Let’s face it, our culture is becoming more hostile to the Christian faith and our youth need our help.
We need to understand that the culture our young people are growing up in is not the same as the one their parents and grandparents did. The culture is becoming more aggresive against the Christian faith each passing year now and so our next generation of ‘spiritual soldiers’ need to be equipped and encouraged in very deliberate ways throughout their formative years.
By God’s grace this camp has the potential to be one of the most important events in a young person’s Christian walk by teaching them solid, biblical, foundational truths and concepts they will carry with them for the rest of their lives.
Because the Answers in Genesis CA ministry understands the importance of investing in the future, we have instituted our annual Answers Boot Camp (apologetics and worldview camp) for youth to help equip the next generation to stand firm in their faith.
At these events we do worldview equipping and gospel training as well as provide fantastic age appropriate AiG resources to each attendee, so they can continue to learn and grow long after these exciting events are past.
And because of AiG's non-denominational approach, youth from many different church backgrounds come together under a unified banner of a focus and commitment to the authority of the word of God. We have seen amazing fruit from these events and had tremendous feedback from the participants and their parents! (See these parent and student testimonies!
We have had students from several provinces travel across Canada to attend these camps as they seek to grow spiritually and to serve the Lord more faithfully.
Mentorship is embedded into the fabric of the events, as (under the supervision of our staff) we have several young adult Mentors supervising up to eight students each year. Those students can then become Mentors themselves as they mature in age and knowledge in the Lord.
Furthermore, we also encourage students that have moved on into university level study to stay in contact with us. That's because can keep them connected with our resources and in contact with scientists in their field we know are standing firm on biblical creation as the foundation for their faith in Christ and their study of science.
Would you like to be a mentor at our ABC Camp? To see what the qualifications are and to apply click here.
We have implemented a scholarship program supported by churches and individual supporters of AiG CA so that young people can receive assistance to continue attending these incredibly faith-enhancing events year after year. Those who apply for a scholarship must submit a one-page essay outlining why they wish to attend. All submissions will be reviewed, and those chosen will receive a one-time financial gift at the completion of the camp. (NOTE - only registered campers may apply for a scholarship).
Approximately 70% of young people from Christian homes abandon the Church by age 18, claiming that the Bible is unreliable or out-of-date. For those that remain in the faith, their walk is hampered by challenges and temptations which they are often ill-equipped to address. Our humanistic culture is fundamentally at odds with Christian values, and many find it increasingly difficult to proclaim their faith publicly.
Many parents (and grandparents) have seen their children radicalized against the faith by humanistic teaching in secular institutions and wonder how it could possibly happen to them when they were brought up in a Christian home. For many, the answer is that they were simply not prepared to fulfil 1 Peter 3:15 (ESV):
'...but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you...'
Our Christian young people need ongoing, focused and relevant equipping, and a dynamic peer group to help be immunized against the onslaught of humanistic and pluralistic teaching being constantly advanced on them through media, education and culture.
Our goal is to help parents, Christian educators and pastors train young minds to defend their faith, apply the truth of the Bible to all areas of their life and to transform the culture they live in by boldly proclaiming the truth of God’s word. By investing in them now, we can raise up a next generation of strong Christian leaders and influencers in the church in Canada. We look forward to seeing a lasting impact in their lives and in the transformation of those they influence as God works through them.
Read an excerpt from one of the most comprehensive and shocking studies on church youth fallout ever conducted - Already Gone.
Nationwide polls and denominational reports are showing that the next generation is calling it quits on the traditional church. And it’s not just happening on the nominal fringe; it’s happening at the core of the faith.
In the first scientific study of its kind, the “ Beemer Report” reveals startling facts discovered through 20,000 phone calls and detailed surveys of a thousand 20–29 year-olds who used to attend evangelical churches on a regular basis, but have since left it behind. The results are shocking...
Let’s face it, it’s not getting easier being a young Christian in our culture today. Doubt and skepticism are everywhere and it can be a little intimidating defending and advancing your beliefs — so much so, many Christians simply try to disappear into the background rather than standing up for their faith.
How do you feel? Can you explain the Gospel confidently, or are you hesitant about sharing your faith? Can you answer the following questions?
• How can you prove that God exists? • Has Science disproven the Bible? • Why is there evil and suffering? • What does the Bible say about identity? • What about evolution? • What does the Bible say about the sanctity of life? • Was Noah’s Flood a real event? • How could Noah have fit the animals on the Ark? • Are the world’s religions alternative paths to God? • How do we explain ‘ape-men? • How can we know what truth is? • How do Dinosaurs fit within biblical history? • Where did the different ‘races’ come from? • How can I share my faith effectively? • Who created God?
If you would like to be able to walk and witness more confidently, then it’s time to get serious. This week-long intensive training event will not only prepare you to defend your faith by learning answers to the toughest challenges brought against Christianity, but will also develop your critical thinking and leadership skills, grounded in biblical authority, so that you can apply God’s Word in all areas of your life. You'll also have the opportunity to connect with many brand new friends. Plus, you'll have a lot of fun!
Sunday schedule
| Time | Topic | Detail | Staff |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4-6pm | Arrive | Meet and greet | |
| 6pm | Dinner | Breaking bread/get to know each other | |
| 7pm | Session 1 | Genesis: The Missing Piece of the Puzzle 1 hour presentation + 15 minute group discussion |
Calvin Smith |
| 9pm | Camp fire | Snacks and ice breakers | |
| 10pm | Lights out | You’ll need your sleep! |
Monday schedule
| Time | Topic | Detail | Staff |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7am | Morning devotions | Start the day with the Word of God! | |
| 7.30am | Morning workout | Yes, you have to attend | |
| 8.15am | Breakfast | Dawn Shelley | |
| 9am | Session 2 | The Race of Man 1 hour presentation + 15 minute group discussion |
Calvin Smith |
| 10.15am | Snack break | ||
| 10.30am | Session 3 | TBA | TBA |
| 11.45am | Lunch break | Dawn Shelley | |
| 1pm | Session 4 | TBA | TBA |
| 2.15pm | Session 5 | TBA | TBA |
| 3.15pm | Afternoon activities | TBA | |
| 5.30pm | Dinner | Dawn Shelley | |
| 6.45pm | Session 6 | Noah's Flood – Fact or Fiction 1 hour presentation + 15 minute group discussion |
Calvin Smith |
| 8pm | Snack & activities | TBA | |
| 9pm | Camp fire | Snacks, stories and songs! | |
| 10pm | Lights out |
Tuesday schedule
| Time | Topic | Detail | Staff |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7am | Morning devotions | Start the day with the Word of God! | |
| 7.30am | Morning workout | Yes, everyone means you too! | |
| 8.15am | Breakfast | Dawn Shelley | |
| 9am | Session 7 | Why you have to Start from Scripture 1 hour presentation + 15 minute group discussion |
Calvin Smith |
| 10.15am | Snack break | ||
| 10.30am | Session 8 | Dinosaurs through a Biblical Lens 1 hour presentation + 15 minute group discussion |
Calvin Smith |
| 11.45am | Lunch break | Dawn Shelley | |
| 1pm | Session 9 | How to Think About 'Facts' that Challenge Your Faith 1 hour presentation + 15 minute group discussion |
Patricia Engler |
| 2.15pm | Session 10 | Testimony (360 in 180) 45 minute presentation + 15 minute Q&A |
Patricia Engler |
| 3.15pm | Afternoon activities | TBA | |
| 5.30pm | Dinner | Dawn Shelley | |
| 6.45pm | Session 11 | TBA | Calvin Smith |
| 8pm | Snack & activities | TBA | |
| 9pm | Camp fire | Snacks, stories and songs! | |
| 10pm | Lights out |
Wednesday schedule
| Time | Topic | Detail | Staff |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7am | Morning devotions | Start the day with the Word of God! | |
| 7.30am | Morning workout | Yes, you still have to attend! | |
| 8.15am | Breakfast | Dawn Shelley | |
| 9am | Session 12 | TBA 1 hour presentation + 15 minute group discussion |
|
| 10.15am | Snack break | ||
| 10.30am | Session 13 | TBA 1 hour presentation + 15 minute group discussion |
Calvin Smith |
| 11.45am | Lunch break | Dawn Shelley | |
| 1pm | Session 14 | TBA 1 hour presentation + 15 minute group discussion |
Calvin Smith |
| 2.15pm | Session 15 | Testimony 45 minute presentation + 15 minute Q&A |
TBA |
| 3.15pm | Afternoon activities | Bubble Ball! Archery Tag! | |
| 5.30pm | Dinner | Dawn Shelley | |
| 6.45pm | Session 16 | The 7 C's of History Open session for local youth groups! |
Calvin Smith |
| 8pm | Snack & activities | ||
| 9pm | Camp fire | Snacks, stories and songs! | |
| 10pm | Lights out |
Thursday schedule
| Time | Topic | Detail | Staff |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7am | Morning devotions | Start the day with the Word of God! | |
| 7.30am | Morning workout | Don’t ask, you know the answer! | |
| 8.15am | Breakfast | Dawn Shelley | |
| 9am | Session 17 | Apologetics 1 1 hour presentation + 15 minute group discussion |
Steven Martins |
| 10.15am | Snack break | ||
| 10.30am | Session 18 | Apologetics 2 1 hour presentation + 15 minute group discussion |
Steven Martins |
| 11.45am | Lunch break | Dawn Shelley | |
| 1pm | Session 19 | TBA 1 hour presentation + 15 minute group discussion |
Calvin Smith |
| 2.15pm | Session 20 | Testimony 45 minute presentation + 15 minute Q&A |
TBA |
| 3.15pm | Afternoon activities | ||
| 5.30pm | Dinner | Dawn Shelley | |
| 6.45pm | Session 21 | The Gospel in Context 1 hour presentation + 15 minute group discussion |
Calvin Smith |
| 8pm | Snack & activities | TBA | |
| 9pm | Camp fire | Snacks, stories and songs! | |
| 10pm | Lights out |
Friday schedule
| Time | Topic | Detail | Staff |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7am | Morning devotions | Start the day with the Word of God! | |
| 7.30am | Morning workout | OK, we’ll give you a break this morning! | |
| 8.15am | Breakfast | Dawn Shelley | |
| 9am | Session 22 | Gospel Reset Evangelism - Session 1 1 1 hour presentation + 15 minute group discussion |
Cory McKenna |
| 10.15am | Snack break | ||
| 10.30am | Session 23 | Gospel Reset Evangelism - Session 2 1 hour presentation + 15 minute group discussion |
Cory McKenna |
| 11.45am | Lunch break | Dawn Shelley | |
| 1pm | Bus trip to London | Witness in action | |
| 4.15pm | Travel back to camp | ||
| 5pm | Camp finished! | Parent pick-up time |
Although our Answers Boot Camp is primarily focused on biblical apologetics and spiritual and intellectual growth, we also encourage fun, fellowship and friend development through structured activities and leisure time as well!
In addition to our games nights and nightly campfires, this year we will have Word of Life Bible Institute’s ministry team joining us to run a super day of games including Bubble Ball and Archery Tag, as well as have survival training provided by our very own AiG Youth Outreach Coordinator — Patricia Engler!
This is the hilariously funny recreational sport of playing soccer while half-encased inside an inflated torus bubble, which covers the player’s upper body and head. It's typically played in teams in large indoor spaces or outdoor fields. Very safe and loads of fun!
This game is similar to dodgeball, paintball or Nerf war, played with bows and arrows tipped with foam. So you feel it if you get tagged, but doesn't really hurt or sting much. Archery Tag bows also have a lower draw weight than traditional bows, which means they don't fly as far or with as much power, and players wear masks to protect their eyes. Its a great way to have some competitive fun to break away from all of the spiritual, theological and intellectual exercise you will be receiving!
What would you do if you were stranded, far from help and without many provisions? Our own Youth Outreach Coordinator, Patricia Engler, will be teaching some simple, practical survival tips with prizes for the team that best learns and applies their training. Patricia backpacked around the world in 180 days solo so knows what it's like to improvise! (You can learn more about her incredible 360° in 180 adventure here!)
We will have a variety of great ABC merchandise available this year. Stay tuned!
Maple Grove Christian Retreat Centre
194936 19th Line,
Thamesford, ON, N0M 2M0
Phone: (519) 285-3334
Email: mgoffice@bellnet.ca
Worldview training rooted in the foundational truths outlined in Genesis 1-11 (which is the bedrock of all Christian doctrines) is of critical importance to invest in the future of the church and culture in Canada.
Our in-depth, week-long camps help ground young people in a Christian worldview founded on the unwavering authority of God’s word. Students are encouraged to attend yearly to reinforce the principles set forth and to facilitate the growth of a peer network of like-minded individuals.
Our yearly camp is held in Thamesford Ontario. As flying multiple speakers and resources across Canada is not feasible, we need students from across Canada to be able to attend at this location, which will be difficult for many of them financially. So, we are asking churches, ministries and individuals who have a heart for the youth of our nation to be built up in the Lord assist us in our efforts.
We want to see representatives from as many congregations as we can to receive ongoing equipping which they can bring back to their own youth and Bible study groups to help spread the message of biblical authority.
We are asking you to make a one-time or ongoing gift (above any regular support of the Answers in Genesis CA ministry) from the variety of options below that we can use to assist, gift and equip students at our yearly Answers Boot Camps.
Please consider a gift in any of the amounts listed and see examples of how your contributions will be used.
Help us sow the word of God into this (and the next) generation!
Psalm 102:18 Let this be recorded for a generation to come, so that a people yet to be created may praise the Lord.
* Note these are examples and may not be the exact use of donations to AiG CA should the funds need to be allocated elsewhere for other ministry purposes.
July 25-30.
Space is limited to 50 participants.
Cost $649 — includes food & accommodation and all speaking sessions and activities.
Bonus! ($100 value) Each attendee will receive an Answers Boot Camp backpack filled with a supply of faith-building resources (books, DVDs, audios and more) absolutely FREE to help reinforce the great teaching they will receive long after the event is over!
Returning campers get a $50 voucher towards any resources they wish to choose from made available at the camp.
No need to pay up front! A down payment of $100 reserves your student’s spot! (Balance due two weeks prior to camp).
Download an application formCall us to confirm your registration.
Answers in Genesis Canada is a faith-funded, Canadian apologetics ministry, dedicated to helping Christians defend their faith and proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ effectively. We focus on providing answers to questions about the Bible—particularly the book of Genesis—regarding key issues such as creation, evolution, science, and the age of the earth.
In a time where the authority of God’s word has been rejected in our culture, many Christian young people today do not have a developed Christian worldview. The need has never been greater to equip youth to defend and advance the Gospel of Christ in our society.
(855) 513-0225
canadaoffice@answersingenesis.org
