Summer camps are wrapping up for the summer as children start school in less than two weeks.

Roseau River Bible Camp Executive Director Duane Goertzen says many of their camps were full with one pre-teen week overflowing with 126 campers. Goertzen adds it was a summer to be remembered.

Campers enjoying the river at Roseau River Bible Camp. (Photo credit: Duane Goertzen)"There were so many things that stick out in my mind, but to me, the biggest thing is the changed lives. Even this week, there are some kids here that are from troubled backgrounds and they're starting to see that they need to have change in their lives, and that's super exciting to see. So, if we can impact those lives for the good and for the positive, that's what we're here for."

Goertzen says seeing the changed lives is one of the many highlights he saw throughout the summer.

"We even had some sickness and flu [of staff members]. That was interesting to see because the scripture clearly says that when we are weak, then He is strong. So, for the camp leaders to push through that and recognize that God is moving powerfully through them, even when they're not feeling the best, it was really neat to see."

He says, during any adverse weather they only had one tree fall and it caused no injuries or building damage. Goertzen adds there was an excellent group of staff this year and all their hard work and dedication throughout the summer was appreciated.

Campers having fun climbing the rock wall at Red Rock Bible Camp. (Photo credit: Kim Coursey)Meanwhile, in Red Rock Bible Camp, Executive Director Kim Coursey says over the eight weeks of camp they had approximately 750 campers.

"I think one of the highlights for me is always the staff," notes Coursey. "Most of them have grown up going to Red Rock and have been counsellors-in-training here, so, I've got to know them over the years and they really want to be here, and be here for the kids. That's really important."

Coursey adds the weather was good overall. He says there was a powerful wind that came through one night and caused a few trees to come down. Thankfully, they caused no physical injury and only minor damage to buildings.

He notes, overall, each week of camp was full with some only slightly under capacity.

At Bird River Bible Camp, Program Director Kyle Sheppard says they had 12 weeks of camp which were all full, except for the first week of high school camp which was under capacity. Sheppard adds it was a summer of great staff, and building relationships.

"The staff were super supportive and just really willing to try out new things and work together as a team, which was really great. We, as a camp, have been able to build really great relationships with the neighbours on the river and when questions come up with the camp, we've been able to just talk about it with the neighbours. So, it's been really good ot have that kind of a relationship with them, where we can be open and honest."

Sheppard adds the questions from the neighbours involved the noise from music, for example, carrying over the river and being too loud for their comfort.

He says highlights included a new boat they brought on-site, the redesigned BMX track and great weather. Sheppard adds it was a summer of answered prayers and seeing how God continues to impact people through the camp.

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