Happy Thanksgiving! We have much to celebrate at Camp Mini-Yo-We. When we invited our year-round staff team to share what they’re thankful for, we noticed some common themes including a fantastic autumn and that our Internship program is off to a great start hosting a record number of guest groups. Join us in thankfulness this holiday weekend!
“I’m thankful for our community. There is an amazing network of alumni, supporters and friends of Camp who do so many little things to help push the ministry forward. Thanks for helping us be better at what we do through your support!” Rich Birch, Executive Director
“I’m thankful for the weather this summer and fall—it’s been perfect for hosting and facilitating activities for guest groups, whilst also being excellent for enjoying some time off site with the interns hiking and taking in the beauty of Muskoka!” Glendon McGowan, Operations Assistant
“I am thankful for the campers who have registered so far, and for the enthusiastic groups who have brought energy to the camp over the past few weeks. I’m thankful for the challenges that help me grow in my role and improve the registration process.” Chi Chi Ibe, Receptionist & Registration Coordinator
“I’m thankful that God provides for and protects Mini-Yo-We year after year. From blessing us with the volunteers, staff, donors and prayer partners needed to run our programs to ensuring the safety of our campers, God’s goodness is evident in so many ways at Camp.” Becca Sjonger, HR & Communications Coordinator
“I am so thankful for returning interns who have come back to help us with a very busy season. I am thankful to reconnect with young leaders who are continuing to lead and change their communities for Jesus. Also, I am so thankful for some amazing weather and for the interns really stepping up to help serve our groups.” Jez Bell, Year-Round Program Director
“I am thankful for all those who have joined our teams in the last year or so. Having an extra set of hands in the kitchen has been crucial to serving the groups in this incredibly busy season. This year’s interns have started strong. Learning how to work well in the kitchen, how to serve others, how to work hard, and still have fun. It has been a blessing to see them creating community amongst themselves as they learn the ropes here and get settled into the internship. Everyone is pulling together to help us succeed in this busy season.” Joyce-ann Spinney, Food Services Head Cook
“I am incredibly thankful for the amazing year-round staff team who supported me throughout my first summer in my position as the Team Development Coordinator. I am also so thankful for the 200+ summer staff members who made the summer as great as it was. I am looking forward to seeing how they develop over the year ahead!” Anna Temple, Team Development Coordinator
“I’m thankful for the guest groups that have been coming in. They have all been eager to participate in activities and encourage each other through those activities. They have all been super fun to work with. I’m also thankful for the fall colours that are starting to come out around the site. It’s a super peaceful time of year up here and I am so appreciative that I get to live here for it.” Mikayla Tooke, Residence Advisor
“I’m thankful for God’s provision in bringing Chi Chi onto the team. I’m also thankful to be working in a place that prioritizes prayer as part of daily work life.” Cathy Faubert, Administrative Manager
“I’m thankful for a full fall of guest groups and being able to have so many different types of groups visit our site this year; for example, Beekeepers network, women’s retreats, youth groups and schools.” Stacey Paul, Guest Group Administrative Coordinator
“I am thankful for some cooler weather—I love summer, but fall is my favourite. The cooler temps are really appreciated for those working in the kitchens, and seeing as how our kitchen has been nonstop, cooler weather is welcome. I am thankful for the beautiful leaves that are both changing and falling. So grateful that I get to work and play in such a beautiful spot. Also grateful to slow camp down for a few days over Thanksgiving, so that we can all have a chance to spend time with friends, family and be recharged.” Jessica Meadows, Food Services Manager
“I’m thankful for our team pushing through the busiest September in the history of Camp! From the interns leading activities to our cooks and facility team operating behind the scenes. The team has done an incredible job with back to back-to-back guest groups. I’m also thankful for the broader Mini-Yo-We community and the ways they remain engaged throughout the year. It’s encouraging to see friends of Camp volunteering at work parties, engaging in our Listening Circle process, making Home Adventures happen for 2025, supporting our new interns by helping out on the weekends, joining in on creative projects and more.” Spencer Tamming, Operations Director
We’re Thankful for YOU!
We’re incredibly thankful for each and every member of the Mini-Yo-We community for making our ministry possible! If you’d like to get more involved at Camp, we have plenty of opportunities to get connected:
- Check out our full-time staff job openings
- Join us for a work party
- Find out more about our Year-Round Internship program
- Sign up to volunteer next summer
- Apply to be on our summer staff team
- Stay in touch with monthly newsletter and prayer team updates