DIOCESE OF QU'APPELLE
The 73rd Synod of the Diocese of Qu'Appelle
Reports
Camp Knowles Society Inc. Report
Camp Knowles has been a hidden gem of this Diocese for over 60 years now. Situated in the beautiful
Qu'Appelle valley, it exemplifies all the wonders of God's creation. The campsite is nestled at the
base of rolling hills, on the edge of Mission Lake, where nature has created a sheltered cove. Flora
and fauna abound. Many of the natural plants of this area are seen every year on the hills above the
camp. There is a resident Woodchuck family and for several springs a White tail deer doe has brought
her fawn down the hill to graze in the lush growth. Off the beech area swim many different varieties
of waterfowl and it is a joy to see the Pelicans return after the ice has gone from the lake.
About 12 years ago the camp was resurrected when the Rev. George Archer inspired several Anglicans
to volunteer their time and talents and develop a great camping program for all ages of children.
He applied for grants, found willing craftspeople and we build and renovated the spaces to bring the
site up to modern standards. The Society developed a policy that no child would be turned away from
camp because of lack of funds. We developed partnerships with two First Nations Bands and worked with
Social Services to bring children from disadvantaged backgrounds to camp so that they could experience
one week of fun and learning in a safe environment.
One valuable partnership was developed with The Steel Workers of America. They have been running a
fishing camp for disadvantaged boys for many years. They have used Camp Knowles for their camp the
last several years and, in return, have contributed funds and repairs to the campsite. In the last
few years, one of their members has spent most of his off duty days out at the camp gutting the grass
and doing many little repair jobs to keep the place in tip top order.
It has to be said that there has been a great lack of support for this camping ministry from the
Diocese in general. The Camp Knowles Society Board has had a vision to provide a Christian based
experience for any child, in an attempt to show them God's love, through the actions of the staff
and through the wonders of the surroundings they are in. Unfortunately, the volunteers are now
ageing rapidly and, with no new assistance from the rest of the Diocese, we have been unable to run
camps for the last two years. However, we have rented the site to groups and families during the
summer months. All have been very positive about the beauty of the area and peace they encountered.
The Camp Knowles Society Inc. now extends an invitation to everyone at this synod:
You are invited to visit Camp Knowles and experience the wonder of God's creation in our Diocese.
You are invited to bring any and all the members of your church to Camp Knowles to see its beauty.
You are invited to pray for a renewal of the mission of this Diocesan Camp.
You are invited to volunteer your talents and expertise to the camp:
As a board member.
As a craftsperson to assist with building upgrades.
To come out and assist with annual clean up and fall shutdown.
As a camp staff member.
Respectfully submitted by, Susan Boxall for The Camp Knowles Society Inc.
