About Iawah

In Response to COVID-19

To help slow the rate of the COVID-19 infection, and based on the latest guidelines issued by Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer, Camp IAWAH is now closed to the public until further notice.

We look forward to running yet another incredible camp program season this summer, providing a place of joy, peace and grace emerging out of this time of disruption. We continue to place our trust fully in God, as the acronym of “IAWAH” instructs us – “In All your Ways Acknowledge Him…and he will guide your paths”.

While we regret not being able to provide on-site services at this time – we are committed to keeping our guests, staff, and volunteers safe - and to do our part to promote health. We see this as an opportunity to pray for our nation, invest in our families and serve our community, demonstrating the love of Christ.

Below you’ll find responses to several Frequently Asked Questions. As you know, information is changing on a daily basis, and we will do our best to provide you with new information as it becomes available. Thank you for your continued support and patience as we navigate these changes.

Guest Services & Special Events

• Can someone at IAWAH be reached?
  Staff continue to serve safely (many of them remotely from home).The main phone line (voice messages) and emails are regularly monitored – and we will be in touch with you as soon as we are able.
• How has IAWAH been affected by COVID-19?
  IAWAH has not had any guest, staff member or volunteer knowingly become ill or test positive for COVID-19. However, due to the latest guidance, we have decided to close the facility to the public at this time.
• Who determines IAWAH’s response to COVID-19
  The leadership team of IAWAH, in close correspondence with the Board of Directors, are monitoring the situation closely. We are following the latest guidance from the Provincial and local health authorities (South Frontenac Township and KFL&A Health Unit). The safety of all our guests and staff team is our top priority.
• Wondering how we can help IAWAH?
  Have hope. We are looking forward to a great summer season at IAWAH. We will all emerge from this with a desire to celebrate and connect. Be patient. Information continues to change. Give yourself some time to wait before cancelling any future bookings or summer program registrations. Be prayerful. Ask God to give you peace, strength and patience at this time. Be faithful in prayer for our world, our community and our friends and family members. Be generous. Have a community mindset, bless and encourage others. Remember those in need and support organizations who serve others – including IAWAH, which has significant costs and revenue losses due to cancellations.
• How long will IAWAH stay closed?
  At this point, IAWAH has suspended all scheduled events and bookings through May 18th, 2020. We will do our best to provide further information in the coming weeks - please consult this page for updated information.
• What about the Open House scheduled for May 18th?
  IAWAH has decided to cancel the Saturday, May 18th Open House event. However, we plan to provide site tours for new camper families in later spring. We also hope to provide an alternative date for Open House in the coming weeks. Stay tuned.
• Who do I contact with questions about my booking or event?
  Please contact our Registrar, Wendy Lynn at registrar@iawah.com
• If I cancel my event, or it is canceled for me, will I get my deposit back?
  Cancelation is not the end of your event. Booking deposits can be kept on-account and carried forward to a future booking date. We can also process a refund, if necessary.

Summer Camps & YDLP

• Are 2020 summer programs cancelled?
  No, we are continuing to plan for a great summer experience. We continue to take registrations for Canada Day Family Retreat, Jump Start, Junior & Senior Camps and our main YDLP programs (including RISE, CREW and ROOTs). REACH programs are not taking place this year.
• When will you be making decisions about 2020 Summer Programs?
  We will make a decision during the month of May as to whether we’re able to run the regular summer programs (as scheduled), or run a modified/condensed summer program. We will do our best to provide further information as it is available - please consult this page for updated information.
• If I cancel my registration, will I get a refund?
  Yes, full refunds will be provided based on IAWAH’s refund policy (which includes a $30 non-refundable admin fee). We would encourage you to wait until more information is available before making final decisions regarding summer plans. Alternatively, options will also be made available to apply your paid camp fees toward next summer - or to transfer them into a 2020 charitable donation to IAWAH.
• Can I pause my payment plan for summer camp?
  Yes, payment plans can be adjusted. Please request in writing to the Registrar – Wendy Lynn at registrar@iawah.com You will receive a confirmation of the adjustments. At this time, summer sessions need to be paid in full by June 30th,2020.
• Is there financial assistance available for summer fees?
  Financial assistance is available through the CampKIDS Bursary Fund. Please apply to CampKIDS prior to submitting your campers’ registration. Visit https://iawah.com/register/ for more info or contact our Registrar, Wendy Lynn at registrar@iawah.com
• Who do I contact regarding YDLP Programs (RISE, CREW & ROOTs)?
  We expect to run the RISE, CREW & ROOTs programs. We have decided to suspend the REACH programs until summer 2021. Please contact our YDLP Coordinator – Ken Vissers kvissers@iawah.com for more information.
• Do I still have a staff contract or volunteer contract to serve at IAWAH?
  For all spring, summer staff and volunteer contracts, please contact our Camping Coordinator–Jessica Walker jwalker@iawah.com
• What healthcare precautions does IAWAH plan to take?
  The overall safety of our guests, volunteers and staff team is extremely important. IAWAH will continue to promote guest safety through enhanced cleaning routines, increased hand-washing protocols and by strictly following the guidance of the local health authorities (South Frontenac Township and KFL&A Health Unit). We will continue adapt our strategies and keep you informed of specific policies & initiatives prior to the summer season.

Overview

The Christian life is one of growth and we acknowledge Him in each step of the journey.

IAWAH. “In All Ways Acknowledge Him.”
– Proverbs 3:5-6

IAWAH is centrally located to serve the communities of Eastern Ontario. IAWAH sits tucked against a backdrop of pristine wilderness made visually stunning by over 200 acres of forests, ponds, trails and 2.5 kilometres of private shoreline on Wolfe Lake.

We offer summer camps, youth leadership and development programs, family retreats, retreat facilities and school programs with emphasis on a Christian message, personal development and growth in faith. Our dedicated staff are committed to providing children, youth, young adults and families a place to connect with one another, with God and with the natural world.

History

In 1955, Charlie Leach and a group of devout Christian men contemplated building a summer camp for Southeastern Ontario. They came across the Derbyshire farm on Wolfe Lake and although the road was impassable, they walked in on foot. The men prayed, asking God for guidance and wisdom. With resounding clarity, they knew in their hearts that the farm was the perfect location for a retreat centre and children’s camp.

Charlie and two other men felt powerfully compelled by God to make an offer of $5,000 and 25 years to pay Mrs. Derbyshire who lived in Westport. En route to the meeting, they stopped in a Westport restaurant and were informed that another organization was offering $30,000 cash for the farm — far more than what they had available. Concerned but undeterred, Charlie and the committee proceeded with the meeting and by God’s grace, came face-to-face with a wonderful Christian woman.

Mrs. Derbyshire was receptive to their plan, noting that their proposal and vision for the property was exactly what her late husband would have wanted for the future of the farm. From this humble beginning, IAWAH has since grown into a year-round centre for learning, adventure and growth. Thousands of people, both young and old, have met the Lord at IAWAH, while others have grown deeper roots of faith. Today, we continue to journey with youth as they grow in leadership and intimacy with God.

Organization

IAWAH was founded in 1956 as a non-denominational summer camp. The not-for-profit organization is governed by the Corporation of IAWAH Christian Ministries — a dedicated group of people who voluntarily serve as stewards of the ministry. A Board of Directors is selected to provide leadership to the Executive Director, within the framework of policy governance. Additionally, there is a small year-round staff team supported by over 150 seasonal staff and volunteers, all of who are carefully vetted and chosen to help facilitate the growth of each participant and guest.

Why Membership?

IAWAH Christian Ministries seeks people who know and love the ministry, and are committed to seeing the organization grow in its effectiveness to achieve its vision. Members serve and stay connected to the organization - contributing to its overall health by:

• praying for the ministry
• financially supporting the ministry
• volunteering time, energy and skills
• promoting the ministry, programs, events
• attending Corporation meetings (especially the Annual General Meeting each November)

Anyone 18 years or older who is a deeply rooted follow of Jesus Christ and agrees with the Foundational Documents is welcome to apply to become a member of the Corporation. Applicants will be interviewed informally and appointed by the Board of Directors. A one-time fee of $10 legally formalizes the membership.

Foundations

IAWAH plants seeds of faith, nurtures disciples and cultivates Godly character and leadership in each participant. Our vision is to grow deeply-rooted followers of Jesus who are equipped for God’s harvest — wherever they are planted.

To read more about our mission, vision and values, we invite you to read them here.

Read More

Annual Ministry Report

Over the past year, IAWAH facilitated a variety of guest group experiences and welcomed over 5,000 people to its grounds. This included many youth, retreat groups, spring school programs and special events.

To find out more about the past year of program development, growth and investment in young people view our Annual Ministry Report for 2018-19.

View the Report

Accreditation

IAWAH seeks to develop safe practices that anticipate and respond to needs of those it serves and maintains membership with the following organizations:

• Christian Camping International (Canada)
• Ontario Camping Association
• Ontario Recreational Canoeing & Kayaking Association
• Lifesaving Society of Canada
• Association for Challenge Course Technology

IAWAH is dedicated to thoroughly screening, orienting and training staff and volunteers. If you would like to discuss our safety and current standards, please contact our Director. Camp IAWAH is an accredited member of the Ontario Camps Association.