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Why Nakamun Exists
Our mission is to help people encounter God, enrich relationships, and experience creation.
Camp Nakamun exists to be an inviting, innovative, and growing summer camp, retreat ministry, and facility. Our desire is to connect with communities and churches to reach children, youth, and adults with the message of Jesus Christ.
We are a non-profit charitable organization owned by the Western Canadian District of the Christian and Missionary Alliance. We operate in accordance with the statement of faith, principles and directives of the Christian & Missionary Alliance of Canada.
What We Do
Summer Camps
As a Summer Camp, we program 7 weeks in July and August for kids, youth, and families to come and be a part of community, try fun activities, and learn about God. We offer camps for campers in Grade 1-12 on main site, as well as Paintball and Outdoor camps for campers in Grades 7 and up! More information about our summer program can be found here.
Developing Leaders
We have a huge heart for uplifting leaders. Each summer we hire over 50 paid staff and accept about 150 volunteers. Most of our paid staff are young adults who are passionate about sharing God’s love with kids, and interested in expanding their leadership experience. Our love for training and encouraging young people to be strong leaders is implemented in our Junior Volunteer Program as well, where 150 students in Grade 8 and higher spend part of their summer here learning practical skills (cleaning, serving, interacting with kids, etc.), building community, and being poured into by mentor staff.
Hosting group retreats
The other 10 months of the year, we are a rental facility and conference centre! We love creating a welcoming and hospitable environment for groups to feel relaxed and at home. We host groups of various kinds and sizes, providing them with space and amenities to fulfil their retreat purpose. Whether you’re a junior high band getting ready for a concert, a church board looking for a cozy meeting space, or a leadership team pursuing a team building retreat, we’ve got you covered with various meeting rooms and spaces to make yourselves at home in. More information on our group bookings can be found here, as well as info on how to inquire.
Our Story
The story of Camp Nakamun really begins with the assignment of Jessie Hyde, from Ottawa, to do mission work for the Christian and Missionary Alliance denomination in this area, first in Fort Chippewyan, then later in Onoway.
In connection with local ministries, the need for a vacation bible day camp and summer camp location was discussed. After running camps around the Lac La Nonne area, land came up for sale on the north side of Lake Nakamun. This was in 1947, and the price tag was $2500.
Children and Family Camps ran over the years, and in 1990, our multipurpose Lodge was built. This allowed ministry to expand even further year-round with school groups coming for band camp and church groups for retreats.
Leadership team
Mark Chartier
Executive Director
My Training and experiences is as a business minded Engineer, but I have a love for all things camp. God has used Nakamun as an important part of my childhood and formative years as a young adult.
I am honoured and excited to be able to give back to this amazing ministry that provides opportunities for our young people to experience Christ and to develop as leaders themselves.
Email: mark @ campnakamun.com
Phone Extension: 101
Luke Henkelman
Operations Director
I started at Camp Nakamun in September of 2006
Camp ministry has been my passion and vocation for all my adult life. God has used camp ministry to help shape me and show me the transforming power of living and playing in community. I am blessed and honoured to be working and raising my family at Camp Nakamun.
Email: luke @ campnakamun.com
Phone Extension: 103
Amanda Freund
Finance Manager
Amanda joined the Nakamun team in the fall of 2021.
Email: bookkeeping @ campnakamun.com
Phone Extension: 105
Tiffany Soza
Director of Ministries
Camp Nakamun is where I not only attended as a camper, but also served in various roles such as junior worker, cabin leader, summer program staff, and board member for many years. It is because of Nakamun that I grew in my love of God, love for children, and sought out a career in Children’s Ministry. Having served for 8 years in pastoral ministry, it feels full circle to now be back on staff as the Director of Ministries.
Email: tiffany @ campnakamun.com
Phone Extension: 104
Daylene Penner
Ministries Coordinator – Administration and Junior Program Oversight
I’ve been on staff in a year-round role at Nakamun since 2011.
I grew up going to Nakamun and loving camp. I was that camper who would cry when it was time to go home so, I just never left. It is a huge blessing to be a part of this ministry with my family -husband Peter (Maintenance Manager at Camp) and kids, Gerald, Clara, Walter, Edwin, Margo, and Lewis.
Email: daylene @ campnakamun.com
Phone Extension: 106
Debbie Toews
Hospitality Manager
I have been working at Camp Nakamun for 17 years
I have been part of Camp Nakamun since I was in junior high and I have seen how God works through camp to change lives. I love that in my role I can have a part in helping people feel welcome here as they step away from their everyday lives and enjoy some time at camp.
Email: info @ campnakamun.com
Phone Extension: 102
Kerri Stennes
Food Services Coordinator
I have been on full time staff at Camp since 2021!
Working in the kitchen is a huge passion for me that ignited in this very kitchen over a decade ago. I love working in a fast-paced environment that is always changing and challenging. I love to see how people come together and fellowship while they enjoy their meals.
Email: kitchen @ campnakamun.com
Kelsey Getzinger
Ministries Coordinator – Digital Media & Marketing
Though I began this full-time role in June 2023, I have been working at camp in some capacity since 2009. I’ve always been drawn to the people and ministry here. I am so excited to share the beauty of camp with everyone through pictures, videos, and media. You can follow along on YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook!
Email: kelsey @ campnakamun.com
Phone Extension: 106
Peter Penner
Maintenance Manager
I’ve been full-time at camp since 2011. I love the diversity of the role as Maintenance Manager. I also love Nakamun sausages for breakfast!
Email: peter @ campnakamun.com
Getting Here
Google will usually give good directions to camp, but it will take you down the most fuel-efficient route by default which includes long stretches on gravel roads.
This map shows our recommended route to camp from Edmonton. This route is 100% paved and is only about 5 minutes longer than the gravel route Google recommends. We recommend giving yourself extra time to get here, especially in the winter, as country roads can be less kept than city ones.
Office Hours: 9:00am – 5:00pm, Monday to Friday
Phone: 780-967-5585
Email: info@campnakamun.com
