Gimli Bible Camp is the oldest Bible camp in Canada, but without the help of a few memory verses, it would never have existed in the first place. 

One Hope Canada, formerly Canadian Sunday School Mission (CSSM), started a big campaign in 1927 with the mission of sharing the gospel with kids across Western Canada. The campaign was a challenge; memorize 500 Bible verses. Kids who were able to would be sent to camp.

"It was a reward for children who learned Bible verses," said One Hope Canada radio promotions coordinator Harold Giesbrecht.

The response from children was overwhelming and CSSM realized that they couldn't just send kids to another camp, they needed to create one themselves. So in 1928, Gimli Bible Camp was founded.

Giesbrecht says, thanks to its accidental nature, Gimli Bible Camp had a unique start. 28 kids attended camp the first year, but just 3 were believers.

"At the end of that week of camp at Gimli, all 28 were (believers)," exclaimed Giesbrecht. 

Next year, more kids responded to the challenge and Gimli Bible Camp became a permanent institution. 

"(So many) movers and shakers in the Christian community in Manitoba came to faith in Jesus at Gimli Bible Camp," said Giesbrecht about the years since it's opening. 

One of those kids is Henry Hildebrand, who attended the camp during its second year in 1929. Hildebrand came from Lowe Farm and, in his words, had hardened his heart against the Lord. He spent the entire week resisting God's call.

"The last chapel of camp, God broke through Henry's heart," Giesbrecht explained.

Hildebrand went on to attend Bible school and become a pastor with CSSM. Later, he was approached by a group of people to help them start a Christian college.

So in 1935, when Hildebrand was just 23, he helped found Briercrest College and Seminary, now one of the largest Christian post-secondary institutions in Canada.

A board member has claimed Gimli Bible Camp as the oldest Bible camp in Canada, but that won't stop them from pushing forward into a new age. Giesbrecht says the camp is focusing on getting year-round staff to help them connect with youth the other 51 weeks in a year.

One thing that won't change is their mission, which has lasted since the start.

"Sharing the gospel with those with the least opportunity to hear," Giesbrecht said, referring specifically to their focus on inner-city Winnipeg kids.

Gimli Bible Camp and One Hope Canada are celebrating this milestone at their Birthday Celebration, which is happening on Saturday, September 29 at 4:00 p.m.  There will be a celebration and supper, followed by Jordan St. Cyr who will perform in concert. Tickets are $20 and donations to the camp will be accepted. Winnipeg Evangelical Free Church will host the evening. Giesbrecht encourages people to call 204-444-2469 for more information.