CANADA—On August 29, 13 Philadelphia Church of God members spent a weekend at the central Canada campout in Red Lake, Ontario. Most were from the Winnipeg, Manitoba, congregation and made a journey of more than six hours to attend the weekend’s activities, pitching their tents at the campground on Friday before an evening of food and fellowship. The following day was the Sabbath, which contained lessons about enduring hardness. That night, members had a “miniature Feast,” sharing in more food and conversation.

On Sunday, the group held the “Red Lake Olympicnics,” with members trying their hands at competitive dart throwing, charades, relay races, bocce ball, timed Skittles games, ring-toss and more. “Olympicnic” organizer Manases Natanawan amazed the other members with the “Face Number Game” and intense stare-downs. Split into three teams, the “Orange Pikes” won the day and first-place “Olympicnic” trophies.

That afternoon some members went kayaking and others went fishing, catching a bounty of fish, which later served as the highlight of the evening meal together. While dinner was prepared, several members went waterskiing on the glass-like lake. The weekend finished with a relaxing bonfire under starry skies.

“Being together with God’s people at the campout feels like we all are with family,” Mrs. Autumn Friesen said as the fire crackled. “We just pick up right where we left off, and to be able to come together in such a millennial setting is very inspiring.”