BC Camp Spotlight

Photo: Courtesy of Camp Qwanoes –––

Camp Squeah | Camp Qwanoes | TWU Camps

Camp Squeah

Kids Need More Outside
In the age of screens, digital information, technology and electronic everything, now more than ever we need to soak ourselves and our children in creation. There are many reasons to be concerned these days about how our culture is influencing children and students but not getting time interacting with and with each other in God’s beautiful creation is a travesty.
We at Camp Squeah host some 70 school retreats and hundreds of summer campers every year. This adds up to over between 4 – 5,000 children every year. Which is wonderful! But it’s becoming increasingly more difficult for teachers to organize or get permission to do camping field trips. Just this year I’ve had a large middle school from Langley inform me that they have been barred from running their planned trip with their grade 7’s because the school board told them they are no longer allowed to do overnight camps! The school was devastated and they were given little explanation as to why.
The people who really lose out on this are the children! I understand the concerns about risk, and these are difficult to navigate in an overly protective and over-insured culture. Helicopter parents don’t help either. But kids NEED time outside. Learning independence, creative thought, social interaction, risk management and so much more happens outside as much, if not more, than in a classroom.
The culture of fairness is also an impediment, ironically. I’ve had other schools who’ve been told to turn down bringing their students to school because not all the students would be able to join the trip! Again, the organizers were frustrated but unable to change the situation. I’m all for ‘fair play’ but life is anything but fair. What are we teaching our children when activities are ruled out because of one parent’s unwillingness to let them attend? Children are not overly ‘hurt’ because they can’t always do what every other child is doing. What kind of resilience are we fostering in our students?
Jesus was all for loving everyone, most especially children. But he was also not afraid to call people out for their destructive ways. He was not afraid to offend in speaking the truth. He didn’t give everyone a chance to be an apostle. He only had 12 (and one of those guys didn’t pan out so well). We can take our cue from our creator: let’s give goodness and kindness to those we can, when we can. Let’s not let perceived risk and the chance of offense ruin beneficial opportunities for children. Advocate for your students to go on camping trips! Send your kids to summer camp! It’s more than worth the price and they gain so much more than bruises and torn shirts. Camping outdoors changes lives.

Camp Qwanoes

“Going All Out” – and everyone’s invited! Qwanoes Summer 2026 – Celebrating 60 years!
It was the last full day of summer and a camper asked me a question that caught me completely off guard. It was Youth Camp (ages 15-18) and on the last full day we do a giant outdoor banquet complete with elaborate decorations, a huge setup, and an incredible meal. It’s a memorable night that takes ALL our staff to make it possible. The setup was well underway – staff were giving their all to make it as special as possible.
A camper came up to me and asked, “Why are you doing this?” I was confused. How could she not know? Could she not see? Then I realized it was my privilege to answer – I got to connect the dots as to what was behind it all. I told her we wanted a celebration of our time together and every camper to know how special they are, how we love each one, how we want them to know how much God loves them.
I think she saw everything through a different lens from then on. God is constantly going all out to show how much he loves us and wants us to follow him…but so many miss it. Why? Our world specializes in pointing people AWAY from God…making him irrelevant Camp Qwanoes? Our mission is bringing people right TO God – especially children and youth and helping connect the dots as to what life is REALLY all about. This summer we’re going to make sure his love and truth is known and experienced by everyone.
Campers will discover how valued they are, how loved they are…all in the midst of amazing adventures and fun. Camp is an ideal place for faith to come alive, to put faith into action, to make a difference, to grow as a leader, to gain positive life-skills and friendships…and to discover and experience life the way God intends it to be.
Qwanoes is the combined effort and passion of hundreds who share this same vision to reach children and youth.
Last summer a counselor shared, “A girl came to me crying – she told me some horrible things that go on in her home. Her dad promises to visit and never does. Her mom and Dad always fight. She’s so broken. She’s considered running away – she’s thought of suicide. She’s 11. This week she discovered God’s love and she’s decided to follow Him.”
We see God change so many lives like this at camp each summer. Last summer we welcomed over 4200 campers – it was our largest 9-week summer ever! – and we’re hoping for even more this summer.
Camp is an unsurpassed opportunity in our current times to reach children and youth with the Gospel. And it takes many to make it possible.
There are so many ways you can be involved and make a difference!
• Join the summer staff team for a week or two or the entire summer! Whether it’s on a kitchen or dish team, maintenance, activities, cabin counselor, nurse, doctor, driver, builder, admin, music…there is a role for all ages!
• Invite a child or youth to come as a camper.
• Give to help families who need help to send their child to camp.
• For high school students, join a summer leadership program and watch your faith go deeper and come alive!
• Bring your family to a Family Retreat or the Family Work Weekend, or come to our “60^th Anniversary Open House” on June 6!
Qwanoes summer 2026. Something is happening. Let’s give it everything we’ve got. Love so strong – life so alive. And everyone’s invited!
Submitted by Scott Bayley
Camp Qwanoes Executive Director

TWU Camps

Make this a summer they will never forget at TWU Summer Camps! At Trinity Western University, our summer camps are educational, experiential, energetic and packed with fun from start to finish. Each day is designed to spark curiosity, build confidence, and help kids discover new passions while making lasting friendships along the way.
We offer a wide range of camps tailored to different ages and interests. Our engaging day camps welcome children ages 4-14 with hands-on activities, creative exploration, and active play. For young athletes ready to level up, our Spartan Complete Champion Camps provide sport training and skill development for ages 8-18, all led by experienced coaches in a positive, encouraging environment.
Whether your child is trying something new or sharpening existing skills, they will gain more than just experience – they will grow in teamwork, resilience, and self-belief.
Need flexibility? Pre- and post-camp care is available for select camps to help make your summer planning easier. Spots fill quickly, and summer won’t wait. Explore camp options, pricing, and full details by visiting the TWU Summer Camps website and get ready to give your child their most active, confident, memory-filled summer yet.