2026 September Kin-Tales

Sep 18

4 min read

Dear friends,This year we have been "wearing love" at Camp Kintail. Our "Flat Campers" in the chapel put on something new every day - love, forgiveness, humility, kindness, and so much more - as they heard the Bible stories for the day. The theme of the summer comes from Colossians 3:12-14:

So, chosen by God for this new life of love, dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you: compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline. Be even-tempered, content with second place, quick to forgive an offense. Forgive as quickly and completely as the Master forgave you. And regardless of what else you put on, wear love. It’s your basic, all-purpose garment. Never be without it. (The Message)

In the Scottish Gaidhlig language, emotions are expressed through the action of putting on and off clothing. We are not angry, we are putting on anger. We are not sad, we are putting on sadness. This construction of the language reminds us that while emotions may come, they can also be taken off, and we are not solely identified with our emotions. The scripture from Colossians is doing something similar - reminding us that we can choose to put on love and kindness and humility. We can choose to approach the world and our fellow humans with love and compassion.

I am so proud of our campers and staff for choosing to put on love over and over again this summer. We call come to camp to have fun, play in the waves, make new friends, challenge ourselves on the rock wall, and enjoy the beautiful outdoors. We are doing this with a new group of friends, who are figuring out how to live together, and it can sometimes be challenging. But together, campers and staff choose to put on love everyday, remembering to forgive, share, and pass the platters at meal times. They found new ways to get along and laugh and create memories at 9-square. Through story and song, campfire and chapel, games and archery, kayaking and making bannock, campers and staff put on love and shared in community.

There are three more Kirk in the Cedars this year, and everyone invited to come and "wear love" as we dress the Flat Campers in their new wardrobe!

Theresa

Book your spot for An Especially Special Night - October 25th!

This is Kintail's only fundraising event of the year, open to anyone who would appreciate a delicious steak and chicken dinner, appetizers, silent auction, and excellent Kintail hospitality. Purchase your ticket today, or reach out with any questions and to RSVP! If you enjoy Sunday Supper- you'll love 'An Especially Special Night."

Learn more here!

September 20th Kirk in the Cedars

Join us for worship at 4:00 with a delicious dinner by donation in the dining hall to follow. We can't wait to welcome everyone for this time of community and fellowship. All all people, dogs, and puppets are welcome!

2026 Retreat Dates

November Adult Craft Retreat - Waitlisted
December Adult Craft Retreat (2 nights) December 4-6

2026 Retreat Prices

2 Nights – Nest/Lodge – Adults (Option A$310, B$360, C$410)

We can't wait to have you join us at Kintail! Visit the events calendar on the website to look over details and additional information for each of these options. Registration for the December Craft Retreat is open now!

Friday, October 2nd - Application Deadline for Staff Scholarship

Staff who worked through the summer at Camp Kintail in 2026 and are registered at a college, university, or apprenticeship program in the 2025/26 and/or 2026/27 academic year are eligible to apply for the "Reach Higher" staff scholarship! Review the guidelines and submit your applications by clicking the button below.

Eligibility Info & Application Here!

Space to Grow

Phase 1: Space to Work Update

A new maintenance shed has been constructed in the South Field! The exterior is complete, and the work space has already been put to excellent use. This summer, staff enjoyed taking a break in the Monkton room, relaxing on their downtime when not with campers.

Phase 2: Space to Improve Update

The new septic system is complete, has worked well, and grass is growing across the camp. There are no areas requiring heavy machinery and the site is beautiful as ever!

Phase 3: Space to Create NEWS

The Art Shed was used all summer long and has been a fantastic place for guests to gather to create together. Close to the washrooms, snacks, and coffee- it's the perfect spot to try something new and make art with friends. We are still looking for kitchen cabinets to tie it all together!

Phase 4: Space to Gather

The former arts and crafts cubby at Harmony House has been updated with two washrooms and two curtained change areas for the beach! The space has been exceptionally helpful and allowed campers to get into the water more quickly, especially the day campers!

In Search of Kitchen Cabinets

Email a photo to grow@campkintail.ca if you think you have something that could work!

The new Arts & Crafts shed needs kitchen cabinets! If you have any old ones you would consider donating, please email Johnathon and we'll let you know if they would be a good fit! Thank you!

Kintail This Summer!

It's hard to believe it's been two months since the last Kin-Tales and so much has happened! See some photos from the summer in our latest blog post. 2026 was truly magical, thank you to all the staff and volunteers who helped make Kintail especially special for so many wonderful campers.

Read the blog post & see more photos!