Camps open this week and campers are being sent off to a fun-filled week.

Roseau River Bible Camp Executive Director Duane Goertzen says the first campers will be arriving on Thursday and there are upgrades to a number of skills including archery, riflery, and the BMX track.

"Our riflery, we're certified range this year, so we're adding 22's, for the older ages, and we'll be teaching them how to shoot a 22 instead of just a pellet gun. The low ropes are, again, seeing some improvements. [As well,] the BMX track has some new jumps."

Goertzen adds there are certified trainers and safety precautions put into place for each skill to keep campers safe. He says the driveway to the camp has been difficult to by-pass due to frost boils in spring and recent rains but says it is still passable.

He notes his favourite part of the summer is the relationships and characters that grow through the camp experience.

"Just this last week we had a school group out from the Steinbach area. One of the kids could not wait to talk with Elijah, our BMX coordinator [because] he had made such a good relationship connection when he was here. He's one of the kids that was probably struggling the most when he started coming to camp a couple years ago, but now, he's like, I want to become a cabin leader. It's encouraging to see lives changed."

Meanwhile, Bird River Bible Camp Program Director Kyle Sheppard says their first campers arrive Monday and they are introducing kayaking this year as well as growing their mountain bike and BMX park skills. Sheppard notes he is looking forward to seeing the staff grow in unity and make the weekly volunteers feel welcome. He adds they continue to see growth in the camp noting the young adult camp has had to grow from one weekend to two weekends this year due to the high amount of interest.

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