Jesus is the Light of the World
In July and August, more than 400 campers attended a week of day camp at North Kildonan Mennonite Brethren Church. Campers had so much fun that many returned for another week—or two!
This year’s day camps centred around the theme “Illuminate: Jesus is the Light of the World”. Each morning began at the church, where campers and staff connected with one another, worshipped together, and engaged in the Bible program.
Afternoons brought a new adventure each day. From visits to the pool, the zoo, the trampoline park, and even the beach in Gimli, programming went far beyond the church parking lot. Every day of camp this summer included an adventure or activity of some kind, creating excitement and lots of smiles among the campers.
Day camp at NKMB was born in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, says Cathy Rempel, Worship and Summer Camps Director. When Mark Werner, Children’s Ministry Director, joined the team, he brought a school bus along with him, opening new possibilities for the camp.
Children’s programming can often feel like a juggling act, especially with the added details, coordination, and care required for daily field trips. “God is the secret to the chaos,” says Cathy. She adds that a strong leadership team is another secret to keeping things under control, and that staff and leadership have been her highlight this summer.
Throughout the summer, 52 staff and volunteers worked with the day camp. With a few weeks of Vacation Bible School running simultaneously, over 100 people made eight camps happen in six weeks, says Mark. They were happy to incorporate youth from the NKMB congregation and beyond, giving youth a chance to grow in their leadership while serving their community.
Campers were not the only ones having fun and learning a lot this summer. “Working at camp has shown me the gifts that God gives each person because, as a camp team, we all have different gifts in different areas,” says Maya, a leader who returned for her sixth summer at day camp. “Some people are really good with kids who are super quiet, and some people are really good at bringing energy. When we use everybody and their gifts to their fullest potential, we do something really cool,” she says.
Both campers and staff grew in faith and closer in relationship with God as the weeks went on. “Camp has definitely shown me what it's like to be a follower of Christ because when I first came to teach at this camp, I wasn’t probably one of the best leaders,” says Harrison, a second-year staff member. “But with my co-leaders, they’ve definitely shown me what it’s like to lead kids into faith, and I just love doing it.”
Camp has a lasting impact on everyone involved, especially through the memories made during the daily outings. “I think Gimli was my favourite. We got to go on a scavenger hunt,” says Isabella, another leader returning for a sixth year. “It was a middle school week, and it was really nice to make connections with them, and it was a unique experience. We've never done it before, but I think it went pretty well. Just a lot of fun.”
By combining dedicated, loving staff with meticulous planning and execution of Bible lessons and activities, this day camp was a tremendous blessing to North Kildonan and beyond. The summer memory verses reflected this mission to spread the word of God to the children and youth of Winnipeg:
When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12, NIV)
In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. (Matthew 5:16, NIV)
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