Making Memories that last a lifetime …..
We had another wonderful RP Family Camp at Wesley Acres this year. The change in the date, bringing the camp two weeks earlier was a huge success. It meant the weather was warmer, and most of our school- going kids were still on summer vacation. God blessed us with wonderful weather with only a very short- lived sprinkle of rain on Sunday morning. The speaker was one of our own, Rev Scott Wilkinson, Pastor of New Creation RPC in Kitchener. He brought a series of talks to us on the ascension of Christ. It is always a blessing to learn more about our Lord Jesus Christ.
We are grateful to the planning committee for all their hard work ensuring a successful weekend. Special thanks to the registrar, our genius administrative lady, the cooks, and all the others in the kitchen who helped provide wonderful food all weekend. From the outside looking in, it appeared that the kitchen ran like a well- oiled machine. Cooks, front of house, drinks, dish pit, servers, so many people participated in ensuring delicious and abundant food. Thank you so much!
Family camp offers something that no ordinary vacation can. We get to spend extended time with like-minded believing families. A highlight for me is all the beautiful conversations with people from our sister congregations. It is a time to get to know one another better, and to encourage and edify one another in our faith. Our children have a glorious time forging new friendships and renewing old ones. This year particularly, our high school/young adult group was well represented.
After one of the most successful, blessed Psalm sings of any family camp, our youth did not want to stop singing. They continued, while many of the oldies felt hoarse from singing. The decision to have the psalm Psalm sing at the tables outside the kitchen was fabulous! The location encouraged higher participation. The four- part harmonies could be heard far and wide into the night, as we made a joyful noise unto the Lord. Reformed Book Services blessed us with their presence once again. They had a wonderful array of bibles, psalters, children’s books, and others. The Polar Bear swim at 6.:30 am is growing in popularity. Rev. Kingswood said there were record numbers out. He has renamed the swim, the ‘Teddy Bear’ “swim as the water temperature was way too warm! A highlight of the weekend was the annual talent show on Saturday night. There was much talent on display, as instruments were played, songs sung, and hilarious skits acted out by family groups and church members. The presentation on Monday morning on RP Missions, Brazil, and the Canadian seminary was VERY very encouraging! It was great to hear of the vision for the seminary, and the request for us to pray for the August 2028 graduating cohort, that God would bring many men to be trained as gospel Gospel ministers. It was also encouraging to hear how well the present students are doing. Praise the Lord!
Lastly, I would be remiss not to mention the inter-congregational volleyball tournament on Saturday afternoon. Emotions ran high, as the goal of some of the teams was to depose Russell from first place. Apparently, Russell RP has held the first- place position for a few years, and they remain unbeaten. Russell first, Beckwith second, and Almonte third. There is always next year!
If family camp has not been a part of your vacation plans before now, please plan to join us, Lord willing, in August 2027 for a restful, encouraging edifying time away.
Our thanks to Mrs. Melanie Alexander, Member of Russell RPC for sharing her perspective on Family Camp 2026
