Pines asks campers: WATULIVIN4?

Grand Forks, B.C.

WATULIVIN4? That's the question campers at the Pines Bible Camp were faced with this summer. Campers walked away from Camp 1996 with a new or renewed understanding of what choices we have in life and what our best choice is, "to love the Lord with all of your heart".

The Pines grew from 277 campers in 1995 to 319 campers in 1996. Approximately 50% of the kids attending were unchurched kids. If the campers were to be asked what their highlights were, at the top of the list would of course be tuck, wide games, activities and great food, but more than that would be the staff and speakers. The speakers this year included, Matthew Hiller from Selah Ministries (Puppets and Praise) who brought a team with him from Banks, Oregon and shared through drama and puppetry for a few camps. Russ Reid shared with the campers at junior high camp. God had a special plan for senior high camp and despite our fears when the speaker cancelled, God spoke through our counsellors and staff to touch many hearts.

Family camp is always a big event at the Pines. Our speaker this year was James Nikkel from the B.C. Conference Board of Church Extension. He and his wife Elfrieda shared with us about families in our changing world. We had 300 people enjoying hayrides, frisbee golf, homemade ice cream, a corn roast, and other family activities.

The Pines is growing and expanding. This year we have upgraded our water and septic systems and installed a new dishwasher and a walk-in cooler. Enhancing our camp this year is a new 5.5 km perimeter trail for mountain biking, hiking and cross-country skiing, a new sign at the entrance of our driveway, and a beach volleyball court. We are expanding our use and having groups come to our 164-acre facilities for church and youth retreats, family reunions and school programs.

The Pines has amazing potential for expansion and ministry and we are continuing to plan towards developing our lodge and director's residence.

Statistics                          1996        1995
No. of campers                  319         277
No. of new Christians            58          28
No. of recommitments             94          27
No. of MB campers                82
No. of first-time campers        94
Numbers of Campers per Camp
                                 1996           1995
Camp 1 (ages 6-7)                 28             11
Camp 2 (ages 8-10)                83             81
Camp 3 (ages 10-12)               81             70
Camp 4 (ages 12-14)               74             45
Camp 5 (ages 14-17)               73             63
Family Camp                      300            250

Gene Krahn

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