Do something different

Mennonite Church

Manitoba

The Bible theme this summer at Camps with Meaning was "Come, follow me." However, a secondary theme also emerged over the summer, "Do something different."

Summer program directors brought it to life through various innovative twists. A first night introductory activity included frozen T-shirts. Nature games were incorporated into the weekly campout. Night hikes involved smells, sparks and awe at God's creation. Over a dozen new scenes were developed for use in a weekly "Passion Play." These new twists brought life-giving energy to the summer program.

Bob Wiebe, director of Camping Ministries, reports other "different" programs this summer that were a welcome addition to Camps with Meaning. This year, the Bible curriculum was shaped in a cooperative manner by the three camp Bible teachers, with guidance and direction from a pastor of one of the MC Manitoba congregations.

A fine, enthusiastic group of teens took part in a new Servant in Leadership Training program, which included a challenging week-long out-trip at Camp Koinonia. A Day Camp program at Camp Assiniboia, in which children came out daily to the camp for a week of activities, was so successful some campers signed up for a second week. Enrolment targets were met for a brand new Assiniboia youth camp in August.

Wiebe expressed gratitude for the creative and passionate individuals who brought these new ideas. These changes have had a positive effect on CwM programs, he said.