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Bethel Bible Camp continues to offer free camping experience for kids of all ages

For 73 years, Bethel Bible Camp has been offering youth in the Westlock region a chance to go to summer camp for free.
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Camp counsellors Josiah Raju and Sarah Grainger slingshot Noah Kirwin down the water slide July 31 at Bethel Bible Camp.

For 73 years, Bethel Bible Camp has been offering youth in the Westlock region a chance to go to summer camp for free.

Operated entirely via donations by volunteers, children of all ages have an opportunity to attend the same camp their parents and other family members once went to.

“I think it’s a camp that’s needed. First of all it’s free so, economic status doesn’t matter,” said camp director Lee Van Ruskenveld, who traveled from Inuvik, NWT, to volunteer.

Van Ruskenveld grew up in Westlock and used to attend camp as a child. As he got older he began volunteering as a way to give back to the community.

“The goal of this camp is to bring the Bible to kids who haven’t heard it and to challenge the kids who have but to think of how they apply it to their lives,” he said.

“Also we want it to be a camp where they can make life-long friends — those lasting relationships.”

The camp is situated on the edge of the Pembina River and includes living quarters, mess hall and a chapel.

For the children, volunteers built a mini golf course, a soccer field, basketball court, dunk tank and water slide.

“It’s nothing fancy. The water slide is a tarp going down a hill and a hose. But somehow it works,” said Van Ruskenveld.

 Lucy King (left) and Mara Scott had a blast playing with different wigs.Lucy King (left) and Mara Scott had a blast playing with different wigs.

Camp counsellor Sarah Grainger said: “Building relationships is so important and I value that. You just learn so much.”

“This is my seventh time in camp and it’s fun,” said camper Mark Oloske.

“My favourite part is meeting new people and learning new things,”.

The camp runs June to September every year and every week are age-specific.

“As long as there are campers and volunteers coming, the camp will exist,” said Van Ruskenveld.

For more information, visit http://www.bethelbiblecamp.com.

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