Mission
Southern Alberta Bible Camp is a youth-focused Christian camp whose purpose is to challenge, encourage and inspire campers spiritually and physically to help equip them for life and to develop Christian leadership in young adults.
Vision
The vision of Southern Alberta Bible Camp is to see lives transformed by God through the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Values
No Child Turned Away
Lack of money will never be a factor that keeps a child away from camp
We are Unapologetically Christian
The proclamation of the Gospel will always be our primary endeavor - equipping for life (all of life) in a reconciled relationship with Jesus Christ (2 Cor 5:17)
Our Focus is Summer Camps
Our Focus is the Summer Camp Experience for Children and Youth. Everything we do year-round is to be better, ready and focussed on campers and summer camp
We Strive for Excellence
We Strive for Excellence in every aspect of our Camp Program - Skills, Gospel presentations, and Discipleship
Every Child and Youth Challenged
Every child and youth challenged, encouraged, and inspired at their level of skill and understanding
We Train Young Adults for Leadership
It is our desire to walk well with youth and young adults moving them toward Christ in both faith and leadership
Our Strength is our Partnership with our Member Churches
History
Southern Alberta Bible Camp started receiving mail in Lomond, Alberta in 1981 when it held its first camp on the property at Travers Reservoir. Getting to Lomond was a significant feat. The camp had already been held in Aden, Grassy Lake, Taber, and Kipp until a more permanent location northwest of Vauxhall was used for 25 years. There were some issues with this site – the camp did not own the property, the buildings were in desperate need of upgrades, the swimming pool dugout was condemned, and the location did not lend itself to being an ideal place to hold camp. The board of directors took it upon themselves to find another location.
Lynn Ruggles was a board member at that time. The Ross Ruggles family had a piece of property on the Travers Reservoir that he thought would be a perfect location for a bible camp… but he had to get the permission of his brothers and sisters – Tom, Frank, Carol, Iona and Phil. When he approached each of them about this, there was not one hesitation. They unanimously agreed that they should offer this land to the camp as a permanent location. The Lord was working in each of their hearts to allow this to happen. We are so thankful for the generosity, faithfulness, and vision of the Ruggles family.
Directors
| Merv Sigglekow | 1981 – 1983 |
| Brian Unruh | 1983 – 1986 |
| Dick Ferguson/ Elden Faulkner | 1986 - 1991 |
| Jerry Ritskes | 1991 - 1996 |
| Jon Gartly | 1996 – |
Timeline
| 1978 | The SW corner of 9-15-21 was given to the camp and dedicated to the glory of God |
| 1979-81 | Construction of the original lodge |
| 1981 | First camps were held |
| 1985-1996 | Camper attendance exploded from 300 campers to 1400 |
| 1990 | Purchased the SE quarter from Merlene Ruggles after Frank was tragically killed in a car accident |
| 1993-94 | Construction of the Fort |
| 2009-2011 | Construction of the Lodge at Travers |
| 2012 | Highway 529 paved! |
| 2014 | SABC had a record year with 1673 campers. |
God has been faithful through the years as the camp has grown. Many individuals have contributed of themselves and their personal property. Such faithful sacrifice has resulted in hundreds of lives being transformed by the gospel. The ongoing sacrifice of so many ensures that a quality year round program continues to serve families across Southern Alberta and continues to have great impact in the lives of children and young people.
