We believe that there is no greater thing in life than the hope offered to us by Jesus Christ. Inter-Varsity’s Pioneer Camp exists for one key purpose: to help young people develop a deep relationship with Him that will last for a lifetime.

Our firm belief is that faith in Christ and an understanding of God’s call to love and serve others is pivotal for the future of our young people. At Pioneer, they are having an experience in the context of a Christian, faith-driven community where they are becoming lifelong leaders with a passion for following the example that they are reading about in Scripture study and seeing lived out through Christian relationships.

Founded in 1929, Inter-Varsity Christian Fellowship of Canada is dedicated to the transformation of youth, students and graduates into fully committed followers of Jesus Christ. At Pioneer Camps and on university and college campuses across the country, Inter-Varsity is mentoring young people – helping them to integrate their faith authentically with all aspects of their life.

Pioneer Ranch Camps, founded in 1951 in Alberta, are part of a collection of Inter-Varsity’s Pioneer Camps - also in British Columbia, Manitoba and Ontario – that are building an atmosphere where young people are comfortable asking tough questions about life and faith and giving young people an understanding of what God wants for them. Whether through Bible study, chances to participate and lead in worship, prayer and other spiritual and Christian character development, campers are being trained to develop life habits that will build their faith in a lasting way. The result: more than 60 years seeing campers develop into strong, lifelong Christian leaders.

Overall, Pioneer Camp is building young people that are prepared to be influential members of their families, churches and communities going forward. Our focus is to develop them mentally, physically, socially and – most importantly – spiritually, strengthening them to make a difference for their lifetime and to be part of God’s plan for that life to stretch into eternity.

doctrinal Convictions

We believe in:

The only true God, the almighty Creator of all things, existing eternally in three persons – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit – full of love and glory.

The unique divine inspiration, entire trustworthiness and authority of the Bible.

The value and dignity of all people: created in God’s image to live in love and holiness, but alienated from God and each other because of our sin and guilt, and justly subject to God’s wrath.

Jesus Christ, fully human and fully divine, who lived as a perfect example, who assumed the judgment due sinners by dying in our place, and who was bodily raised from the dead and ascended as Saviour and Lord.

Justification by God’s grace to all who repent and put their faith in Jesus Christ alone for salvation.

The indwelling presence and transforming power of the Holy Spirit, who gives to all believers a new life and a new calling to obedient service.

The unity of all believers in Jesus Christ, manifest in worshiping and witnessing churches making disciples throughout the world.

The victorious reign and future personal return of Jesus Christ, who will judge all people with justice and mercy, giving over the unrepentant to eternal condemnation but receiving the redeemed into eternal life.

To God be glory forever.

• Challenge campers with the reality of God as expressed in the person of Jesus Christ and the
  lives of Christian staff, within the context of all camp activities and in an open, honest, and non-threatening manner.
• Develop Christian maturity in children, youth, and adults so that they may take their place in
  the larger life and witness of the Church and increase the effectiveness of the Christian witness carried on during the school year through IVCF ministries.
• Encourage personal growth through participation learning and skill development.

We are committed to...

• Quality and interpersonal relationships between staff and campers.
• Offering campers a safe, challenging, and fun-filled experience so they may grow mentally, physically, socially, and spiritually.
• Ministering to campers and staff on a long-term basis.
• Excellence in all aspects of camp, to the glory of God.

Goals

• To communicate the gospel to children, youth, and adults with clarity, appropriateness, and sensitivity, recognizing the increasing multicultural and secular backgrounds of our guests.
• To deepen and strengthen to the spiritual life of children, youth, and adults at Pioneer,
  encouraging them through Bible study, prayer, and worship to follow Jesus as Lord.
• To develop Christian leadership for the ongoing work and witness of Pioneer, Inter-Varsity
  Christian Fellowship, and the Church at large.
• To provide high quality recreational experiences for children, youth, and adults, including to
  provision of quality programs, facilities, and instruction.
• To promote good stewardship of all the resources God has given us, including personnel, relationships, facilities, finances, and environment.