Silver Lake Mennonite Camp Inc.

Silver Lake Mennonite Camp Inc. is a Canadian nonprofit organization that operates a Christian summer camp located near Sauble Beach, Ontario. Established in 1961, the camp encompasses 150 acres of forests, fields, and two lakes—Silver Lake and Carson Lake—providing a natural setting for outdoor education and community-building activities[1][2].

Mission and Values

The camp aims to foster spiritual and personal growth among children and youth while promoting community engagement and environmental stewardship. Rooted in Anabaptist and Mennonite Christian values, Silver Lake Mennonite Camp emphasizes inclusivity and welcomes participants regardless of race, religion, social or economic status, gender, or sexual orientation[1][3][4].

Programs and Activities

Silver Lake offers a range of programming, including overnight camps, day camps (both onsite and offsite), and backcountry hiking and canoeing trips. Campers aged 6 to 16 can participate in traditional summer camp experiences designed to nurture faith, friendship, and outdoor skills[1][4][5].

The camp also has a strong outdoor education program that serves school groups, offering experiential learning opportunities connected to nature and environmental care[4].

Inclusion and Accessibility

An Inclusion Program is in place to support children with developmental needs, integrating them into regular camp activities with peers of similar ages. This program facilitates participation by providing additional attention and care, thereby encouraging growth within the entire camp community[1].

Financial accessibility is supported through a Campership Fund, which provides scholarships to families who might otherwise be unable to afford camp fees, ensuring that economic barriers do not prevent participation[1].

Facilities

The camp’s facilities include numerous cabins equipped with bunk beds and ceiling fans. Many cabins are close to traditional outdoor toilets known as kybos. Since 2012, eight new cabins have been constructed, featuring amenities such as porch slides and rock climbing walls on some[1].

Community and Fundraising

Silver Lake Mennonite Camp maintains a strong sense of community among staff, campers, and supporters. The organization hosts annual fundraising events such as the Grand Paddle & Hike to support camp operations and capital projects[2].

Governance

Silver Lake Mennonite Camp Inc. operates as a registered nonprofit under the business registration number 119150209RR0001 in Canada.

This overview presents Silver Lake Mennonite Camp Inc. as a longstanding community-focused organization dedicated to combining faith, outdoor education, and inclusive camping experiences in a natural setting in Ontario.