About Pine Lake Camp

Pine Lake Camp is a ministry of the Salvation Army that hosts summer overnight camping ministries for children and youth from across the Alberta and Northern Territories division. The Salvation Army (www.salvationarmy.ca) is an international Christian church. Its message is based on the Bible; its ministry is motivated by love for God and the needs of humanity.

The Salvation Army, founded in London, England, in 1865 by William and Catherine Booth, has spread to many parts of the world (126 countries to be exact!). The first work of The Salvation Army in Canada began in 1882 when newspapers reported organized meetings being held in Toronto and London in Ontario. The Salvation Army provides ministry and services in diverse ways around the world. However, when 300 children gathered in an orchard near Oakville, Ontario in August 1902 The Salvation Army summer camping ministry was born. Through the years Salvation Army camping has grown and developed since its faith-filled beginnings; today there are Salvation Army camps in several provinces and one in Bermuda.

All Salvation Army camps are committed to sharing the love of Jesus, meeting human needs and being a transforming influence in the communities of our world.

Mission & Values of The Salvation Army

The Salvation Army is an international Christian church. Its message is based on the Bible; its ministry is motivated by love for God and the needs of humanity.

The Salvation Army Canada & Bermuda Mission Statement

The Salvation Army exists to share the love of Jesus Christ, meet human needs and be a transforming influence in the communities of our world.

The Salvation Army Canada & Bermuda Vision Statement

We are an innovative partner, mobilized to share hope wherever there is hardship, building communities that are just and know the love of Jesus

The Salvation Army Core Values

There are three core values of our faith – Salvation, Holiness and Intimacy with God.

Rooted in these three values are the seven core operational values which guide all aspects of The Salvation Army in Canada & Bermuda.

Compassion: We reach out to others and care for them.
Respect: We promote the dignity of all persons.
Excellence: We strive to be the best at what we do and a model for others to emulate.
Integrity: We are honest, trustworthy, and accountable.
Relevance: We are committed to the pursuit of innovation and effectiveness.
Co-operation: We encourage and foster teamwork and partnerships.
Celebration: We give thanks by marking milestones and successes.

Purpose of Salvation Army Camping

The purpose of Salvation Army camping is to serve the needs of campers; physical, social, and spiritual.

For the physical needs our aim is to help campers develop good health habits in cleanliness, proper rest, balanced diet, exercise and care of the body.

To meet social needs the camp provides an opportunity for each camper to contribute to and receive from a group living experience. The aim is to help campers make their own right decisions, stimulate creativity and foster independence.

The fact that The Salvation Army is a Christian organization makes it possible for its camping program to integrate concern for the spiritual dimension of life. We believe in God, His word and what it teaches and a pattern of living exemplified by Jesus Christ. These purposes are achieved through carefully selected staff, well-planned programs and the highest standards of health and safety.

Our mission is the thread that connects everything we do at camp. It is our desire that each child comes to know Christ. We accomplish this through servant ministry, loving relationships and unforgettable experiences.

We act as servants by always putting the needs of campers ahead of our own, even when it inconveniences us. We are committed to assist whenever and wherever needed for the benefit of the others and the smooth operation of camp.

We demonstrate loving relationships by getting to know each child as an individual, looking through the rough exterior to the soul that needs love. We are committed to challenge and growth of the whole person – physically, intellectually, socially and spiritually. We also serve as examples of how adults should interact with one another.

Finally, we create unforgettable experiences by constantly seeking to improve every aspect of our program and service. We teach staff to ask “How can I make this better? ”We are committed to FUN!

Goals of Salvation Army Camping

To promote an awareness of God, His love, and, through the love of Jesus Christ, to aid toward spiritual growth and knowledge of basic human values.
To give campers a fun-filled, healthful, safe, educational, and inspirational experience in the out-of-doors.
To help campers develop an understanding, appreciation, and sense of stewardship for the out-of-doors, for the natural environment, and for all living creatures.
To help individuals grow in understanding themselves and each other, and especially for children to experience relationships with staff as caring adults and to offer opportunity for people of varied cultures to develop compassion and love for each other.
To provide a loving and supportive environment where campers can learn to cope with and solve their problems.
To facilitate creative self-expression through worship, song, work, play, physical activity, and the development of new skills.
To assist in developing an appreciation of the wonder and joy of the miracles of everyday living.
To include provision for spiritual, educational, social and recreational needs through a creative, healthful experience in cooperative group living in an outdoor setting.

Pine Lake Camp is a member in good standing with Christian Camping International and is committed to Christian values within the camping community, nationally and globally.

Pine Lake Camp is an affiliate member of the Lifesaving Society in Alberta. We are committed to providing a high standard of aquatic safety and voluntarily abide by the polices and procedures of the Lifesaving Society.

Pine Lake Camp is fully accredited with the Alberta Camping Association. Our camp meets and exceeds an extensive set of provincial standards including sound financial practices, safety in various program activities, and recommended environmental standards.

Pine Lake Camp partners with The Canadian Bible Society to distribute the scriptures to children and youth. We are committed to making the scriptures available to campers in a way that is meaningful, relevant and practical.