In 1962 Clearwater Bible Camp opened its doors to the children and youth of the North Thompson Valley.
For the past 50 years, thousands of young people have attended Clearwater Bible Camp. Many had their lives changed as they learned about the truths of the Bible. Started by the Evangelical Free Church, the camp originally consisted of one large log house. The girls camped in the lower floor while the boys lived on the top floor. Various camp activities were enjoyed on the undeveloped three acres of land. Over time some cabins were built along with washrooms and a dining room.
In 1989 the property was leased to Canadian Sunday School Mission. This organization already had camps throughout Canada. In B.C. alone, it had already developed six Bible camps, as well as some new churches, ministries to the mentally challenged and vacation Bible schools.
Since then, the local camp has expanded to a number of new cabins and a well supplied dining room. Today the camp has seven cabins, staff rooms, a workshop, a water slide, a climbing tower, as well as other facilities that add to the summer fun.
Also in 1989, Tom and Marguerite Meland became the camp directors. They must have liked it, because they stayed for the next 20 years. Their daughter and son-in-law, Dawn and Duane Bakken took over directing the camp until they moved into a different ministry that will take them overseas. This summer, Tom and Marguerite are back as the interim camp managers. They have great help from administrator Angela Upton, seasonal director Ben Johnson, and program director Hannah Jurus. Both Ben and Hannah have attended and worked at this camp for many years. The campers have so much fun with them.
This anniversary summer looks very exciting! We have some of the most experienced staff yet and many fun activities. This will include: climbing, water rafting, inner-tubing, canoeing, archery, crafts, riflery, hiking, wide games and water fun. Chapel times are a big part of Clearwater Bible camp. The campers love the singing and the Bible teaching.
To help celebrate this anniversary, the staff organized a youth rally to be held on Saturday, June 16. A community open house is planned for Sunday, June 24, 1 p.m. - 4 p.m. There will be refreshments and activities. This family afternoon will be fun, fun, fun!
There’s still room for more campers this summer. Register your children for a time they will never forget.
Check out the camp at www.clearwaterbiblecamp.com .
– Clearwater Bible Camp