Manitoba Camping Association

4 Manitoba CaMping assoCiation May 2, 2015 Spendaweekatourfacilityinour comfortableaccommodationslearning allabouthorses. Ourprogramisdesignedforriders withabilitiesvaryingfromthefirsttime ridertothemoreexperiencedwith severallessonsundertheirbelt. Itanintenseweekfilledwith horsemanship,trailriding,arena lessons,andage-appropriatehealth andwellnesstrainingfortheequine enthusiast. Youngladieswillcomehomewitha lifetimeofmemories,newfriendsand asoundknowledgebaseofeverything "horse". Formoreinformation visitourwebsiteat: www.TUMBLEWEEDSRANCH.com HORSE CAMP FOR GIRLS Ages 10-17 by g.a. taylor for the Free Press s wimming, kayaking, crackling campfires! Camps can be so much fun — especially family camps where children and adults enjoy togetherness and still get to do some special activities apart. It's the best of both worlds, say family camp enthusiasts and managers. "Why let your kids have all the fun?" says Dan Misko, board member and Marketing Committee Chair of Camp Wasaga, a privately-owned camp on the south shore of Clear Lake in Manitoba's beautiful Riding Mountain National Park. "Family camp isn't about sending your kids off to camp and hoping they have a good time. At Camp Wasaga your whole family can share in the experience. You get up together, have breakfast together and talk about what you're going to do for the day. While your kids are in an age-based activity in the morning you may be off on a group hike or other activity. Or maybe you opt for some quiet time in a lawn chair with a book. Afternoons and evenings are reserved for family group activities like volleyball, races or scavenger hunts." There are five weeks of family camp sessions during July and August, and Misko urges Manitobans to register as soon as possible. Fees include lodging, meals, programs and unlimited use of kayaks, canoes, mountain bikes and all facilities. Misko is proud that Camp Wasaga offers special activities even for the youngest campers of six months. "We're unique among family camps in that regard. Other family camps don't offer supervised program for kids until age six. We started coming with our daughter when she was two. At lunch she would come back and tell us about all of the things she did in the morning with her new friends." For more information, visit campwasaga.ca or email campwasaga@gmail.com. Gimli Bible Camp loves single moms and children and operates a family camp just for them July 7-10. "Kids and moms do activities together, but every afternoon we take moms on a special outing such as shopping or a spa day," says Don Roe, director of the non-denominational Bible camp, which is open to all single moms and their children from four to 13. There are separate chapel times suitable for both age groups. In the evenings, moms have a campfire and talk. The kids have camp and the moms have camp, yet time is evenly split between time together and time apart. Mostly, it is just plain fun. Camp's a family affair Activities include kayaking, canoeing, archery, campfires, crafts, swimming, games and a carnival the last day. Find more information at gimlibiblecamp. com or call 204-642-5707. Roseau River Bible Camp is a busy place every summer. About 1,000 campers between the ages of seven and 18 enjoy the camp facilities while receiving Biblical teaching in an encouraging and nurturing environment. This year, the non-profit, non-denominational organization is bringing back its family camp. "We have had family camp in the past but we would like to give an opportunity for families to experience Bible camp together again," says Duane Goertzen, director. "Camp can be intimidating for young children and for parents to let their children go to camp. Family Camp gives them a great opportunity to do all of the regular camp activities together. Rafting, kayaking, horses, zip-line, swimming and BMX are only a few. It's all happening Sept. 1-3." After leaving its former home at St. Malo, Roseau River Bible Camp was moved to a 143-acre site near Roseau River, where it is currently located. Visit roseauriver.ca for cost, registration and other information or call 204-427-2445. Luther Village, southeast of Kenora, offers five weeks of family camps this summer during July and August. At Luther Village, family camping is their specialty. Experience the scenic wilderness and rugged beauty, at camp in a resort-like setting located on Dogtooth Lake. "We define family as a group of people who love and take care of each other," says Kim Scherger, executive director at Luther Village, who adds that the camps are open to people of all denominations or with no religious background. Luther Village welcomes all!" All the fun activities are there: canoeing, kayaking, boating, fishing, hiking, archery, nightly campfires and snacks and swimming at a guarded beach. In the mornings, adults may opt for discussion groups or do their own thing. The younger family members, two to 17 years of age, can enjoy special programming developed just for them. Family campers may also enjoy bringing their trailers or tents and camping. Participants in family camps can either rent a cabin (12 options) or rent a camping site. Cabins or campground, everyone can take part in whichever family camp activities they choose. A meal plan is available and is very popular. Luther Village sets high standards for staff, programming, personal safety, facilities and health care. The goal is to provide the best for your needs so you will find your stay at Luther Village to be an extraordinary time of growth, fellowship and renewal in breathtaking surroundings. Cost, registration and other information can be found at luthervillage.ca, by email to lv@luthervillage.ca or by calling 204-898- 4052 or 807-543-4052. ❚ Dan, Rebecca and Sophie Misko have been going to Camp Wasaga since 2012. Submitted photo

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