2026 Grand Paddle & Hike Fundraiser - Silver Lake Mennonite Camp

Join us for our 17th annual Grand Paddle & Hike Fundraiser!

May 8 – 10, 2026

The Grand Paddle & Hike is Silver Lake’s only annual fundraiser. As a non-profit organization, our camp depends on fundraisers and donors to thrive! Donations keep camp fees more affordable for families, help Silver Lake invest in all that is needed to create a summer of fun, and make planning for the future possible.

DONATE TO THE GRAND PADDLE & HIKE JOIN/CREATE A FUNDRAISING TEAM

How to Participate

JOIN OR CREATE A TEAM: Fundraisers create their own team or join an existing team through our CanadaHelps page. Teams can be made up of as few or many fundraiser as you want! Click here for steps (and tips) on how to get setup.
COLLECT DONATIONS: During the months leading up to the event, send your teams fundraising page to family and friends, and ask them to support you as you raise funds for Silver Lake. There are preset goals for the teams, but just do your very best with the fundraising. It’s amazing to see how generous people are when they know how special Silver Lake is to you!
GET OUTSIDE FOR A HIKE/WALK/RUN/PADDLE: On the May weekend, get outside for some exercise and fresh air in your own neighbourhood or community. Or join other Silver Lakers at a group paddle or hike. Scroll down for locations.
JOIN OUR OTHER EVENTS: Join us on May 9th for our online Annual Meeting and a special in-person 65th Anniversary Celebration! Fundraisers who raise over $100 will receive a free ticket to the 65th anniversary that includes music and delicious food.
SHARE: Take photos of yourself or family (with the souvenir flag!) participating in this fundraiser and send to media@slmc.ca. Watch for team/participant photos to be posted on Facebook and Instagram!

Group Events

The Grand Paddle

Join a group of paddlers and make your way down the Grand River! The route will start at the Grand River Access Point #7. The paddle is about 2 hours in length.

The Grand Hike

Join this group of hikers for a beautiful hike near (and next to) the Grand River! The exact hike location is TBD but will be around the Snyders Flats/ Kiwanis Park area.

The Grand Adventure

Run, bike, hike, or walk your own route on your own or with friends! This option is the ultimate customizable adventure and can be done anywhere you want.

Check out our other events happening on May 9th!

The 65th Campfire Concert SLMC Annual General Meeting

Fundraising Information

Join a team

Click the button below to get to the 2026 Grand Paddle & Hike page on Canada Helps
Select the “Join a Team” button, and select the team you would like to join.
Enter your information. NOTE: If you already have a Canada Helps account, you will be prompted to log in after entering your email!
Create your personal fundraising page. This is the page your supporters will see when donating so have fun with personalizing it! Upload a photo of you at camp (or outdoors) and tell them a bit about why you are participating in the Grand Paddle & Hike. The more personal you can get, the better. For individual page step-by-step instructions, click here.
Save your fundraising page URL to send to friends and family (don’t worry – you will also get an email with a direct link to your page).
Start fundraising! Check out our Fundraising Toolkit for helpful tips and templates to get started.

** Participants will receive a Grand Paddle & Hike souvenir flag – one per team while supplies last!

JOIN A TEAM

Create a team

Click the button below to get to the 2026 Grand Paddle & Hike page on Canada Helps
Select the “Create a Team” button
Enter your information. NOTE: If you already have a Canada Helps account, you will be prompted to log in after entering your email!
Create your personal fundraising page. This is the page your supporters will see when donating so have fun with personalizing it! Upload a photo of you at camp (or outdoors) and tell them a bit about why you are participating in the Grand Paddle & Hike. The more personal you can get, the better.
For individual page step-by-step instructions, click here. TIP! If you are creating a team for your family, copy the information on this page to use on the team page!
Create your Team fundraising page. This information will show for anyone that joins your team.
Save your fundraising page URL to send to friends and family (don’t worry – you will also get an email with a direct link to your page).
Start fundraising! Check out our Fundraising Toolkit for helpful tips and templates to get started.