Camp Gears up for a Summer of Memories

I hope this article finds you under the warm June sun, enjoying the start of a beautiful summer!

While ever similar to summers’ past in its anticipated fun, laughter, and friendships, the summer of 2024 is bringing a breadth of new excitement to camp that I can’t wait to see come to life. Given that you may not all be able to witness the magic (you are busy enjoying that beautiful June sun, after all), I’m excited to update you on the comings and goings of Canterbury Hills as we head into our 64th summer of programming.

For example, the biggest change this year will undoubtedly be in the number of smiling campers! With the continued operation of our Overnight Camp, Day Camp, Bridge Camp, Adventure Camp, and Leader-In- Training programs, we will see approximately 1,150 children and youth at camp over the course of the summer! This number grew because of increasing the number of Bridge Camp weeks from four to six. Even with the increase in spots, Bridge Camp remains ever popular, and registration filled quickly! This was very similar to Day Camp, where spots were also able to increase, as the addition of newly built group spaces allowed for a greater number of campers.

Of course, behind every one of these cabin groups is an ever-hard-working and caring staff team. We have a strong returning staff rate, and were blessed to find a plethora of like-minded applicants during our March hiring day at St. James Dundas. Many of these new friends look forward to joining me, the rest of the Resource Team, and our dedicated returning staff for the summer ahead. These integral members of our camp community will occupy positions across our camping programs and within our beloved Lions Hall Kitchen. Though our staff may seem like superheroes to their campers, even they need a good meal after a hard day’s work!

Having mentioned our returning staff, it is only fair to recognize the wonderful work they did last summer. Over the course of registration, we have seen an increase in the number of returning campers, particularly within our Overnight Program. Way to go staffers! We love to see campers returning to our camp family, and the beautiful site with which God has graced us.

Looking out the camp office window now, taking in the natural wonders around me, I cannot help but recall a passage from the Old Testament. Ecclesiastes’ assures us that there is a time for everything under the heavens.

And so, with Canterbury Hills in mind…

There is a time for the sound of children’s laughter to trickle over these rolling hills. There is a time to sing ‘Praise Ye The Lord Hallelujah’ in the dining hall before our Friday Fiesta dinner.

There is a time to cheer on our friends as they reach the top of the rock wall, a time to indulge in an ooey-gooey s’more, and a time to thank God that we have a place, and a people with which to share in these experiences. It’s time for you to grab a cool glass of lemonade as you enjoy the June sun. As for me, it’s time to get back to work, prepping for the wonder and magic to come this summer at Canterbury Hills Camp.

Zoe serves as the camp’s assistant director.

To learn more, visit: canterburyhills.ca.

Say Yes! to Canterbury Hills

This year the Diocese of Niagara is joining the Anglican Foundation of Canada’s Say Yes! to Kids movement which helps to fund church-led programs and initiatives that support children, youth, and young adults. You are invited to take part in building up camp bursaries and support program costs such as camp out, crafting, and game supplies. And for every $20 donated to our Niagara campaign, $4 will also support the Anglican Foundation’s grants toward national youth ministries. To donate, visit: https://bitly.cx/AQY