Drop off July 2 @ 3pm, Pick up July 4 @ 1:30pm
As an introduction to Silver Lake this is the perfect camp! Mini Camp is 3 days and 2 nights Counsellor to camper ratios are increased to 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 (the faith formation program), crafts, and garden. In addition 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 time (with an actual fire if there’s no fire ban or inclement weather) with fun skits, songs and reflection times. We make the effort to accommodate bunk-mate requests so bring a friend! Tip: For first time campers Mini-Camp is recommended.
Note: Mini Campers wanting to stay for Junior Camp can participate in the stayover program between camps. Campers wanting a longer camp experience for this age range can choose Junior Camp (3 nights) or Camp 1 (4 nights).
Drop off July 5 @ 3pm. Pick up July 8 @ 10:30am.
As an introduction to Silver Lake this is the perfect camp! Junior Camp is 4 days and 3 nights Counsellor to camper ratios are increased to ensure your child receives the attention needed to make the first camp experience amazing! Junior Camp includes a wide range of camp activities: time at the waterfront (swimming, pond activities), nature, Quest (the faith formation program), crafts, and garden. In addition 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 time (with an actual fire if there’s no fire ban or inclement weather) with fun skits, songs and reflection times. We make the effort to accommodate bunk-mate requests so bring a friend! Tip: For first time campers Junior Camp is recommended.
Drop off July 9 @ 3pm. Pick up July 13 @ 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!
Drop off July 16 @ 3pm. Pick up July 22 @ 10:30am. Campers registered in both Camp 2A and 2B can participate in the stay over program.
Drop off July 23 @ 3pm. Pick up July 29 @ 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.
Drop off July 30 @ 3pm. Pick up August 5 @ 10:30am. Campers registered in both Teen Camp A and Teen Camp B can participate in the stay over program.
Drop off August 6 @ 3pm. Pick up August 12 @ 10:30am.
Teen Camp A or B 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!
Drop off August 6 @ 8am at 50 Kent Ave, Kitchener. Pick up August 12 @ 6pm at 50 Kent Ave, Kitchener.
Be part of the second ever Silver Lake French-speaking outtrip to Québec! Join two Silver Lake staff and up to 5 other campers for an outtrip in the beautiful Laurentian Mountains. Campers make their way to Camp Péniel for orientation and an introduction to up to 6 Camp Péniel campers who will also be on this outtrip. Campers will be introduced to the outdoors (lighting a fire, canoe skills, outtripping skills etc.) and take time to build a cohesive team. After that a three-day adventure in the Laurentians awaits (Mont Tremblant and the Papineau-Labelle Wildlife Reserve)! In addition to canoeing there is some rock climbing. Camp Péniel is a Mennonite camp in Québec fully accredited with the Québec Camping Association and Silver Lake is happy to partner with the camp providing staff, transportation and Silver Lake spirit. Campers must pass the swim test to go off-site.
Drop off August 13 @ 3pm. Pick up August 19 @ 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.
Drop off August 20 @ 3pm. Pick up August 26 @ 10:30am.
Boating Camp: In addition to a wide variety of camp activities, canoeing, kayaking, sailing and stand-up-paddling are all part of the boating camp experience. 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- Thomas Beech and Ryan O’Donnell- 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 that can be used? By the end of the week campers will have recorded a song as a lasting memory of this creative, fun-filled camp!
CILTs is a 2 year program for ages 15-17 that equips campers to be effective leaders at camp and beyond.
CILT 1A (July 30-August 12) and CILT 1B (August 13-26) is for 15 year olds (as of January 1, 2023) 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 registration opens on February 1st at 7am! (Please note that this program fills up quickly, so register early.)
CILT 1A drop off is July 30 @ 3pm. Pick up is August 12 @ 10:30am.
CILT 1B drop off is August 13 @ 3pm. Pick up is August 26 @ 10:30am.
CILT 2A (July 2-15) and CILT 2B (July 16-29) is a program for teens who completed CILT 1 with a focus on counselling/staffing skills for use in the context of Christian Camping. A two-night outtrip is a great teambuilding and leadership experience. Space is limited! *CILT 2 Applications due December 1st
CILT 2A drop off is July 2 @ 3pm. Pick up is July 15 @ 10:30am.
CILT 2B drop off is July 16 @ 3pm. Pick up is July 29 @ 10:30am.
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 July 30 @ 1:30pm. Pick up is August 5 @ 10:30am.
Bus departure from Kitchener to Silver Lake is at noon on Sunday at Rockway Mennonite Collegiate (110 Doon Rd, Kitchener, ON N2G 3C8). The return trip on Saturday will leave camp at 11:30am and can be expected at the Rockway parking lot at approximately 2:00pm. Sign up for this option when registering. Cost per trip: $30+tax
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.