Camp Okema offers exciting, God-filled activities for all ages

CAMP OKEMA (Skwn) — 1 John 4 reminds us that “God is love,” and that love becomes real when we live in community.

At Camp Okema, children and adults are welcomed, valued and reminded that they are deeply loved by God and by others. This past summer, Camp Okema had the opportunity to work in ministry with over 300 adults and youths.

We started the summer by celebrating God’s love with a Fun Run and Open House. Camp Okema hosted 70 people to take a walk or jog in the gorgeous boreal forest and experience love and laughter. The run was followed by a swim, camp crafts and tours. Bishop Rick led us in a Morning Prayer service around the campfire. It was a great opportunity to get acquainted with Camp Okema and make new friends and rekindle some older acquaintances.

After a great opening, Cabin Leader Training for participants over age 14 was held to prepare staff and volunteers for a fun-filled summer. The focus was for teens and adults from across the province to come together to learn about God’s love and learn the practicalities of supporting campers to have the best week possible while at camp.

We practised many leadership skills surrounding safety and communication as well as canoeing, archery and drama skills. Though topics were often serious, everyone had fun and new friendships were forged.

Junior Teen campers aged 13 to 15 enjoyed a sunny week with the theme, “Follow the Word, Not the Herd,” a Western Theme. Twenty-one campers participated in many sports, crafts, and outdoor adventures around this theme. They danced, had cookouts, and went on an outing to Murray Point. Campers learned to rope, went tubing and closed the week with a talent show. In the chapel, students learned about Daniel’s story.

Junior Camp saw 23 10- to 12-year-olds speed along in a Mario Theme. They enjoyed crafts, canoeing, archery, games, a crazy gorilla meal and decorated cupcakes. Fun was had by all, and everyone was sad to see the week conclude.

Ten Canoe Campers at Youth Canoe Camp and 15 participants at the Adult Canoe Camp start at Camp Okema to get organized and learn the basics. They then ventured north for an amazing trip to Stanley Mission and the Nistowiak Falls. They portaged, cooked out over the fire and ran rapids for a week filled with adventure.

They spent time together in nature, sharing and hearing God’s Word. They arrived back at camp excited and exhausted from a very rewarding week.

Small Fry Camp for 24 seven- to nine-year-olds was themed in God’s Universe (a space theme). Campers created jet packs to jet around the camp, played games, swam, canoed and did science experiments. Water day with a slip and slide and crazy body painting wound up the week together.

Over the August long weekend, Family Camp hosted 27 people of all ages. Families enjoyed time to relax, enjoy time at the beach, crafts and time on the playground. The adults spent time sharing God’s love and visiting with each other while joining their children in many activities.

The last summer camp is Teen Camp. This year’s camp boasted 33 campers from ages 14 to 18. They have a week like no other with theme days, of pirates and at the old folks’ home. Days were filled with challenges as they competed for the Okema Cup. Evenings were spent around the campfire, singing and laughing at skits.

The week ended with a fantastic talent show proving just how talented our youths are.

Then last to round out the summer is the Young Adult Retreat, where 25 participants spent the second weekend in September relaxing, participating in some craziness and enjoying each other’s company.

Though our camps are different, they all have common activities. Everyone enjoys the beauty in nature and time together, enjoying each other’s company in the activities of the week. All camps spend many hours outside going on nature walks, playing wide games like capture the flag and Bible smugglers.

Campers get their chance to learn new skills in outdoor survival skills or learn a new craft. Many activities centre around the lake, with canoeing, kayaking or campfires on the beach.

Music is a huge component of camp as each week they sing their favourites, whether that is Days of Elijah, Pharoah, Pharoah, All in All or Amazing Grace. Okema spends time learning about the scriptures through music, drama, scripture readings and prayer. God’s love is modelled by the many volunteers who help each week.

As always, the food at camp is good. Many favourites are repeated throughout the summer, including pizza, baked

oatmeal, spaghetti and meat sauce or a dough bake and wiener roast over the fire. This summer, we had 189 campers participating in our summer programs, which is up from 142 in 2024. The summer program is not possible without our volunteers, who are the core of Okema.

Each summer, the adults and teens who volunteer lead camps, run activities, nursing, cabin leading and cooking to name a few. Many, many thanks to all those who volunteer and call Okema their family. As one of those volunteers, I’d say that the volunteers find camp a great chance to renew one’s spirit and spend a week laughing and creating memories that are like none other.

We would love to have you join us this summer as a volunteer or as a camper. Our website at campokema.com is a great way to get more information. The email at [email protected] is a great way to reach out if you have any questions or would like to volunteer. Below is our schedule for the summer. Early Bird pricing is available until June 1.