Lumsden Beach Camp History

Lumsden Beach Camp did not happen by chance. It was created by faith filled people who had a vision. This bold vision, blessed by God, became reality in 1905. This camp is a special place where adults and children come together to learn about God and each other. This tradition continues today, almost 100 years later, when we come to this special place seeking to know God, renew our faith, make lasting friendships and have tons of fun.

In 1905, Lumsden Beach Summer School was established under the leadership of Reverend John Doyle, a Methodist minister of Lumsden and district. Reverend Doyle held Summer School Camps for those from the Regina District. Camps during the first couple of years were held on the lake shore. In 1908, Lumsden Beach Summer School was recognized as the first church camp in western Canada. The camp was under the auspices of the Methodist Church, Epworth League, Sunday School Workers, W.M.S. and other church workers. The camp was held from July 27th to August 3rd. The leaders at this time were as follows: Rev.C.W.Brown; Chairman of Regina District, Rev. J. Doyle; Secretary of Sunday Schools, Mr. E. E. Brooks (Indian Head); President of Regina District Epworth League, Reverend William Arnett (minister of Lumsden); Reverend H.S. Mcgee (Toronto), Dr.S.G. Bland (Winnipeg), Mr. A.M. Fraser (Indian Head), Mr.William Hindson (Regina), and Reverend Oliver Darwin (Superintendent of Missions).

The Site of the School (as described in the first printed program):

Last Mountain Lake is a beautiful sheet of water in the centre of our great Province of Saskatchewan, where you will find the site of the school. The lake is about seventy miles long and from one to four miles wide, and is destined to be a great summer resort. Lumsden Beach is one of the beauty spots on its shores with trees, a lovely sand beach, level camping ground, and splendid boating, bathing and fishing conditions. All make it an ideal place for our Camp. It is situated on the west shore of the lake. It is nine miles from the town of Lumsden, and one mile across the lake from Port Hyman, the southern terminus of the Steamer Qu'Appelle.