May 22ndA young adult reflection on the Light the Fire party.
Laughter, friendly faces, and hundreds of people who care deeply about Camps with Meaning filled the room at the Light the Fire event on April 19, 2026, at the Centro Caboto Centre.
In 2018 and 2019, I was a camp counsellor at both Camp Assiniboia and Camp Koinonia. Those tiring but rewarding weeks helped shape me into the person I am today. At this event, I found myself surrounded by people who made those experiences possible, and who continue to create life-changing opportunities for many young people.
The evening was full of memories, including those shared from the stage. I had the pleasure of working alongside Solomon Schlegel, the evening’s MC, as well as Ava Campbell-Enns and Will Harder, two of the night’s musical performers. It was special to see former fellow counsellors sharing their gifts and continuing to invest in a place that shaped us.
The headliner of the night was comedian Matt Falk, who kept the audience laughing, including the many quirky staples of Mennonite culture and life. Many of the jokes were appreciated by all ages, filling the building with laughter.
As I reflect on the evening, I’m filled with joy. Looking out across the room, I saw hundreds of people united by a shared belief in the power of camp; people committed to supporting young lives and building strong, caring communities.
The event served as a wonderful and meaningful reminder of what can happen when many of us come together to support the young people in our communities, in our churches and across the province.
I know camp has impacted my life, and I know that camp has impacted countless others’ lives in similar ways. I encourage you to reflect on how camp has shaped your life and the lives of those around you. And as you do, consider how you might support its mission—through volunteering, prayer, or financial giving.
Camp is a place where the love of God and community is deeply felt. With your support, more young people will have the chance to experience that same joy, growth, and belonging in community and with God.
Submitted by Andrew Stoesz, camp staff 2018/19
See more about the event and some of the pictures Andrew took here.