Pembina Valley Bible Camp is ramping up its preparations for the upcoming season with a series of exciting fundraising events. Jill Friesen, a key organizer at the camp, shared details about the camp's preparations and the array of upcoming events designed to support its programs.
"We're currently in the midst of organizing everything we need for the upcoming season," Friesen explained. "This includes hiring spring and summer staff, such as cooks and nurses, and coordinating our various programs. We offer specialty camps and numerous out trips, so it's a busy time as we get everything in place."
Pembina Valley Bible Camp has a rich history, having been in operation since the mid-1990s. Originally part of Winkler Bible Camp, it officially became Pembina Valley Bible Camp around 1995-96. Despite its long history, the camp maintains a small and intimate atmosphere. "We can only accommodate 54 kids per week," Friesen noted. "This small size allows us to foster close relationships within our camp community. While we don’t plan to expand significantly, we do have room for more campers in some of our popular programs, especially our horse camps."
The camp’s horse program is particularly popular, prompting ongoing fundraising efforts to enhance and expand the facilities. "This year, we’re focusing on our barn project and expanding our horse program," said Friesen. "We’ve seen great interest and want to ensure we can accommodate as many kids as possible."
The camp's fundraising calendar is packed, starting with their annual "Pies and Fries" event. "We’ve got two weekends of Pies and Fries coming up," Friesen said. "It’s a great way to enjoy some delicious food and support our camp. The event features pies and fries, some of which are donated by local churches and the Winkler Food Cupboard."
Following the Pies and Fries event, the camp will host the "Split'n Stack" event on October 19th, with additional fundraisers planned throughout the winter. "Our fundraising efforts continue with events like the “Valley-Tines” banquet in February and more banquets in Winkler and Morden in April," Friesen added.
For those interested in supporting Pembina Valley Bible Camp, details about these events can be found on their website, www.pembinavalleybiblecamp.com, and social media platforms. Friesen emphasized the importance of community involvement, noting, "These events are not just about raising funds but also about connecting with the community. We want people to come out, enjoy the events, and see what makes our camp special."
As the camp prepares for a new season, Friesen expressed gratitude for the ongoing support and enthusiasm from the community. "We’re looking forward to another great season and are excited about the upcoming events. It’s all about making sure our camp continues to provide enriching experiences for youth."