Camp Bimini brings the spirit of summer to Grace United Church

Past and present Camp Bimini campers gathered in Grace United Church’s auditorium following Sunday’s special service. Pictured from left are Donna Ellis, Rory Arthur, Marilyn Arthur, Connor Shantz, Kelli Zehr and Carol Young. In front is Ava Cook, who attended camp last summer and is looking forward to returning this year. Photo by Gary West

By Gary West

The spirit of summer arrived early at Grace United Church on Sunday as Camp Bimini brought its energy, music and community to the congregation during a themed worship service.

Members were encouraged to wear their best camping apparel and the service was guided in part by camp counsellors past and present, who led the congregation in familiar camp songs and games. Carol Young, longtime leader of Camp Bimini, helped steer the service and shared stories from the camp's decades-long legacy of nurturing youth from across Perth, Oxford, Waterloo and Huron counties.

Founded in 1947, Camp Bimini is a United Church camp located just south of Stratford on Embro Road. The site includes 18 acres of hardwood bush beside Trout Creek, with outdoor cabins and an inviting natural setting that has become a staple of summer for many area families.

The camp continues to invest in its facilities. Recent improvements include renovated outdoor washrooms, a rebuilt footbridge over the creek and a new public-address system installed this spring, featuring upgraded speakers across the site to improve communication.

Looking ahead, an open house will be held on Sunday, June 1, from 2-4 p.m., and some spaces remain available for this summer's sessions. After a successful trial last year, Camp Bimini is also bringing back its day camp week for children ages 7-9, offering a fun and accessible entry point into the camp experience.

To learn more or register, visit www.campbimini.ca.