As an introduction to Silver Lake this is the perfect camp! Mini Camp is 3 days and 2 nights Counsellor to camper ratios ensure your child receives the attention needed to make the first camp experience amazing! Mini Camp includes a wide range of camp activities: time at the waterfront (swimming, pond activities), nature, Quest (faith formation), crafts, and garden. Campers can choose activities like gaga ball, field games and tether ball before supper. Every morning there is time for reflection with Morning Watch and every evening there’s a campfire with fun skits, songs and reflections. We make the effort to accommodate bunk-mate requests so bring a friend! For first time campers Mini-Camp is recommended.
Note: Campers wanting a longer camp experience for this age range can also register for Camp 1 (4 nights). Any Mini Campers staying on for Camp 1 must also register for the July 1 (1-4pm) bridge option (no charge but MUST be registered).
Opening Campfire June 29 @ 3pm. Pick up July 1 @ 1:30pm
Looking for a stay shorter than a full camp? Camp 1 is 5 days and 4 nights. It’s a great opportunity to experience a taste of camp life. Go swimming at the pond, play games in the field, experience nature, make crafts and enjoy camp!
Opening Campfire July 1 @ 4pm. Pick up July 5 @ 10:30am
** Camp 2B is FULL! **
A great overnight camp with a taste of everything. Campers participate in all camp has to offer including canoeing, crafts, kayaking, low ropes course, nature, archery, Quest, field games and worship/campfire.
Campers registered in 2 consecutive weeks of camp can participate in the stay over program on the weekend between camps.
Opening Campfire Sunday @ 3pm. Pick up Saturday @ 10:30am.
Teen Camp is a must for any Teen! Onsite with lots of friends and time to enjoy camp to the fullest. The programming is tailored to teens with creative activities and plenty of time for traditional camp activities as well!
Campers registered in two consecutive weeks of camp can participate in the stay over program on the weekend between camps.
Opening Campfire Sunday @ 3pm. Pick up Saturday @ 10:30am.
A great overnight camp for campers who like ball sports: basketball, volleyball, tether ball, gaga ball and soccer. Campers participate in all camp has to offer including canoeing, crafts, kayaking, low ropes course, nature, archery, Quest, field games and worship/campfire.
Opening Campfire Sunday @ 3pm. Pick up Saturday @ 10:30am.
A great overnight camp with a taste of everything. Campers participate in all camp has to offer including canoeing, crafts, kayaking, low ropes course, nature, archery, Quest, field games and worship/campfire.
Opening Campfire Sunday @ 3pm. Pick up Saturday @ 10:30am.
Boating Camp: In addition to a wide variety of camp activities, canoeing, kayaking, sailing and stand-up-paddling are all part of boating camp. Have fun at the waterfront and learn boating skills!
Music Camp: In addition to a wide variety of camp activities, come to camp for an amazing musical experience! Led by two musical staff, this camp will focus on making music together with a group of likeminded campers who love music. No musical expertise required and all instruments are welcome. Camp has a keyboard, ukuleles, a guitar and a washboard for use. By the end of the week campers will have recorded a song as a lasting memory of this creative, fun-filled camp!
Food & Garden Camp: Campers will spend the morning participating a wide variety of familiar camp activities with campers from all chosen specialties. In the afternoon, Food & Garden campers will explore the lovingly-tended SLMC garden and use the delicious produce in some kitchen adventures.
Woodworking Camp: Campers will spend the morning participating a wide variety of familiar camp activities with campers from all chosen specialties. In the afternoon, Woodworking campers will be led by qualified volunteers & staff in a project that they will be able to remember every time they return to Silver Lake.
Opening Campfire Sunday @ 3pm. Pick up Saturday @ 10:30am.
CILTs is a 2 year program for ages 15-17 that equips campers to be effective leaders at camp and beyond.
Open to 15 year olds who want to learn leadership skills that can be used in all aspects of life. Participants are encouraged to develop a sense of self as they grow in understanding of leadership styles, group dynamics and communication skills. A two-night outtrip is a great teambuilding and leadership experience. CILTs also enjoy classic camp activities throughout their two-week stay. Open-ended discussions about the meaning of life provide opportunities for growth. *CILT 1 campers must have turned 15 prior to January 1, 2025.
CILT 1 registration opens on February 1st at 8am! (Please note that this program fills up quickly, so register early.)
CILT 1A drop off is July 27 @ 3pm. Pick up is August 9 @ 10:30am.
CILT 1B drop off is August 10 @ 3pm. Pick up is August 23 @ 10:30am.
Year 2 of the CILT program for teens who completed CILT 1 with a focus on counselling/staffing skills for use in the context of camp. A two-night outtrip is a great teambuilding and leadership experience. CILT 2’s also have the opportunity to do a volunteer practicum where they are able to practice being a camp counsellor first-hand. This allows them to gain experience in working with campers while still being supervised by staff. CILT 2’s are generally given 1-2 weeks of practicum during the summer. Space is limited! *Applicants must have turned 16 prior to January 1, 2025.
CILT 2 Applications open in October and are due December 1st.
CILT 2A drop off is June 29 @ 3pm. Pick up is July 12 @ 10:30am.
CILT 2B drop off is July 13 @ 3pm. Pick up is July 26 @ 10:30am.
CILTs will have access to laundry on weekends and can stay over at camp. CILTs doing a week of practicum following the sessions or two weeks of practicum in a row can stay over at camp.
Swimming Certification (Bronze Medallion & Cross) teaches lifesaving principles. Rescuers learn self-rescue techniques, defense and release methods, and tows and carries. Lifesavers develop strokes and endurance in a timed swim. Includes Emergency First Aid. Swimmers spend 6-7 hours a day focused on the course. Evening programming is low-key due to the physical demands of the course and the need to review course materials. At the end of the week an exam is conducted to assess skill level. The course does have a number of fitness components, so candidates are strongly encouraged to go swimming a number of times beforehand to work on their technique and endurance to make the week run smoother. (Scroll to the bottom – page 3 – of the packing list document to see additional items to pack for this course.)
Drop off is August 17 @ 1:30pm (NOTE THE EARLIER TIME!) Pick up is August 23 @ 10:30am.
Bus departure from Kitchener to Silver Lake is at 11:30am at 50 Kent Ave. The return trip on Saturday will leave camp at 11:30am and can be expected at the Kent Ave parking lot at approximately 2:00pm. Sign up for this option when registering. Cost is $50 per camper and is non-refundable. Please note that registration for the bus will close the Wednesday before departure or when spots are filled.
Silver Lake Mennonite Camp strives to provide an enjoyable setting where spiritual and personal growth are fostered and Christian values and teachings are emphasized. This occurs primarily during summer camp, outdoor education and retreats through community living, personal discovery, outdoor skills and environmental caring.