Regional Synod of Canada - Reformed Church in America

Pioneer Christian Monthly

Date - Oct/71

Contributor - Hugh Appel

Title - Camp Shalom: The Best Project Ever taken By the Reformed Churches in Ontario

Topic - Camp Shalom

The request of the Steering Committee of Camp Shalom, to write two articles in the Pioneer concerning our First Year of Group Camping seems to me a most delightful task. Let me tell you that, as a Camp Director I had the most marvelous experience, and enjoyed it to no end. (We never thought we could learn so much, in such a short time.)

We began our camping season on July 16th, when the R.C.Y.F. shared a weekend of camping. We were very privileged to have Rev. Ray De Does with us for that weekend, from Michigan, who explained to us in many different ways what a Christian Camp should be all about. He gave us many fine examples. In total we had 115 campers (plus counsellor and other personnel) that weekend. Monday following we began a most delightful week with the nine and ten year old children, 68 of them. I am convinced that they will try to get back to the Camp next year. One thing these kids at that age are really great for is the many hours of delightful singing, with such smiling faces. Also quite noticeable is the very active way they shared in the Chapel talk and the discussions that followed. We had Rev. Cliff Turkstra with us that week (whose energy never seems to come to an end). We had two weeks of eleven and twelve year old children. They proved to be a marvelous group of campers. I don't know what was most fun with them, the hike, Uncle Sibi's snipe hunt, the hayrides or throwing Uncle Hugh in the pool with his clothes on. They sure were a fine group of kids.

Our religious programme: "Building Blocks" was also well received with these age groups. It was great to hear the reports from the Cousellors about what lives in the hearts of our young people. We thank God for what He showed us time and again. Both Rev. Wilts and Rev. Katerberg should t)e credited for a job well done during these two weeks.

The last two weeks of group camping were reserved for the thirteen to fifteen year old junior young people. In Chapel Talk we discussed the well known book: "How to be a Christian without being religious". We were privileged to have with us two well qualified ministers: Rev. H. Zegerius and Rev. J. VanOostveen. Each in a different way added much to benefit all of us. In total we had 349 campers over the five weeks.

Many visitors came to see us at Camp Shalom. A good number sharing the worship services with us on Sundays. To have these visitors after the service over at the house for coffee was just a delight. A total of fourteen Ministers stayed or visited us. Included some from other denominations. They all showed a keen interest in our Camp life. We can look back with much gratitude for the time and effort many Counsellors gave during the summer. As a director I owe much to Mr. and Mrs. C. Van Arkel. Their love and energy for Camp Shalom seemed endless. We were also privileged to have a number of Singing Groups with us. The times we shared together were most joyful. A highlight was certainly when we worshipped in the Galt Reformed Church, were the director was asked to conduct the Service, and "the Impressions" did some great singing. Some of the finest, hardworking ladies from everywhere in Ontario, helped Mrs. Van Arkel preparing the meals in the kitchen, sometimes as many as 300 servings per day. One of the real faithful ones was Tante Tina (Mrs. Harssema), who helped us for almost 4 weeks. We know that it was just love for others that made these fine group of ladies put in long days in the kitchen. The Re formed people of Galt were a great help in many ways as well. I enjoyed getting to know these people, and am very thankful for their support. Including the Hoekstra's, who loaned us their "mobile home", so that the Van Arkels had a place of their own. Many parents have also shown their appreciation in many different ways. Often they brought: Vegetables, potatoes, fruit, etc. It goes without saying that this was well received. Many times we received a cheque, or cash donations, to help build Camp Shalom. I can also think of Rev. and Mrs. P. de Jong, who drove down from Leamington in their "love bug,", packed with melons. I could go on and on. This may just be a glimpse of the happenings, but we hope that it will tell you something about Camp Shalom.

For next year, there are many things we should look into. Changes are to be made. We have learned an awful, lot, I am convinced. I am sure that this is one of the best things the Reformed Churches in Ontario ever did. Here is a place we can come together, time and again. Our children can meet here, friends, parents, church groups, etc., have an opportunity to get to know one another a lot better, in many different ways.. To have Camp Shalom is, one thing, but to build it upon the rock of Salvation is the greatest. That is what it is all about. I strongly believe, (and have seen it) that it is a place near to the heart of God. We shared great times in Christ together, often in a relaxed and casual way. Nevertheless very meaningful. It gave me a thrill to hear a father say that his ten year old son had learned so much about Jesus Christ in one week. It tells us that God is at work, at those 165 acres near Galt. That is what our aim must be. Working together for our Lord and Master who gave us everything of Himself. All He is asking is to do His will, just follow Him, nothing else.

That is also the drive behind the Steering Committee, there is nothing selfish of being a member of it. God has called these faithful people to a task, and they are doing it, with His help. Let us continue to build Camp Shalom, and let us do this together. May we do it with the song in our heart (the Impressions sang it so often: "Give me oil in my lamp, KEEP ME BURNING, burning for Christ, who has given us work to do."

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