Well, it was quite a summer at Pioneer Ranch Camps. The most camps ever in Alberta: Peace Country 11, The Ranch 4, The Lodge 9. We carried out our excellent Leader In Training (LIT) camps in the wilderness.

Summer at Pioneer was rich and joyful. We served 4 more campers than last year, and hundreds of great people volunteered their time for the kingdom. Generous donors supported our bursary program and funded a variety of special projects. Donors supported our dedicated staff and facilitated the presence of many young leaders. Others supported the growth of our horse program. Thank you!

A walk through any of the camps any day in the summer would bring deep joy. There are not really words to describe the goodness of camp, but the joy and happiness on the faces of children and youth would suffice. So would the satisfaction of leaders, cooks, and wranglers. And then we could mention the campfires, singing, and sharing. Goose bumps follow.

We held our first Aboriginal Culture Camp in partnership with My People International and the Edmonton Native Healing Centre. What a thrill to see the tipi village on the lawn, to hear the drum calling children to activities, and to see them engaging in everything from Bible lessons to horseback riding and lacrosse.

We re-launched an advanced riding camp. And Boys Camp was eager to do a canoe/backpack camp for high school boys.

It is now a busy fall period. Our new GAP year Leadership Development Program is underway. We have been blessed with a fine staff team at Pioneer. Our camp is in excellent hands, and is experiencing God’s blessing in profound ways.

Thank you for your continued support of the work of Pioneer Ranch Camps.

Larry Offner, National Director of Inter-Varsity Pioneer Camps, is pleased to announce the appointment of Rick Erlendson as the new executive director of Alberta Pioneer Camps, beginning December 1, 2008. Please join in welcoming Rick (See Alberta Contacts section for his address.)

For the past twenty years Rick has been active in the Bezanson Community Church as a worship leader, teacher, youth leader, and Board member. The Erlendsons moved to Calgary in September from their rural home in the Peace country.

Rick and his wife Marj were on staff with IVCF in the early 80s at Pioneer Lodge, Pioneer Ranch, and Peace Country Pioneer, as well as at Pioneer Pacific and Chehalis. Rick was first involved with Senior Boys camp in 1980; he was a cabin leader and wrangler at Boys Camp and Plunge for many years.

He helped found Peace Country Pioneer and directed camps there for over two decades. He also served as the Grande Prairie IVCF staff volunteer for 25 years.

Rick's professional experience includes two decades as an educator: teacher, principal, professor, department chair, School of Business dean, and vice president. He holds degrees in journalism and policy studies and a doctorate in education. Rick became Pioneer's Program and Ministry Director a year ago, and directed two camps this past summer.

We are very excited by Rick's appointment as the Director! His years of experience in ministry with youth, and his strong calling from God to this position, will be a great contribution to the ongoing mission at Pioneer. Rick looks forward to serving on the team, and appreciates your prayers.

Another great era in the life of Sr. Girls Camps came to an end this summer.

For the past 15 years Barb Snyder and Margie Stinton have directed Senior Girls; Lisa Laird joined the team two years ago. A celebration was held at the final campfire of Girls Camp this summer, with tributes from both campers and staff. The directors were presented with gifts, and acknowledged for their stellar leadership of young leaders and campers alike.

The good news is that all three leaders have committed to continuing at Sr. Girls to mentor and assist the new directors: sisters Cayley and Alisa Webber, and sisters Amy and Naomi Fisher (now Markert).

All four directors are longtime Pioneer campers and have served as cabin leaders, program directors, and sectionals at Sr. Girls and many other camps. Amy, for example, has directed Plunge for the past four years. They have all been leaders in the U of A VCF chapter, and were instrumental in securing the National Student Leadership Conference (NSLC) which was held at Pioneer Lodge last December.

Sarah Tyers and Claire Grant see each other every summer at Pioneer Ranch Camps. That’s where they first met, and that’s where they catch up – every summer.

Sarah is from Burlington, Ontario and from the time she was 13 she attended Sr. Girls at Pioneer Ranch. In her first year she met Claire, a cabin mate from Dallas, Texas. They have been best friends ever since, sharing a cabin and riding outtrip each summer.

Both young women have family connections to Pioneer and grandparents in Calgary who helped get them to camp. In both cases, many expressions of “she should go to Pioneer” were heard in family circles.

Sarah and Claire attended Sr. Girls as campers for many years, served as cabin leaders at Junior Girls, were part of Pioneer’s well-known Leaders In Training Program (LIT), and as cabin leaders at Sr. Girls together.

This year Sarah was a spring program staff member, a leader at Sr. Girls, cooked in the kitchen (with Claire) at Sr. Boys, and served as a leader at Plunge. She is currently in her second year at the U of A’s Augustana Campus studying Psychology and Global and Developmental Studies.

Claire served as a cabin leader at Breakaway this summer, and then cooked at Sr. Boys. She is in her first year studying Advertising and Public Relations at the University of Texas.

Both plan to return next summer to Pioneer for spring program and the summer camping season. Such are the friendships made at camp.

Over 100 people attended a first-ever Thank You day-camp at The Lodge in September to acknowledge the many partners who made thesummer camping season successful.

Saturday was sunny and warm for horse rides and hikes. Two teaching sessions were presented by Neil Graham – now retired, but longtime IVCF staff worker, BC regional director, and national vice-president. Delicious meals were prepared by former Pioneer Ranch manager Duane Dobson.

Neil taught from Acts 16 and closed with reflective questions for volunteers and staff to consider: Who did you find to pray with and worship with, that you didn’t expect to find? Are you aware of people “whose heart was opened by the Lord?” Any that surprised you? Any, like the slave girl, who seemed obnoxious to you?

When, this summer, did you feel in trouble, boxed in, or in need of God’s help? Are you aware of how the Lord came to your aid? Who particularly became your partners in the gospel mission this summer? Reflecting on your experience, what do you particularly want to give thanks to God for?

He also taught from Philippians and offered more reflective questions: What are your hopes for the people you worked with this summer? What do you hope for them ten years from now?

List anxieties you have as you approach the fall. What do you need prayer for? What does it mean to live a life worthy of the Gospel? What changes do you need to make? What threats do we face that we need help with? What troubles does the camp face? How can you stand firm with your partners? Think about what you admire and appreciate about partners you’ve had this summer.

A table talk followed the evening banquet, and volunteers considered and discussed what word, concept, or phrase best captures Pioneer Ranch Camps, and could be understood as a “culture code.”

Carrie Herbert is on leave to complete her studies at Regent College. She recently met two sets of adventuring students: one set bound for Fiji from England, the other set en route to South America. The encounters caused her to reflect on the concept of out-trip – journey, adventure, metaphor for life.

Pioneer has always been a place where people and God intersect. When we encounter God and one another in the context of creation we are propelled towards true identity. An out-trip calls one to step into a space that is unknown.

The move is taken with leadership and community, requiring trust. God often calls us in our daily life to step into unknown spaces, trusting the Holy Spirit for leadership and community.

For some, the biggest risk is opening themselves to others. An out-trip requires planning, forethought, and a spirit of anticipation. The adventure comes in the events unplanned. One can prepare for a bear, but when the bear appears all preparation vanishes and instinct kicks in.

Life is full of unplanned situations – injury, loss, illness. When we are in the midst of these times we are reminded that we are not alone; the Giver of Life is close at heart.

Incredible growth and depth can come from thoughtful reflection upon what our instinctive actions say about who we are and how we see our role in the world. Finally, an out-trip will end. We understand that living in a tent on a mountain is for a time and a purpose.

There is great celebration and life in telling the stories of past adventures and the quiet glimpses of our soul. Willingly or not, we place ourselves in circumstances that bring forth the expression, “If I had known…” Once here we either gain or lose an opportunity to become more fully who God created us to be. There the still voice reminds us, “This too shall pass.”

Let us be people of adventure, willing to step into unknown space, trusting in the Father, Son, Spirit and one another, knowing that we are most fully human when engaged with life.

Three women and three men. One purpose – to participate fully in Pioneer’s inaugural GAP Year Leadership Program. They are Claire Nicholson, Christina Tully, Michelle Schuurman, Mark Robideau, Eric Tully, and Ryan Roulette.

Claire, from Calgary, was active with the youth group at Bethany Chapel, a volunteer leader at Camp Okotoks and Pioneer. She was attracted to the GAP Year Program because of the idea of "being at Pioneer for a year with the ability to ride almost every day, play with kids, and make an impact on people while having my life impacted at the same time.”

Christina has worked the past two years at the Lac St. Anne Vet Clinic, served as a volunteer firefighter, and is a long-time Sr. Girls’ camper and leader. During the GAP Year, Christina is “hoping to grow as a person and see what I can accomplish – see how far I can push myself.”

Michelle grew up in Barrhead. She resigned as an Edmonton ER nurse to join the GAP Year. Michelle says she was “drawn to the GAP Year Program because of the opportunity it offered to focus on God and His plan for me. I love the atmosphere and mission of Pioneer Camps, so I see this year as an opportunity for personal and spiritual development. I’m excited to see where it leads me.”

Mark was raised on a farm near Grande Prairie. He was a long-time Peace Country Pioneer camper and this summer was a leader at PCP. Mark is into anything that involves the outdoors, including riding, hiking, 4 x 4ing, and sledding. He was attracted to the GAP Year ”because of the chance to work outdoors and in creation, and to grow spiritually.”

Eric grew up at Alberta Beach. He is a volunteer firefighter and another “career camper” at Pioneer. He enjoys working and being with kids who come to Pioneer for outdoor education or retreats and is hoping the GAP Year experience will help him grow in faith, and as a person.

Ryan, from Calgary, has been active with Pioneer and Young Life. Since his first experience as a Breakaway camper he’s returned every summer as a camper and leader. This past summer he was in Pioneer’s LIT program and served as a camp leader. He is thrilled to be “away from the city, working for and serving God.”

Follow the GAP Year link on our website to read about Pioneer’s new GAP Year Program.

In 1985 the University of Calgary Alumni Magazine printed an article entitled “Called to Serve” in which Don, Doug and Joanne Curry (children of Alberta Pioneer Camps founder Joe Curry) were highlighted.

The article opened with this note: “The list of U of C grads in financially successful careers is long and often prestigious. But there are a number of other grads who have given up or postponed monetary success in pursuit of something very different.

Each one has responded to a call to serve his or her God and fellow man.” It went on, “if you want to pay a visit to any of the siblings of the Curry family, you better be adventurous. Don lives in a remote village in a Pakistani desert. Doug and Joanne live in separate villages high in the Himalayas.”

Of note from Doug: “I was brought up to believe that we were meant to live free and exciting lives, where risk, adventure, dreaming and scheming about being changed and changing the world around me was part of the birthright of being a follower of Jesus... I care about my friends in Nepal and I want them to know that they are not endlessly trapped in a cycle of poverty and despair. My responsibility is to tell them about the options; their responsibility is to make a choice.”

The magazine explained Don’s work this way: “U of C’s Medical School equipped Don in basic medicine and taught him the philosophy of being a sensitive, caring physician.

An elective course based in a rural hospital in India expanded his awareness of the world’s poor and his responsibility to them. He was also challenged to re-evaluate the implications of his faith in a God who cares for and loves all men in all lands. Those things motivated Don and his wife Nancy to move to a small village in the Great Indian or Rajistan Desert in Pakistan.”

The article continued: “Joanne teaches an international group of missionary children in a one-room school (someone called it a tool shed) in Nepal...It [isn’t] always easy and many times all I had left to keep me there was the promise God has given us: ‘I will never leave nor forsake you. I am with you even to the end of the earth.’ Believe me, sometimes that’s exactly where I thought I was.”

Today, Don (Nancy) is a physician in Vancouver and continues his extensive interest and involvement in missions and in Pakistan, Doug (Maggie) serves at L’Abri in England, and Joanne (Michael) lives near Smithers, B.C.

It has been said that every breath is a gift given and sustained by the Creator. We’re not guaranteed another breath, and God remains in control. It’s a paradox on which every Christ-follower hinges his/her life. On a quiet night in camp when campers were off site, a small group of staff experienced a powerful reminder of the fragility of life – and the sovereignty of God.

In mid-August while the Sr. Boys were on outtrips, an enormous thunderstorm passed over Pioneer Ranch. In a matter of moments, a "wind burst" toppled about 50 large healthy trees like matchsticks throughout camp. Water lifted in sheets off the lake, and giant swells crashed on shore.

The aftermath resembled an area ravaged by a tornado. The road into camp was blocked, and movement throughout the camp was difficult because of the fallen trees and branches strewn about. Cabins 18 and 20 were destroyed.

No one was hurt – not even a close call. This sovereign act of God reminded us not only of His presence and power, but also of His protection.

Three firefighting crews (= 24 chainsaws) worked for a couple of days to clean up the massive mess, and dozens of men and women from the church community in Rocky Mountain House came to our rescue as well. The final clean up will take months. An insurance claim has been launched, but the deductible is hefty: $10,000.

Meanwhile, over at Pioneer Lodge a water line broke in the girls’ washroom and water poured down the walls into the boys’ washroom below causing plenty of damage. About the same time the hot water system crashed (the fifth tank in as many years), and so we decided to install a new modular gas boiler.

The new system works “on-demand,” so it is much more energy efficient. However, it cost about $10,000. Financially, the water woes created their own storms.

Dear friends, knowing that events beyond our control would no doubt occur, our budget has a contingency line. But we could never have imagined the enormity of these “storms of summer."

If you are able to contribute to the “storm fund" and keep us on track financially, we at Pioneer would be most grateful. Send your cheque to our office at The Lodge or call the office to make a payment by credit card. Donations can also be made on our website. See the sidebar for address and phone details. Thank you for your partnership!

For the second consecutive year, an Ontario church team made a mission trip TO Pioneer Lodge. The result was “mission accomplished.”

The group of 9 men and women (7 from Bethany Chapel in St. Catharines) and Alec and Carol Kerfoot of Calgary removed the walls, windows, and bathroom fixtures, replacing them with better insulation, new walls, and modern fixtures. The heat-efficient windows, new paint, and pine shelving greatly improve the appeal of the six twin rooms on the upper level.

One of the group, a licensed electrician, added smoke detectors and upgraded the wiring. The best news is that the group raised all the funds for the project.

According to site manager Fred Tyrer, “They caught a glimpse of the ministry from the camp that was in, and enjoyed the passion of volunteer leaders and campers alike. Yes, they enhanced the facility while they were here, but they left with a solid understanding of Pioneer’s ministry with youth.” The work camp overlapped with Riding Camp.

An e-mail from a member of the work crew said, “I have thought often of the campers we met. We all really enjoyed the excitement they brought to the camp. We were touched with some of the life struggles a few of them shared. It’s my prayer that through the exposure at camp of God’s nature the campers will heed His call in their lives.”

The group spent a day touring near Banff and Lake Louise, attended cowboy church in Cochrane, and had an afternoon ride led and instructed by the Riding Camp campers.

Peace Country Pioneer, operating in the greater Grande Prairie area for the past 28 years, often sends volunteers south to the Lodge or Ranch, but this summer the north-to-south traffic increased substantially.

Danny Hildebrand was at The Lodge with spring program; Jake Rempel taught packing at a wrangler school; Susie and Jennifer Walker were cabin leaders at Breakaway; Jordan Erlendson and Jenna Androsoff were cabin leaders at Quest; Jenny Stinton was the speaker at Sr. Girls 1, and Kohl Minni a wrangler at Sr. Girls 2; Becky Donaldson helped in the kitchen at Sr. Boys; Julianne Loge was a wrangler at Sr. Girls, and Lydia Penner was a leader at Girls Adventure.

At Boys Camp, Susan Minni, Laura Androsoff, Agnes Wiebe, worked with head cook Marj Erlendson. Plunge was strengthened by Walter and Verena Suter in the kitchen, Leigha Rode and Kacey Funk as wranglers, and sectional director Robin Fletcher.

Wranglers Bob Donaldson and Ian Hamilton provided the teaching expertise at the Lodge's new Riding Camp.

Campers found their way south too: Aaron Androsoff, Jenna Androsoff, Dustyn Newman, and Jordan Erlendson for wrangler skill schools; Kiara Bennett at Discovery; Myranda Cote and Dane Schwandt, both avid Peace Country campers, attended Sr. Girls and  Sr. Boys respectively;  Dustyn Newman and Jordan Erlendson, career PCP campers, spent most of August at Pioneer Ranch for Sr. Boys and Plunge.

Many have promised to return – as long as their camps of choice don’t overlap with Peace Country Pioneer!