2012 Camp Dates are available!
2012 Staff positions now available!
Start planning your summer NOW!
Please Note: that costs have yet to be finalized and we are not quite ready to receive camp registrations.
Mission Statement:Surprise Lake is committed to providing an experience in Outdoor Education, Spiritual Development and Personal Discovery. People of all ages will find a positive environment for developing healthy friendships Motto:For the Campers - By the Campers
|  |
A Little History:
Surprise Lake Camp has been an outdoor escape since 1951. Started by Reverend James Norquay, his wife Marg, and a handful of dedicated families and Churches; the camping practices have changed very little over the past 60 years. In partnership with the United Church of Canada, we still offer quality outdoor living, environmental and spiritual education, as well as friendships and adventures of a lifetime.
A typical day at camp will see between 8 and 15 staff (paid and volunteer) leading up to 35 campers to and from various activities. In the morning we have rotations of Christian/Spiritual Development, Canoeing/Waterfront, Crafts/Cabin time and Outdoor Education. In the afternoon we spend time on the beach, in cabins for rest hour and at interest group options. After dinner the entire camp plays a wide game (ie. capture the flag) before Campfire and Vespers finishes the night.
Some special events at SLC include: Mudwalk, where we go on a hike through naturally muddy trails getting completely covered in mud; Talent Show on the last night; Off-site snacks or meals cooked over the fire or on camping stoves; Overnights to "scout camp" where the campers build lean-to's to sleep in; Banquet dinner on the last night where we dress fancy and eat even more delicious tasting food; and countless other themed activities cooked up by our staff and volunteers.
We have developed the property over the past decades, no longer using tents as in the early 50's but small powered cabins. In our newly renovated kitchen, we have a brand new commercial stove and working walk-in cooler to accompany our brightly lit dining hall. Staying as rustic as ever, we continue to use biffies (outhouses) and bag showers, with the intention of upgrading to composting toilets very soon.
With help from our volunteers, grants, donors and alumni our camp continues to run year after year, reaching its 60th anniversary in 2011. A huge hug to everyone involved from past to present and into the colourful future of this magnificent Camp.
A typical day at camp will see between 8 and 15 staff (paid and volunteer) leading up to 35 campers to and from various activities. In the morning we have rotations of Christian/Spiritual Development, Canoeing/Waterfront, Crafts/Cabin time and Outdoor Education. In the afternoon we spend time on the beach, in cabins for rest hour and at interest group options. After dinner the entire camp plays a wide game (ie. capture the flag) before Campfire and Vespers finishes the night.
Some special events at SLC include: Mudwalk, where we go on a hike through naturally muddy trails getting completely covered in mud; Talent Show on the last night; Off-site snacks or meals cooked over the fire or on camping stoves; Overnights to "scout camp" where the campers build lean-to's to sleep in; Banquet dinner on the last night where we dress fancy and eat even more delicious tasting food; and countless other themed activities cooked up by our staff and volunteers.
We have developed the property over the past decades, no longer using tents as in the early 50's but small powered cabins. In our newly renovated kitchen, we have a brand new commercial stove and working walk-in cooler to accompany our brightly lit dining hall. Staying as rustic as ever, we continue to use biffies (outhouses) and bag showers, with the intention of upgrading to composting toilets very soon.
With help from our volunteers, grants, donors and alumni our camp continues to run year after year, reaching its 60th anniversary in 2011. A huge hug to everyone involved from past to present and into the colourful future of this magnificent Camp.
