Now Hiring for Summer 2026

We’re currently hiring Camp Caravan staff and leaders for Summer 2026—and we’re looking for people who love working with children, value inclusion, and want to be part of something meaningful.

Camp Caravan team members are:

• Caring, enthusiastic, and community-minded
• Ready to lead games, creativity, outdoor play, and moments of reflection
• Excited to help create spaces where every child feels safe, known, and celebrated

Whether you’re an experienced camp leader or someone exploring leadership in a supportive, values-centred environment, we’d love to hear from you.

View positions & APPLY HERE!

Host Site Applications Now Open for 2026

We’re also delighted to share that Host Site Applications for Camp Caravan 2026 are now open.

Congregations and community partners are invited to apply to host Camp Caravan for one week during the summer. Host communities provide space and local connection—Camp Caravan brings the trained staff, programming, supplies, and camp magic.

Hosting Camp Caravan is a beautiful way to:

• Support children and families in your wider community
• Animate your space with laughter, creativity, and connection
• Partner in a ministry rooted in belonging, care, wonder, and joy

Applications remain open until all available camp weeks are confirmed, and not every question requires a “yes”—conversation and shared discernment are part of the process.

APPLY HERE to host Camp Caravan 2026!

Camper Registration Opening Soon

Planning for Summer 2026 is well underway, and Camper Registration will be opening soon. Dates, locations, and registration details will be shared in the coming weeks. Families are encouraged to keep an eye on the Camp Caravan website and newsletter for updates.

A Shared Journey

Whether you’re feeling called to lead, host, or simply learn more, Camp Caravan is built on relationships—and we’d love to connect.

Summer 2026 is already taking shape, and we’re excited for what’s ahead as Camp Caravan continues to grow, travel, and create spaces where children can belong, wonder, care, and create—together.

Learn more about Camp Caravan and what a week at camp looks like.

Questions or curiosity? We’re always happy to talk things through. Email Camping Minister Lisa Penzo

The post Camp Caravan 2026: We’re Hiring Staff & Welcoming Host Communities! appeared first on Chinook Winds Region.

Rooted in Care, Community, and Inclusion – 10 Summers Strong and Growing

As Advent fills our days with light and hope, the Camp Caravan team is reflecting on the joy, laughter, and belonging that filled this past summer. For ten wonderful years, Camp Caravan has travelled across Calgary and Southern Alberta — visiting congregations, parks, and communities — bringing a week of faith-filled fun to children and youth through stories, songs, crafts, and connection.

Each summer, Camp Caravan creates a space where children can grow in confidence, explore faith through creativity, and know that they are loved—just as they are. It’s a ministry that bridges generations and builds community, offering young adults leadership opportunities and helping churches connect with new families and neighbours in meaningful ways.

This Christmas, we invite you to be part of this ongoing story by giving the gift of camp — a gift that continues to grow long after the holiday season has passed.

Your gift supports:

• Camper bursaries for families in need
• Creative faith curriculum and supplies
• YouthCrew leadership training – helping young leaders grow in compassion, confidence, and care

Every gift plants a seed of hope:

• $25 – Art & Faith Materials
• $75 – Program Materials and Supplies
• $150 – Camper Bursary – sponsor a child to attend camp
• $500 – Supports YouthCrew Leadership Development

How to Give:
Online donation
Mail: Camp Caravan, Chinook Winds Region, P.O. Box 98, Okotoks, AB, T1S 1A4

Together, we can ensure that Camp Caravan continues to grow as a ministry rooted in care, community, and inclusion, helping children, youth, and leaders experience God’s love in creative and joyful ways.

Thank you for helping keep the Spirit of camp alive this Christmas!

With gratitude,

Lisa Penzo, Regional Minister, Camping Ministry

Camp Caravan
Fish Creek Shared Ministries & Chinook Winds Region
10 Summers Strong – Rooted in Care, Community & Inclusion

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Over seven incredible weeks, we played and prayed in sunshine and rain, made friendship bracelets and played the drums, learned new songs and shared old favourites, and discovered just how much fun faith can be when it’s rooted in community, care, and connection.

None of this would have been possible without an amazing village behind the scenes:

To our host churches and their communities of faith – thank you for opening your doors, sharing your space, and welcoming our team with such love and hospitality.

• St. David’s and Northminster United Church
• Fish Creek United Church
• Strathmore United Church
• Symons Valley United Church
• Southwood United Church
• St. Thomas United Church
• Southminster United Church and McKillop United Church, Lethbridge

To our dedicated volunteers – from snack crew to craft helpers, your gifts of talent, time, patience, and presence helped make the magic happen.

To our Mount Royal and U of C Campus Connectors – thank you for bringing your energy, kindness, and leadership to camp and offering our young campers such inspiring role models.

To every parent, caregiver, and grandparent who entrusted us with your kids this summer—thank you for sharing your families with us. We’ve loved every moment.

And to our rockstar staff team, who packed bins, led songs, danced in the rain, held space for big feelings, and brought Camp Caravan to life with heart and humour—thank you for leading with love every single day.

As one parent said, “I couldn’t be any happier and thankful for my daughter to attend the camp. Every day she’d come home excited, sharing songs, prayers, and stories—she made new friends, learned so much, and had an amazing time.”

Camp Caravan will be back next summer, but until then, we carry the spirit of this season with us—rooted in care, community, and inclusion.

See you down the road!

With gratitude,

Lisa and the Camp Caravan Crew

Camp Caravan A Ministry of Chinook Winds Region and Fish Creek Shared Ministries

10 Summers Strong – And We’re Just Getting Started!

The post Camp Caravan 2025: A Summer to Remember 💛 appeared first on Chinook Winds Region.

Camp Caravan’s 10th summer is off to an incredible start! With hearts full and vehicles packed with games, glitter, and God’s love, we’ve already rolled through two beautiful weeks of camp magic – starting at St. David’s / Northminster United Church, and finishing up this week at Fish Creek United Church.

From story circles and silly songs to wild games, creative crafts, and care-filled connections, our campers brought the energy every single day! They made thread bracelets, learned new campfire songs, shared in prayers and peaceful moments, and built friendships that will last long beyond summer.

Each week has been packed with laughter, learning, and love – a chance for kids to grow in confidence, creativity, and connection. Whether soaking up the sunshine during outdoor games or savoring a delicious snack (hello, Pizza Day!), our campers made the most of every moment.

(A big thanks to our hosts and kitchen teams for keeping tummies happy!)

Camp Caravan remains a place where faith meets fun, and everyone belongs.

Behind all the joy is an amazing staff team bringing the Camp Caravan spirit to life:

• Kendra, our Wonder-Finder & Team Lead, brings heart, nature-love, and leadership magic.
• McKenzie, our Adventure-Seeker & Program Lead, brings energy, care, and three years of experience.
• Emily, our Bug-Lover & Enthusiastic Leader, fills every day with creativity, play, and compassion.
• Emma, our Outdoor Educator & Camp Magic Maker, leads with heart, humour, and camp know-how.
• Miriam, our Creative Spirit & Longtime Leader, sparks art, joy, and kindness wherever she goes.

And the best part? The love and gratitude from families who make this journey with us. Here’s what families are already saying:

“Thank you so much for such a wonderful summer camp!” “I couldn’t be any happier and thankful for my daughter to attend the camp. Every day she’d come home very excited and tell me how her day went.” “She gained a new friend, learned to do thread bracelets, learned a new song and prayers—and was so happy during the camp.” “The snack is amazing, and she really enjoyed them. The pizza day was a bonus, and the outdoor activities were great!”

“She’s looking forward to another session!”“Hoping for more programs to be held in the NW area. We would love to do it over again as location permits!”

As we pack up and roll into our next location, we carry all this joy and gratitude with us. Whether it’s your first time at camp or your fifth, there’s a place for you in our big-hearted circle of care, community, and inclusion.

A heartfelt thank you to our Mount Royal University and University of Calgary Campus Connectors, and to the incredible community of faith volunteers who so generously shared their time, skills, and talents – your presence helped make the magic happen!

Upcoming Locations:

• Strathmore United Church – July 21
• Symons Valley United Church – July 28
• Southwood United Church – August 6 (4-day week)
• St. Thomas United Church – August 12
• Southminster United Church (Lethbridge) – August 19

No barriers. Bursaries available. Everyone is welcome.

Learn more or register at: camp-caravan.ca Follow along on Facebook: Camp Caravan, United Church of Canada

The post Camp Caravan Rolls into Summer: A Joy-Filled Kickoff to Fun, Friendship & Faith! appeared first on Chinook Winds Region.

By Lisa Penzo, Camping Minister
We had an absolutely incredible time under bright blue skies at Kasota East Camp, Sylvan Lake, for the very first Chinook Winds First Third Children’s Retreat, April 4-6, 2025! With joy, laughter, and faith woven into every moment, children and leaders explored the Parable of the Pearl of Great Price, discovering the treasures of God’s love, friendship, and belonging.
Throughout the weekend, children were engaged and energized—playing Gaga Ball and Duck Duck Everything, sharing meals, creating beautiful crafts, worshiping outdoors in the sunshine, and winding down around the campfire.

A special highlight was hearing their heartfelt responses to the campfire question, “What are you grateful for?” Answers included:

• New friends
• Watching the sun go down
• Sunsets and s’mores
• Needle felting
• Meeting someone from my neighbourhood

Leaders were deeply touched by the ways children stepped up—offering to lead grace, supporting one another, helping wherever needed, and bravely sharing their voices in worship and reflection.

Some favourite moments included:

• Campfire songs and marshmallow roasting
• Creative crafts like sensory jars, felting, and bracelet-making
• Singing, wide games, and spontaneous silliness
• Worship under the open sky
• Bunk beds and “flat happy” moments

The atmosphere was one of flexibility, wonder, and deepening connection.

One camper summed it up: “The best part was meeting new people—and the second night!”
Another chimed in: “I wouldn’t change a thing… except maybe more adventure!”
And another, wistfully: “It’s over already?”

There’s already talk of next year—with hopes for a longer retreat, a maker space, a real talent show, and yes… a scheduled pillow fight!

We are so grateful for the community that came together to make this retreat such a success—from our incredible leaders to the families who entrusted us with their children for the weekend.
Thank you for planting seeds of kindness and joy, and for being part of this beautiful beginning.
We can’t wait to gather again next year to imagine, play, pray, and grow together in God’s love.
With peace, sunshine, and gratitude,

Chinook Winds Children’s Retreat Leaders
The First Third Ministry Team – Chinook Winds Region

Prayer the children created for our Sunday morning worship

Dear loving Creator,

You treasure us SO MUCH!

Because of this,
We thank you and we worship you!
Thank you for the friends we’ve met
For our leaders that inspire us
For the yummy food and clean water
For the warm cabins and cozy beds
For the sunshine and beautiful weather
For the stories of Jesus
And the lessons we’ve learned
And the beautiful wildlife

We ask,
That the sun continues to shine
That these stories continue to be shared
And your love keeps spreading through everything we do
Help us to treasure your creation
To dream of a world full of your love,
Justice,
And peace.

In Jesus’ name,

Amen!

The post First-Ever Imagine Children’s Retreat: Sunlit Memories & Sacred Moments appeared first on Chinook Winds Region.

First Third Ministry and Fish Creek Shared Ministries are excited to invite your Community of Faith to be part of something truly special—hosting Camp Caravan 2025!

Camp Caravan is a travelling camping ministry that brings faith, fun, and community engagement to children and families right where they are. Now heading into our 10th summer, we are expanding our reach and seeking new host communities to partner with us in this transformative ministry.

What Does It Mean to Host Camp Caravan?

As a site host, you will welcome a trained and enthusiastic team of leaders who will deliver a week of engaging faith-based programming, including stories, music, creative arts, outdoor play, and meaningful community connections. Hosting Camp Caravan is a wonderful opportunity to:
Engage with children and families in your community
Strengthen relationships within and beyond your congregation
Offer a vibrant, faith-filled experience without the need to plan or staff it yourself

What’s Involved?

As a site host, your Community of Faith will:

• Provide indoor and outdoor space for camp activities
• Support the week by offering volunteers and community engagement opportunities
• Make a financial contribution to help sustain this valuable camping ministry
• Assist with accommodation arrangements for the Camp Caravan team if required

Ready to Learn More?

We would love to bring Camp Caravan to your community in Summer 2025! To explore this opportunity, please complete the Site Host Application at https://form.jotform.com/250564680559264

Any questions, please reach out to Lisa Penzo, Camping Minister

Camp Caravan 2025 is Hiring!

Camp Caravan is also hiring Summer Camp Counsellors. Please check out details and apply HERE

The post Bring Camp Caravan to Your Community this Summer 2025 appeared first on Chinook Winds Region.

We are thrilled to welcome Lisa Penzo as our Camping Minister with First Third Ministry! Lisa is supporting Camp Caravan and the broader camping ministries of Chinook Winds Region. This vital work is made possible thanks to support from the Chinook Winds Mission and Service Grant, Fish Creek Shared Ministries, and the camping ministries across our region. You can contact Lisa via email

Lisa brings over a decade of experience as a Children and Family Minister in the United Church of Canada, where she developed and implemented Duty of Care standards to ensure the safety, inclusion, and well-being of children, families, and camp programs. Her leadership has consistently reflected the United Church’s commitment to faith-based ministry, offering programs that nurture spiritual growth and build meaningful community connections. 

Lisa’s extensive background includes leadership roles such as Supervisor at YMCA Calgary’s Camp Riveredge and Aquatic Director, where she specialized in program design, safety management, volunteer coordination and team development. Her ability to create engaging and inclusive programming, including outdoor education, leadership development, and activity planning, has enriched the lives of countless children, youth, and families. 

As a certified First Aid Instructor and a leader in emergency planning, occupational health and safety (OH&S), and child protection, Lisa is deeply committed to creating safe and nurturing environments for all. Her work is firmly rooted in her faith values, striving to ensure that every participant feels welcome, valued, and supported in their spiritual and personal growth. 

In addition to her professional work, Lisa’s dedication to community service shines through her volunteer efforts. She has served as a leader and a trainer with Girl Guides of Canada, helping leaders deliver safe and impactful programming, and worked with the Calgary Police Service to foster safe and inclusive spaces. Lisa’s hands-on experience in creating comprehensive program frameworks, leadership workshops, and community outreach initiatives underscores her ability to bring innovative and meaningful opportunities to life. 

Lisa is also a school trustee for the Foothills School Division. She was also recently awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal for her volunteer work with Girl Guides.

The post Welcome to Lisa Penzo, Camping Minister appeared first on Chinook Winds Region.

Please see photo gallery below

At its 80^th 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

The post Canyon Church Camp raises flag to mark new era! Rebuilding camp is underway! appeared first on Chinook Winds Region.

Canyon Church Camp is thrilled to announce its 80th anniversary celebration will include a ceremony to break ground on Saturday, August 17, 2024. The celebration takes place from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM at the camp, located along the road to Red Rock Canyon in Waterton Lakes National Park.

Since the 2017 Kenow Wildfire destroyed half of the camp’s buildings and infrastructure, the camp board and volunteers have worked hard to raise funds and to overcome hurtles for rebuilding. That rebuilding begins Monday, August 19.

On Saturday, August 17, the celebrations begin with camp tours and a variety of come and go camp activities for all ages from 1 to 3 pm. Guests will have the opportunity to participate in crafts, nature exploration, games, drama, music, drumming, visiting, and shopping at the camp store. At 3 pm, the festivities will shift to a flag-raising ceremony and groundbreaking event with stories, speeches, and to mark the camp’s new chapter. Then guests are invited to enjoy celebratory cake, a smokeless campfire sing-along, and a reflective vesper service, ending at 5 pm.

The day promises to be a memorable experience as we reflect on our past and look forward to a bright future.

As the event will be held outdoors, like all campers, attendees are advised to come prepared for all types of weather. Essentials include rain gear, warm layers, an umbrella, bug spray, sunscreen, a water bottle, a lawn chair, camp memorabilia, and cash/cheques for the camp store and/or donations. Please note that potable water will be limited on-site, and porta potties will be available for use. As parking is limited, carpooling is strongly encouraged.

We extend a warm invitation to all alumni, friends, and supporters from across southern Alberta to join us in celebrating this milestone and seeing the exciting plans for Camp Canyon’s future.

Also, please note and get tickets to attend the George Canyon Concert for Camp Canyon on October 3, 2024.

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