 By Vickie MacArthur, Lethbridge, AB As summer continues to heat up, as wildfires rage here in Canada and around the world, it seems almost insensitive to offer a retreat with the theme of Sacred Fire. Yet perhaps it's actually counterintuitive wisdom reminding us to stay present and see the world with clear minds and eyes wide open. Buddhists remind us to "practice like our hair is on fire," only now it's the world that's on fire. I believe it's more important than ever to retreat, to renew ourselves, connect to our inner wisdom, gather together in sacred community for healing and holding each other, for courage, and to chart new directions for ourselves and our world. As I watch the terrible ferocity of the fires on the news, it's tempting to turn my eyes away, to distract myself, to ignore the sense of fear and grief in my own heart. Yet as I watch the thousands of acres burn and listen to people's stories of homes and pets, and hope lost, I feel a tender thread of connection in my heart. I am reminded that we are all interwoven together in whatever the future holds for us. We need people and communities that have the courage to face the unprecedented times we are facing and not turn away. The Sacred Fire Retreat is about awakening the spark of love and courage in our hearts that saints and mystics from all traditions and throughout history have inspired through their lives and teachings. Saints and mystics like Teresa of Avila, Hildegard von Bingen, Rabia of Basra, Jalal al-Din Rumi, and many more sensed the deeper meaning and truths of life beyond the surface. They were rebels against the violence and injustice of their times. While they operated within the frameworks of their religious traditions, they spoke of the unity and connection of all. They often broke the rules of their own religions, opening the way for new truths to emerge. They taught others how to have their own experience of the sacred states and visions they described. They had a deep connection to the earth and all beings. They have much to teach us today. In her book Ordinary Mysticism: Your Life as Sacred Ground, Mirabai Starr reminds us that we all have the capacity to be everyday mystics. Our everyday life can be an encounter with the sacred if we know how to pay attention. While inspired by the saints and mystics throughout history, she helps us let go of the belief that spiritual life and wisdom belong only to a few chosen priests, teachers, or people in authority. "Embracing mysticism in our everyday lives is a way of being more alive in the world, an awakening to the interconnectedness between all things." — Mirabai Starr Join us for a weekend retreat as we experience the subversive wisdom and fierce love of the mystics across cultural boundaries and spiritual traditions. Discover your own inner mystic as you open to the stories of both ancient and modern-day mystics. Explore the essence of their teachings and practice:
When: Fri, Sep 18, 4:00 PM PDT – Sun, Sep 20, 1:00 PM PDT Where: Stillwood Camp & Conference Centre, 44005 Watt Rd, Lindell Beach, BC Guest Facilitators: Teresa Hanlon and Vickie MacArthur Director: Debra Donohue, Creating Connection Program Director Inquiries: [email protected] Fee: $300 Registration Deadline: Sep 4 Learn more about the Stillwood Camp and Conference Centre and their programming on their website. Want to know more about the Nurturing Spirit Retreats? Here’s what Debra Donohue, Creating Connection Program Director, shared with us about the 2026 spring retreat.
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 Here is your opportunity to get away and spend some time at Hills of Peace for a weekend. There will be lots to eat (that includes pie), a chance to hang out with about 20 other men, and a communion worship service on Sunday morning. Lew Shepherdson—a member of the Ottawa congregation Pastorate Team—will lead a few sessions on the theme “Faith or Fear” over the weekend. We'll also work together to put the camp to bed for the winter. Don't be scared. Have some faith. Join us at the Hills of Peace Men's Retreat. You could hear about it, but why not experience it? When: Fri, Sep 18, 7:00 PM MDT – Sun, Sep 20, 12:00 PM MDT Where: Hills of Peace Campground, North West 2-38-6-West 4, Cadogan, AB, Canada Guest Minister: Lew Shephardson Director: Dan Esch Inquiries: [email protected] Fee: $195 Registration Deadline: Sep 14 Never been to Hills of Peace? Explore our facilities and our beautiful grounds at hillsofpeace.ca and discover a sacred and peaceful corner of creation that feels like home. Want to know more about the Men’s Retreat? Here’s how Becky Middleton, former member of the Canada West Mission Centre Presidency Team, described what happened at the 2025 session.  Quite a few years ago, an ambitious senior in Northern Ontario decided it was time for older adults in the church to have their own retreat. First called the Seniors' Retreat, then the Retirees Retreat, it has since become Young at Heart—a week of laughter, learning, friendship, and leisure at beautiful Camp Noronto on the shores of Lake Nipissing. This year's retreat takes place September 21–25 and features guest ministry by Becky Middleton, former member of the Canada West Mission Centre Presidency Team, who will lead sessions on the theme “The Power of Listening.” Throughout the week, participants will have opportunities to worship, learn, and spend time together. Alongside the daily program, participants can enjoy delicious meals prepared by Bonnie Bolger of the North Bay congregation, including a Thanksgiving dinner with all the trimmings. Each evening, a crowd gathers to play "Pass the Ace," and if you choose not to play, you can simply sit back and listen to the roars of laughter. Several new events and activities have been added to this year's schedule. Come and enjoy renewing friendships and creating new ones. When: Mon, Sep 21 - Fri, Sep 25 Where: Camp Noronto, 59 Noronto Road, Monetville, ON Guest Minister: Becky Middleton Directors: Deb Whitworth and Darlene Kent Registrar: Doug Bolger Sr Registration Inquiries: [email protected] General Inquiries: [email protected] Registration Deposit: $50 Registration and Deposit Deadline: Aug 31 Never been to Noronto? Discover why this beautiful, pristine location on Lake Nipissing in Northern Ontario is a favourite spot for families and youth to share in the beauty of nature and the stillness of God. Visit noronto.ca Want to know more about the Young at Heart Retreat? Here’s what happened at the 2025 session.  Does the world feel heavy right now? Step away for a weekend. Relax and recharge. Stargaze. Play board games. Engage in meaningful conversations. Ask deep questions. Connect with others exploring the same things. The Young Adult Retreat at Hills of Peace Campground, Aug 21–23, invites participants ages 18–45 to explore the “Happiness Project.” Headlines, social media, and the pressures of everyday life can make it difficult to hold on to what matters most. This weekend offers space to step away from the noise of everyday life and reconnect with yourself, others, and God. The weekend begins Friday evening with board games and continues with Saturday’s theme class led by guest minister Vonda DenBoer, Director of Camping & Campground Sustainability. We will have a themed dinner focused on what makes you happy and fulfilled. Whether it’s participation in a sports team or volunteer group, come dressed as the realest you. When: Fri, Aug 21, 5:00 PM MDT – Sun, Aug 23, 12:00 PM MDT
Where: Hills of Peace Campground, North West 2-38-6-West 4, Cadogan, AB, Canada Guest minister: Vonda DenBoer, Director of Camping & Campground Sustainability Director: Jada Middleton Inquiries: [email protected] Fee: $150 Never been to Hills of Peace? Explore our facilities and our beautiful grounds at hillsofpeace.ca and discover a sacred and peaceful corner of creation that feels like home.  Adventure, creativity, and outdoor fun await kids entering Grades 3–6 at Camp Mungai on Samish Island, August 9–13. Through this year's theme, Blessings in Action, campers will explore nature, build friendships, and discover how everyday acts of kindness can make a difference.
Throughout the week, campers will enjoy:
Directors: Jen Fischer and Courtney Smith Inquiries: [email protected] Fee: $300 (USD) Registration Deadline: July 24 - please contact the directors if you are interested in registering after the deadline.  Connected – Real Connections. Real Community. Real Impact. Let's explore together what it means to build meaningful relationships with ourselves, one another, our communities, and God. Noronto Senior High Camp welcomes youth entering Grades 9–12, August 16–22. Since 1960, Noronto Senior High Camp has created a welcoming community where young people build lasting friendships, discover their strengths, explore life's big questions, and experience a place where they truly belong. Throughout the week, campers will enjoy:
Guest minister Humberto Tinsman serves as an Emerging Generations Specialist with Community of Christ and is passionate about creating meaningful experiences that help young people explore spirituality, build authentic community, and discover their unique gifts and purpose. He will journey alongside campers throughout the week. When: Sun, Aug 16, 2026, 3:00 PM EDT — Sat, Aug 22, 2026, 1:00 PM EDT
Where: Camp Noronto, 59 Noronto Road, Monetville, ON Director: Alfredo Zelaya Registration inquiries: Please contact Jordan Shepherdson at [email protected] or Peter Williams at [email protected]. Fee: $550 (including HST). Registration deadline: August 1. Early registration is encouraged to help with planning for staffing, programming, and meals. Never been to Noronto? Discover why this beautiful, pristine location on Lake Nipissing in Northern Ontario is a favourite spot for families and youth to share in the beauty of nature and the stillness of God. Visit noronto.ca  Noronto Reunion is a camp for every generation! Join us August 8–15 at Camp Noronto as we gather to explore this year's theme, Become a Blessing: Living the Mission Prayer as a Way of Life. Whether you're returning to reunion or joining for the first time, you'll enjoy worship, games, swimming, campfires, classes and activities for all ages, and time together in a welcoming community. Register and pay by July 15 to join us for the full week. If you can't attend the entire reunion, one-day drop-in registration makes it easy to spend a day at Camp Noronto. Day registration is free, and meals can be purchased in advance. Reunion is made possible by an incredible team of volunteers. More than 60 people have already signed up to serve in leadership and support roles, with many more helping throughout the week. There are always opportunities to lend a hand, and everyone plays a part in making reunion a welcoming experience for all. As part of our tradition of celebrating and remembering our shared heritage, memorial bench plaques will be dedicated on Tuesday, August 11, at 1:00 p.m. If you would like to honour a loved one with a memorial plaque, please send Lynne Taylor your loved one's full name, birthdate, and passing date. Plaques are $20 each. A one-day drop-in registration is a wonderful way to attend the memorial bench presentation if you are unable to join us for the full week. Noronto apparel is back! Returning favourites are available again this year, along with a new baseball cap and blanket. Orders close July 19, and a portion of every purchase helps support Camp Noronto. Visit the Noronto Apparel Shop to place your order. If you have questions about apparel orders, please contact Stephanie Whitworth. Director: Cathy Baker Camp Inquiries: [email protected] Noronto Reunion is a true Reunion:
A Reunion with God A Reunion with Others A Reunion with Ourselves A Reunion with the Earth Noronto Reunion: Living into Endless Possibilities!  Youth entering Grade 10 through 2026 graduates, grab your boarding pass and jump on board August 2–8 as we create our flight plan to Kimtah Camp on beautiful Samish Island. This year's theme is Exhale, and there are sights to see, experiences to create, theme classes, swimming, campfires, and unforgettable memories waiting to be made. Whether you're reconnecting with old friends or experiencing camp for the first time, come ready for a week of fun and adventure. Aloha Nui Loa, from your camp directors Dorothy and Dane.
Visit our Eventbrite page for registration, fees, the 2-for-1 discount, financial assistance, and information for campers with special needs. Directors: Dane Mahi and Dorothy Wilgus Inquiries: [email protected] Registration Fee: $400 (USD) through July 17. Please contact the camp directors after July 17 regarding registration.  Come enjoy games, outdoor adventures, campfires, worship, and time together while connecting with ourselves, one another, and the Spirit. Reconnect with old friends and make new ones at Hills of Peace Youth Camp 2026! We invite youth entering Grades 7–12 to a week of fun, adventure, and unforgettable memories. Inspired by the Mission Prayer, campers will nurture spiritual, emotional, mental, and physical growth as they discover the leader within themselves. When: Sat, Aug 8, 2026, 4:00 PM MDT – Sat, Aug 15, 2026, 12:00 PM MDT
Where: Hills of Peace Campground, North West 2-38-6-West 4, Cadogan, AB, Canada Guest minister: Lanette Vawter, Director of Leadership Development, Community of Christ in Canada Directors: Andy MacArthur, Briana Mckenna, and Lisa Neudorf Inquiries: [email protected] Fee: $450 (discounts and financial assistance available) Registration deadline: July 28 Never been to Hills of Peace? Explore our facilities and our beautiful grounds at hillsofpeace.ca and discover a sacred and peaceful corner of creation that feels like home.  By Vonda DenBoer, Director of Camping & Campground Sustainability
We have some amazing camps coming up this summer, and I hope you are able to attend one! Our camp directors and planning teams have worked diligently to create programs that will inspire, uplift, and challenge participants while providing plenty of opportunities for fun, fellowship, and spiritual growth. I am especially excited to see some creative new programming being introduced this year. Last year's camping survey confirmed what so many of us already know—camp changes lives. An incredible 94% of participants rated their camp experience four or five stars. When asked about their favourite part of camp, participants shared comments such as:
Others highlighted card games, morning meditations, theme classes, swimming, and group activities as memorable experiences. When it came to building community, 77% identified community meals as especially meaningful, 73% valued games night, and 67% appreciated working together through KP. There truly is something for everyone. Camping offers the opportunity to gather in a safe, welcoming community and experience the sacredness of creation, friendship, laughter, worship, and service together. There is still space available at several kids and youth camps, as well as a number of reunions and family camps. If you've been thinking about attending, now is a great time to register. As we celebrate another camping season, we also want to learn more about the people we serve. Lanette Vawter, Director of Leadership Development, is inviting everyone who is able to complete a brief survey to help us better understand what matters most to members and participants across Canada. The survey contains only 10 questions and takes about 5–10 minutes to complete. It will help us understand who is participating in our congregations and events, what experiences are most meaningful, and how we can better plan future ministries, activities, and camping opportunities for people of all ages. We hope to hear from individuals across Canada and from every generation. Your responses will help shape the future of our ministries and events. Thank you so much for taking a few minutes to help with this important work! We want to hear from more of you, so please help spread the word and encourage everyone who attends camp this year to take part. Stay tuned for the opportunity to share your camping experience in our second annual September camping survey. |
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