Every fall, men from across Ontario gather for a weekend to enjoy the outdoors, build fellowship and engage in worship.
This year, The Salvation Army Ascent Men’s Camp was held at Newport Adventure Camp and hosted over 120 participants who enjoyed some time for connection and spiritual renewal.
Men’s camp welcomes a diverse group of all ages and backgrounds. This year’s theme was “I am my brother’s keeper,” inspired by Genesis 4:9 and featured special guest, Lt-Colonel Morris Vincent.
“At Men’s Camp we host faith-based activities that bring together men from all walks of life,” Major Chris Rideout, divisional secretary for mission resource in the Ontario Division, explains. “We create space for men to engage with one another, not only on lighthearted topics, but also on serious issues like identity, pornography, and human trafficking. It’s about real, transformative conversations.”
The format of the camp changed this year to make it more interactive. In the past, a single guest speaker would lead each session. This time, participants formed small groups to discuss different topics related to faith and personal challenges.
“As men, we often struggle to open up about what we go through,” Major Rideout adds. “These small groups help remove barriers and create opportunities for honest dialogue.”
Aside from covering serious topics, participants had time for recreational activities such as baseball, golfing, canoeing, kayaking and hiking. Every morning began with devotions and the evening closed out with a campfire worship.
One attendee was pleased to hear stories from other participants.
“It’s always encouraging to hear stories of what God is doing in the lives of these men. Camp is a chance to refresh, relax and reconnect with old friends and God. You are reminded that you are not alone and that you have brothers who care and have faced similar challenges.”
Another participant said he wished he had come to men’s camp sooner.
“I realized all the good times I missed by not going when I was younger. The highlight for me was being in a community of men who went out of their way to make everyone feel welcome. I arrived home with new stories to share and intending to convince my sons and son-in-law to come next year.”
– The Salvation Army Men’s Camp Participant
The weekend concluded with Sunday services, which included prayer and reflection on the issue of modern slavery and human trafficking.
By the end of the event, participants raised over $1,000 for The Salvation Army’s Correctional and Justice Services in London, Ont.
One of the biggest takeaways from the weekend was the rising levels in participation, according to Captain Josh Howard, divisional men’s ministry resource officer.
“More and more men have chosen to attend camp. This is evident not only in the number of participants but also in the increased number of men who attended for the first time. Bridging this age and generational gap was one of the objectives set out when Ascent launched and has been one of the ways this ministry has changed and grown over the last few years,” Captain Howard shares.
Growth, both personal and in numbers, will continue to be the ongoing goal for years to come at men’s camp.
