Mission of Estevan Bible Camp
Our purpose is to provide a camping experience through which biblical truths and Christian values can be communicated to our campers. Our main purpose it to share the gospel with the foundation being the Word of God.
History of Estevan Bible Camp
Amidst the trials and tribulations of the "dirty thirties",
was born a triumphant ministry - Estevan Bible Camp.
Godly young men, privileged to attend Bible School, left with the commission - 'go ye therefore and teach all nations --- ' (Matt. 28: 19).
Many communities throughout the province were touched by the faithful ministry of these young men. One such man was Edwin Erickson, who, in the mid 1930's was invited to hold a series of evangelistic meetings at the Gospel Hall in Estevan. He was then invited to hold similar weekly meetings at Outram, Torquay, Bromhead, and surrounding communities. As a result of these campaigns many came to put their faith in Christ.
Recognizing that these new 'babes in Christ' needed encouragement and instruction in Biblical truths, Mr. Erickson, together with John Phillips initiated a Bible camp in 1936. Although only a week's duration, spiritual truths were imparted to thirty souls, and the economy of it was more affordable than going to Bible School.
That first Estevan Bible Camp was located south of Estevan, along the picturesque Souris River west of Rotary Park. Of that initial camp, and several succeeding ones, we know little of their organization - who provided the tents, who was/were the cooks, or how was it financed.
Truly, it was a work of faith in progress. The campers, the speaker, the leadership staff, the accommodations, the food - all were amazingly provided by the Lord. Camp was geared for teenagers, young adults and young married couples. (One person interviewed remembers going to camp when she was about 12, but only for the week-end, as that age was much too young to be away from home for any length of time!)
Tents of various shapes and sizes provided the accommodation needed for campers and speakers alike. Beds were nothing more than ticks filled with straw, then placed on the bare ground. There was no running water - it was camping in the rough!
Meals, cooked over a coal and wood stove, were prepared in one tent and served in another. There is no record of camper's fees, but these would be minimal due to the economy at that time.
Camp meetings, held in a big tent, focused on the teaching of God's Word, with three lengthy sessions morning, afternoon and evening, along with emphasis on Scripture memorization, and singing the old familiar hymns.
Free time was given to baseball, and/or swimming in the river! Wearing apparel was very modest - boys in long pants or overalls, and girls in dresses or skirts.
Earliest records, 1949, tell us the first camp board was composed of a chairman and a secretary/treasurer, as well as individuals from evangelical churches in the area, made up the committee.
Then, and in ensuing years, this appeared to be a rather loosely knit committee. Few organizational meetings prior to camp are on record, and it is really not known where the individual responsibilities lay.
Much assistance came from Ed Erickson, who, for many years, was director as well as the camp speaker. Later other speakers/teachers/evangelists were added to the roster - Ewald Schmidt, Herb Peeler, Olaf Erickson (Ed's brother), Harold Field with his puppet Willie, Dorothy Currie, to name a few.
Those making up the camp board changed with great regularity. To them, and future boards, fell the challenge of organizing camp each year.
Chairmen from 1949 to 1986 included John Phillips, Elmer Chapman, Chris Streger, Alvin Memory, Don Rushton, and Brian Rushton. Most of these men were representatives of the Gospel Hall (Chapel), but true, it was these men who carried the burden for camp and made it prosper.
Dates for camp needed to be booked in advance, as well as the director. As mentioned, Ed Erickson was an early director, and there followed Ewald Schmidt, Dave Pollard, and John McKnee.
A local director was suggested in 1974, George Hogman being the first, followed by Chuck Bailey, Brian Rushton, later Brenda Rushton, and others.
Speakers, counsellors, junior counsellors (introduced in 1977 now known as cabin leaders), and cooks all needed to be lined up.
Arrangements needed to be made for tents, large and small, straw for ticks, and lumber for benches.
Then there was the advertising - to invite and encourage children to spend time at camp.
At times everything seemed overwhelming, and in 1957 the question was raised as to the continuation of camp.
But with much prayer and trust in the Lord's providing, camp continued, missing only one year - 1980, when camp grounds were not available.
In comparison, today's board and camp committee are well organized with job descriptions well defined, and planning and preparation meetings held regularly.
From the beginning, the purpose of Estevan Bible Camp has remained the same - to reach children and youth with the message of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ, and to live lives pleasing to Him.
It's the camping experience that has changed immensely! First, the camp location changed to Rotary Park in 1953, and remained there until 2013. The flood in 2011 brought more changes, with day camps in 2011 and 2012 held in the city. In 2014, new grounds and facilities for Estevan Bible Camp (EBC) opened at Lamb's Fold, in the confines of Woodlawn Regional Park.
(Of note, in 1962, when the camp board was considering a new location, "the Lamb property was viewed with enthusiasm".)
The ages of campers has changed - initially an older crowd, but then in 1951, children aged 7 to 13 were allowed.
In 1957 a Young People's Camp, ages 14 to 17 was held, and has continued, but under the name of Teens. The number of campers in 1953 is recorded as 92.
At a peak year in 1961, 98 children and 50 teens were registered for camp. Numbers remained high 1960 through 1985.
Again camp was divided - into three groups - Squirt, ages 7 to 9; Children, ages 10 to 12; and Teen, ages 13 to 16.
Now in later years numbers have declined but the love, excitement and enthusiasm of campers remains high.
In recognition of 40 years of Estevan Bible Camp ministry, a Family Camp was held with much success in 1976.
The cost to send a child/teen to camp has been geared to the economy of the day. In 1951 a week at camp was only $4, in 1960 the rate increased to $5.
By 1969 children paid $7, and teens $9.
Camper's fees have increased periodically over the years keeping in tune with the economy.
Just what were facilities like? At the start of EBC things were very primitive. There were no health and safety guidelines, other than good, plain, common sense.
With the absence of running water a good supply had to be hauled in. Outdoor latrines were used, and wastes from the kitchen were buried in pits.
Progress was made with the installation of electricity into Rotary Park in 1965, the yard light in 1970; and in 1966 the water lines were installed.
Oh! The joy of having a flowing supply of drinking water! With the construction of the new building in Rotary Park in 1974,
came much-needed kitchen facilities, a dining hall and washrooms. An adequate supply of dishes, pots and pans, was of key concern,
but with the passing years a good supply was on hand. The BIG tent, as well as the tents (some large enough to accommodate 10 campers), needed to be replaced periodically.
Canvas ticks (as beds) needed to be filled with straw, (and yes, emptied and washed, ready for the next camping season). Tenting continued until 1987 when ATCO trailers were introduced as sleeping quarters.
In 2007 eight new cabins were built, replacing the worn-out trailers, affording a much more comfortable stay.
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In preparation for camp numerous forms of advertising have been used. In 1953 Ed Erickson suggested that two young men from Bible School could work in the district promoting camp. Others visited schools in the area, telling boys and girls of a wonderful camping experience and leaving each with a blotter reminding them of camp dates! The local newspaper and radio station have assisted in relaying the news of upcoming camps. Posters, including all the dates, what to bring, what to wear, and a list of the various activities to experience at camp, have been hung in numerous places of business throughout the city, and in surrounding towns with good effect. In 1961, 1982 and 1983 floats were placed in the Estevan Fair Parade. To date, some of these same means of communication are used to good advantage. In later years the addition of T-shirts advertising the camp theme have become very popular.
Camp activities have changed greatly over the years.Originally there was just swimming and softball, as there was little free time. Gradually other activities were added. Swimming switched from the River to the outdoor pool at Woodlawn. This necessitated the services of a lifeguard. In 1972 archery, canoeing and riflery were added to the list of activities. This provided instruction and guidance for children, as they were learning valuable lessons under the capable leadership of their counsellors. After the outdoor pool closed, swimming was moved to the Leisure Centre and Boundary Dam. This necessitated the acquisition of a bus to transport children to and from the pools.
At the dam, campers were given the privilege of learning to waterski. In 1987 optional crafts were suggested - study of plant life, and minerals, but no mention was made if it was brought to fruition.
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In all this, safety from every angle is a huge factor. From safety in and on the water, on the campgrounds, to safety in the preparation of food, to the personal safety of the young campers, great care must be taken. It was noted that EBC carried some insurance as early as 1961. At that time it was 7 cents per day per camper! Insurance was renewed each year for the camp as well as the campers beginning in 1967. At one point, in 1981, there was discussion re: health standards. Health and Sanitation gave their O.K. to Rotary Park facilities for all our camp activities," provided we comply with regulations". A visit from the health inspector each year keeps staff on their toes and aware of the health by-laws in effect. It was not until 1960 when first mention is made of having a nurse at camp - a very important person to have on staff to care for any unforeseen accidents. Care is taken in the selection and training of counsellors who are in charge of children.
The routine for the early campers included breakfast, morning devotions with their tent counsellor, morning chapel, dinner, a brief rest, then afternoon chapel. Then there was a short time for sports, followed by supper, and chapel again in the evening. Visitors were invited to attend the evening services, as well as Sunday, and by all accounts these were well attended. It is recorded that offerings were taken in support of several missions and/or missionaries, as well as donations for the financial support of the camp and its speakers. Present day camp routine has changed, allowing for personal devotion time in the morning, an allotment of time for specific skills prior to morning chapel time. Following dinner, the afternoon is a time to relax, get acquainted and enjoy some swimming - usually a trip to the pool or the dam. A trampoline, added in later years, has brought much pleasure to the campers. The Director keeps things moving, involving the campers in a fun way, making their camping experience one to be remembered. In the evening before Chapel there is time for rest and relaxation, then evening snack and games. Campfire with the giving of testimonies is always a highlight. Originally, Bible Camp was just that; now it combines the teaching of God's Word with an all-round camping experience. No wonder the children love camp!
Ask one child or a group of children what they liked about camp, and they'll say the food! EBC has been fortunate in having some excellent cooks. In the early days camp meals were taken care of by the trio - Mrs. Daae, Mrs. Hamm and Mrs. Grob - very appropriate names! How they laboured over the coal and wood stove to prepare meals! For a time the kitchen was staffed by ladies from different churches, each taking their turns during the week. In 1971 Phyllis Rushton took on the position of head cook, a position she held for many years. She was later joined by Audrey Fisher and Bessie Brekke. To date Eleanor Alexander is in charge.
Many volunteers have happily lent their assistance in the kitchen.
As early as 1967, Chairman A. Memory felt "there may be merit in having the camp generally taken over by Canadian Sunday School Mission (CSSM) because they do specialize in this field of working with young people, and the outdoor crafts and sports, etc." Director D. Pollard, in his fourth year at EBC stated: "The thought of working with CSSM... would have to be decided at some future date." Again in 1967 there was "discussion re: adopting CSSM teen program, and our teens joining other camps". The link with CSSM had long been established. Each year EBC looked to CSSM in Caronport, SK for speakers and counsellors, thus becoming more and more dependent on that organization. As early as 1991 representatives from EBC attended the annual CSSM fall council meeting in Saskatoon, having our eyes and hearts opened to see what great things the Lord was doing through this ministry in other camps located throughout Saskatchewan.
Eventually EBC became one of the 10 CSSM camps in Saskatchewan.
Their Statement of Faith and camping guidelines have all been put into effect.
In 2014 CSSM became One Hope Canada.
Praise God for His faithful leading through these many years,
and for the many young lives that have been committed to Him as a result of EBC.