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The Face of Unconditional Love—Canada’s BCM Camps

by Lauri Barrette

“I was saved at camp.”
“At camp, I committed my life to full-time Christian service.”
“This summer, I learned what unconditional love looks like through the camp staff.”
“I had never heard about Jesus as more than a swear word until I went to camp.”
Whether at Mount Traber Bible Camp in Shubenacadie, Nova Scotia, or Mill Stream Bible Camp and Handi*Camp in Omemee, Ontario, these are the phrases BCM Canada’s camp staff rejoice in hearing again with each new season of summer camps.

MILL STREAM BIBLE CAMP, OMEMEE, ONTARIO

Mill Stream Bible Camp, formerly know as “Crusaders”, has been nestled on the shores of the Pigeon River in Eastern Ontario since 1964. The camp itself has been in existence since 1946.   Each summer there, hundreds of children enjoy the best week of their summer exploring God’s Word and experiencing the great outdoors. The nearby Oshawa Downtown Business Association provides camp sponsorships for underprivileged children from the inner city core.  

Just talking about God’s transforming work in the lives of troubled children brings tears to the eyes of Camp Director, Larry Chupa.  “These kids arrive here with this hard, untrusting look in their eyes.  We introduce them to the love of Jesus and by the end of the week they are begging to stay.” 

Last summer Larry and his wife Cindy found out that one young boy had been without hot water at home for a year and gave him permission to have hot showers as much as he liked.  Needless to say, he made full use of their offer.  He was also given a Bible that he carried around proudly wherever he went.  Last summer, Mill Stream staff had the privilege of seeing close to 50 children profess Christ as Savior.  

HANDI*CAMP, OMEMEE, ONTARIO

Now in its sixth season, Handi*Camp,  an overnight specialty Christian camping experience for youths with primarily physical disabilities, is held for one week each summer on the grounds of Mill Stream Bible Retreat Centre.  Camp Director Daniel Barrette, a quadriplegic, is passionate about reaching this special population for Christ.  His favorite part of camp is going into the ramped cabins and having prayer with the campers after they are tucked in for the night. 

On one particular night, he shared the plan of salvation with a camper who then prayed to receive Jesus.  After finishing, the camper exclaimed, “Uncle Daniel, I feel different!”  

“That’s right,” Daniel replied, “Because now, you are a new creature, and when we get to heaven one day, you and I are going to run and jump for joy!” 

Many Handi*campers who already know Jesus as Savior could teach us all about living with and rising above difficult circumstances. In keeping with their courage and determination, this year’s Handi*Camp theme is ‘More than a Survivor.’

MOUNT TRABER BIBLE CAMP, SHUBENACADIE, NOVA SCOTIA

Mount Traber welcomes campers from all walks of life. Interim Camp Director Roger Malenfant relates the story of a blind young man  who has come to Mount Traber for many summers. In and out of foster homes, and  at one point on the street, his hopes were kept alive by the assurance that he would be coming back to Mount Traber.

To many like this camper, Mount Traber has become their home. A place of new beginnings. Of hope. A place where good memories are made and all are equal in the eyes of God. A place where sadness and tears are turned into laughter and joy as the Gospel is expressed in Christian love.

Throughout Mount Traber’s 43 camping seasons, thousands have been impacted by the life-changing Gospel of Jesus Christ. “It is a privilege,” expresses Roger, “to be part of a ministry where boys and girls are transformed into men and women of God.” This summer’s theme of  ‘Above and Beyond’ reflects that purpose as staff and campers continue to count on God to do ‘above and beyond’ all that they could ever ask or hope for at Mount Traber.

Christian camping offers children a unique and unforgettable  experience.

Somehow, being away from the trappings and busyness, the distractions of daily lives, campers become more attentive, more receptive, more fully present to hear God’s voice and what His heart wants to say to theirs. The heart’s desire of BCM Canada staff is to see children, pre-teens and teens become growing and serving members of the body of Christ. To that end they spend months praying through each aspect of up-coming camps, preparing devotions and themes, making plans to give each child a great experience. But in the end when camping season arrives, we can only stand back and watch in great awe and thanksgiving what God’s transforming power does in the lives of those who are willing to yield.  There is no greater joy than this!