We saw God everywhere at the Ziontario Junior High Camp

By Quinlan Stevenson, Camp Director

Junior High Camp 2026 brought plenty of laughter, challenges, learning, and memorable moments. As a first-time director, I went into the week knowing that I wouldn’t have all the answers, but I was fortunate to be surrounded by a team I could rely on. More than anything, I wanted camp to happen so that the kids could have some of the same experiences that meant so much to me when I was their age.

Our theme this year was “See God Everywhere,” and looking back, I think that became true in ways that went beyond our planned activities and classes. God could be seen in people helping one another, in new connections being made, in laughter around camp, in the beauty of the grounds around us, and even in the moments when plans changed and everyone worked together to make the best of the situation.

One of the campers’ favourite activities throughout the week was fishing at the pond. A few of them even brought their own fishing rods and tackle boxes, which made the activity even more exciting for them. It became a real highlight of the week, and we ended up fishing every day except for the last one. Along with fishing, the kids also enjoyed creating crafts with clay and baking them in the oven. They made all kinds of unique pieces, and it was amazing to see how much creativity each camper brought to the activity.

Between fishing, swimming, games, campfires, crafts, theme activities, and plenty of time just being together, there was rarely a dull moment. Watching the campers make new friends, try new things, and genuinely enjoy being at camp was one of my favourite parts of the week.

That last part of our week looked a little different when smoke from the forest fires in northern Ontario moved into the area. As the sky turned orange and the air grew heavier, my team sprang into action and made the best of a difficult situation. We moved our outdoor activities into the main area of the Arnold Peace Lodge, where the kids came together and built a huge mattress fort!

There are certainly things I would change or improve for next year, and I know I still have a lot to learn as a director. But I think that is part of what makes this experience meaningful. I finished the week tired, with plenty of notes for next year, but also incredibly thankful for everything we were able to create together. Junior High wasn’t perfect — and it didn’t need to be. It was meaningful, memorable, occasionally chaotic, and something I am very grateful to have been a part of.

This camp would not have been possible without the incredible people who volunteered their time, energy, and talents to make the week a success. As much as I wish I could thank everyone individually in this post, it would end up being far too long! So while I’m only able to shout out a few people here, please know that if you played any part in making camp as successful as it was, I am incredibly grateful.

A huge thank you goes to Robert Smith and Bev Huffman for keeping everyone well fed with amazing meals every day. Their cooking was so appreciated that it came up more than once during the “highlights of the day” around the campfire. I’m also incredibly grateful to Becky Grigsby for leading our theme class in fun and interactive ways, to Natasha Buchanan for leading campfire each night, to my sister Madeira for taking on the important role of camp nurse, and to my parents, Dave and Sheri, for offering their knowledge, encouragement, and guidance throughout the week.

If you’ve never been to Junior High Camp before, next year would be a great time to give it a try. Whether you’re coming back to see old friends or trying it out for the first time, there will be plenty of opportunities to have fun, make memories, and be part of the camp community. Junior High Camp 2027 will take place July 17–23, 2027, and I hope to see you there!