Camp Valaqua is a Christian ministry of the member Churches of the Conference of Mennonites in Alberta. It extends the ministries and congregational life of these churches by providing facilities and Christian programs in a unique setting close to creation. Camp Valaqua also serves as a ministry outreach to the larger community by inviting others to participate in the use of its facilities and Christian ministry.
Camp Valaqua is dedicated to proclaiming the Good News that God is the Creator, we are God’s people, and the earth is placed in our hands as a gift and a trust. We give campers the opportunity to develop a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, to be with others in a Christian community, to learn how to care for God’s creation, and to have a lot of fun.
The Beginnings of Camp Valaqua:
Exploring the history of Camp Valaqua reveals a vision that has shaped and made the camp what it is today. In 1956 a Bible camp for the children of Mennonite churches was held at Menno Bible Institute. Mounting interest in camping resulted in the decision to find a suitable wilderness site that would offer a more varied camping program. People like Cornie Hildebrandt and Walter Paetkau worked hard to raise funds and to involve churches in the development of the camp. Jake Harder concentrated his efforts in attempting to integrate the Sunday School and camp programs and convince the churches of 'the value of a camp program to complement their own Christian education program' (C.L.Dick.p.140). Thus the vision for Camp Valaqua was born '– to provide for all camp participants a Christian experience in a wilderness setting.'
In 1960 the decision was made that AMYO and Conference of Mennonites in Alberta (now Mennonite Church Alberta) would jointly own and administer the camp. From the camp’s dedication in 1961, Camp Valaqua grew to become one of the major on-going projects of the Alberta Conference. Even though the facilities and site have constantly been upgraded and modernized since it’s establishment, the core values supporting the camp vision have not changed. The Conference was committed to:
1. Keeping Camp Valaqua as a wilderness camp rather than a commercial resort (Dick. 141).
This can be seen in the design and structure of the facility. The buildings were designed to be practical, economical and compliment the natural setting. As well, camp programming encouraged individual “creative activity” in a natural setting and fostered a sense of responsibility for God’s creation (Dick.p. 143).
2. Retaining a strong Christian and evangelical emphasis.
This can be seen in the hiring of staff who not only had leadership and recreational capabilities, but also had a strong backgrounds as Christians and as students of the Bible (Dick.p.144). Pastors from the churches served as chaplains to maintain the conference’s commitment to Christian education. As well, worship and music was given a prominent place in camp programming.
3. Sustaining the camp program and facility through the dedication and hard work of volunteers and church involvement.
4. Finding ways to enjoy and make use of the camp year round.
Camp Valaqua has a very rich and significant history. This initial vision was fulfilled in many ways over the years and still continues to influence Camp Valaqua today.
Dick, C.L., The Mennonite Conference of Alberta: A History of its Churches and Institutions. Edmonton: Friesen Printers, 1981.
