Winter at Camp: Preparing for a Summer of Impact
Winter at Camp: Preparing for a Summer of Impact
Contrary to some beliefs, our camps and their staff are not hibernating like bears during the winter months. In fact, winter is when much of the groundwork for a successful summer season takes place.
Three of our five camps operate year-round, hosting guest groups and weekend retreats even after summer ends. Across all five camps, staff teams are already developing themes, refining programs, and preparing for the months ahead. By mid-January, registrations begin arriving, hiring is underway, and volunteers are being recruited for spring and summer ministry.
If you happen to visit one of our camps this winter, be mindful of any bears that may be hibernating nearby — but be sure to offer a kind word of encouragement to the very much awake staff serving faithfully in these beautiful surroundings.
This has also been an exceptionally full winter for me personally. I’ve had the privilege of visiting churches, meeting with pastors, and connecting with camp boards across our ministry. Your prayers for wisdom and discernment are appreciated as I participate in numerous board and committee conversations each week. Our campers and guests deserve the best we can offer with God’s provision.
Strengthening Leadership & Shared Vision
In January, we gathered for a two-day Vision Retreat, bringing together the members of both our BCMB Bible Camp Society Board and individual Camp Boards to pray, learn, and grow together. With many meetings occurring online, the opportunity to meet face-to-face was especially meaningful and strengthened relationships across our camping family.
Our guest facilitator, Gary McDonald of Clearview Training & Consulting, guided conversations around healthy board culture, leadership alignment, governance clarity, and long-term sustainability. Participants particularly appreciated time spent clarifying roles and responsibilities, strengthening relationships between camps, and focusing on forward-looking leadership.
The gathering reinforced our shared commitment to the ministry and highlighted the value of resourcing one another across camps. We are grateful for the spirit of unity and encouragement that marked our time together.
Ministry Highlights & Encouragements
Travelling to Pines Bible Camp with two of my fellow board members was a highlight of the winter. Being able to meet with the Pines Board in person was encouraging, and the time on the road together created valuable space for conversation and relationship-building — both vital to healthy ministry.
I attended the Fellowship of Christian Camps/ BC Camping Convention at RockRidge Canyon, a meaningful time of connection and shared vision. Experiencing RockRidge for the first time — and making the trip with longtime supporter Arthur Loewen — was an added bonus!
At the end of January, I joined Christian leaders from churches, ministries, and local organizations at the Global Leadership Summit at Columbia Bible College. The gathering provided space to learn, reflect, and engage in conversations around leadership, discipleship, and cultural engagement. It was an encouraging opportunity to gain perspective and consider how camp ministry contributes to the broader work God is doing in our communities.
Stillwood hosted its annual Surge Youth Retreat for high school students at the end of February. An estimated 200 youth plus 145 leaders/volunteers attended.
Equally meaningful throughout the winter have been the many conversations over coffee and lunch. Hearing stories of how God is working in churches and ministries — and sharing how He is working through our camps — is always a blessing and a reminder that we serve together in His Kingdom work.
Thank You for Your Partnership
Thanks to the faithful support, prayers, and encouragement of our camp community — along with support from the BCMB Conference of Churches — we closed 2025 on strong financial footing. We are grateful for the many ways people partner with this ministry.
As 2026 unfolds, we are praying for growth in two key areas that will strengthen the long-term impact of camp ministry:
- Monthly Ministry Partners provide steady, dependable support that allows camps to plan, serve, and respond to needs with confidence throughout the year.
- The Endowment Fund provides long-term stability, supporting camps today while protecting this ministry for future generations.
If you would like to learn more about becoming a Monthly Ministry Partner or about the Endowment Fund, I would be glad to connect. You can reach me at bob@bcmbcamps.com to arrange a time to chat.
Bob “Ranger” Kroeker
Executive Director
