About Iawah

In Response to COVID-19

Based on the Premier Ford’s May 19th update regarding children/youth & schools it was officially announced that overnight camps will not be permitted to open for summer 2020.  By nature, camp is a gathering place, and has been identified as a risk for community spread.

We acknowledge the significant loss this represents to our wider community – particularly for our summer campers, youth leadership participants and their parents.  We had assembled a very strong team of summer staff leaders who regretfully, will be unable to serve in this capacity. We know how much everyone looks forward to this time.

It’s been our passion to provide adventure, friendship, faith and holistic growth experiences for over 64 years.   We deeply grieve the loss of not being able to serve at this time - providing hospitality and rich investment into our young people that you’ve all come to expect from IAWAH.

However, we are excited to announce that our Camping Team has already been planning for a wonderful summer in 2021. It’s going to be a big year of celebration, with the joy of being together again at IAWAH and celebrating the camp’s 65th anniversary. We hope you will be able to join us for a week or more.

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.

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 a provincial government order we are officially closed to the public at this time until further notice. On May 19, 2020 it was announced that the Province of Ontario will not be permitting overnight camps to take place this summer. Accordingly, IAWAH has suspended Canada Day Family Retreat, Summer Camps & YDLP Programs. 
• Who determines IAWAH’s response to COVID-19
  The leadership team of IAWAH, in close correspondence with the Board of Directors, continues to monitor the situation closely. We are following the guidance from the Provincial and local health authorities (South Frontenac Township and KFL&A Health Unit), Ministry of Labour, and the Ontario Camps Association. The safety of all our guests and staff team is our top priority.
• Wondering how we can help IAWAH?
  Have hope. We will all emerge from this with a desire to celebrate and connect. IAWAH's passion is to see young people keep on growing and we are working to be ready to serve through improving facilities and programs. Be patient. The situation continues to evolve and we will do our best to keep our website current with the latest information. 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 been forced to suspend all scheduled events and bookings through the end of June. Furthermore, 2020 overnight summer camps will not be permitted. IAWAH will work with the KFL&A health unit to determine how and when IAWAH will re-open facilities and resume programming. We are exploring several opportunities at this time. We will do our best to provide further information as it becomes available - please consult this page for updated information.
• What about the Open House and CHRI Summer Splash?
  Due to provincial regulations and the current restrictions regarding gatherings we have been forced to suspend the annual Open House (May 18th) and the CHRI Summer Splash event (June 20).
• 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?
  Based on the Premier Ford’s May 19th update regarding children/youth & schools it was officially announced that overnight camps will not be permitted to open for summer 2020.  Stay tuned for exciting announcements regarding Summer 2021. Our goal is to ensure that we are able to serve well and provide excellent programming going forward.   We have a passion to see young people keep on growing.
• What about Camp Fees? Refunds?
  Registered guests are entitled to a refund of your paid camp fee, minus a $30 admin fee /per registration (this covers the credit card and processing fees). IAWAH has outlined three financial options for you to consider. In June, you will receive another email from IAWAH inviting you to choose online from one of the following options; OPTION #1 - TRANSFER YOUR FEES TO SUMMER 2021 OPTION #2 – DONATE YOUR FEES – Or a portion of your fees OPTION #3 – REFUND YOUR FEES
• When will refunds be provided?
  As you can imagine, with hundreds of families registered, and with current staff limitations, this is going to take time to process. We will provide refunds prior to the first day of the first session your camper was registered for. If this is going to be a financial hardship for you, please contact the camp office.
• When will registration for Summer 2021 open
  We plan to open registration for Summer 2021 in June. Families that have already paid - may wish to consider transferring credit to next year. Fees can be applied to any 2021 summer program - transferable to any member of your immediate family. Camp fees will be rolled forward and you’ll receive preferred standing for 2021. You may wish to consider signing up for another week next year.
• Can I pause my payment plan for summer camp?
  All payment plans have been suspended at this time. However, families may wish to set up a new payment plan for Summer 2021. Questions? Please contact Wendy Lynn at registrar@iawah.com for more information.
• Who do I contact regarding YDLP Programs (RISE, CREW & ROOTs)?
  Unfortunately, along with IAWAH’s Summer Camps, 2020 YDLP Programs will not be able to take place this summer. We are passionate about investing in our young leaders. If you have questions regarding leadership training at IAWAH, please contact Ken Vissers kvissers@iawah.com for more information. Stay tuned for more exciting announcements regarding Summer 2021.
• 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).

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.