 By John Morgan and Alfredo Zelaya, Noronto Canoe Camp Directors For nearly 26 years, what began as a simple young adult canoe trip has grown into a well-loved tradition at Noronto Canoe Camp. This year, 20 participants joined us for a weekend of adventure, fellowship, and the chance to reconnect with both nature and one another. Blessed with crisp September weather and the beauty of the changing season, our group paddled, explored, and shared in meaningful conversations by the water and around the campfire. The balance of wilderness challenge and quiet reflection continues to make Canoe Camp a unique and grounding experience. Noronto Canoe Camp remains a cornerstone event for those seeking a step away from the noise of everyday life and into the stillness of creation. Building community is always our focus, and we are already looking forward to next year’s camp, scheduled for September 18–20, 2026. Mark your calendars — you will not want to miss it.
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 Get ready for a Thanksgiving weekend filled with camp community, fall festivities, and fun at Ziontario Campground, Oct 10 - 13! This retreat for Grades 9–2025 grads will include a Thanksgiving feast, movie night, trivia, comfort meals, a harvest festival, and even something spooky.
Theme: Unleash and Unmask. Cost: $141.25, with payment accepted by credit card through Corsizio or by cash, cheque, or e-transfer at camp. Registration deadline: Friday, October 3 at midnight. Stay connected: follow the retreat on Facebook (Thanksgiving Retreat — Ziontario), Instagram (@zi_thanksgiving), or contact the directors to be added to the retreat email list.  By Cathy Baker, Noronto Reunion 2025 Director
Have you ever planned something that turned out better than expected? Have you had people turn up, help out, and go the extra distance to make things better? Imagine: Walking into a bathroom being cleaned and realizing that the family, of all ages, were actually "detailing" it—going beyond sinks, countertops, and toilets to truly make it clean! (Think: developing disciples to serve!) A young girl, almost 8 years of age, deciding she wanted to do KP for a second day, and bringing joy in the happy way she collected dirty dishes from each table. A sea of pink in the dining hall, as the KP group on the Pink Team wore pink in a variety of ways on their day of service. Realizing that all but one hymnbook was being used in a worship service, and the singing was truly "out of this world"! (Noronto, you are gifted with musical talents!) Having our guest minister, Janné Grover, bring out our talents in so many ways—like having us sing a four-part rendition of Be Still as a congregation. Hearing someone comment on the way that people turned up so fully and participated. Having leaders who delighted, informed, and stretched us on interesting topics and in interesting ways: Autism, AI, Hope, Deep Personal Conversations, Church present, future, and past, Music, and much more. Watching someone make it her personal mission to raise money for the campgrounds by outfitting as many people as possible in Camp Noronto clothing. Enjoying two incredible EggNorMuffin breakfasts that even included a special dietary component. Raising a significant amount of money for World Accord even before anyone stepped onto the campgrounds for Noronto Reunion. (Thank you to everyone who participated—over $6,000 was raised! A special thank you to Andy Charron for donating his exceptional pictures for our silent auction.) Celebrating a beautiful baptism at the Camp Noronto lakefront to finish off our week! It is the people, and the special details each one added or experienced, that made Noronto Reunion 2025 a truly blessed event. Thanks be to God and the presence of the Spirit with this community.  A bunch of happy campers came together recently at the McGowan’s Lake Campgrounds for our annual summer reunion where we shared worship, thought-provoking classes and discussions, forged friendships, unplugged, laughed abundantly, and deepened our faith. Mercifully, the weather was perfect for a week of camping—warm during the day and cooler at night. There was a bit of rain one night and early morning, but it didn’t dampen our enthusiasm for being together. Pat Pallister and Rick Badder joined us as our guest ministers and thoughtfully led us through our camp theme of Choose Hope. During our time together we enjoyed hymn sings, morning devotions, intergenerational classes, delicious meals, movies, cooperative games night, trivia night, campfires, recreation, canteen, Sunday worship, communion, making prayer flags, a community potluck lunch, a World Accord pancake breakfast, a One Mission Centre discussion with Vonda, wood, clay, and paper crafts, KP, plus community service projects including making fishing and sewing kits for Operation Christmas Child and preparing 20 hygiene kits for Matthew House. We had a wonderful few days of being together in nature as well as in personal growth, spiritual development, and service to others. Join us next year?  By Kelly Knight, , Erie Beach Planning Team What a blessing this year’s reunion was, and what a beautiful theme to remind us of our community, our beautiful campground, and our amazing future. We had over 200 in attendance throughout the week, including 138 overnight campers, and a strong children and youth program. We were blessed in so many ways this year and welcomed some that we have not seen in many years. This is very promising when looking ahead. Brother K, Kristen Parmera, Leandro Palcios, and John Nicols were our guests this year. They were enfolded into our Erie Beach family very quickly, and we were blessed by them. We were so happy to have Ken Barrows back this year—he is a very important part of our Erie Beach community, and we welcome the spirit that he brings. We had many activities that created joy in all of us this year. Some of these activities included: a beautiful baptism, wonderful classes for all ages, roaring campfires, a beautiful “Hula” lesson from Brother K, swimming at the beach every day except one, canteen, a baseball game and barbecue, inspiring worship services, wonderful food in the dining hall, kids everywhere, a spectacular fireworks display over the lake, and ending with us coming to the table for communion before we parted. We have the BEST planning team, grounds maintenance team, and campground board. It takes a huge army to make things work, and we have it. God’s love for us was running over. We welcome everyone and anyone to join us and feel the community that we have. Planning for Erie Beach Reunion 2026 is underway! Come experience it all with us—July 25 to August 2, 2026!  This summer, we invite you to be part of a powerful journey at Sr. High Camp 2025 – August 16–23, as we explore our theme: Unmuted. This camp is open to youth entering Grade 9 through recent high school grads (up to age 19). Together, we’ll learn what it means to find our voice—not just to be heard, but to show the world who we truly are, and to speak up for others who haven’t yet found the strength to do so. Through community, creativity, and conversation, we’ll grow in confidence and connection, and leave ready to use our collective voice to make a positive difference in the world.
Whether you’re a first-time camper or a returning one, Sr. High Camp is a week like no other—filled with creative electives, campfires, games, House Cup challenges, and meaningful connections. Our banquet theme this year is Vikings, so bring your best Norse costume—fur cloaks, braids, shields, and cardboard axes encouraged! We can't wait to welcome you to Sr. High Camp 2025. Come ready to get loud, be real, and stay unmuted—and don’t forget your Viking gear! Director: Alfredo Zelaya-Martinez [email protected] Fees: $550.00 (including HST) Sibling Discount Rate: $500.00 per camper (including HST) To access the sibling rate, enter code: Sibling2025 Registration Contact: Jordan Shepherdson [email protected]  Join us for a relaxing weekend of fun, fellowship, and community at the Family and Friends Retreat! Enjoy a variety of activities, including youth programming, a silent auction to raise funds for the campground, and plenty of evening fun with movies and games—bring your favourite board games or cards to share! Sunday includes the annual Erie Beach Campground Fall Conference and a time of worship. Fees: $75 per individual, $130 per couple, or $150 per family (Rates include accommodations—dorm rooms or trailer sites with full water and electrical hookups—as well as meals and snacks.) To register: Contact Lori Tinline at [email protected], Brian Jackson at [email protected], or Michelle Hanna at [email protected] Registration deadline: August 31 Please note: registration will be available at camp if needed 
 Noronto Reunion is just 40 days away—are you ready?
Here’s your chance to look ready and support the camp at the same time! We’re excited to launch a Noronto Clothing Fundraiser in support of essential equipment and repairs to keep Camp Noronto running strong for years to come. For each item purchased, $10–$20 will go directly toward this important work. All clothing items feature Noronto-themed designs and come in a soft, heathered grey fabric (note: colours may appear different on screen). Options include printed and embroidered details, with descriptions available on the website. Ordering Details:
Place your order now: campnoronto.deco-apparel.com Need help? Contact Stephanie Whitworth at: [email protected] 647-883-2451 (call or text) We can’t wait to see everyone in their new gear this August! ~ Stephanie in collaboration with Tiona, Alfredo, and Joe  **NEW Dates and Times! Friday, July 18 - Tuesday, July 22
This four-day retreat offers gentle guidance and support to help you unwind, rest, and nurture the inner life. What does freedom mean to you? What steps can you take to make room for spirit and fulfillment? Explore these and other questions in conversation with other seekers. Learn practices designed to help you return to daily life feeling grounded, inspired, and refreshed. • Mind, Body & Spirit Practices • Creative Activities • Lots of Free Time • Discover Insights • Share with Community • Reconnect with Nature • Music, food and Inspiration Contact Mary Jean [email protected] More info will be coming your way shortly including registration process.  For youth entering Grades 6–9
Theme: Many sparks, one flame This summer, give your child five unforgettable days at Ziontario’s Jr. High Camp—where adventure, creativity, and faith come together in one incredible experience. Each day will be packed with theme-based classes, electives, recreation, and everyone’s favourite: swimming! Some of this year’s electives include woodworking, baking, fishing, board games, kayaking, and banquet decorating. Evening activities will feature team challenges, movie night, campfire, and—on the final night—everyone’s favourite banquet and dance party. Come and make memories and friendships that will last a lifetime. “To make something special you just have to believe it's special.” – Mr. Ping, Kung Fu Panda Director: Shannon Dailey – [email protected] Registrar: Jennifer Russo – [email protected] Cost: $320 Register by July 1 to guarantee a camp t-shirt! |
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