Transportation
In the early days,
most people came to camp by either riding the Qu'Appelle Steamer or taking the
train to Lumsden. Wilkies Livery supplied transportation from Lumsden to the
camp for 50 cents each in parties of two or more. Those driving could get good
pasture for horses not far from the grounds.
Accommodation
People were asked to supply their own tents in the early years. A limited number
of tents was available for those who need them. Campers were also asked to bring
ground sheets and straw ticks. Straw and hay was supplied to fill them. It was
suggested that campers bring plenty of blankets, quilts and cushions, as nights
were cool.
Meals
The Ladies Aid of Lumsden spared no effort in providing good wholesome and well
served meals. Breakfast and supper cost 25 cents and dinner 35 cents. Auntie
Martin first came and worked with the ladies. She was a tower of strength and
took charge of the dining hall. Her camp baked cookies were legendary.
Music
From the very beginning, music was important. Under the direction of Mr. Wm.
Hindson, of the Metropolitan Church, Regina, the Choirs of Lumsden and Rose
Plain (Brora) churches supplies suitable music for the evening sessions.
Land Survey
of the Camp Land
The Lumsden Beach
sub-division, Section 7, Township 21, Range 21, West of the 2nd Meridian was
surveyed by William Robinson Reilly from September 4th to 15th, 1911. This land
survey, consisting of about 42 acres of land, was registered November 19th,
1912. Lots 3 to 10 in Block 4 were reserved for Summer School purposes by the
Department of Public Works, November 12th, 1912 Lots 8, 9, and 10, and the east
half of Lots 6, 7 and 11 all in Block 6 and Lots 1,2,3,4 in Block 7 were reserved
and dedicated for Park purposes to be known as Temple Park. Prior to the Survey
and before the railway, all camps were held on the shore. Morning watch and
evening vespers were held on "Round Top" (where the Cairn now stands). "Round
Top" became a special spot, where many lives were dedicated to life service
of the Church, both at home and abroad. All through summer school the tradition
was Vespers on Old Round Top.
No Bathing
on Sunday
On Sundays - before Sunday school until after the evening service - swimming
was not allowed. This enabled groups to carry on study sessions or to have quiet
time without distraction. Campers would often beg to go in the lake to cool
off during those hot summer days, but the answer was a definite NO. Once in
a while on those hot, hot Sundays, some brave souls would hike down the lake
to a beach out of sight and go for a swim (the beach they went to is the one
in front of our present site). This site became known as Sunday Beach or Bible
Beach.
Water
In early camp years, water was always a problem. We first had a sand pump on
the shore. After many problems with that system, the camp installed an engine
on the shore. A trench was dug and main pipes to a small tank on the hillside
were installed. Water was pumped into the Dining Hall and also into some of
our cottages. A well on the hill was eventually dug and more pipes laid. We
owe our thanks to the members of the Village Council, Mr. Wilson, Mr. Taper
and Mr. J. B. Cline. The co-operation between the village council and the Lumsden
Beach Summer School executive was wonderful.
The First
Camp Buildings
In 1911, the first camp building was erected. The Dining Hall was built where
the Lumsden Beach Village Store now stands. The dining hall was enlarged and
living quarters built on. We sometimes had 150 girls or boys in camp. No one
was turned away. You could often hear the call "Come on up and help carve meat".
In 1912, the Tin Temple was erected. It was a good place to hold meetings on
cold and wet days. It would seat about 250. Church Services were also held here.
In 1917, the Leaders Lodge (named by Reverend Charlie Morgan) was built. This
building provided accommodation for the camp leaders and included 24 beds. Early
in the spring of 1925, cabins were built when the bell tents and walled tents
were retired. Reverend Charlie Morgan named the cabins (dorms) 'Queens Quarters"
and 'T-U-X-I-S Terrace". The Ice House was built in 1929. This building was
built on Hindson Street with the consent of the Village Council, and was not
taxed.
Camp
always welcomed everyone
Our camps always had a place for everyone. A very large Junior Camp was held
in 1923, when Rev. T. W. Johnson brought 50 new Canadians from Insinger. These
new Canadians came as guests of the school. With their teachers and leaders
in Saskatoon, they formed an Insinger Club with Mr. Vickers as leader. They
had a special railway coach from Insinger to Lumsden Beach and back each year.
The first C.G.I.T. camp in Canada was held at Lumsden Beach Camp in 1916. In
1918, the first Tuxis boys' camp was held with over 100 boys attending.
Currently
Lumsden Beach Camp continues to offer its unique ministry through summer programs
for children, youth, and adults from all backgrounds. We are excited and proud
to be a part of such a long tradition of providing a special place where adults
and children come together to learn about God and each other. Although much
has changed over the years, our camping traditions and values have remained
strong. Lumsden Beach Camp continues to foster opportunities for the discovery
and nurturing of faith in God and relationships with each other in a safe and
accepting Christian community. Today, people from diverse backgrounds participate
in the camp as campers, leaders, staff as well as board and committee members.
Everyone can share in the magic of Lumsden Beach Camp.
Lumsden Beach Camp is always growing, changing and trying to improve. The camp has recently developed programs to offer to school groups in the form of day camps and outdoor school programs for the month of June. With the camp's mission statement and purpose in mind, specialty camps to have been designed to meet the interests and needs of our campers. Our summer programs now include an Outdoor Adventure Kamp, which will focus on outdoor skills and ecological education and MAD Camp (Music, Art and Drama Camp), which draws on a variety of skills and talents of the campers to prepare and perform a musical. Working with Carmichael Outreach, Lumsden Beach Camp is providing an opportunity for low-income inner city children and youth to attend camp. This program is a great addition to our ministry.
As our camp prepares to turn 100 years old, we hold a strong vision of the future of United Church Camping. Lumsden Beach Camp continues to challenge, renew and nurture growth opportunities for all. Lumsden Beach Camp has a special way of developing self-awareness, acceptance of others and confidence in all who participate. Campers, staff, volunteers return year after year awaiting the next adventure