Summer Camp Pastors 2013

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.

Two Wolves Live Inside Me

The Story of Two Wolves

There is a profound Cherokee story involving a conversation between a young boy and his wise old grandfather. One evening, as the two of them sat together by the fire, the old man began to teach his young progeny – as wise old grandfathers are wont to do – about the most important lessons of life. The young boy had had a bad day; he had been very disobedient – as young boys are wont to do – and, now, in the warm shadows of the firelight, old man and young boy sat in silence. The boy’s face was rigid with resentment over his parents’ punishment for his disobedience, while the old man, leaning heavily on his knees, idly drew figures in the dusty earth.

After a long while, the grandfather began to speak. “There is a terrible battle going on inside my soul,” he said quietly. Another long pause. When the boy could stand the suspense no longer, he asked “What does that mean, Grandfather? What kind of battle do you face?”

“There are two wolves living inside me and they are in a raging battle.”

“Right now?” the boy asked.

“Yes, right now. In fact the wolves never seem to stop their warfare.” The old man sat back – looking far into the distance.

“What are they fighting over, Grandfather?” the boy asked.

“My life… ” the old man replied.

“I don’t understand,” said the boy, turning toward the old man. “Who are the two wolves?”

The wise old man continued. One is evil – he is anger, envy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego.” He continued, “The other is good – he is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion, and faith. The same fight is going on inside you – and inside every other person, too.” These two wolves are fighting all the time, and my soul is their battleground.”

The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather, “Which wolf will win?”

The old Cherokee simply replied, “The one you feed.”

In 2 Corinthians 5:17 and in Romans 7:14-25 Paul talks about the old and the new person or nature in a similar way. We battle against the natural human nature to try and do what we know is good and righteous.

Fruit of the Spirit, Gal 5:13-26 – You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love. For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other. So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.

The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 

I See a Generation Rising

leadershipI have taken this title from a line in the popular song by Brook Fraser called, “Hosanna”. It has been my privilege over these last many years to work with amazing young Christian teens and adults who are living their lives for Christ. Every summer they come to camp as dish washers, service staff, cabin leaders, SALT staff, leadership staff and volunteers. They live out in front of the campers and each other what it is to be a Christ follower. Everyone expects me to tell them about living for Jesus and that has some impact, but the real example comes from leaders who are a few years ahead of them in life. We see an amazing impact of these younger every summer on the lives of campers and SALTers. They make a faith decision or get quite serious about their faith, no longer living their parents faith. It is a great sight to see indeed.

I was recently reminded that most great movements began with students. They’re not waiting for others to lead. They’re taking a step out and follow God by being ALL IN!!! They’re listening to Biblical preaching, worshiping passionately, praying relentlessly, caring practically, and reaching out to the world around them intentionally. Indeed they have taught me about worship as well.

Hosanna

I see the king of glory
Coming down the clouds with fire
The whole earth shakes, the whole earth shakes
I see his love and mercy
Washing over all our sin
The people sing, the people sing

Chorus
Hosanna, hosanna
Hosanna in the highest

Verse 2
I see a generation
Rising up to take the place
With selfless faith, with selfless faith
I see a new revival
Staring as we pray and seek
We’re on our knees, we’re on our knees

Bridge
Heal my heart and make it clean
Open up my eyes to the things unseen
Show me how to love like you have loved me
Break my heart for what is yours
Everything I am for your kingdom’s cause
As I walk from earth into eternity

This is what God IS calling ALL of us to do!

Mealtime Songs

Salt-groupIt’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

Props, Costumes and Stuff for 2013

If you have any of these items and are willing to donate them or loan them to Camp Widjiitiwin, we would greatly appreciate it and these items will help enhance our summer program themes. Items can be dropped off at MBC/Camp Widjiitiwin. We may be able to pick up some items. Contact Mike Greenfield at 1-800-551-0168 or email mike@mycamp.ca if you have items to donate or loan.

Lego:

  • Lego or Duplo sets, even miscellaneous pieces
  • Egg cartons (6’s, 12’s or 18’s) to paint into Lego bricks

Australia:

  • Boomerangs, Australian hats,
  • didgeridoos, rain stick,
  • Stuffed Koalas, kangaroos, etc.

Western:

  • Cowboy hats and cowboy boots
  • Leather vests, belts & buckles,
  • bull whips, spurs,
  • Sheriff badges, bandanas
  • Two old saddles
  • Old wagon wheels, old milk cans
  • Toy pistols or old west style rifles

1990’s:

  • Tomagotchi, Nanos or Gigapets
  • Inline skates, beanie babies
  • Videos of Saved by the Bell, Recess, Arthur, Magic School Bus, Carmen Sandiego, Bill Nye or Full House
  • Pogs, 90’s Disney movies
  • Game boys, mood rings

General:

  • Tall dressers for cabins
  • A small box trailer
  • Fans & mirrors for cabins
  • Life jackets in good condition
  • Canoes & paddles
  • Dress up clothes and costumes
  • Generators,12Kw and 7000 watts
  • pool noodles
  • picnic tables (new or good condition)
  • plants/shrubs for landscaping

Political Attack Ad Screw Up

Sometimes I get angry at stuff I see on TV. I’ve even been known to shout at contestants on programs, even though I know they can’t hear me. This DSC_0214week the Federal Conservative government of Canada put out an attack ad against Justin Trudeau as the new leader of the Liberal party of Canada. This one offended me. While I have never been a Liberal and don’t plan to become a Liberal or vote for one, someone in the PMO screwed this one up; suggesting that the experience of being a camp counsellor is something at which to be scoffed. It’s NOT! You can see the media here if you haven’t already seen it on your TV. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sGWuN3ZVuxU

I don’t know what camp Justin attended, but it’s pretty clear that the Conservatives have no idea the level of responsibility that a camp counsellor (or cabin leader) takes on. For the week that a camper is at camp, the camp counsellor becomes the parent, mentor, leader, guide, motivator, confidant, friend, supervisor, advisor, teacher, supporter, organizer, chief, trail blazer, spiritual role model and big brother/sister. AND, it’s a 24 hour a day job with huge responsibility for the campers in their care. At many camps the camp counsellors are also the activity leaders. These brave people take on leading 6-8 campers in the cabin and teaching 10-15 each activity period. For so many it’s a way to give back for all the role models they had growing up at camp.

I tweeted the following out to our Prime Minster, Stephen Harper and my local MP, Tony Clement: “@pmharper @TonyclementCPC why would you malign Justin being a camp counsellor? That’s an honourable job to have done!” No response yet.

Fifty

Fifty, the BIG 5-O. I made it! It’s been a great birthday. As far as the big milestones, I guess this is one of those, but I don’t really feel like I’ve crossed some great divide. Thursday was dinner with my beautiful wife for wings at Kelsey’s. Friday was dinner at East Side Mario’s followed by coffee at Tim’s with friends that don’t get together often enough. Many laughs were had by all.

Saturday was lunch in Barrie at William’s Coffee Pub with my family followed by an hour at the Goodwill store. Then it was on to Medieval Times in Toronto for a feast and a show. We got our picture taken with the princess, met up with some camp staff, planned how we could use their ideas for a themed week at camp, I was knighted so that’ll be Sir Mike or Sir Moose if you prefer. You just can’t go wrong with dinner that you’re supposed to eat with your hands, horses, a tournament, knights, sword fights and jousting. Our champion didn’t win, but the evil interloper was defeated and the princess saved.

I have a treasure box in front of me filled with letters from friends (staff, family, co-workers & old friends). Carolyn collected these and put them together with some pictures in a treasure box. It is truly a treasure to me. As I have read the letters from people I have had to stop many times as my tears and the lump in my throat have made it impossible to continue. Some of you are just discovering that I have emotions. I appreciated the funny ones as they gave me some reprieve. One of my favourite sayings is that you can count the seeds in an apple, but not the number of apples in a seed. I have told this to decades of staff explaining that they will never know the full impact of their actions/ministry on others. I have been given a glimpse into the seeds that are now spreading seeds of their own. I have read all the notes and feel very blessed. Thank you all.

Today I’m relaxing after church, reading through my treasure box and reflecting. Time for a nap! I hear its part of the 50+ club daily routine. It’s been a great birthday.

Welcome to our new Widji website

Welcome to the new website.

I’m glad you have joined us. For a while now our old website has been malfunctioning, getting tired and the program was no longer supported so we re-branded and relaunched here at www.widjiitiwin.ca.

I’m excited to unveil to you this new site which is much improved with all new and updated content. Thanks to Chad and his team at Rhubarb Media for all their work!!

Mike (Moose) Greenfield

www.mycamp.ca
www.facebook.com/CampWidjiitiwin
@WidjiMoose

Being ambassadors for Christ to children and youth

2013 Widji Themes

Lego
Brick, brick, brick, window, brick, brick, brick, brick, wheels, brick, brick, brick, door, brick, brick, brick, brick… What is it you may ask? To find out you’ll have to come to our Lego week and discover the adventure at Camp Widjiitiwin.
Destination: Australia
WIDJI: the land down under, home of kangaroos, koalas, big snakes and crocs of course. Plus you’ll discover boomerangs, didgeridoos and chicken on the “barbie”. We’ll head deep into the outback to search for the elusive ten foot high Kangaroo beast that lives in the forest.
Survivor Widji
Outplay, Outcamp, Outlast… This week at Widji will test your metal against other tribes in challenge after challenge. Win some, lose some, get the reward, but who will win the “immunity trophy” and avoid tribal council? Which tribe will be the ultimate survivor? Who will survive tribal council where someone WILL be voted into the river?
Western Town
Go ahead, make my week… cowboys and cowgirls will enjoy this week where the sheriff is the law, the wranglers will lead great activities and we’ll enjoy some awesome chow in the Longhouse. Plus there’s great treats at the General Store. Grab your cowboy hat and boots and mosey on over to Widji for a fun western week. Try yer hand at lassoing, target shootin’, bronco riding, and stop by the sheriff’s office to see who’s in jail. Y’all come to camp now.
1990’s
Take chances, make mistakes, get messy! In the 90’s Magic School Bus and Miss Frizzle ruled the airwaves. Bill Nye the science guy intrigued us, Arthur ruled the playground, no one knew where in the world was Carmen Sandiego and we collected beanie babies, Tomagotchi & Pogs. Come to Widji and be ready when the “bus does its stuff” and you’re “Saved by the Bell!”

Excited for a Headache

As I lay in bed feeling the rhythmic drumming of my pulse inside my head, I realize that I have woken up this morning with a headache and I’m kind of excited about it. While that likely sounds crazy to you, let me tell you why. Almost a year ago I woke up with double vision for no apparent reason. That began about an eight month journey with a low grade headache almost every day that medications wouldn’t take away. Then in late November I got a plastic film that bent the sight in my right eye six degrees towards the left. The headaches were almost instantly gone as my eyes and brain no longer struggled to make me see what was really there with no extra parts on the right side.A few weeks ago I got new glasses. That in and of itself is nothing remarkable, it’s even commonplace. But, these particular glasses bend my vision straight. It turns out that in my struggle with double vision that my right eye has a sixth nerve palsy and is out by six degrees. So my new glasses have a three degree bend in each lens, bending towards the middle. Above and below the glasses is way out, so I avoid looking over or under my glasses. The new glasses have eliminated 90% of the headaches that started in March when the double vision came on.

It’s like the light bending experiments in physics class or like looking through a glass bottle of water and seeing an out of place image on the other side. I have also discovered that this is more common than I expected.
Several extra strength Advil, two cups of coffee and an Excedrin later I’m still feeling the pounding. I’m starting to be a little less excited now. More coffee…