The Estevan Bible Camp (EBC) has experienced an increase in the number of registrations for its camps this year.
Camp director Ladan MacKenzie estimates their camp numbers have likely doubled this year.
The season kicked off with a day camp on July 4 that attracted 12 young people. Their squirt camp, from July 5 to 8, had 41 kids between the ages of seven and nine. A family camp from July 8 to 10 drew more than 50 people.
Their junior camp, which is for 10-to 12-year-olds, had 38 participants. It kicked off on July 11 and continued until July 15. The teen camp will run from July 16 to 21.
“Our teen camps are typically smaller than the other ones, but we have enough kids to run it, so we’re excited about it,” said MacKenzie. “I think we’re upwards of 12 now, so we’re happy about that. But there’s still room, obviously.”
MacKenzie cited several reasons for the increase in numbers. Their profile in the community has grown. Everyone knows that they are now fully operational.
“In 2011, we had the trouble with the flood,” said MacKenzie. “The park has graciously given us this new ground that we’re working with, and people know we’re here now.”
They also have really good volunteer support from the community.
And while he was sad to hear the Metochos Ministries Lutheran Bible Camp, which is northwest of Estevan, won’t be operating this year, he knows EBC has some campers who would have gone to Metochos.
Young people who attend EBC enjoy daily exercises, skill-building activities, chapel services, swimming and games. They also have full meals and snacks.
“It’s a full day,” said MacKenzie.
The weather has created challenges, but they have only been forced to adjust their schedule a couple of times due to precipitation. When the rain hits, they move their activities indoors to their main building, which opened in 2014.
