Dream bigger. Plan smarter. Build better.

By Vonda DenBoer.
As I write this, I’m filled with gratitude and excitement. Three very successful camps— Women’s Retreat at Hills of Peace, Loaves and Fishes Reunion at Ziontario and Noronto Children’s Camp—have recently concluded, touching lives and creating sacred, lasting memories. And the momentum continues! Three more camps are currently underway: Erie Beach Kids Camp, Jr. High Camp at Ziontario, and Spectacular at Graceland. (Although, our delegation from CEM cancelled their intended trip to Spectacular, one youth was still able to make the trip and join the delegation with Canadian youth from CWM).

And by the time you read this Healing and Freeing camp at Ziontario and McGowans Family Camp will be underway! Closely following that will be Canada West Reunion at Samish Island, Erie Beach Reunion, Noronto Reunion, Hills of Peace Reunion, Jr Camp, and Youth Camps, and Sr High Camp at Noronto. That is a remarkable lineup creating space for memorable camp experiences across much of Canada! It is no wonder that the importance of camping was indicated in your reflections on the church in Canada and why it was built into our Onward Together Strategic plan.

We are truly blessed to have such dedicated individuals committed to nurturing meaningful and transformative experiences in our camp communities. These sacred spaces shape lives and inspire spiritual growth—not just within a single camp, but across the broader network.

On a personal note, I’ve seen this ripple effect in my own family. My grandson’s experience at Loaves and Fishes Reunion was so impactful that it played a key role not only in his decision to attend Jr. High Camp but his invitation to a friend to join him in that experience. These connections matter deeply.

Thank you for the passion, energy, and love you pour into these experiences. Your ministry is making a difference, and I’m honored to walk alongside you in this important work.

But let's not stop there. Let’s Dream Bigger. Plan Smarter. Build Better.

When the camping season winds down, it's the perfect moment to reflect, share, and shape the future together—while the memories, ideas, and challenges are still fresh in our minds.
We are planning a virtual Camping Summit for September 28th — Whether you are a current or future leader, this is your chance to help develop something bigger and better for our camp community—and maybe be part of leading it forward.
Whether you’re full of new ideas or just want to lend your voice to the conversation, your input matters! Let us know you're interested, and we’ll follow up with the Zoom session details.

Let’s build the next great camping experience—together.

Vonda DenBoer Canadian
Director Camping and Campgrounds
Contact [email protected]