by Benson Duong
Before this summer, I had never slept in a cabin or seen the beauty of Muskoka in the summer. As a child I never had the opportunity to attend overnight camp and therefore this year there was much excitement and anticipation as I prepared to spend seven weeks at Camp Kwasind in the Muskokas. Leading up to my journey, I asked my friends about camp. After spending seven weeks of my summer involved in camp ministry I can confidently say that it was everything they described and more. Everyone I spoke to, whether they had attended camp recently or decades ago, described camp as a memorable and formative place for their personal and spiritual lives. Camp is not only a place where children and youth have a fun experience, it is a place where they meet Jesus.
This year, I had the pleasure of being a camp counsellor at Camp Kwasind for seven weeks. Each week, another counsellor and I led a cabin of ten to fifteen children and youth between the ages of seven and eighteen depending on the week. Our responsibilities included helping the campers out with everyday activities, spending time with them and teaching them about God. Each day was packed with various electives, group activities, games, campfires, worship and learning. Also, each week had a theme that helped the campers be immersed in the activities and teaching.
Along with an excellent program, there was a memorable staff of young adults who were committed to seeing kids take one step closer to Jesus. The Kwasind staff came from all walks of life: some staff had attended camp their whole lives and others were new. But what we had in common was not our experience but our desire to see people know God more. Camp ministry would not be possible without the sacrifice and servant heart of these young individuals. For many of them, the impact that camp had on their own lives was so significant that they desired to see others experience the same.
Camp Kwasind is a unique place set in beautiful Muskoka where kids and youth can come and have fun. However, what is truly special about Kwasind is that the people of God are there on mission with the purpose of seeing campers come to know Jesus. Camp Kwasind is much more than just a fun and affordable camp where children and youth can come to have a memorable summer. Rather, it is a place where campers come to both experience and know the life changing love of God.
This year Agincourt Baptist was able to sponsor six child and youth campers (including five first-timers) up to Kwasind. Each and every one of them had an amazing time of activities, but also were able to engage with the message of the gospel in new and unique ways. After sharing their stories of camp, we have already begun conversations with more parents regarding our participation at camp next year. All of this would have been impossible without the support and prayers of the congregation and therefore, we would like to thank them for their generosity. The legacy and ministry of Camp Kwasind has spanned decades and the impact is undeniable. I am grateful that Agincourt has been able to participate this year and hopefully more years to come.
