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 Camp, 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 and Ontario Pioneer Camp continue to be dedicated to the transformation of youth, students and graduates into fully committed followers of Jesus Christ. 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.

Ontario Pioneer Camp is one of a collection of Pioneer Camps that are uniquely serving their regions and communities in Alberta [est. 1940], Manitoba [1941] and British Columbia [1954]. Today, Pioneer Camps host more than 5,000 boys, girls and families each summer and have a robust Outdoor Education program through the off-season. We are committed Christ-followers, dedicated to serving others - as God would have us do – and sharing Him, in age-appropriate ways, with campers.

Pioneer Campers across the country are being infused with an understanding of what God wants for them. Whether through Bible study, changes 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. By living in community, Pioneer Camp is building an atmosphere where young people are comfortable asking tough questions about life and faith. The result: more than 80 years of seeing campers develop into strong, lifelong Christian leaders.

Overall, Pioneer Camp is building young people that are prepared to be influential members of their 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.