A History of Trail Rides
The current home of Camp Sagitawa Trail Rides, the Alces River, does not have just one beginning point. In fact, its headwaters
are formed by small pools of water that on their own would remain individual splashes of water interspersed
throughout the vast forests and fields that dot the landscape to the north of the camp. But when the
finger of God traces a path for these miniature trickles of water to merge, a small stream is formed.
As more water drains from the countryside into the ever widening river basin, a river is formed along
whose banks the camp is situated. By this point, the water that commenced with a few trickles is confined
into a river valley over four hundred feet deep. It is impossible for this water to escape the banks
that keep it set on its course. And, in reality, that is how the story of Camp Sagitawa Trail Rides finds
its beginning… Not at one point or even one step. Rather, through many little steps – some seemingly
unrelated – God has directed the course of this camp from its mountain beginnings to the its current
home on the Alces River. In 1983, Joe and Mary Bell took their first group of young people to the mountains
in the Sikanni/Trimble Lake area. For the next four years, groups of dedicated volunteers and adventurous
youth continued to explore the wilderness north of Fort St. John. In 1988, the decision was made to move
the camp to its current location along the Alces River. The use of this site as a home base from which
daily trail rides can take place, has allowed for a rise in the number of campers that the camp can accommodate
– an increase from ten per summer, to an average of about seventy-five per camping season. When the campers
and staff converge on this special place nestled in a grove of towering spruce trees, God undertakes
to accomplish His plans and purposes for each of those there – staff and camper alike. Contagious laughter,
sweaty horses, campfire smoke and food that keeps us coming back for more are just a few of the pools
of grace that God is using today to spread the good news that is available to all and the great joy to
those who choose to believe. This year, 2017, we celebrate our 30th summer of trail ride camps on the
Alces River, and we continue to thank our Faithful Father who directs our steps - past, present and Lord
willing – many years into the future.
Ashley's Camp Story
The ten-day trail ride was coming to an end. There was only a short time left, and already campers were dreading
leaving their new friends. In what had quickly become a camp tradition, we packed up some firewood, a
guitar, plenty of blankets and a bucket of cookies, and set out for a hike up the hill. Most of the campers
(and a few of the staff) were excited to leave camp after supper, and took the opportunity to race each
other up the road. Though the evening hike was fun, we weren't just going for the exercise. Our end goal
was a spot about halfway up where we would start a fire and set up chapel on the hillside. After chasing
the stragglers up and getting the fire started, We were ready to begin. A few of the staff shared their
testimonies, highlighting what God had been teaching them throughout the camp. It was encouraging hearing
what God had been doing amongst the staff and challenging to others there as well. After the testimonies,
the sound of many enthusiastic voices filled the hillside, accompanied by the melody of a guitar. Spending
the whole camp learning the songs, the campers had all claimed their favourites and sang out with gusto.
There was something about being out in God's creation, surrounded by so many people singing out together
that was like water to my soul. I often think of that time when I imagine what heaven will be like. Once
we had sung a few songs, a few more staff shared some things God had been teaching them that week; then
we opened it up to campers. What a blessing to see kids who had come to camp angry, or closed off now
taking a risk to share how camp had encouraged them and taught them so much. Hearing them share, I knew
this was one of the main reasons why I kept coming back, year after year. As the sky grew dark and filled
with stars, I was drawn to the Maker of it all. I don't think I was alone in that, as no one seemed eager
to leave the fireside. Out on the hill, under a canopy of brilliant stars, the cares of the world seemed
far away and insignificant. It was as if time stood still out there, and we were free to let our guard
down as we joined together in sharing and song. Heading back to camp after the campfire, I reflected
on what others had shared and the insights God had brought to my own mind. Camp would soon be over, but
l would have much to think about and be encouraged by. I can only hope and pray that there were many
who felt the same.
