Camp offers year-round activity

By Bill Glen
WCR Staff Writer
Lac la Nonne

Doug Kramer is as positive a person as you will ever meet. And his attitude and spirit are contagious.

Maybe that's why the number of youth who experience Camp Encounter continues to grow every year.

"We just wrapped up the largest leadership week we've ever had with 68 kids. And the weather was made to order," said Kramer, now in his eighth year as director of the camp at Lac la Nonne.

Each summer, the camp begins its run of seven weeks in July and August with Leadership Week when counsellors are trained in a wide range of issues in a Christian setting.

Kramer said the camp will then take a brief hiatus preparing for the school programs beginning in mid-September.

"We have a number of Grade 7 groups and leadership groups starting off the fall season. We gradually get into junior high classes and then high school the first part of October with Religion 35 retreats with several different schools."

Schools from the Edmonton, Elk Island and St. Albert Catholic districts attend formation sessions at the camp every year.

Kramer says winter weekends are still available that are ideal for church retreats, youth groups and other events.

"We are open through the winter for rental. A lot of people aren't aware of this," Kramer said. "Depending on the adventure level of the group, we have a fleet of snowshoes.

"If they want, we'll teach winter survival skills or go ice fishing. We can go out and explore the island. There's a lot to do out here all year long."

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