In response to suggestions from interested churches, Crosstalk Ministries began providing Summer Day Camps in 1979 to Anglican churches in the Montreal area. Since then our Program has evolved and expanded to an ecumenical base, including a wide number of Christian denominations.
In the first two decades of operation the Program, developed by the Reverend (now Doctor) Brett Cane and others, reached over 162 different churches and thousands of children.
In the first two decades of the New Millennium the Program has expanded into every Province, with Day Camps held beyond the doors of “Classic” Church settings. One special focus has been the opportunity to work alongside First Nations Communities across the Prairies and more recently to expand into holding Day Camps on Canadian Armed Forces Bases in several provinces.
From 2000 to 2019 Teams reached an average of 600-800 children each year.
With the onset of the COVID-19 global pandemic the Day Camps planning Committee has taken the difficult decision to move from a Travelling Team Led model to a Locally Led model, however the ethos of the program remains unchanged.
The program is designed for children from age 4 to 12. Its aim is to nurture their relationship with Jesus, and to foster that relationship with a positive and enjoyable experience of what life as a Christian can be.
The Day Camp is five days, concluding with a special Closing Gathering. Each day there is a series of activities focusing on a passage of Scripture. Video, music, small group times and creative arts are used to emphasise the Scripture of the day. Fun is strongly stressed in the playing of games, the singing of songs, and having a good time with the Campers. An integral aspect of the fun is Lamb; a puppet who, at times, acts as Master of Ceremonies in introducing the day’s theme, and who at other times promotes laughter.
Church and Community Applications may be accessed here when available. Please contact the CTM office for more information.