Camp Koinonia celebrates 60 years

Friday, 06 November 2026 10:00

Camp Koinonia celebrates 60 years

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The congregation filled the room with music at the 60th anniversary celebration of Camp Koinonia. Photo Courtesy of Camp Koinonia

With 60 years behind it, Camp Koinonia is looking to continue its mission into the future.
The camp on the shores of Lake Max celebrated its 60th anniversary on October 24-25. According to board member Simon Dueck, it was a fun time.
“We had our annual Woodcutter Retreat, where we get the wood for the year,” he explained, “so we had a few extra people to help with that. Then we had the worship service on Sunday, and people shared stories of Camp Koinonia, from being there as children, as staff. It was a good crowd, we had a lot of people who were connected come out. I think we had 150 people here.”
The story of Camp Koinonia actually goes back 20 years before its establishment. In 1948, a need for summer camps for youth was noticed and the Conference of Mennonites in Manitoba established its first camp along the Assiniboine River. Another was later added at Moose Lake. By 1964, the Conference voted to establish one on Lake Max. Opening in July 1966 it was originally called Camp Lake Max before changing to Camp Koinonia in 1970.
The summer camp is run by Camps With Meaning, owned by Mennonite Churches Manitoba. In 2016, a local board was created to run the camp, taking care of the maintenance and encouraging more use of the facilities during other times of the year.
“They wanted to keep it going, and took over the facilities themselves. We’re still there, and are always trying to find a way to make it sustainable into the future.”
Dueck is a newcomer to the board. He had attended the Assiniboine Camp as a child, but also visited Koinonia. He spent time as staff with Camps With Meaning, which also brought him out to the area.
As he explained, the main spot on the camp is the lodge, which can sleep up to 60 people, as well as the mini lodge and cabins. There is plenty to do in the area in all seasons, from hiking, canoeing and kayaking in the warmer months, to skiing in the winter, as they are close to the Lake Max trails. It showcases the Turtle Mountain Provincial Park well.

The summer camp runs for six weeks in the summer. Two weeks are for adults with disabilities, and there were about 200 campers in the summer of 2026. The staff and volunteers make it a special time for everyone. Campers enjoy a variety of activities including wall climbing, archery, zip lining, nature exploration and enjoying the lake.
Dueck said for the most part, the Camps With Meaning have the area to themselves in the summer, with a few family reunions or other events taking place at that time. The rest of the year, the area is available for rental, which the board takes care of. Boissevain and Killarney Schools bring students out to take part in nature education. Family gatherings use the space, with both local people and those from further away enjoying the area. He added they get quite a few rentals in September and October, and there are always groups in winter and Christmas holidays. The spring is the hardest to attract people, as the snow is gone for skiing and the trails are not firmed up enough for hiking. However, they are always open to groups. Dueck said they are recovering numbers from the dark days of COVID.
“In terms of being a beautiful place for people to gather, it is carrying on. Some people have been involved one way or another for 60 years.”
He said it was very enjoyable to hear the stories from those who came out for the celebrations.
“People shared how their lives were changed, what a key Camp Koinonia was to them,” Dueck explained. “They shared how it was an important milestone in their Christian lives. As several people shared at the 60th celebrations they have found this connection with God, creation and people at Koinonia and it has left a lifelong impact on them. It is a special place for many people.”
Dueck said he felt the camp, especially the summer camp experience, continues the purpose it was created for. The two groups, MCM and the local board, all care about the space and want to work together to have it used into the next phase.
“I think it is just an important place and if people are willing to continue doing this, it will keep going.”

by PAUL RAYNER, Recorder staff

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