Our History
A passion to share the gospel
Geri Thomas had a passion and desire to share the gospel with youth. In 1954, Geri and his Christian friends discussed ideas to create a children’s Bible camp for the community. On a cold January day, the men travelled across the ice to scout a potential site on Elk Island. Their overall impression of the location was that it was perfect to host a summer camp, and so, they eagerly began to put plans into action.
Partnership in faith and vision
Many churches partnered in this vision, including Victoria Beach, Beaconia, and Grand Marais Gospel Chapels. Today, Faith Bible Camp is owned and operated by eight Manitoba churches who join in the name of Christ to build upon the legacy and vision of the founders and look for God’s continued leading and provision for the future.
The first camp program began in July 1954 with 121 children spending two weeks at the Elk Island location. That initial summer, Elk Island provided mainly tents for sleeping accommodations and was a very primitive experience.
The Faith Bible Camp name was chosen to represent the faith, vision, and leadership from the Lord shown by the men who began the camp. The following summer in 1955, two 10-day children’s sessions and a young people’s weekend were held for 13-year-olds and up. In 1969, the campsite was moved to its current Sandy Bay location due to difficult lake crossings and continual erosion of the beach area at the Elk Island site.
And the idea continued to grow
The program expanded with the addition of a teen camp in 1969, a third children’s session in 1970, a senior’s camp week in 1973, and a family camp in 1978. In 1982, the teen camp split into a Junior High and Senior High camp. In the summer of 1988, the first Counsellor in Training program was created to ensure that Faith Bible Camp was meeting the needs of campers through caring and committed Christian camp leaders. Over the years, Faith Bible Camp has sought to respond to the spiritual needs of various age groups and has relied on God’s leading throughout.
As we look forward
The camp facilities and programs have greatly enhanced over the years. Improvements include the addition of beautiful duplex camper cabins, new staff housing, crafts cabin, boating program, and a new kitchen and dining hall facility in 2018. Faith Bible Camp looks to the future with excitement as we seek God’s leading in this significant ministry for people of all ages.
