You are invited to attend the 21st Annual Manitoba Birding Retreat at Camp Arnes, June 2-4, 2023.

Keynote presentation by Jim Duncan, owl expert, photographer, naturalist, and teacher.

This is a great event to experience God’s creation with others who love bird watching. 

Registration is closed. The event is full. Thank you for your interest.

View the schedule (pdf)

Group Transportation Option

This year we have the option to ride in a 24-seat passenger bus, leaving Friday morning at 7:00 am from Fort Garry Mennonite Church, 7:30 am from Bethel Place, and gathering at CMU south parking lot at 8:00 am. Bring breakfast snack to share. Those taking their vehicles are invited to meet at CMU. Together we will explore the Interlake region for birds around the Shoal Lakes and Lake Winnipeg areas. Check-in at Camp Arnes is at 4:30 with supper to follow.

No Experience required.

A special invitation is extended to students and novice birders of all ages. For birding outings, participants will be in groups of 4-7 persons. Novice participants will be teamed up with more experienced birders.

Sleep Options-Safety and Comfort

Since there may be participants who require their own rooms, we will attempt to provide this space as lodging is available. Three optional accommodations are available:

1. Primary lodging in Poplar Grove: 3-4 per room. Bring your own bedding.
2. Motel style, double occupancy option in Cedar Lodge. Bedding provided. Additional cost (see below)
3. RV sites available.

Cost

(If you have financial concerns, please reach out to a committee member)

• Early Bird (register by April 30/23) $185
• Regular Rate (register by May 14/23) $200

Additional options:

• Cedar Lodge: motel style room for two. $30/pp extra
• Full Time Student $100
• Children Under 12 FREE
• Bus (first 24 registered) $85/pp ($45/student)

Those traveling in cars, please provide your driver with fuel cost. We recommend $0.10/km.

Meals are provided from Friday lunch through Sunday breakfast.

What to bring

• Binoculars and field guides
• Sleeping bag, pillow
• Towel, personal items
• Outdoor clothing, hats, boots, sunscreen etc.
• Re-usable water bottles and portable coffee/tea mugs
• Indoor shoes/slippers
• Spotting scopes
• Bug repellant or mosquito netting