A team of 11 young people is trekking across the frozen ice of Lake Winnipeg, taking three days to venture the shores of Camp Arnes to Victoria Beach.

The adventure is an annual event, part of Camp Arne's Forge program. Executive Director, William Wear, explains that the Forge program is the camp's year-long apprenticeship program in camp ministry. "They're learning everything there is to know about camp, as well as gaining valuable certifications such as lifeguarding. They also take a number of Bible courses, and they learn to grow in community surrounded by other Christians."

The three-day hike across Lake Winnipeg is a high-point for many, not just for their experience in the program, but in their spiritual lives as well. "It's definitely a highlight of the program - they all look forward to this," Wear said. "But they also bring along an item that they want to leave on the lake. For a lot of them, it's pretty symbolic, too. They can leave behind some things that they've been dragging with them for a long time, out there."

Thankfully the warm weather and rain haven't put a damper on things. Wear said there was some slush on the lake, but the ice is still plenty thick. Combined with some cooler temperatures this week, the surface should be more manageable to venture across. 

The crew should reach Victoria Beach sometime on Friday. You can follow them and their progress here.