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The ministry of MBC began in 1930 at the current site of our Conference Centre. The main building was a farm house across from the current mini-golf course. None of the camper cabins had electricity and they used oil lamps for lighting. Ice was cut into blocks during the winter, and placed in saw dust to provide refrigeration for the summer months. Meals were cooked on wood burning stoves for up to sixty campers and staff. In 1938, Millar Hall was opened. This provided piped water and new cooking and dining areas.
World War 2 put the camping program at MBC on hold. By 1942, the camp program was stopped because many of the staff were involved in the Canadian Armed Services.
In 1948, Rev. Jack Scott gave leadership to a committee that began various camping activities for young adults. The duration of these camp sessions lasted 10 – 14 days. Soon after this, the site of the former Arcadia Lodge was purchased down the river from the current Camp Widjiitiwin site. This provided more opportunities for pre-teens campers to come in July, while the teens continued to arrive during the month of August.
In 1973, a group of individuals provided funding to purchase the 24 acres of the current Camp Widjiitiwin. The dining and chapel hall consisted of three army tents joined together with a sand floor. The current Longhouse building was erected in 1984. The camp committee, felt that a unifying theme based on the North American Indian would be appropriate. Widjiitiwin means fellowship.
To this day, MBC continues in its founding purpose, to see lives claimed for eternity in Jesus Christ.
2010 marks the 80th Anniversary of MBC. A special website dedicated to commemorating the 80 years has been established at www.mbc80years.com. Check it out for more information and a pictorial and written history of MBC.
Muskoka Bible Centre exists to exalt Jesus Christ by renewing, connecting and equipping the family of God in the splendour of His creation. This is accomplished through the provision of camp, conference and retreat experiences where the teaching of God’s Word is central.
MBC is an independent, inter-denominational organization that was founded in 1930 by the Fellowship of Evangelical Baptists. While recognizing its roots in the Fellowship Baptist movement, it embraces and supports the cultural diversity of Christ-centred Kingdom ministries and people in accordance with its statement of faith.
MBC operates a 230 acre conference and retreat centre, as well as a children’s camp facility (Camp Widjiitiwin), in the Muskoka region of Ontario, Canada. MBC plans and executes an annual schedule of compelling community experiences in support of its over-riding mission. These experiences are focused on teaching the Word of God with an emphasis on encouraging and strengthening families. MBC also offers the facilities and services of the centre to other like-minded ministry organizations in support of their spiritual retreat objectives.
In an era of urbanization, personal mobility, the deterioration of the family and the ever increasing influence of a secular based culture, MBC will serve to provide a consistent place where all of God’s people can gather to be renewed, connected and equipped within the natural amphitheatre of His creation. Each year thousands of individuals and families are encouraged as a result of an MBC experience. As guests leave MBC they are renewed and equipped to more effectively be ambassadors for Christ – changing their world and expanding His Kingdom! (2 Cor 5:11 – 21)
Renewed: An experience at MBC will serve first and foremost as a call to engage in a vibrant, personal relationship with God through the redeeming work of His Son Jesus Christ and the teaching ministry of the Holy Spirit. Inspiration through His creation, instruction in His written Word and the working of the Holy Spirit in the inner person serve to revive the spirit to bring about the fullness of life we were created for. (2 Corinthians 5:11 – 21, Psalm 19, 1 Thessalonians 2:13)
Connected: Relationships will be strengthened and people encouraged as they take time to unite with their families and friends in an unhurried environment; building memories and relationships that serve as a stabilizing foundation for the day to day challenges of life. The camaraderie of unified relationships around the common bond of Jesus Christ brings strength and joy to the family of God. The sharing of one another’s joys and burdens is testimony of God at work in our lives as we spur each other on to perseverance and good works. (2 Corinthians 1:4, Hebrews 10:24 – 25, Prov 11:25)
Equipped: Guests will understand their unique giftedness and subsequent call to serve as part of the body of Christ. They will be motivated to effectively fulfill their role in their family and local community; better equipped to participate in the good works God has prepared for them in advance. (Ephesians 4, 1 Corinthians 12, Ephesians 2:10)
A Special Place: The importance of a special place that represents the timelessness of God’s existence and truth. This is perhaps best understood by those who have had the privilege of consistently enjoying a Christ-centred camp or conference experience as they were growing up. These camp veterans would testify that these experiences have been unmatched in their significance to the development of personal and family milestones and memories. The natural beauty of God’s creation in such a place can inspire the soul to higher perspectives; helping guests rise above their circumstances and see the awesome power and loving care of an ever-present God. (Mark 6:31, Luke 12:22-34, Mark 9:2-8)
The staff and leadership team of MBC are passionate about:
MBC will focus its energy and resources on the following priorities:
Family Ministry – Our vision is to be a catalyst in building thousands of healthy, Christ-centred families. This will consist of designing impactful experiences for families including summer vacation sessions, marriage retreats, winter family reunions and men/women specific retreats. (a ‘Healthy Families Task Force’ to assist in planning a cohesive strategic family ministry will be established by end 2010).
Conference & Retreat Centre – Excellence in service and a proactive approach to group partnerships will become the trademark of the MBC Conference & Retreat Centre. MBC will offer its facilities and services to other like-minded ministries in support of their spiritual retreat objectives and to maximize the use of the facility on a year round basis.
Camp Widjiitiwin (Residential & Day Camps) – Camp Widjiitiwin will be focused on demonstrating the gospel message to children and youth through teaching God’s Word, positive relationships and creative interactions. Camp Widjiitiwin will plan and execute nine weeks of outreach orientated residential and day camp experiences on a self-sustaining organizational model. The leadership of Camp Widji will endeavour to establish partnerships with churches and other ministry organizations for greater impact and effectiveness.
Youth Discipleship – Our vision is to see young people passionately following Jesus Christ, living purpose-filled lives. The launch of Stepping Stones in 2010 marks the start of an intentional discipleship experience for our student staff; including an 8 month INTERNship program from September through April. Spiritual Formation (renewal), Community Life (connecting), and Work Excellence (equipping) are the three content pillars of this program.
