Surprise Lake Camp

Since 1951, Surprise Lake United Church Camp has provided young people with summers full of fun, community and faith. Our program provides activities that enlarge the camper’s vision of their own potential as a human being, and as a child of God. Each summer new friendships and memories are made that will last a lifetime.

At SLC we value and respect nature. Our campsite is kept as natural as possible. The camp is made up of a number of cabins nestled throughout the trees along the lakeshore. Campers sleep in cabin groups with 5-6 other campers and a counselor.

We use the outdoors as an essential element and location for programming. Our setting helps children develop a greater appreciation for the environment, and the camp lifestyle demonstrates how to live in better balance with the natural world; environmentally friendly practices are used as often as possible

About the Programs

Surprise Lake Camp approaches camping with zest and adventure. Our summer programs include recreational activities, games, songs, skits, crafts, time at the lake, swimming and canoeing. Our focus on Outdoor Education includes hiking, cookouts and overnights as well as using natural materials for arts and crafts.

Daily activities include a morning rotation of regular programming, including outdoor education, waterfront, crafts and Christian development. The afternoons are filled with special interest groups that campers can choose from. Evening activities consist of games in the playing field and then watching our beautiful sunset over the lake while signing around a campfire. Each week we have a number of special events, such as our famous ‘Mud-Walks’ and Talent Show – a highlight of the campers’ abilities, talents and new found confidence.

About the Staff

The staff at SLC are a mix of people of all ages, with different backgrounds. Many staff members were at one-point campers themselves, thus our motto ‘For the campers…by the campers!’ There is a core of paid staff who are hired for the entire summer as well as youth and parent volunteers, who are essential to the success of the camp.

Being on volunteer-staff member is a unique opportunity for families to experience camp together. Volunteers are encouraged to bring their children to camp. There are fee reductions available for volunteer-staff children of camper age and there is childcare available for younger children.

Volunteers can help lead programs, work in the kitchen, do maintenance, be camp mom or dad and most importantly have a little fun themselves! If you are interested in volunteering this summer please contact the camp directly during summer months or email

Camps	Dates	Fees*
Staff Training	June 29 - July 4	N/A
Leadership	July 6 - 11	$ 310
Junior	July 13 - 19	$ 280
Beaver	July 21 - 24	$ 130
Beginner 1	July 26 - 31	$ 175
Beginner 2	August 2 - 7	$ 175
Youth	August 9 - 16	$ 310
Theme Camp	August 19 - 24	$ 310

Camp Descriptions

Beginner Camp(Completed grades 2, 3 & 4)
This camp is about fun, friendship and exploration! Campers can take part in, nature walks, games, canoeing, swimming, crafts and even an overnight adventure in the playing field. This camp is a great place for children to begin exploring their creative side and making new friends in a positive community setting!

Junior Camp(Completed grades 4, 5 & 6)
This outdoor adventure camp is great for all those who enjoy fun in the sun and making new friends. Time to break loose and try some new things, such as ‘mud-walking’ along the lakeshore and off-site overnights. From canoeing and swimming to games and crafts…this camp has it all!

Youth Camp (Completed grades 6, 7, and 8)
This camp is a place where young people can be themselves and express their creative side, the talent show is always a big hit. Along with canoeing and overnights, campers learn to live in a community and explore their faith. Full of new experiences and lasting friendships, this is the place where great summer memories are made!

Theme Camp: Survivor Camp
Something New And Exciting For Surprise Lake Camp. Come Out For A Week Of Being Part Of "Survivor". Teams Will Meet Challenges And Compete For The Camp Idol. You Will Be Active, Do Crafts and Enjoy Fellowship And Friendship With Fellow Campers. Come Out For An Exciting Fun Filled Week!

Leadership Camp (completed grades 9 and up)
This is a fun and exciting week full of workshops and activities focusing on leadership, team-building and personal development. Besides having an amazing week, campers have the option of returning to volunteer throughout the summer as counselors-in-training, program staff, assistant cooks and chore-people. Volunteering provides campers with opportunities to practice and perfect their leadership skills in a fun and supportive environment. This is an SLC experience like no other!

How to Register

After July 2, please phone the camp directly (780) 723-2159 to inquire about available space. Please make cheques payable to the Surprise Lake Camp Society. A packing list and receipt to confirm your registration will be sent to each camper.

You can send the completed registration form & a non-refundable deposit of $25 to:

Financial Assistance

Join the Board

Surprise Lake Camp is run by a dedicated group of people who serve as the Board of Directors. We need people with a variety of different skills and always welcome new ideas and insight. This is great way to get involved in your child’s life and insure that camp continues to run for another 50 years! For more information please contact us.
e-mail:

Travel to the Camp

Surprise Lake Camp is located 178km West of Edmonton (21km East of Edson) along the Yellowhead Highway (HWY 16) and is 2km South of the Highway on R.R. 153.

If coming to camp by bus, please notify the camp director of your arrival time. Someone will be at the station in Edson to pick you up.

Rentals

Groups may rent the camp in the spring and fall. Our Facilities include a fully equip kitchen and dining facility as well as cabins to accommodate over 60 people. We also have a large recreation hall, craft shack, office, outdoor chapel, sand beach, dock and two campfire pits.

*There are no showers or flush toilets (Outdoor biffies and washhouse are used).

Information

For more information and general inquiries prior to July 2 contact:

Lillian Tabak
(Registrar)
Telephone: (780) 892 2071
e-mail:

Donations and Membership

Donations to Surprise Lake Camp are always welcome and are tax deductible. They can be sent to:

Surprise Lake Society
Box 2391, Stn. Main
Stony Plain
Alberta
T7E 1X8

We also gladly accept craft and recreation supplies, as well as maintenance and cleaning supplies.

Surprise Lake Camp thanks the local Edson community and those who volunteer throughout the year; those who come help out at work weekends and those who do fundraising. We are also grateful for support from the Alberta Camping Association, Yellowhead Presbytery, the United Church of Canada and to all those whom donate their time, talent, and financial support!

YELLOWHEAD PRESBYTERY

About the Camp