“I was a staff kid,” says Jenny, “I have a deep connection to the history of Pioneer Alberta. I also have a clear calling to the future. As we emerge from the difficult years of the COVID pandemic, I am eager to help bring stability, clarify purpose and renew hope for this generation of young people.”

Jenny values camp as key place for children, teens, and young adults to know Jesus and experience God in significant ways.

“People need hope,” says Jenny. “So many people feel so stuck; camp gives them a break from the hard stuff of life and gives a sense that there could be connection, purpose and meaning.”

Email Jenny at [email protected]

Laura and her family enjoy a life of adventure, having fun no matter where they are or what they are doing. From travel to camping, board games, and 4x4ing, they are always open to new experiences they can share with the people around them.

In 2022 they sold everything, moved into their travel trailer, and drove across Canada and the US for a year of exploring and intentional reconnection. After jumping into Pioneer Camp ministry in the Spring and Summer of 2023, Laura and her family fell in love with camp life and moved to the Ranch full- time.

As the Year-Round Program Coordinator at the Ranch, Laura is excited to meet new people, host groups and be more involved with IVCF, Pioneer Camps, and the surrounding communities.

Bonnie finds great joy in keeping the books for Pioneer Camp Alberta for both of our sites. With a great attitude and a friendly demeanour, Bonnie is a great asset to Pioneer Camp. Bonnie and her husband, Scott, live in the Sundre area.

Sebastian’s first introduction to Alberta Pioneer was on the back of a horse named Clover, who unknowingly started him on what was to become the adventure of a lifetime. Years later, he came back to do the L.I.T. and L.E.A.D. programs at Pioneer, before returning for many spring and summer seasons in various program-related roles.

Sebastian spent some time afterwards as a children’s and youth pastor before venturing overseas to work for outdoor education companies with multimillion dollar operating budgets. Sebastian is excited to be back from his research and learning sabbatical and bring his findings to Alberta Pioneer to strategize, implement, and build upon the programs and ministries here.

Della is originally from Manitoba and has worked in ministry overseas and in Canada for more than 30 years, with a focus on administration and teaching. Della has also worked to create online ESL courses for international students wishing to improve their English skills. In 2011, Della moved from Prince George, BC to Sundre, Alberta to join the staff at Pioneer Camp. She is the Registration & Website Coordinator at Pioneer Alberta for both the Sundre and Rocky Mountain House sites.

Growing up, Sandra attended Jr. and Sr. Girls and loves reminiscing with her kids about out-trips, horseback riding, and being on Crimson Lake at Pioneer Ranch.

Sandra is currently serving as the Guest Group Coordinator and Hospitality Manager for Alberta Pioneer Camp. With a solid background in office administration, Sandra brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her role. Sandra’s attention to detail and organizational skills have proven invaluable in maintaining smooth operations at the camp.

Outside of work, Sandra can often be found walking her two dogs, volunteering at taekwondo classes, skiing, or paddle boarding. Sandra believes that there is no greater place for youth to meet and learn about Jesus than at Pioneer and is excited to re-join the Pioneer team.

Sam’s journey with Pioneer Camps began in the fall of 2010 as a student attending “Campus on Crimson.” At the time, he was pursuing a Master’s degree in engineering at the University of Alberta—but he always harbored a dream of becoming a cowboy.

Sam recalls, “When the bus drove into Pioneer Ranch at Rocky, and I saw the horses in the corral, I knew this was where God and I would finally meet.” His love for horses found its purpose in a place where they play a vital role in spreading God’s word and showcasing the beauty of His creation.

In the spring of 2011, while still a grad student, Sam joined Pioneer Lodge as Program Staff. He quickly gravitated toward working in the barns, leading horseback rides, and immersing himself in ranch life throughout the spring and summer. After completing his Master’s degree, Sam continued volunteering at Pioneer while working as a systems engineer and later as a project manager for a software company in Calgary.

During those years, Sam deepened his horsemanship skills and understanding under the mentorship of Pioneer veterans Bryn Thiessen and Gordy Cunningham. In 2017, he left engineering to follow his lifelong dream, working as a full-time cowboy on various ranches across Alberta until early 2024.

Today, Sam serves as Operations Manager for Alberta Pioneer Camps, overseeing both the Pioneer Ranch (Rocky Mountain House) and Pioneer Lodge (Sundre) sites. He still finds time to “cowboy up”, helping neighbors brand calves and move cattle. In his spare time, Sam enjoys training his Border Collies for sheepdog and cattle dog trials, moving cattle with them, and starting young colts whenever he can.

Each year, Pioneer Camp welcomes many young adults to our Summer Camp programs to teach, guide and support campers and oversee activities. These dedicated youth are the most valuable resource that we have. Positions available vary greatly but the same commitment and hard work is necessary for all.We look for energetic young people who have a heart for God and who are willing to give of their time and energy to be models and mentors to the many campers who come to Pioneer Camp. Check out Summer Staff & Volunteer opportunities below.Summer Staff