Child 1 Age 8 - 19 (Male)
Program(s) focused in Wilderness Out-tripping, Wilderness Skills, CIT/LIT Program
Child 2 Age 7 - 19 (Male)
Program(s) focused in Wilderness Out-tripping, Wilderness Skills, CIT/LIT Program
Child 3 Age 6 - 19 (Female)
Program(s) focused in Wilderness Skills, CIT/LIT Program
Child 4 Age 6 - 17 (Female)
Program(s) focused in Wilderness Skills, CIT/LIT Program
(5) Overall experience
Prior to moving to Edmonton, we lived in Fort McMurry where we did not have access to a local camp. As a result, when we moved to Edmonton, we did not take the ability to attend camp for granted! Our kids were always super excited to go to LPC, as many of their friends from school and church also attended. They certainly had a sense of freedom for the week or weeks that they were out at camp. After all, Mom, Dad, brothers, or sisters weren't there to tell them what to do (or shower if they didn't want to)! They could really be themselves while they had adventure, met new people, tried new things, met new challenges, and grew spiritually. To our family, camp has played a vital role in our kid's growth in Christ, leadership and servanthood.
(5) Reason for choosing the camp
We are so grateful for our previous church community in Edmonton that recognized and continues to support the integral ministry of LPC. Being part of that church community from 2007-2012, LPC was a natural fit for our family. Even after we moved to Calgary in later 2012, our kids continued to attend camp as campers and later as counsellors in training (CIT) throughout junior high and high school. Life-long friendships were nourished during those weeks of wide games, practical jokes, time on the water, and sharing their life journey with Christ.
LPC works hard to keep its costs down so that it remains affordable and accessible to all, including a campership program to cover the costs for those unable to afford it. They also provide transportation for a minimal fee, which is also convenient for many parents.
(4) Program quality and activities
At LPC, kids are given options to try activities they may not otherwise have the opportunity to participate in. While my kids really enjoyed Mission Impossible (a late-night wide game), they also enjoyed activities such as tubing, arts and crafts, beach day, wilderness, archery, and silly campfire songs. Program staff start their work long before the kids arrive in July to ensure that activities are well thought out, that preparations are made, and safety measures are kept.
(5) Social dynamics and experience
Experiencing camp "life" together holds the opportunity to form and further develop friendships amongst campers. Not only do kids rekindle relationships they made from the previous year, they also meet new kids that are outside of their current social world , sometimes kids that stem from different socio economic backgrounds and family life experiences. I feel that if kids are willing to learn about each other's experience, they learn about compassion and how what makes us different; what makes us better. Unfortunately, these differences can also lead to bullying. I remember hearing that my nephew had this experience at camp several years back. However, he did say that he was able to tell his counsellor, and that those who were bullying were spoken to, and that it ended soon after.
(5) Skills and growth
As campers, my kids made leaps in their faith journey during their time spent at camp. I feel that because kids can really be themselves, while they learn about Jesus and the gift of salvation, their hearts are really open to what a life in Christ has to offer. Participating in the CIT/Leadership training further encouraged my kids to build and strengthen their leadership skills year by year. In their final year, they were prepared to be full-time counsellors for the summer months, engaging in the lives of campers and supporting each other as staff. I know that sometimes this pushed them out of their comfort zones and was exhausting, but as I look at who my kids are now as adults, I feel that those experiences gave them the skills to lead at school and work, and love kids in their youth group.
(5) Staff/Instructors/Counsellors
I know that the administration at Lone Prairie Camp does the utmost to ensure the safety of campers and staff. I try to volunteer as a cook for a week of the summer and need to go through a rigorous process to ensure that my presence at camp has been vetted, including a police check, a personal reference from 3 people, AHS food safely handling course, and WHMIS.
(5) Preparation and packing
The packing list is quite inclusive, given that the weather can change from day to day at camp. An extra pair of flip-flops is never a bad idea, in case other footwear gets wet and needs a chance to dry out ( and they don't take up much space in a suitcase/bag.
*There are mosquitos and horseflies at camp, given the lake and the rain, so I always make sure that they pack the Deep Woods Off in their bags.
(5) Advice and tips
LPC is a camp with Christ at its heart, and campers and leadership training as its ministry. LPC is not a camp that has the best of everything. The lake is not great, the bugs are real, and counsellors aren't perfect. But, I feel that because of these "imperfections" the camp experience at LPC is freeing. Freeing to not be perfect, but to be warm and welcoming to all. Freeing to talk about Jesus, real life, and how hard it can be. And freeing to make friendships and memories you would not have otherwise made...and that really is what makes a camp the "best of everything, at least at what truly matters."
Sending my children to Lone Prairie Camp has been a great decision. Both have learned independence in being away from home for a week and I feel good about them being in a safe environment. They’v...
When my kids were getting ready to go to Lone Prairie for the first time they were nervous but also really excited. They were really looking forward to being able to try out many new activities and es...
My daughters thoroughly enjoyed this camp. They were both nervous their first time attending as they had never stayed at an overnight camp before. Right away the staff made them (and me) feel comforta...
