In the 1970’s, leaders in the Missionary Church saw the need for additional camp programming with a lakefront property, and pastors from our Northern Ontario churches discovered a campsite for sale in 1971.
The site on Round Lake has a history of Christian camp ministry going back to 1954, when the property had been purchased by the Middleton Family to operate as Franklin Middleton Memorial Camp (1954-1968).
The camp had then briefly been operated by a group from Hebron Fellowship in Kars, ON as Camp Kirjatharba (1968-1971).
Though the property was much desired by developers, Mrs. Middleton put it up for sale with the stipulation that it must be sold to an Evangelical church group that would operate youth camps.
The camp was purchased in January 1972 by the Missionary Church East District. A significant amount of work was put in by many supporters to prepare the camp, clear swamp and brush, refurbish existing buildings, and build new “tabins” for campers to sleep in.
The name Mishewah was chosen, meaning “heart” in Algonquin, and we ran our first summer in 1973 with weeks of boys and girls camp. Family camp programs were added in 1979.
A Tabin – the bottom 4 feet is built
like a cabin and a tent top is added.
Countless improvements have been made to the property over the years, including a new chapel built in 1984, new cabins, a major kitchen expansion, the addition of the north washrooms, and construction of the Lakeside Suites.
Today, Camp Mishewah is open May-September for seasonal campers, with family camp sessions running during July, youth camps for ages 8-18 running through August, and a Bikers’ Weekend hosted in early fall.
Camp Mishewah provides two beach areas for sunning and swimming and you can get up on a windsurfer or enjoy leisurely sailing. Canoe rides can take you along the shore with the hopes of seeing the Blue Heron, the resident families of a Maganzer, Black, Mallard or Wood Ducks, perhaps a Muskrat, or possibly even a Beaver. Sitting at a quiet spot along the beach or on the point, one can gaze across the lake and admire the details in God’s creation. As you hear and observe Loons on the lake it makes you feel comfortable and relaxed and somehow it is hard to believe the world is not at peace.
Friends have been made at all ages and have joined together at Camp Mishewah since its beginning. Children and adults alike, look forward to renewing relationships that have been kept alive by pen through the year. Everyone is friendly, including the chipmunks!
You can choose to camp during Family Camp, hear inspiring speakers and study God’s work together. Meals and limited cabin accommodation are available during Family Camp. You may also camp throughout the summer season even while the children’s programs are in session.
A wonderful place to spend your summer.
