Manitoba Camping Association

MAY 16, 2019 MANITOBA CAMPING ASSOCIATION 5 By Todd Lewys for the Free Press M adison Franks was six years old when she first attended Dauphin Bible Camp. Now a camp leader, she hasn't missed a camp in 13 years. "Even before I started going to camp, my brother came home with amazing stories of what happened at camp every year," says Franks, 19. "Then, I started going and saw for myself. Everything he said was true — it's just so much fun." Located about 10 minutes south of Dauphin next to Riding Mountain National Park, Dauphin Bible Camp — which is about three hours from Winnipeg — is something of a throwback. There's no electricity in cabins, and camp attendees — kids aged six to 17 — are encouraged to connect with their peers and nature rather than connecting to social media on their smartphones. Andrew Sevigny, executive director of Dauphin Bible Camp, says the weeklong camps — which run in July and August — provide an intimate, laid-back atmosphere that knocks down walls created by an over- dependence on technology. "At camp, the kids put down their phones and just have conversations," he says. "They have conversations about life, make friends and learn about themselves. Disconnecting from technology and being in a beautiful setting with fewer distractions allows them to become more transparent and real." That environment also allows them to experience what life was like before the advent of the internet, smartphones and social media. Which is to say, while at camp, you do what others do, and that means heading outdoors to take part in a wide variety of activities. "We offer all kinds of activities, from swimming to archery to crafts, drama and nature lore," says Sevigny. "Kids can also fire at targets with pellet guns. Our newest activity is paintball, which started in 2018. At some point, we hope to put in ziplines." As popular as those activities are, there's one that trumps them all, he adds. "Our horse program is a big part of camp here — there are three camps for kids aged eight to 12, and a teen horse camp for kids 12 to 14." To say the least, both camps are intensive. One aspect of the camps involves spending four hours a day at the stables. "The kids learn theory, how to ride properly, how to look after a horse — things like that," explains Sevigny. "One of the coolest things is watching how the kids learn to work as a team. They have to do an RCMP-style musical ride at the end of the week, and that teamwork plays a huge part in them putting on a good performance." Franks says many kids come back not only to enjoy nature and all the activities, but to re-connect with cabin leaders. "When I was at camp, my leaders were just the most amazing people — they were role models. I think cabin leaders are one of the biggest draws for kids. They build relationships with the kids, and the kids are so excited to see them and their love for camp and God." Sevigny says it's never too early to introduce kids to the great outdoors. "We actually run a kiddie camp every Wednesday, a two-hour program for kids under the age of six. It introduces them to camp so they can see what it's all about." Not surprisingly, the experience captures the imagination of many kids, who, like Franks, get smitten and return year after year. "It's a great getaway in a beautiful spot that gives kids a break from the demands of everyday life," says Franks. "It's an experience that brings the kids closer to each other, and that teaches them valuable life skills. I love going there to help out and be a role model and hope to do it for many more years." Protect Manitoba's trees. Don't move firewood. Emerald Ash Borers are a threat! Invasive species threaten Manitoba's trees. The emerald ash borer and other insects hide in firewood. When firewood is moved between locations, so are the insects. One log can kill a million trees. Learn more at: Manitoba.ca/stopthespread DON'T MOVE FIREWOOD STOP THE SPREAD OF FOREST INVASIVE SPECIES S TO P T H E S P R EA D O F F O R E S T I N V A S I V E S P E C I E S • S TO P T H E S P R EA D O F F O R E S T I N V A S I V E S P E C I E S • S TO P T H E S P R EA D O F F O R E S T I N V A S I V E S P E C I E S • DON'T MOVE FIREWOOD S T O P T H E S P R EA D O F F O R E S T I N V A S I V E S P E C I E S • DON ' T MOVE FIREWOOD WPG FREE PRESS - MB CAMPING ASSOCIATION SUPPLIMENT 5.125"X5.625" DAUPHIN BIBLE CAMP CONNECTS KIDS WITH NATURE, PEERS & THEMSELVES To learn more about Dauphin Bible Camp and its programs — their spring open house will take place on June 9 — visit dauphinbiblecamp.com or call 204-638-5568. Submitted photo

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