The purpose of SABC is to encourage individuals to make a personal commitment to Jesus Christ beginning their relationship with God, to instruct believers in the Christian faith deepening their relationship with God, and to develop the total person in mind and body through the use of the facilities of SABC.
In 1943, Southern Alberta Bible Camp (SABC) was founded near Aden with the help of families such as the Fosmarks, Axines, Wichershams, Griffiths, Stroms and the Hansons. In the years that followed, summer camps were held in various locations including Grassy Lake, Taber and Kipp. A suitable site was finally decided upon near Vauxhall and flourished on the Skretting family location for 25 years. The impact on lives during this time is still evident today.
The sod was turned in 1979 at our present, thriving site on Travers Reservoir, land donated by the Ross Ruggles family. The summer of 1981 welcomed the first eager campers on our fresh new campus and between 1985 and 1996 attendance exploded from 300 campers to 1400!
In 1993, through the vision and finances of supporters, a new dream was realized for SABC with the development of the Frontier Village and the following year welcomed the first teepee dwellers.
Financially SABC has seen some tough times. At one point it was in so much debt that it was paying over $20,000 per year in interest payments alone! The Lord was faithful however and the original mortgage was paid off. Other significant projects were the purchase of land to the east, the construction of an addition to the lodge, and the construction of a water cistern and pumping system.
Presently, the camp has over 1700 campers each summer and is booked most weekends during the winter with rental groups. There are six full time and five part-time workers year round and over 100 volunteer staff each summer.
It is exciting to see what the Lord has done through the ministry of SABC. There are so many opportunities to share Jesus Christ with children. In fact, attendance is such that kids are being turned away each year because of lack of room. If the camp were to expand, it would be a costly endeavor. However, the Lord has it in His hands. He has used it for His glory and purpose and we will look expectantly to see where He directs in the coming years. It is a good thing to be in His hands!