CAMP NEWS
Wrapping up 2017
We have just about reached the end of 2017 and it has been quite the year for All Tribes. We are looking forward to the new year and all that God has in store. I know that many of you may be looking for ways to finish off your year of giving, so I wanted to let you know three ways that All Tribes can really benefit from your support before we officially wrap up 2017.
Capital Fund
This spring we will be putting the finishing touches on our new cabins and the Millie Jacobs Troyer Centre. Over the past few years these buildings have made a huge impact in our ability to reach kids, families, and our community, which will be so much greater once the buildings are fully completed. If you would like to help us reach our goal of finishing these projects please click the link below.
Kids to Camp Fund
Every summer a number of kids rely on our Kids to Camp fund, without it they would not be able to experience all the benefits of a week at camp. If you donate to this fund, you will be helping kids hear the gospel for the first time, find love that they’ve never experienced before, deepen their relationship with Christ, and grow into leaders that will impact lives for years to come
General Fund
We do everything we can to keep our programs affordable to everyone. Even with our management team and most of our staff being volunteers, the cost of operating Camp is significantly higher than the income we receive from registrations, so your support truly makes a huge difference in being able to offer the programs we do at All Tribes. Your gifts toward the general fund help us pay our annual insurance bill (almost $1,000 each month or about $50 per camper), maintain our facilities, and keep the lights on. Thank you so much for your support!
Thank you so much for taking the time to consider supporting All Tribes as we seek to reach people who will bring the gospel to All Tribes and Nations of this world.
WHY CAMP?
This past week I had the opportunity to attend the CCI Leadership Summit. While there I heard countless stories of camps making an impact in their communities and met numerous people who’s lives have been drastically changed because of their time camp. It was such an encouragement to see other people so passionate about the work that God is doing, and to see the direct impact that this ministry is making all over our country. I thought I would take a minute to share with you why I think camp is such a valuable experience for kids of all ages, based on my own experience and the experiences of those I’ve met over the years.
Camp Friends are Friends for Life
This is one of the biggest cliches I have ever heard about camp, but I am happy to say that it is also one of the truest things I have ever heard. Many of my closest friends are friends that I have made at camp. These are the people who have seen me at my best and my worst; on messy hair days and at banquets; making mistakes and great achievements; over tired and over excited. These people have seen it all and stuck with me through thick and thin. The friends I met years ago at camp are still the ones walking with me through my worst days, and celebrating with me on my best days. Not every friend from camp will stick, but the best of them will, and that alone makes spending a week of camp worth it.
Camp Brings Out the Best in You
I can’t count the number of times I have heard people say something along the lines of “I feel like I can be the best version of myself at camp” or “I finally feel safe being me”. At camp, you are accepted and loved for who you are, and you are pushed to see and be the best that you can. There is something so special about a close knit community that focuses on the moment, embraces growth and brings people together. This environment tears down walls and allows people to see the value in embracing their best qualities.
Camp Builds Independence
For a lot of kids, myself included, camp is the first place where they need to start making decisions on their own and being directly responsible for their own experience. Of course this happens in varying degrees, but every day kids get the chance to make decisions and embrace their independence. Campers have the opportunity to see the results of their decisions up close, to experience the joy of making good decisions and to understand the reality failure and that it doesn’t have to ruin them or their experiences. Because this happens in such a tangible way, it gives the campers the ability learn from their mistakes in a safe place, and it allows them to see the value in careful decision making. When kids have the chance to make these decisions in a safe environment, they gain the confidence needed to continue developing their sense of self and their unique independence.
Camp is Fun
Life is crazy. During the year kids are busy with school, sports, homework, programs, chores and other responsibilities. Life is loud, it is ever moving, and sometimes it is absolutely exhausting. Camp is a chance to step out of that, to embrace a quite atmosphere and to be immersed in creation. When you remove all of the business of life and embrace the simple joy of having fun, great things happen. Plus, where else can you spend an afternoon wrestling over a pair of socks or watching your leaders get pied in the face? There is never a dull moment at camp!
Camp Connects You to Creation and the Creator
Getting outside to enjoy the sun (or rain) and experiencing nature at it’s finest is one of the simplest ways to connect with the creator. That is what Christian summer camp is all about. When kids come to camp, they get to experience the beauty of nature while hearing profound truths about God and Faith from people they look up to. This gives them the opportunity to develop their faith and their understanding of the creator in a way that will continue to impact them for years to come. Even though I came from a great Christian home, camp is where my faith developed most profoundly, because I saw faith in the lives of the leaders I looked up to. Being able to watch other young people live out their relationship with God while at camp made a lasting impression on my faith and ultimately on who I am today.
There are many ways you can be apart of the life changing experiences that kids are having at camp. One of the best ways, is by helping kids get to camp. There are many kids in our community who are missing out simply because they can’t afford a week at camp. If you want help a kid have a life changing experience, click here to help send them to camp.
I hope you have a truly beautiful Christmas season filled with the love of family, friends and our Creator.
Get to Know Our New Director
Hey Friends!
I am so excited to get to know you all in the months ahead, and I thought it was about time that I told you a little bit more about me.
My passion for Camp ministry begins with my love for the Lord. I love camp, because it is where I found and developed a deeper connection with my creator and because it is where I first realized the importance of evangelism- I’ll tell you a little more on that later. I am so thankful to be able to say that I don’t have an exciting testimony about my wild years before I knew God. Though, like most relationships, I’ve had ups and downs and bumps along the way my relationship with God and the Love that I have for Him has been at the core of who I am since day one.
I had the immense privilege of growing up in a Christian home (I am the youngest daughter of Pastor Jack Flietstra) and have always known the importance of Gods love in my life. Knowing the joy of an unconditional relationship with my creator was absolutely foundational in my life right from the start. This faith continues to shape who I am as I continuously strive to learn what this looks like in a deeper and more substantial way.
When I was 6 years old I attended my first week of summer camp, and I fell head over heals in love with it. It was this summer that I first learned that some people didn’t know their creator like I did, and that some kids had never felt loved before. This was the first time I felt my heart break for the lost, and this was when I decided I needed to be involved in camp for the rest of my life. I didn’t realize at the time how much this decision would impact my life and the choices I would make, but I knew there was a problem I and that I needed to be a part of the solution. (This was also when I learned that at camp you got to buy candy from the tuck shop every day, so it was absolutely sold!)
It was also during this first week of camp that I learned the joy of adventure, independence, and embracing the unknown. This love of adventure is what drew me towards working and studying at Medeba: Adventure Learning Centre, which is where my passion for adventure really grew. During this experience I learned many of the skills that God has used to empower me to take on this position. I also gained a better understanding of how stepping out of your comfort zone encourages growth, change, and faith in people from all backgrounds.
One of the places I have found to be the most valuable at camp is around the camp fire. This is the easiest place to get kids to drop their guards, act silly and just be kids- something that many of them don’t get to do at home. Something about sitting around a fire, singing songs and telling stories seems to facilitate the growth of community very rapidly. Many of my closest camp friendships began around a fire, and I truly believe that it is not a coincidence. My fondest campfire memories involve songs that make you act absolutely ridiculous, like “Great Big Moose" and “Castle on the River Nile” .
One more important thing for you to know about me is that I have Coeliac Disease, which means I can’t have gluten (found in wheat, barley, rye and most oats). I am unfortunately very sensitive to it, and even a few crumbs can make me very sick. If I ever turn down food, or an invitation to a meal, this is likely why. I promise in every case, it’s not you- it’s me. I love getting together for meals, and find huge value in the community built around the dinner table, so I am always happy to help cook or give recipes and ideas that are gluten free but I need a little extra notice! If you want to get together but aren’t comfortable with the idea of cooking (or eating) a gluten free meal, it is also important for you to know that I love coffee.
Now that you know a bit about me, I want to get to know you! I would love for you to leave a comment on our Facebook page telling me your favourite thing about All Tribes or your best All Tribes story.
Cant Wait to hear from you!
Chrissy Flietstra
You Are Invited!!
YOU ARE INVITED TO OUR
Thank You & Welcome Come-and-Go Tea!
Please join our Board of Directors in welcoming Chrissy Flietstra as our new Executive Director and thanking Jonathan and Marney Stewart for 10 years as Directors of All Tribes Camp.
You are invited to join us Saturday, September 16th from 2-4 PM for a Come and Go Tea in the Millie Jacobs Troyer Centre.
Event Details
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2017
2:00 - 4:00 P.M.
Millie Jacobs Troyer Centre
All Tribes Christian Camp
1065 Hilton Road, Richards Landing, ON P0R 1J0
Brief Program and Speeches at 2:30 p.m.
Snacks and Refreshments will be provided.
The Camp Tuck Shop will also be open if you would like to purchase hoodies, t-shirts, treats, or some great books!
All Tribes Enters A Time of Transition
A Time of Transition, Excitement, and Growth!
Summer 2017 will be Jonathan and Marney Stewart's 10th (and final) summer serving as the Directors of All Tribes Camp. God has blessed the camp in many ways over the last few years. With this continued growth, it has come clear that now is the right time for a full time, paid Executive Director who can dedicate their time to the camp and give it the focus that it will require in the years ahead.
Although Jonathan and Marney are stepping back from their camp responsibilities, they will continue to love and support the camp in any way that they can over the years ahead. Leading All Tribes has been one of the greatest joys and privileges of Jonathan and Marney's lives, and they have truly loved getting to work with so many dedicated volunteers and campers!
The search for the Camp's new Director is now in full swing. The Board of Directors has been meeting over the last few months to develop the job description and to lay out the transition process and plans.
Interested in Applying?
This position has now been filled! Meet our new Director.
Questions and Background Info
More information and background about All Tribes, its previous directors, and the transition plans are available by visiting our website.