Located at 2 beautiful locations in Alberta, we have offered summer camp for over 70 years. Campers choose from horseback riding, climbing, swimming, archery and a range of other exciting activities. We focus on providing a highly personalized, safe, faith-oriented camp experience, encouraging each camper to develop confidence, friendship, independence and faith.
Visit the InterVarsity Pioneer Camp Alberta website
We are a Christian camp that seeks to holistically introduce campers to Jesus, adventure, and skills, develop character & life-long friendships. Each camp session has a slightly different flavour from fun-focused, single-gender, out-tripping, skills development, horsemanship and more.
Registration is online and generally opens mid to late November each year. Dates & Rates are usually posted in September. Registrations for Family Camps, Horsemanship Skills sessions and our Sr. Boys/Sr. Girls Horseback Riding Out-Trips and Sr. Skills Horse Track fill up quickly, so it's essential to register early to guarantee a spot. Deposits are required at the time of registration. Payment can be made by credit card (MasterCard, VISA/VISADebit) or by E-transfer. Financial Assistance available. Our website contains information about our Sessions, Cancellation Policies, Out-Trips, FAQs, How To Prepare For Camp, Packing Lists and much more! Have questions? Send us an email and we will respond within 2-3 business days or give us a call!
Payment Options:
Deposit required with acceptance | Yes |
Credit card payment | Yes |
Discounts
Discount if paid early | $50 |
Discount for 2nd child | $30 |
Discount for 3rd child | $60 |
Discount for 4th child | $60 |
Pioneer Camp Alberta is one of nine InterVarsity camps located across the country. The camping program was begun 1929, an expression of InterVarsity, an association of campus ministries intended to bring Christian values and awareness to young people, and support their spiritual and social growth. The camps were part of the initial vision, designed to create a unique opportunity to bring young people together around the unique challenges that a camp setting can provide. That remains perhaps more true today than ever. At camp they unplug, and turn their attention to the community they find there. The activities facilitate a greater understanding of campers’ talents and abilities, as well as the Christian values that inform the programming. The camp has grown over the years, adding new activities and facilities, all of it furthering the initial goals.
Pioneer Camp had its genesis in 1942, but no permanent home was found for the camp until almost ten years later. Founded in 1951, Pioneer Camp has been operating ever since as a life-changing summer camp for children and youth.
We are committed to seeing young people transformed by the love of God actively at work in their lives. We are part of a network of nine InterVarsity camps across Canada operating under the names Circle Square and Pioneer Camp. InterVarsity has been providing summer camps and year-round programs for children, youth, young adults, and families since 1929.
In addition to our summer camp ministry, we also operate as a retreat centre from September to June. Please click here for information.
It is my honour to serve as the General Director of Alberta Pioneer. I have been involved with Pioneer for my whole life, and love the ways we get to invite campers, staff, and guests to meet Jesus and live adventurously. We look forward to having you join us.
Pioneer’s volunteer summer staff members undergo a rigorous application and interview process. Following the completion of a written application package requiring three references, staff are interviewed by the director and are required to have a criminal record check completed before they can work with children. Most of our staff are volunteers throughout the summer and many have been a part of Pioneer as campers, and now love to give new campers the amazing, life-changing experiences they had.
Sports facilities
Landscape
More details about property: PIONEER LODGE BARNS & ARENA: Take a walk down to the barn and meet the Lodge horses! Covered riding arena and outdoor arenas and corrals are perfect for lessons and programming involving our herd (mounted archery, games, teaching times, etc.). Numerous onsite trails to choose from. Enjoy the unique perspective of exploring the natural beauty of the land from horseback. LODGE MAIN GROUNDS: Archery Range, Basketball and Volleyball Courts, Climbing Wall, Fire Pits, Hiking Trails Indoor Recreation Room (with Ping-Pong and Foosball), Initiative Task Course, Playing Field, Pond for Canoeing & Water Activities, Riding Trails, Seasonal Swimming Pool, Sledding Hills, Wagon Ride / Sleigh Ride Trails RANCH BARNS & ARENAS: Take a stroll down to the barn and meet the Ranch horses! Large stalls and arenas for lessons and programming involving our herd (games, teaching times, etc.) Greenspace abounds for grazing and working with the horses. See our newly renovated Tack Shed. Over an hour and a half of onsite trails to explore by horseback. Discover the natural beauty that abounds at Pioneer Ranch from horseback. RANCH MAIN GROUNDS: Archery Range, Basketball Court, Climbing Wall, Fire Pits, Hiking Trails, Indoor Recreation Room (with Ping-Pong and Foosball), Initiative Task Course, Lake with Waterfront Access, Riding Trails, Wagon Ride / Sleigh Ride Trails, Two Meeting Rooms, Large Hall for Events, Library, Outdoor Amphitheater, Playing Field
Sleeping Accommodations
Amenities
Washrooms Facilities
More details about accommodations: TWO GREAT LOCATIONS!! PIONEER LODGE IS LOCATED 16 KM SOUTHWEST OF SUNDRE, overlooking the Red Deer River Valley with a fantastic view of the Rockies! The central Lodge has a large dining room, kitchen and meeting areas. Nikki’s Chalet, an additional meeting area, is a one minute walk down the hill from the Lodge. Guests either stay in dorm or twin rooms in the main Lodge or in heated cabins with twin or bunk-beds. Cabins are one large room on the main floor, with an overhead loft. The cabins are winterized, insulated, heated by gas and have electricity. PIONEER RANCH IS LOCATED ON CRIMSON LAKE, 16 KM NORTTHWEST OF ROCKY MOUNTAIN HOUSE. Guests stay in cozy cabins along the shores of the lake. The central Ranch House has a large dining room, kitchen, and two meeting areas. The North Lodge, an additional meeting area, is located next to the Ranch House. Guests stay in cabins with bunk beds. Most cabins are one large room with bunks along the walls. Winterized cabins are insulated and heated with gas stoves. Summer cabins are insulated and heated with a wood stove. All cabins have electricity.
Are meals provided? Yes.
Is InterVarsity Pioneer Camp Alberta technology free? Yes. Please leave cell phones, tablets and laptops at home. We are not responsible for any lost or broken items at camp.
Offers outdoor education program for schools or corporate groups: Yes
Our site in Sundre (Pioneer Lodge) and Rocky Mountain House (Pioneer Ranch) both offer outdoor education programs for school groups. Contact us and we'll work with you to put together a program that your students won't forget!
Available for private rentals: Yes
Our sites in Sundre (Pioneer Lodge) and Rocky Mountain House (Pioneer Ranch) both offer year round rentals to school groups, churches or other groups. Come join us on the archery range, at the climbing wall or on a trail ride! We have a ton of activities for you to participate in and a great staff to facilitate your time with us!
Cabin rentals also available for family getaways. Give us a call!
March 19, 2023
Staff & Volunteer Positions Available at Pioneer Camp Alberta!
Apply for seasonal staff & volunteer positions for summer 2023 at Pioneer Camp Alberta! ... Read More
Questions about InterVarsity Pioneer Camp Alberta?