This year marks major milestone anniversaries for the two Salvation Army camps in the British Columbia Division—Camp Mountainview’s 40th and Camp Sunrise’s 100th. Both camps held anniversary celebrations, which reflected on the legacy of camp ministry and God’s sustaining grace that has endured over the years.

“I think the common thread between these anniversaries is the impact of camp, and the faithfulness and goodness of God,” says Captain Joyce Downer, then divisional candidates secretary.

40 Years at Camp Mountainview

Camp Mountainview, located in Houston, B.C., celebrated its 40th anniversary in May with more than 100 people in attendance, including current and former staff, campers, officers, volunteers and friends. The event also featured the official grand opening of a new program building with a gymnasium and multi-purpose space.

According to Erica Azak, camp director and corps leader in Gitwinksihlkw, B.C., the new building has been two decades in the making. Previously, one building served as dining hall, kitchen, camp office and program space. The new facility includes a gym, first-aid room, staff lounge, program office and a patio overlooking the lake and basketball court.

The weekend’s special guests included former divisional youth secretaries Majors Cindy and Curtis Butler, and Major Donna Barthau, who discovered and facilitated the purchase of the property 40 years ago. Elders from the Nisga’a Nation offered a blessing over the new building and the ministry that will take place there.

The celebration featured a ribbon cutting and plaque presentation by Captain Kim Chan, divisional secretary for British Columbia, and the unveiling of a mural painted by Gitxsan artist, Michelle Stoney. Later, a gala highlighted the camp’s journey from the property’s discovery to its development, to its future focus on local staff leadership.

The festivities continued with a basketball game in the new gym, encouraging friendly competition between current and former camp staff. On Saturday night, attendees enjoyed the camp space and activities, such as archery, canoeing and the canteen, ending the day with a late-night intergenerational campfire. Sunday’s worship featured dancers from Prince George Community Church, B.C., and a message from Major Curtis Butler, closing with prayer for the 2025 camping season.

“Camp Mountainview has been transformative for all who have spent time there,” says Captain Downer. “There was so much joy regarding how deep connections are, and how impactful the community is for staff, campers, volunteers and families.”

100 Years at Camp Sunrise

Camp Sunrise, located in Gibsons, B.C., celebrated a century of ministry with a weekend of special guests, meaningful activities, and moments of worship and reflection. Captains Marc and Mariska Potters, international children and youth officers, were in attendance, as well as Captain Shawna Goulding, territorial youth secretary, and Lt-Colonel Jamie Braund, then divisional commander in the British Columbia Division.

Events included the announcement of a new covered basketball court, a flag raising, and the naming of the newly renovated first-aid building, which is now a program space called “Redwood.” A Saturday evening campfire was co-hosted by Erika-Shaye Thompson and Lt-Colonel Peter Roed, former divisional commander for British Columbia, who has a long history with the camp. Sunday morning worship took place outdoors with a brass band, worship team and a special children’s time.

“We worshipped under a fir tree, with a clear view of the ocean and mountains on one side and Camp Sunrise on the other,” says Captain Downer. “The tree has a plaque that references ‘chapel beautiful,’ a reminder of the liminal space where God meets campers, staff and visitors in a profound and transformative way.”

According to Captain Downer, much has changed at Camp Sunrise over the last 100 years, from facility improvements to new programming features, such as a zipline, pool, updated cabins and firepit. But what has remained is the camp’s spiritual impact. “The Lord’s goodness and faithfulness is evident and present in a profound way. People leave this place transformed and return home to make an impact on their communities,” she says. “Camp Sunrise is holy ground, dedicated for God’s kingdom purposes. God does good work in this space, and our role is to be good stewards of this beautiful corner of creation to allow the Holy Spirit to continue to create beautiful growth in people and relationships.”

Photos: Brekin Daniels