WHO WE ARE

Everything we do at Pioneer Camp is for the purpose of helping children and youth grow spiritually, mentally, socially and physically in a fun-filled and safe place of adventure and challenge. As a Christian camp, everything we do is based on our Biblical convictions about our relationship to God and with one another. This means that we respect the dignity of every person, desire their best and commit to doing our best to help them know they are loved and cared for by God. As a Canadian camp, we adhere to federal and provincial human rights codes.

Meet Our Team

Our staff are well trained to mentor and guide in all aspects of camp life, from developing skills to engaging in conversations about life and faith. We recognize that we live in a world where people have many different beliefs, perspectives and practices. We are committed to welcoming and treating all people with dignity and respect.

Our Story

1942

Beginnings

Pioneer Camp had its genesis in 1942, but no permanent home was found for the camp until almost ten years later. Founded in 1951, Pioneer Camp has been operating ever since as a life-changing summer camp for children and youth.

We are committed to seeing young people transformed by the love of God actively at work in their lives. We are part of a network of nine InterVarsity camps across Canada operating under the names Circle Square and Pioneer Camp. InterVarsity has been providing summer camps and year-round programs for children, youth, young adults, and families since 1929.

In addition to our summer camp ministry, we also operate as a retreat centre from September to June. Please click here for information.

1951

Founded

With the property bought last-minute, the camp team had only two and a half months to make roads, wells, cabins, and tent platforms for the new site. They persevered, and in the middle of July, Pioneer Camp Ranch Camp was inaugurated with 10 horses, 35 campers, and 12 staff.

Over the past several years we have welcomed thousands of campers to our beautiful wooded property on Crimson Lake, 16 km NW of Rocky Mountain House and to the rolling hills and deep valleys of Pioneer Camp Lodge near Sundre. We offer many activities including horseback riding (of course!), archery, canoeing, outdoor camping skills, wall climbing, campfires, and, in the winter, snowshoeing and skating.

TODAY

MOVING FORWARD

During the summer months, we run several overnight camps for children & youth, providing a transformative experience for campers in a fun and caring environment. In this camp community, where leadership and faith development is encouraged, students are comfortable asking tough questions about life and faith. We believe that faith in Jesus Christ and an understanding of God’s love leads to a life full of purpose and meaning. Children & youth find answers & direction for life here along with incredible opportunities to develop into mature, Christian leaders.

We also provide a wide variety of affordable, seasonal activities with bookings available September through June for conferences, retreats, family getaways and school outings. Whether you are riding on a horse, conquering the sport climbing wall or enjoying a high-energy campfire time, Pioneer Camp will deliver incredible memories.

About InterVarsity

It all began with one student.

At 25, Howard Guinness heard God ask him to put his medical studies on hold, leave his home and friends in Oxford and sail across turbulent waters for the sake of reaching out to university students in Canada. It would have been easier for Howard to say no, to stay where he was comfortable… but he said yes. And with the help of a few friends, he raised funds for a one-way ticket to Canada.

He spent the next year criss-crossing the country, urging students to see the campus as a place where God would capture the attention—even the very lives—of their friends. Broadening their strategy beyond the university, Howard and a group of student leaders organized the first InterVarsity camp for high school students. Going further, they took part in forming the International Fellowship of Evangelical Students, a mission determined to introduce Jesus to students all over the world.

Through it all, they pursued Jesus with unwavering conviction. And because of the risky obedience that Howard and countless others have shown through the years, we can continue their work today, helping thousands of Canadian students hear God’s call. Almost 90 years later, they’re still saying yes.

Learn more about InterVarsity!