On the Sunshine Coast in Gibsons, B.C., surrounded by forests and the peaks of the North Shore Mountains, The Salvation Army’s Camp Sunrise hosts camps year-round for families, youth, men and women. But throughout the month of August, the grounds fill with a different kind of excitement—the sounds of instruments, singing, drama and other arts as youth come together to glorify God through their creativity.

For children ages seven to 12, junior performing arts camp (JPAC) is a place to make friends, have fun, discover a passion for arts and learn about God. At senior performing arts camp (SPAC), young people ages 13 to 18 grow as performers and in their faith. Both performing arts camps encourage youth to explore their gifts and talents or discover ones that they may not have known they had.

While all Salvation Army camps give young people safe and fun summer experiences, Camp Sunrise’s JPAC and SPAC give youth the opportunity to embrace their unique skills and abilities through artistic worship.

“Other Salvation Army camps in British Columbia are more adventure-based—focused on nature, having fun, connecting and learning about God. But at performing arts camp, there’s an emphasis on skill building,” says Caitlin West, children and youth program director, British Columbia Division. “They’ll have fun and make memories and lifelong friends, while also developing the talents and gifts that God gave them.”

Breaking the Divide

Traditionally, Camp Sunrise’s performing arts camps attracted mostly youth from Salvation Army corps who often had existing involvement in the church. Camp programming was focused on the Army’s long-established musical arts: brass band and choir.

“In recent years, we have intentionally been trying to break this divide to make camp more inclusive,” says West, who takes on leadership of SPAC this summer. “There are kids who have an intense passion for drama, guitar or media arts, and who express their skills through different mediums such as photos and videos. By sticking to tradition, we were missing out on nurturing these skills.”

The camp’s move toward inclusivity began in 2014 when Mark Touzeau, then camp director, put forth a desire for transformation that would create new opportunities for youth to explore gifts beyond just vocal and instrumental. This transformation began by first introducing a drama major along with contemporary vocal options led by Jonny Michel, then camp music and arts director. Later, elements of guitar, ukulele, visual and media arts were gradually introduced, broadening the range of performing arts now offered at Camp Sunrise.

These creative skills we practise at camp are not just random. They are gifts that have been given by God." - Caitlin West

In 2017, Andrea Petkau, integrated ministries supervisor at The Willows—A Community Church of The Salvation Army in Langley, B.C., and Ty Petkau took on leadership of SPAC, introducing further creative elements such as advanced media arts and a stage makeup elective. And with electives adding another set of exciting opportunities such as contemporary jazz, science experiments and outdoor recreation, campers can now explore new skills and passions in all areas of expression.

“Our programming looks different each year, depending on the faculty we have and what passions they bring. Now with a variety of performing arts, we can engage so many more youth,” says West.

With subsidies available to help increase access to camp for youth who may not otherwise be able to attend, and with local ministry units, social services and corps encouraging their youth to sign up, Camp Sunrise has become a more integrated camp for kids from all walks of life who wish to explore their skill sets, deepen their faith and make lasting connections with their peers and staff mentors.

For 16-year-old Alyson Courtney, who grew up attending Cariboo Hill Temple in Burnaby, B.C., the increased options have been very beneficial. “I take drama at camp,” she says. “I was glad when they changed from only music to performing arts because, although my dad and brothers are brass instrument players, I’m not very musical.”

With fond memories of driving up to camp squished in the back of a car with her brothers, catching fish, staying up late in her cabin, and “stalking” after sunset—a game similar to capture the flag that has become a tradition at SPAC—Courtney looks forward to reuniting with her friends at camp every year. “I like worshipping with people my age,” she says. 

Jumanji

No matter what their performing arts specialty, youth who attend Camp Sunrise can grow in their relationship with God. “These creative skills we practise at camp are not just random. They are gifts that have been given by God,” says West. “Throughout all ourprogramming, we try to emphasize this connection.”

The theme at camp this summer is “Jumanji,” based on the board and video games, and now movie franchise, which will use a jungle motif and invite campers to go exploring—exploring their faith, their identities and their gifts.

Along with dedicated chapel services, worship and small group cabin discussions, faith elements are intertwined with all programming. “It is not just a one-hour worship session on Sunday. Our faith is at campfires. It’s in our electives,” explains West. “Some of the most impactful conversations happen during this fellowship time together.”

Aux-Lieutenants Jennifer and Neil Thompson, corps officers at Vernon Community Church, B.C., will take on leadership of JPAC this year. “We want the kids at Camp Sunrise to experience real community and belonging, and to learn how to worship God through performing arts,” says Aux-Lieutenant Neil. “God’s presence moves through and is felt in such powerful ways at Camp Sunrise. I hope every child experiences God in a new way and grows in their understanding of his love for them.”

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