This is us with Sarah

This is us with Sarah

For our first post in this is us, I was privileged to sit down with Sarah Kinsey and ask about her experience at Covenant Bay along with her family’s experience too. Here is what Sarah had to say.


My name is Sarah Kinsey; I am from the Wetaskiwin area and have grown up going to the Malmo Covenant Church. I continue to attend Malmo now as an adult, and my husband and I are raising our three children as a part of the wonderful church community. ( Easton – 12, Meegan – 9, and Brady – 7) 

This is us | Sarah Kinsey

Camp has influenced my family greatly. I grew up attending Covenant Bay, and it has helped shape me into the person I am today. I remember the experiences I had at camp as a child and now want my children to have similar experiences. My oldest has attended camp for five years, and my youngest has just now attended his first full week! I notice the impact when they come to me, after a week or a day, and tell me stories of things they learned, friends they have made, and all the fun they are having. Overall it is a really positive experience.

Currently, I see God working in my family in many areas. In the time of COVID – 19, we, as a family, have been spending lots of time together. I would say, through this, he has been teaching us about patience and contentment. Being patient with each other, where we are and how to fully enjoy the company of one another.

I have been connected with Covenant Bay Bible Camp for as long as I can remember. Growing up in a church family that supported the camp has encouraged me to continue to support this place. I remember coming on the annual camp Sunday with the church and eventually attending every summer starting when I was old enough for Junior Girls Camp. Eventually, I worked my way up to volunteering and being on staff. This has always been a place of enjoyment for me. 

This Ministry has been a part of my family for many years. My Grandfather helped found the original site called inspiration point and continued to help as the camp moved to the current site.  My dad helped build the “Big Tab” and remembers that project fondly. I think my grandfather and dad had always wanted us to see this as a place where we could come and grow in our relationship with Jesus. To learn about Him and be challenged in our faith, which would help us grow as people and followers of Christ.

Camp is important to me for so many reasons. The take away each summer, from all of the speakers, was always this personal and close relationship I could have with Jesus. Each year, depending on my age, would shape me slightly differently. It was a safe place where I could come every year, where big questions could be asked and where staff who genuinely cared for campers could be a source of encouragement. Now, I won’t downplay the fun I had there! That is all a part of it. Camp is a place where you are able to have fun, learn and grow. Many of the friendships I formed throughout my years as a camper or staff I still have today. 

Camp is a place where I, and my children, have been able to experience a continual theme of growing in our relationship with God. Through the many years, the different ages and stages of life. The camp continues to hold true to that theme.

One of my favourite memories was the summer I spent here as a staff. Katie Richter, if you’re reading this, you will know. That summer was full of practical jokes. Light-hearted and fun! Just honest fun. Things (practical jokes) that help you grow together as friends – and some that you still have to get back at your friends for. Things such as walking up to my car hidden somewhere on camp, obviously not where I had last parked it or going to bed and finding my pillowcase full of grasshoppers! (who had been in abundance that year!)

The idea that we could just go all out and have fun was worth it! A game of hide-and-seek would quickly force you to be in the water with a snorkel or hiding under a gross bugged filled cabin just to win! The fun was the justification for the ridiculousness of it all, but it made it special. 

The campfires stick out too. The goofy songs that turned into more serious moments of sharing testimonies and speaking vulnerably to each other. This was always a highlight.

My hope for my kids is that they are able to have similar experiences, fun-filled days with ridiculous adventures that lead to vulnerable moments with friends. I hope they see this as a place where they can come and struggle with the BIG questions. I would love to see this be a place that becomes their own, that is filled with their own memories and moments of growing closer in their relationship with God. 

I can’t imagine the amount of work and preparation that has gone into running a camp during COVID. I will say that my kids, on the entirety of the way home from camp each night, never stop talking about the fun they had or the stories they learned! This is all a testament to the staff they have hired and the work they have put in! 

This is us

Silent Auction

Silent Auction

Each year Covenant Bay hosts a fundraising dinner. At this banquet is a live and silent auction, music and a message from the Executive Director, Jon Drebert. Unfortunately, with COVID 19 restrictions, this event will not be able to happen as usual.

Instead, this year there will be an online auction starting June 15. Each day for two weeks, bidding will close on a single auction item until all 14 pieces are gone. We are so excited to have a little fun together while supporting a great cause.

Scattered throughout the two weeks will be interviews, messages, and a few other videos that will both inspire and inform us of the latest ministry work that we are doing together. In the coming weeks, we will begin posting the auction items to this site. Check out the online auction page to see what you can bid on!

Workday Alternative

Workday Alternative

With the reality of COVID-19, there have been a lot of changes including our plans for a workday. Normally we gather during one of the first Saturdays in May and tackle a bunch of cleaning, and projects to get our facilities ready for the spring and summer.

Since we can’t get together in large groups and we still have work projects we will let you book a time with Keith Nelson our Facilities Director to come and volunteer. Below are a few guidelines that we ask each for volunteers and below that a list of projects that need some attention.

We appreciate people’s willingness to come and help out. The ministry at Covenant Bay relies heavily on volunteers and would not exist without their generous support.

Guidelines for Volunteers:

  • Must call ahead at least a couple days prior to your desired day of work so any arrangements can be made beforehand. 
  • No more than 10 people on site. 
  • ‘Safe distancing’ measures to be practiced while restrictions apply. (Same family/household units may work together). 
  • Do not come if you’re experiencing Covide 19 symptoms. 
  • Meals will not be provided. Please bring your own food. 
  • Bring proper work clothes and supplies for your desired task. (Supplies may also be available onsite). 
  • Safe work practises procedures to be maintained at all times. 

Call Facility Director; Keith Nelson, to arrange a time/project, for further details or questions. Thank you for your willingness to serve in this way!

Keith’s cell (780-361-7310)

Projects List for volunteers:

  • Leaf raking. 
  • Cleaning inside buildings
  • Tree removals, log splitting, deadfall collection areas. (Move to burn pile). 
  • (Staining/painting projects available). 
  • Small garage door installation. 
  • Renovate moved cabins; (installing shelves, counters, window installations, etc). 
  • Deck construction. 
  • Equipment servicing. 

(And many more projects available)

Leadership Investment Program

The Leadership Investment Program is for students aged 14-17. Participants will grow in a relationship with Jesus by living in a community, serving in ministry, and receiving instruction in discipleship. All of this is led by program coordinators whose aim is to empower the participants to develop!

If your application is accepted, you will be sent an invoice for the weeks you are part of the program.

Applicants who are 17 and have graduated high school may apply for a paid or volunteer summer staff position. See our staff page.

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Health Care Provider

Health Care Provider


Apply Now

Covenant Bay is in search of Christian man and woman who is able to care for the health of campers (children and youth). This person must be 18 or older, have a growing relationship with Jesus Christ, and meet the medical qualifications outlined in the job description. This person will be responsible to administor camper medications, first aide, and keep safe all medications.

This individual must be energetic, flexible within duties, and compassionate.

Start – Finish
May 4 – Aug 21, 2020
June 22 – Aug 21, 2020

Salary: $600/week


Job Description

Life Guard

Life Guard


Apply Now

Covenant Bay is in search of Christian man or women who is able to supervise swimmers in an open water (lake) enviornment. This person must hold a current NL certification and Standard First Aid and CPR. In addition to life guard duties this person will also fill another role at the camp and will be compensated extra for their roles. 

This person must be a Christian growing in their faith, energetic, and enjoy working with young people and helping them grow in a relationship with Jesus Christ.

Start – Finish
June 22 – Aug 21, 2020

Salary: please inquire


Job Description

Program Coordinators

Program Coordinators


Apply Now

Covenant Bay is in search of Christian men and women who are able to lead a specific program over the summer months. Successful candidates will be energetic, fun, well organized, able to lead others, good communicators, and growing in a relationship with Jesus. Learn about the programs with the links below.

There are 3 positions. 

Start – Finish
May 4 – Aug 21, 2020
Salary: $620/week


Job Description

Assistant Cook

Assistant Cook

Covenant Bay is in search of a individual who is able to assist the head cook. This person will need to be able to work a physically demanding job, be flexible with work hours, and have a cheerful encouraging disposition. Duties will include preping meals, cleaning within the kitchen, and assisting the head cook in their responsibilities.

Work at the camp could be supplimented with housekeeping of other buildings at Covenant Bay Bible Camp.


Job Description

Hours: Part-time (Winter) Full time (Summer)

Wage: $15/hour

Covenant Bay is a growing Summer Camp and Retreat Centre located on Pigeon Lake, AB. Covenant Bay is part of the Evangelical Covenant Church of Canada. The purpose of Covenant Bay Bible Camp is to promote a growing relationship with Jesus Christ by providing opportunities for fellowship, worship and instruction in discipleship. Recently, with the completion of a new lodge, Covenant Bay has experienced growth in its summer camps and more significantly in its rental program. The small year-round staff are managing the growing operations by being flexible within duties and roles.

Individuals who wish to apply should send a cover letter and resume to jon@covenantbay.ca.

Office Admin

Office Admin

Covenant Bay is in search of a highly organized, positive, and energetic individual to b part of the Covenant Bay Staff team. They must have a good understanding of bookkeeping and payroll, record keeping and data systems, and communication systems. 

This is a part-time roll with the potential of working additional hours in a different role such as cleaning or hosting groups. 


Job Description

Start: April 1, 2020

Hours: 24 hours/week

Salary: $18-$22 / hour

Covenant Bay is a growing Summer Camp and Retreat Centre located on Pigeon Lake, AB. Covenant Bay is part of the Evangelical Covenant Church of Canada. The purpose of Covenant Bay Bible Camp is to promote a growing relationship with Jesus Christ by providing opportunities for fellowship, worship and instruction in discipleship. Recently, with the completion of a new lodge, Covenant Bay has experienced growth in its summer camps and more significantly in its rental program. The small year-round staff are managing the growing operations by being flexible within duties and roles.

Individuals who wish to apply should send a cover letter and resume to jon@covenantbay.ca.

House Keeper

House Keeping

Covenant Bay is in search of an individual who can clean facilities. This person(s) must be self-motivated, energetic and have a good understanding of cleaning products, equipment and standards of cleanliness for guest accommodation.

This position will be a part-time role and could be combined with another role at the camp if qualified. Hours will be dependent upon how many groups are booked to use Covenant Bay facilities.


Job Description

Hours: Part-time

Salary: $15/hour

Covenant Bay is a growing Summer Camp and Retreat Centre located on Pigeon Lake, AB. Covenant Bay is part of the Evangelical Covenant Church of Canada. The purpose of Covenant Bay Bible Camp is to promote a growing relationship with Jesus Christ by providing opportunities for fellowship, worship and instruction in discipleship. Recently, with the completion of a new lodge, Covenant Bay has experienced growth in its summer camps and more significantly in its rental program. The small year-round staff are managing the growing operations by being flexible within duties and roles.

Individuals who wish to apply should send a cover letter and resume to jon@covenantbay.ca.