It’s that time again. Tomorrow after my last exam at school, I am beginning my journey up to camp. I won’t be returning till September 1st, 2 days before my crazy grade 12 year begins. This is my third summer working at camp, and every year has been so different, but the common thread is that I come home a very different girl. I’m beyond excited to see what this summer holds, but i’m also excited to see where I will be at in September after another crazy summer. Previous summers I’ve worked as a lifeguard, done service staff (maintenance) and worked with program. This summer I’m honoured to be taking a position in the most challenging, but rewarding job yet- cabin leading. Let’s rewind a bit to my first summer at camp….

July 2009, I’m 13 years old and mum is dropping me off at camp. Currently I am in tears and quite frustrated with her because I do NOT want to be at camp. Call it typical 13-year old girl insecurity, but I genuinely thought I would make no friends, have no fun and genuinely despise everything about camp. (You can’t forget about the rebellious 13 year old in me either- “Camp? Something mum wants me to do? I can’t do what she wants!”) I’d spent the week before reading over the camp schedule they had online and looking at the website. All I could think was how awful a week I was going to have.

I have to laugh now because I couldn’t have been more wrong.

First after registering, my cabin leading Siren came to help me bring my bags down to my cabin. She told me the story of how she got her camp nickname and we talked about how she knew my brother from going to camp with him before. I remember thinking “she is the nicest person I’ve ever met”. And within another 10 minutes, I’d met another girl from my cabin, and like typical pre-teen girls, we were best friends pretty much on the spot. To make a long story short, the week flew by and before I knew it it was Saturday morning and mum was there to pick me up. I was in tears again this time because i did not want to leave at all. I’d had one of the most fun weeks ever, made great friends and for the first time in my life, I had gotten to experience my faith on my own. That’s one of the beauties of camp. If your parents are sending you to Camp Widjiitiwin, you’ve probably grown up at church. And for some who’ve grown up going to church, like myself, it’s hard to feel like your faith is your own because it’s been your parents who’ve brought you to church, sent you to youth, and prayed with you before bed. Now those aren’t bad things, they’re amazing things! But it’s important for us kids to experience our faith on our own, by our own will and our own means. Camp provides that for us. After hearing the salvation message at chapel it was I who got to make the decision to go to my cabin leader and share with her my story, and my new found desire to get serious about committing my life to Christ. And after praying with her that Thursday night, things shifted in my life.

That’s why I’m heading up to camp this weekend. Camp is one of the best things that’s happened in my life and I want to give to other campers, what Siren and Knip gave to me. As a camper you look at those on staff and you think “they are the coolest people alive, and they truly love God!”. I believe in the power of camp ministry, and all that it can do for a person, as it’s helped my through so much in my own life!

Pray for us on staff at Widjiitiwin as we embark on another crazy adventure for the next 10 weeks, and not only see the hearts of campers change, but our own hearts as well.

-Panic

Dear Camp Widjiitiwin Partner,

It’s all about relationships! That’s true of campers and cabin leaders; staff and leadership; donors and camp. We are stronger together and can accomplish more for the Kingdom’s sake when we work together. In the last five years we have built some terrific partnerships between Camp Widjiitiwin and individuals, families, churches, groups, donors and foundations.

Our five year partnership with Toronto Police 42 Division to bring at-risk-youth to Camp Widjiitiwin from Malvern and area of Toronto is a great Kingdom builder. Starting from 30 campers four years ago, our 2013 the target is 100 campers, making it one of our largest weeks of the summer. We are hearing about change happening back in the community from the kids’ experiences at camp. Very exciting!

Escape, our partnership week with Hughson Street Church in downtown Hamilton, is expected to have 60+ campers in two age groups (TNT & Blast) at camp this summer. Not only do we offer them new experience outside of Hamilton, but the gospel is presented to each one and Hughson is in their neighbourhood for follow-up.

Thank you very much for your financial partnership with Camp Widjiitiwin and the investment you have made in the lives of campers and staff. Relationships have always been at the heart of the success of Christian camping ministry and that is what most campers talk about when they get home – the friends they made. That, plus the FUN, games, food, campfires, activities and of course the Tuck Shop.

In the chart below you will see our 2013 donation targets; what has been donated or pledged so far and how much is left to raise. Over $73,000 for the season is still a very big amount to reach, but our God is bigger than our need. Last year, a week before we were to start the Malvern week we had just $9000 in hand with no commitment from a major funding partner and the office wanted to cancel the week. We made a decision to go ahead with the program because we believe God has called us to this ministry. Within a few hours of committing to the program we had a $10,000 donation. By the end of the week we had more than $20,000 come in. We met that funding target before the end of the summer. This year we have increased our fundraising commitment by over $25,000. All things are possible with our God!

Fundraising (Donations & Pledges)

Area	Target	To Date	Difference
Sponsorship	$4,000	$600	$3,400
Malvern	$47,450	$17,050	$30,400
Escape	$28,450	$320	$28,130
Ministry	$20,000	$8,336	$11,664
Total	$99,900	$26,306	$73,594

You can help send campers to Widji to experience life changing ministry. For every $425 in donations toward ministry programs, the full cost of non-ministry programs (meals, accommodations, recreation) for one camper will be contributed by Bible Centre Ministries.

This summer we are in need of a “new to us” camp van. We are seeking the donation of a certified 2005 or newer seven or eight passenger van. We use it for camper and staff transportation, town runs for supplies and a few hospital trips each season. Please contact me ASAP at 1-800-551-0168 if you are willing to help us with this big need.

Our themes for 2013 are: Lego, Destination: Australia, Western, Survivor Widji and 1990’s. Details about weeks, ages and themes are in the brochure. This summer we’re planning for a 10’ kangaroo for Australia, we’re planning to rebuild the waterfront wall, build a staff lounge/meeting room plus a new permanent entrance gate.

Our “20 for 20 Challenge” is designed to raise up sustained giving for camp that will raise up a consistent level of funding for Camp Widjiitiwin over the long term. The goal is annual giving with a five year commitment. You can donate at the $1000, $500 or $250 level. Our goal is to raise sustainable annual donations of $35,000. If you would like more information, please contact me.

Last year’s summer staff raised over $1600 for the Escape week so that I would shave off my beard. This summer’s staff is committing themselves to raising $3000 to send kids to camp. I’m not sure what I’ll have to do, but I suspect a Mohawk and some colour will be part of it.

Every child deserves to go to camp! This is your opportunity to help fund 100 youth at risk from the Malvern district in Toronto (partnership with the Toronto Police) and also 60 at risk children from the inner City of Hamilton (partnership with Hughson Street Baptist Church). ($99,900 required to cover the sponsorships and other ministry expenses).

Online donations can be made through CanadaHelps at this link: http://www.canadahelps.org/CharityProfilePage.aspx?charityID=s95409 then designate your gift to Camp Widjiitiwin in the comments.

We need you to stand with us so that Camp Widjiitiwin is a place where lives are changed in 2013 and for eternity. Won’t you join us in making Camp Widjiitiwin the best place for campers to meet Jesus and grow in Him? Come along for the journey.

Serving Him together,

Mike (Moose) Greenfield

Director, Camp Widjiitiwin

Being ambassadors for Christ to children and youth

Widjiitiwin – the way camp was meant to be… relational, central, natural, reaching out to campers, a loving community focused on Christ. It’s like coming home, it’s my camp!

I wanted you to know more about the summer camp pastors that will be speaking in our Camp Widjiitiwin chapels this summer.

Matt (Newb) Naismith

Matt Naismith lives with his wife, Andrea, in Guelph, Ontario, and serves as the Teaching Pastor for Student and Young Adult Ministries at Lakeside Church.

Summer 2012 was Matt’s first experience at Camp Widjiitiwin as Camp Pastor and for that reason he was named Newb! He loved his experience at Widjiitiwin, especially the community and family environment it promotes. It did not take long for Matt to feel right at home and this is why he can’t wait to get back here this summer.

Matt grew up knowing about Jesus and began a relationship with him at the age of 5 but it was not until Matt’s first year at University that this relationship became his own. He realized that for any relationship to flourish it would involve daily communication and time, two things that had been void in that relationship in the past. Being like Christ and imitating him, is Matt’s goal now and while he admits it is always hard, its something he is learning and growing in more and more every single day.

Matt’s favorite camp memory is from TNT Week One last year when a student stood up on a bench during one of Matt’s message and started dancing. It was bizarre but the kind of flare Matt loves. The reason Matt never went to camp as a child is because he feared leaving his parents for a week. He eventually grew out of this but feels a special connection with the campers who show up and have the same fears he once had.

Rob (Sad Sac) Cripps

It’s hard to believe, but I have been coming to Widjiitiwin since 1985!!  First as a camper, then as a staff member, and now as a camp pastor!!  Since 2008 I have been ministering in the city of Toronto as a lead pastor, preaching the word of God to the city.  One of the reasons I feel so deeply called to preach is my time spent at camp.  Widjiitiwin has invested so much into me and now I love to come back and invest into the staff and campers every summer.  My favourite camp memories are cabin devo’s and praying with the other staff.  My favourite camp stories?  Well for that you will need to come to chapel!!

The bible teaches that God created us in His image and that we were created with the gifts we were given to glorify God!  When I’m not preaching, I’m training in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and ministering to the Jiu Jitsu community and reaching out to the communities in Toronto.  There is no greater call than to share the love of Christ with those lost in darkness and my prayer is that you would be challenged to do just that using the unique and wonderful gifts God has given you.  I look forward to chillin’ with you all soon!!

Martti (Boomer) Pajunen

·         Where do you work? Live? Live in Kitchener and work  throughout central Ontario

·         How long have you been coming to Widji (include years as camper, staff and camp pastor)? I have been on staff and a camp pastor (off and on) since 1985. My 3 kids have been campers, SALTers, and on staff in different roles

·         What about Widji continues to attract you to come back? I enjoy connecting with the campers and camp staff and getting to see campers have new experiences at their week at Widji

·         Tell us a little about your Jesus story/journey. I became a follower of Jesus as a child, having been raised in a family that valued faith in God. I was raised with godly mentors and youth workers, and Pastors. I have had some involvement in ministering to young people since I was 15 years old. My current ministry focuses on serving people who do not go to a church, but need a minister to conduct a wedding, funeral or new life celebration.

·         What is your favourite camp memory? I met a beautiful woman named Trish at camp – she eventually became my wife. It’s hard to top that. I have many more fun and meaningful memories of camp and love to see kids coming to camp to create their own memories that will stay with them for a lifetime.

·         Something unique about you that campers, staff or parents would connect with. I am writing a book called The Thirteeniities: igniting greatness and goodness in 13 year olds.

Shane (Spokes) Pickel

I am the Campus Pastor for LifeSpring Christian Fellowship in Waterloo. Our family lives in Kitchener, ON. I was a camper at Widji for just one summer. I was never on staff at Widji but I did work at MBC for 4 summers in the kitchen and then down at the Marina. It has been my pleasure to be a camp pastor at Widji for the last 10 or so years. Widji has been a tremendous blessing to our whole family.

It has definitely been an awesome opportunity and joy being asked back each summer and I make it a priority to carve out time in the summer to be a part of the team there. Probably the biggest things that excite me about Camp Widjiitiwin are the connections and relations I have built over the years with the staff and campers; being a part of a ministry that is well run and spiritually tuned to give each camper and staff member a truly amazing Kingdom experience; and lastly, the opportunity I have presenting the raw truth of God’s love and in witnessing teens passionate about connecting their story to God’s in an environment that cultivates the courage to do so.

My Jesus story started at Widji where I was moved to follow Christ by my counselor. I was 11 and I can remember my counselor ‘Higgy’ and his desire to please God being a new believer himself. Since then God has been consistently wooing me closer to Himself and my passion, even to this day, is re-fueled when I return to camp. I believe it was that experience with Higgy that made me realize that a relationship with God isn’t about religion but it’s about trust, vulnerability, humility, honestly and courage to live how Jesus lived … Always living the Good News of what God intended life to be like with my family, friends and neighbours. Today I am more passionate than ever about journeying and walking with people who love God and are active kingdom advancers; others that are seeking Him by asking big questions and then individuals that have been either blinded or hurt by life and religion.

My favourite camp memory changes every summer as I have the privilege coming back and immersing myself and my family in a ministry that continues to grow in so many directions. I don’t just have one story but dozens!

I guess one thing that helps me connect with others is the fact that I don’t have time to minimize where God is already at work. I am pretty open, try hard not to be judgmental and recognize that there are no favorites. Also, I’m a little crazy, love to laugh and I love to have fun. God is awesome.

Dwayne (Juice) Francois

·         Where do you work? Live? Oshawa, Calvary Baptist Church.

·         How long have you been coming to Widji (include years as camper, staff and camp pastor)?I’ve been coming to Widji for three years as a camp pastor.

·         What about Widji continues to attract you to come back? We love the partnerships with the community kids you are reaching out to.

·         Tell us a little about your Jesus story/journey. Believed as child. Struggled as a teen, but serving in camp ministries help me build convictions.  I thought my life was heading in one direction when God allowed some pain into my life which moved me on to a different path and resulted in a greater faith in his presence.

·         What is your favourite camp memory? At Widji – first ever dance party I attended and trading moves with the guys.

·         Something unique about you that campers staff or parents would connect with. I love music and sports, I have slight fear of heights, but not of flying.  French fries are my weakness.

Darren (Dux) Johnson

· Where do you work? Live? New Life Fellowship Baptist Church, Innisfil

· How long have you been coming to Widji (include years as camper, staff and camp pastor)? This will be my 3rd year as camp pastor.

· What about Widji continues to attract you to come back?  The ongoing efforts Widji has to make an eternal impact in the life of kids.

· Tell us a little about your Jesus story/journey. I grew up in a pastors home and accepted Christ at a very young age.  I never questioned my faith in Jesus but did question whether or not I’d ever want to be a pastor like my father.  After training in the Sports Medicine field at the University of Western Ontario God clearly called me into full-time ministry beginning with Youth For Christ, a journey that has resulted in being the lead pastor of New Life Baptist. Having the opportunity to teach God’s Word on a weekly basis is truly an honor.

· What is your favourite camp memory? Hearing the kids praise and worship God at chapel!

· Something unique about you that campers staff or parents would connect with. I have a 2nd degree black belt in karate.  As a kid and into my adult life I loved teaching karate.  I even had the honor of teaching Paul Henderson a few “basic moves.”  Today, I love spending time with my family.

Mike (Cist) Kleinhuis

· I’m the youth pastor at Hughson St. Baptist Church which is found in the North End of Hamilton, Ontario.

· How long have you been coming to Widji (include years as camper, staff and camp pastor)? This will be my third year as a camp pastor at Widji.

· What about Widji continues to attract you to come back? Giving the youth of the North End a chance to escape and get away, and enjoy camp life for a week each summer/

· Tell us a little about your Jesus story/journey.  I grew up in a Christian home with two wonderful, loving parents who consistently pointed me towards Christ.  I accepted Christ at a young age, but really began to understand and take my faith seriously when I was 19 at Bible College.  Since then I’ve been striving to know Him better, serve Him better, and be more like Him each day.  Some days are better than others.

· What is your favourite camp memory?  Widji ball ranks up there.  Sneaking up on deer.  Mornings by the water preparing my talks.  Witnessing “firsts” by campers is always a highlight!

· Something unique about you that campers staff or parents would connect with. I sing – often, and about everything.

It’s part of our schedule at Camp Widjiitiwin to sing a song and pray before every meal. We have lots of songs to choose from and sing them loud and proud as part of a camp-life tradition. Here are some of the songs we sing:

• Walking with the Lord
• Fresh Prince
• Pizza Hut
• Superman grace
• Praise Ye the Lord
• Fill up my cup
• I wish I were an Oscar Mayer Weiner
• Infantry song
• Johnny Apple Seed
• Soft Kitty Warm Kitty
• Jesus Loves the Little Children
• This is the day
• We will rock you
• Baby Shark
• Father Abraham
• Deep and Wide
• Swimming swimming, in my swimming pool
• Brown Cow
• Jaws Song
• Jesus was a cool dude
• Spiderman grace
• Rub-a-dub
• Sponge bob
• ABC grace
• Flinestones grace
• Batman Grace
• John Jacob Jingleheimer Schmidt

I love seeing the entire camp standing on their benches, singing at the top of their lungs. It’s really neat to hear the difference from the beginning of the week when campers are uncomfortable or unsure of the song lyrics to the end of the week when they stand up and belt the lyrics out (even if they still don’t fully know them). Meal time songs are such a small portion of a campers week at Widji but to see the joy and smiles on their face as they sing them is one of the MANY reasons why I love camp!

Submitted by Synchro