“It’s a really unique experience for kids to get away from home, get away from distractions and all the things that they do regularly. Camp is a great place for kids to get outside, be in nature, and do some activities that they wouldn’t normally get to do.”
It’s almost camp season! For over 80 years, West Bank Bible Camp has been serving the community, creating a space where kids can unplug, explore the outdoors, and make lifelong memories. Hosting campers between the ages of 6 and 18, director Kurt Robertson is looking forward to another summer of new friendships and fun adventures.
Wall climbing, canoeing, horsemanship and the swimming pool are top activities, but the fan favorite years running is Creeks, Crickets & Crayfish - an activity where campers are given nets and are sent to splash around in the Creek, catching creatures and exploring a riverbed ecosystem.
“We release everything back into the Creek in the end,” Robertson assures. “But it’s just one of those unique activities that kids just love. It’s so simple.”
New for 2025 is a brand-new climbing wall built in partnership with Challenges Unlimited out of Ontario. Capable of handling six climbers simultaneously, this is a huge step up from the current outdated setup, which, while getting a little worn around the edges, could also only handle two climbers at a time. The camp is also looking for businesses in the community that would be interested in helping to sponsor this project. For more information, visit their partners page.
“I think it will be a really exciting new addition to our camp- it’s another big activity that kids really enjoy.”
The well-being and safety of all campers starts with staffing. West Bank Bible Camp puts a lot of time and energy into hiring and training and mandates the completion of criminal record checks and child abuse record checks. Volunteers are also screened in this manner. In partnership with the Saskatchewan Camping Association, West Bank Bible Camp is charged with keeping up with all provincial standards. https://saskcamps.ca/accreditation/
“We’re making sure that we’re hiring quality people, and training them well so that our activities our safe; they know how to take care of kids and how to handle different situations.”
Cabin leaders and staff are the most important tool at the Camp’s disposal when it comes to ensuring that campers have not only a good time but a memorable experience. From art to sports, Robertson says that West Bank’s staff have such a range of talents and passions that it’s wonderful to see them put these skills to work for the benefit of the youth.
“Sometimes it’s just a fun new twist on an old game. And even if it’s something the kids have done, especially if they’ve come to camp for years and years, they still love it every time because our staff are able to make it a unique, fun new experience.”
Robertson has a simple suggestion for anyone on the fence about sending their kid to camp.
“Do it. Send your kids to camp. There are so many kids that don’t get to do these things anymore. You might have kids that say they’re scared, or say they maybe aren’t ready for camp, or maybe don’t want to be away from home. But I can guarantee that by the time they get to the second or third day, they are loving camp. I’ve seen it with so many kids over and over again.”
Interested in sending your kids to camp this summer? Register now!
West Bank Bible Camp also has a new fundraising program called the WBBC 500, striving for their goal of accumulating 500 monthly donors. Generally speaking, funds will help the camp provide a safe and nurturing environment where campers can grow in their relationship with God while forging lifelong friendships. Specifically speaking, funds will be put towards summer staff pay, building renovations, camp maintenance, and the construction of a new climbing wall. Anyone can join in supporting this ministry for as low as $20/month.
Interested in supporting the WBBC 500? Sign up now!
Financial aid is also available for families who need assistance. Robertson shares that the camp has a good support system of donors that really love children and want to help kids come to camp. So please, reach out if you need financial aid by emailing office@westbankbiblecamp.ca
Learn more or register your child for camp on the West Bank Bible Camp website.