His parents met at the camp years ago when his father, John, was a counsellor and his mother a leader in training.

The 12-year-old plans to follow in their footsteps at least when it comes to being a leader in training and member of camp staff. In the meantime, he's having a ball as a camper.

"I've come to camp for five years, he said as he chatted by the waterfront, the music of "Banner Yearby Five Iron Frenzy blaring from the speakers. "I want to come back every year because it's so much fun.

This summer, he's mastering the ropes course despite the fact he is terrified of heights.

"When I reached the top, I almost had a heart attack, he said laughing. "I knew I could do it. It was a question of would I.

Encouragement from his counsellors and camp buddies helped him achieve his goal.

Wright has also been practising archery. When aiming, he said he pictures a character in the sci-fi novel he's reading The Hungry Gamesby Suzanne Collins. It helps him stay focused. So far, the bull's eye has eluded him, but there's still time to brush up on his skills.

"I think making new friends is the best thing about camp, he continued adding every kid should try to come. "They'd fit in right away and have a great time. There's so much to do I never get bored.

A Christian camp for boys and girls 5 to 16 years old, kids from all denominations are welcome at Mini-Yo-We. Bible studies and devotionals are woven into a program of traditional camp activities including swimming, sailing, skateboarding, rock climbing and wakeboarding. A new arts program has been introduced this summer along with golf. There's also the H2O camp for water sports enthusiasts.

Among the highlights of the camp, a home away from home for many children from low income families, are the off-site canoe trips.

"Canoe tripping is great because there's a certain amount of leadership and teamwork involved, said boys camp director Ethan Clarke noting children also hone their survival skills. The trips give kids many who are from the city and may not otherwise have a chance, get in touch with nature. "Campers always come back with a sense of accomplishment.

Ben Ankenmann, grew up at Mini-Yo-We Sioux for Camp of Living Waters. His father, Mike, is the camp director and his mother, Jean, a long-time volunteer. Younger brother, Josh, and older sister, Kylie, also work at the camp. His maternal grandparents were also volunteers. It's a tradition for many families who remain connected to the camp over generations. Like the Wrights, many couples met at camp and are now sending their children.

"A big part of camp is how much fun it is, said Ben Ankenmann, 21, who is ministry director. "There are a ton of activities and staff care so much about the children and spend a lot of time with campers even though they have friends here.

What kids learn at camp life skills, the courage to expand their boundaries, the importance of friendship and responsibility as well as living in a close knit community they take home with them, added Clarke. "It's all about respecting diversity, sharing and caring.

It's about helping shape future leaders.

Printable 2013 Pre-Registration Form

Dear Friends & Alumni,

Camp Mini-Yo-We and our Meeting Hall Capital Campaign project was chosen this year by Volunteer Builders to be their main building project for the year!! Very exciting!

Learn more about volunteer builders at http://www.volunteerbuilders.org/our_history.shtml

Sincerely,

Camp Mini-Yo-We

The sad news is that "The Frizz, our Girls Camp Director aka Kirsty Koop has resigned effective August 4, 2012, so she will not be at Camp to greet you our girls campers after week 4. Kirsty has career training in gerontology and she has been recruited to be a program director for a local seniors home.  She will be running "camp for older campers now.  We are sad that Kirsty is leaving and we will miss her.

The happy news is that "Soul-Eh? aka Abby Edwards will be Interim Girls Camp Director.  Abby had several Senior Staff roles and was Assistant Girls Camp Director from 2003 to 2008, and was a Girls Camp camper and counsellor for several years before that. Abby is a competent and caring leader and we are thrilled she is available to Direct the last 3 weeks of our Girls Camp program. 

We are searching and expect to have a full-time GCD appointed in the early fall. To learn more about Abby visit http://www.miniyowe.com/year-round-staff-team/

We are planning Work Days at Camp for Saturday October 27 and Saturday November 17.  Can you help us with construction projects to make Camp better for next year?

Projects under consideration include:

        Re-roofing (shingles) our Northwoods Dining Room (across the lake from the main sites)

        Building the Deck on the new Cabin at Chemawa (Cabin 4)

        Parging and window well construction on exterior of main floor meeting room in the new Chemawa Cabin (Cabin 4)

        Construction of the storage building attached to the new Meeting Hall (old Chemawa Activity Centre)

        Framing for drywall and insulation around the skylights in the new Meeting Hall

        Clearing trees to provide ventilation and view of the lake from the new Meeting Hall

        Minor maintenance projects

The projects we undertake on any given day will depend upon weather, the skills of the people available, and what we accomplish in the mean time.

If you can help please contact me at mike.a@miniyowe.comor by phone at 705-385-2629 ext. 224.

We would love to have your help and the help of your handy friends who may want to come as well.

Some overnight accommodation is available on the Friday evenings before the workdays and as usual meals are provided on Saturday.

Thanks for your support.

God bless,

Michael  <><

We had a great work day at Camp last weekend in spite of the weather.  Sixteen guys made great progress on Cabin 4 deck waterproofing, finishing the interior of the new Heating Shed, renovating the old Chemawa Activity centre to be the Meeting Hall storage room, and winterizing our vehicles and motors.

We are planning a second Work Day at Camp for Saturday November 17.  Can you help us with construction projects to make Camp better for next year?

Projects under consideration include:

         Building the Decks on the new Cabin at Chemawa (Cabin 4)

         Parging and window well construction on exterior of main floor meeting room in the new Chemawa Cabin (Cabin 4)

         Construction of the storage building attached to the new Meeting Hall (old Chemawa Activity Centre)

         Framing for drywall and insulation around the skylights in the new Meeting Hall

         Clearing trees to provide ventilation and view of the lake from the new Meeting Hall

         Minor maintenance projects

The projects we undertake on any given day will depend upon weather, the skills of the people available, and what we accomplish in the mean time.

If you can help please contact me at mike.a@miniyowe.com or by phone at 705-385-2629 ext. 224.

We would love to have your help and the help of your handy friends who may want to come as well.

Some overnight accommodation is available on the Friday evenings before the workdays and as usual meals are provided on Saturday.  If you can come for the work day on Friday, we would love to see you then as well.

Mark Thursday April 25, 2013 on your calendar for the next Annual Fundraising Dinner!

• Punch & Silent Auction at 6:00 pm
• Dinner & Program at 7:00 pm
• Dinner & Program finished by 9:15 pm

•   Campfire & singing
•   New & old friends
•  Relaxation & good food
• Biking, rock climbing, canoeing, ropes, rappelling, boating, camp tours, archery and MYWs tuck shop!
• A challenging speaker
•  A gently used Christian book exchange (bring your book donations). 

Please invite: An old camp friend, new friends, your mom, sister, daughter, niece, aunt, cousin or a neighbor. (Ages: 19 to 65+).

Please bring:

• Comfortable clothes & shoes
• Sleeping bag (sheets) & pillow
• Bible and notebook
• Songs, skits a hobby/craft
• Your guitar

SPEAKER:  Lorie Hartshorn

Lorie has two undergrad degrees and is presently working on her Masters in Theological Studies.  She has her Specialist in Adult Learning, Gifted Education and Music. Lorie has been speaking, teaching and training, for almost 30 years!  She is a sought after keynote speaker at Conferences and Retreats. Lorie was the Director of Advancement for

Dr. John C. Maxwells, EQUIP Leadership Canada. She is presently the Director of Better Today Consulting.  She lives in Ontario, with her husband and 3 young adult children.  

Resgistration

Send to:  Janet Rice

c/o 888 Dales Avenue

Newmarket, ON  L3Y 5Z7

For weekend info, contact:

Janet Rice, j.rice@rogers.com        

Judy McKnight judy.mcknight2@gmail.com