About Us :: Who We Are

Campfire Ministries / Camp Bob is a Christian and family values based summer camp program.

Within an environment of fun and excitement, we teach positive Christian values, healthy lifestyle choices and lifeskills through group participation, drama, firesides, music, devotional times and one-on-one interaction.

Mission Statement:

To introduce people of all ages, cultures and backgrounds to the joy of wilderness camping, in an environment of positive healthy lifestyle choices and ultimately to encounter the loving, transforming power of God through the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Purpose Statement:

To change and inspire children's hearts through encountering God by the testimony of Jesus in us.

Our Committment:

Our Christian staff are carefully selected and we strive for excellence in leadership, staffing, programming and in caring for all children, youth and adults.

We are committed to providing each camper with an awesome camp experience within an environment that is physically, emotionally and spiritually non-threatening, safe and full of fun.

We are committed to providing financial assistance to all campers who cannot afford to experience a week at camp due to sincere financial difficulties.

Who We Are

Campfire Ministries:

A registered non-profit charity (CRA - 2007)
Accredited withthe BC Camping Association (BCCA)
Member of Fellowship of Christian Camps (FCC)
Member of CampsBC - and BC Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches
Board of Directors for oversight and accountability
In partnership with the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations

Board of Directors:

Executive Directors	Les and Val Klassen	Camp Fire Ministries / Camp Bob
Board Chair	Kelly Klassen	General Manager - Klass Enterprises Ltd
Assistant Chair	Dave Ratson	DR Forestry Consultants
Secretary	Laura Johnston	Physiotherapist
Treasurer	Dr. Terry Blasco	Dentist
Member	Mark Johnson	Pastor - Sayward MB Church / Bus Driver
Member	James Klassen	Carpenter / Supervisor - Klass Enterprises Ltd
Member	Shawn Quinton	Outdoor Wilderness Guide, Strathcona Park Lodge

History

Aerial View of Camp Bob on Roberts Lake Campfire Ministries began as an outreach program of the Black Creek Mennonite Brethren Church on Vancouver Island. Beginning in 1995 until 2001, summer Day Camp programs were conducted out of the church parking lot. Each day of the week, Day Campers would load onto the bus and move to a different location within the Comox Valley, Campbell River, and Strathcona Park regions, taking advantage of the many recreational opportunities offered throughout the area.

In 2001, due to the growth of the program and the restrictions of taking large groups of children into BC Parks areas, Campfire Ministries began looking for a location to set up a residential camp site. Strategy was developed for taking this growing camping ministry to the next level. A Board of Directors was formed and Vision and Purpose for future growth began to be implemented.

In 2002, Campfire Ministries established a working relationship with the BC Ministry of Forests. In exchange for clean-up and management of a section of land designated for Recreational use on Roberts Lake, the Ministry of Forests extended an offer of a site within this section to be used for a summer camp program.

This led to a 10 year Land Use Agreement with the BC Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations for the site where Camp Bob is presently situated on Roberts Lake. This partnership Agreement includes the maintenance of 3 additional lakeshore Recreation Sites in the surrounding area.

The first 9 years of this Agreement have now been completed, and while we are confident our Agreement with the Province of BC will be renewed in 2013, Campfire Ministries has begun the process of applying for a Nominal Rent Tenure for the site Camp Bob is situated on. This will give long term stability to the programs already in place and allow for additional development of programs and infrastructure.

CAMP BOB is a unique 'limited access' wilderness site accessible by boat or hiking trail only. There are few amenities and few distractions from the outside world. All camper gear and supplies are boated in and out at the beginning and end of each week. Outfitter tent platforms, open frame kitchens, an open frame 'Chalet' on the lakeshore and outhouses form the basic infrastructure of this camp site.

This forested lakefront setting offers much in recreational assets to accommodate rock climbing, archery, wide games, and an extensive waterfront program. Valuable life skills are learned each week. From high energy group activities to inspirational firesides to one-on-one interaction between campers and staff, the message of God's love is portrayed daily. Our goal is to provide an environment and atmosphere that is accepting of all individuals, honouring and respecting each one for who they are, and the value each one holds in the eyes and heart of a God who loves them.

Throughout the summer, up to 400 campers and staff participate in camp activities. While we are sometimes faced wtih logistical challenges due to our location and limited accessibility, the benefits of this wilderness site have proven invaluable in the development of this camp program.