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Remembering Steve Ballantyne

Posted on: June 15th, 2026 by SLMC Media
Steve and family at camp, summer 2026

We are saddened to share the passing of Stephen “Steve” Ballantyne, who died in Hamilton on June 8, 2026, after a courageous, hard-fought battle with cancer. Steve had a long history with Silver Lake, serving in many roles over the years, including volunteer, retreat participant, camp parent, and more.

From the late 1980s into the early 2000s, Steve was very involved in organizing the annual Silver Lake Smorg fundraiser in Niagara. He also spent many years volunteering at camp, including helping with the window installation in The Pines (and a staff cabin or two). His support left a lasting mark on Silver Lake’s story.

Silver Lake was also close to Steve’s heart because of his family. His children, Patti and Jeff, attended camp for many years, with Jeff serving on staff. Now, Steve’s grandchildren continue that family connection, which meant so much to him.

Steve will be remembered with gratitude for his generosity, his willingness to help, and the many ways he strengthened the camp community over the years.

Read Steve’s obituary here

Donate in Steve’s memory

Steve (behind) with youth at a SLMC Winter Retreat, 1999/2000

Remembering Marianne Enns, Viola Wallace, and Margaret Steingart

Posted on: May 27th, 2026 by SLMC Media

With both sadness and gratitude, we remember recent losses among us, and celebrate the lives of Marianne Enns, Viola Wallace, and Margaret Steingart, valued members of The Silver Lake community.  Marianne, Viola, and Margaret shared their time, care, and generosity in ways that reflected the spirit of hospitality, service, and connection that we cherish at camp. Their presence helped strengthen a community where people feel welcomed, supported, and known, and they will be deeply missed.

Marianne Enns

Marianne was a generous long-time donor and a faithful volunteer whose service blessed Silver Lake for many years. She spent countless hours in the kitchen, helping to feed work weekend crews and also serving during summer camps. Camp was a very special place for Marianne, and it was there that many long-lasting friendships began and were sustained over time.

Marianne was also part of the annual Hamilton Mennonite Church retreat for many years, often requesting to give back to camp with a special work project around the site. Through her commitment and steady generosity, Marianne helped create a spirit of welcome and care that will not be forgotten.

Marianne and Henry Pauls at camp

Marianne’s love for camp was passed down to her two sons (Rob & Tom) and her four grandchildren, who attended Silver Lake as campers or staff over the years. Her husband Ed is also a long-time volunteer and has been instrumental in many building projects over the years.

Read Marianne’s obituary here

Donate in Marianne’s memory

Viola Wallace

Viola was a generous donor and a devoted volunteer whose connection to camp was marked by years of faithful service. She continued to volunteer in the kitchen into her mid-nineties, offering her time and care in a way that inspired many. It brought Viola great joy to watch her grandchildren, Kara & Henry, embrace camp life each summer. Viola was also a Grand Hike participant and fundraiser since 2021, including a walk around Rockway Gardens for the annual event.

Viola was the mother of former director Karen Cornies, and her support of camp extended beyond family connection into active and meaningful involvement. Her generosity, energy, and willingness to serve left a lasting impression on the camp community.

Read Viola’s obituary here

Donate in Viola’s memory

Viola with her granddaughter, Kara Cornies, at the Grand Paddle & Hike
Margaret Steingart

Margaret Steingart, known to many as Margie, was a beloved volunteer in the camp kitchen who brought joy and warmth through her service. She was always involved in making her signature desserts, buns, and vereniki, and always baked something special that wasn’t on the usual camp menu — a real treat for camp staff.

Outside of the summer months, Margaret often helped lead the kitchen with her sister Betty Penner at the annual Smorg fundraiser at Linwell Church.

Margaret saw camp as a place for all generations. She would carefully plan her weeks at camp to coincide with when her grandchildren were campers, making camp a place for the whole family. She loved Silver Lake and what it meant to her family.

Read Margaret’s obituary here

Donate in Margaret’s memory

Thank You Fundraisers and Volunteers!

Posted on: May 14th, 2026 by SLMC Media

Last weekend, May 8–10, our community took part in the annual Grand Paddle & Hike fundraiser, alongside a special milestone: the 65th Campfire Concert celebrating 65 years of Silver Lake. 

Together, we raised over $55,000 (and counting!) in support of our programs. As a not-for-profit, we are incredibly grateful for the generosity of this community in making that possible. Donations are still coming in, and if you would like to contribute, you can do so here. 

These events wouldn’t be possible without our dedicated fundraisers and volunteers. Whether you reached out to friends and family, performed in a band, shared your camp story, or helped behind the scenes, thank you—we couldn’t have done it without you.

65th Campfire Concert Performers, Speakers, Volunteers, and Organizers

Liz Klassen 
Duane Heide 
Kieran Heide 
Oliver Berg  
Bryan Berg 
Ella Pauls 
Peter Pauls 
Ben Janzen 
Justin Martin 
Jenny Enns Modolo 
Sarah Martin 
Laura Shantz 
Chris Steingart 
Nick Bauman 
Ryan O’Donnell 
Gerry Steingart 
Dave Erb 
Chris Steingart 
Noah Heide 
Robbie MacGregor 
Maeyken Jones 
Rebecca Heide 
Alissa Bender 
Rebekah Caldwell 
Tim Shantz 
Maya Kaekiza 
Karen Buschert 
Staff and Alumni who helped with kitchen cleanup

Grand Paddle & Hike Corporate Donors

Barclay’s Wholesale 
MAC LLP 
Herrle’s Country Farm Market
Peaceworks Technology Solutions

Grand Paddle & Hike Fundraisers 

Ella and Peter Pauls
Rachel Harder & Matt Snider
Erik Streufert
Rachel Weber
Karen Cornies
Daniel Friesen
Tim Shantz
Josh Wiebe
Cam Dingman
Bethany Froese
Duane & Rebecca Heide
Grace Namajambere
Ellie Cressman
The Shantz-Buhler Family
Nathan Dick
Karen Buschert
Alissa Bender
Nat Wiebe
Mark Diller Harder
Noah Heide
Anita Fieguth for the Grand Pedal group
Marty Shantz
Ava Friesen
Lyric Beech
Kieran Heide
Lilly Bender
Lily Wright
Megan Sloka
Thomas Beech
The Steingart Family
Lilette Wiens
Ryan O’Donnell
Alice Willms
Cole O’Donnell
Chloe Mcgregor
Emma Martin
Daniel Peters
Joanie Willms
Moses Moini
Stefan Fieguth
Josie Winterfeld
Sarah Reid
James Sweeney
Calvin Cairns
Wesley Goerzen-Sheard
Sevil Aydin
Phil Neufeld
The Shantz Piccini Family
Anya Fieguth
Paola Makengo
Christina Reimer
Nick Heide
Isaac Weber
Pranusha Gade & Abhishek
Daniel Good
Charlie Fast
Evan Pooley
Whitley Enns
Levi Bender
Anna Baker
Lynda Hansen
Asher Kraemer
Kara Cornies
Shadrach Kamyori
Owen Secord
Hanan Kaekiza
Seth Bergen
Micah Janzen
Erika Javornik
The Gilbert Blair Family
Shauna Heide
Kaesha Cornies
Kevin Martin
Anthony Javornik
Adam Snider
Henry Modolo
Kate Klassen
Tobias Snider
Nathan Diller Harder
Stuart Archibald
Jessa Braun

Join us May 9th!

Posted on: May 2nd, 2026 by SLMC Media

Join us on May 9th for a celebration of Silver Lake with three special events!

Annual General Meeting @ 10:00 AM

Join us via Zoom for our Annual General Meeting. The Board of Directors will review 2025 and look ahead to another exciting year in 2026. Click here to RSVP and receive the Zoom link.

 
Grand Paddle & Hike Fundraiser Group Events @ 2:00 PM

Open to all! Bring family, friends, and even your pets.

The Grand Paddle– Canoe, kayak, or SUP the Grand

  • The paddle will start at Grand River Access Point #7 (39 Golf Course Road)
  • Keep an eye out for Jessa, our 2026 Grand Paddle leader!
  • There is limited parking at the access point so please unload at the access point and then park your car along the road to make room for the next group.
  • The paddle is BYOW — bring your own watercraft
  • The route is Approx. 2 hours, ending at Joe Thompson Park on Bridge Street. However, teams can end wherever works for you.
  • For more details on what to expect on the paddle, check out this helpful video Jessa put together a few years ago

The Grand Hike– hike along the Grand!

  • The hike will be at Snyder’s Flats Conservation Area (1494 Snyders Flats Road)
  • Keep an eye out for Alissa, our 2026 Grand Hike leader!

Make sure you bring a waterbottle, sunscreen, and hat! Click here for more Grand Paddle & Hike details.

 
The 65th Campfire Concert @ 5:00 PM

Join us at Breslau Mennonite Church for a special evening of music from across the decades, a delicious meal prepared by Arabesque and the SLMC kitchen, and great company as we celebrate 65 years of Silver Lake. Doors open at 5 with the activities starting at 5:30. Fundraisers who have raised over $100 will receive a free ticket (includes entrance and dinner). Tickets must be reserved ahead of time. Click here to RSVP

Hiring: Summer Deep Cleaner

Posted on: April 17th, 2026 by SLMC Media

We are searching for a Summer Deep Cleaner to help us at camp! 

The Deep Cleaner will be responsible for the cleaning of the Meadows Washhouse and Dining Hall throughout each week of the summer (see job description for schedule of tasks). These spaces have basic cleaning maintenance done throughout the day by camp staff and require a daily deep clean.

The Summer Deep Cleaner is a 10-week role from June 29-September 4, 2026.

FULL JOB DESCRIPTION

The 65th Campfire Concert

Posted on: March 9th, 2026 by SLMC Media

Join us for a special 65th anniversary celebration featuring an evening of music, skits, stories, dinner & friends!

Notice of Annual Meeting Saturday May 9

Posted on: March 9th, 2026 by SLMC Media

Notice is hereby given that the 2026 Annual General Meeting of Silver Lake Mennonite Camp Inc. will be held online on Saturday May 9th at 10:00am.

Click below to participate in the meeting:

Register for the Zoom link
2026 Annual General Meeting Agenda
Draft 2025 Financial Statements
Draft 2025 Balance Sheet

Find our current members of the SLMC Board of Directors here.

RSVP HERE 

Check out our other events happening on May 9th!

The Grand Paddle & Hike Fundraiser         The 65th Campfire Concert

Join the 2026 Grand Paddle & Hike!

Posted on: March 9th, 2026 by SLMC Media

The Grand Paddle & Hike fundraiser is back! Proceeds from this fun, inter-generational, family-friendly event go toward general operating costs such as staff wages, food, camperships, programming, etc.

Now Booking Spring Outdoor Education Trips

Posted on: January 28th, 2026 by SLMC Media

Our Outdoor Education team are now booking spring trips. Select from extensive curriculum based programming or have Silver Lake create custom schedules and programs to meet the unique needs of your group. Day and overnight programs are available. For more information and a full list of programs visit Silver Lake Outdoor Education Centre’s official website: 

Outdoored.ca 

 

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