ABOUT US
"...it is where we learn about Jesus, at Big Lake Nazarene Camp!" - Big Lake Camp Song.
Our Heritage
Big Lake Camp started officially in 1964 with a parcel of land donated by Clinton and Annie Davison. It was the hope of the Davisons and Bruce Taylor- District Superintendent at that time, to have a district gathering place. It began with youth and children camps and family camps followed in the early 70’s. The original 8 acres has throughout the years been changed to around 30 acres.
The very first building was an outhouse, followed by the dining hall, which was used for dining as well as sleeping, activities, chapel services and tuck shop. Several cabins were built and army tents used for sleeping accomodations. Washrooms were built below the dining hall,
and the Betty Rector Chapel was built as a place of prayer.
Camps averaged from 50 to 170. Buildings have come and gone, from the old Quonset tabernacle, to more cabins. From the old outhouses to bathrooms with showers. The old dining hall, that collapsed last year- to the new dining hall with bedrooms and meeting area. New waterfront areas, tennis and basketball courts and 25 new trailer sites.
Big Lake is now used for many church and non church camps. It has gone from being used several weeks a year to 6 to 8 weeks and weekends.
As everything in life, Big Lake has changed over the years, but one thing has remained the same- it is a special place,
a holy place, where people of ALL ages can come and meet with God.
From District Superintendent Mark & Ruth Collins
Our family has been involved at Big Lake for over 25 years, even when we lived in Ontario we would travel back because our kids would say there is NO place like Big Lake. It is not the physical place, although there is no place more beautiful. People have always said it is “holy ground”.
A place set aside by God, and I agree. When you think of the thousands of lives that have been changed there,
you cannot deny that people meet God there.
It is a place to first learn about God, it is a place to grow stronger in your walk with God and a place to prepare for the battles that face us every day of our lives. It is a place to have fun, but it is a place to learn Gods words.” Be Strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.”
A teen once told me that they Big Lake was their fueling station. They came to fill up every summer so they could be strong in their Christian walk. There is nothing better than seeing children and youth at the altar- committing their lives to God. In Luke 18:16 it says “Jesus called them to him, saying, “let the children come to me, and do not hinder them; for to such belongs the kingdom of God”
The children and youth of camp often come from tough situations. They have seen abuse, neglect and have not heard of the unconditional love that Jesus gives. Even as adults Big Lake is a place to grow stronger in the Lord. My plea to you is to support Big Lake however you can, financially, in prayer, by becoming a counsellor, by spreading the word, by attending family camp, by sending your children, your grandchildren, your neighbors and your friends.
Thank You.