1. Do I have to be a Christian?

No. We welcome everyone. Yes, we’re Christian, but we’re low-key about it. We’re not going to force anyone to believe or do anything that doesn’t feel right for them. We simply ask that all participants come with an open heart and an open mind, ready to enter fully into the experience.

2. What if I don’t go to church on Sunday?

Well, to tell you the truth, some of us don’t go to church every Sunday either. But we all belong to faith communities (some of them outside of an institutional church) that are passionate about the gospel of peace and justice. We think of Camp Micah as in invitation into that kind of community. And sometimes, the best place to be is on the edge of something.

3. What if I don’t know anybody?

That’s the best way to come! Of course, it is scary, going somewhere new where you don’t know anyone, but we think that’s an advantage. It means you can be more open, less encumbered, enter more fully into the experience. It’s uncomfortable, not knowing anybody, but it’s often the times when we’re a little bit uncomfortable that we grow the most. And we promise you, if you come alone, you won’t be leaving alone—you’ll be leaving with new friends from all over Ontario.

4. What do I need to bring?

Sleeping bag. Pillow. Towel. Bathing suit. Toiletries. Enough clothes for five days. Sweater. Flashlight. Rain jacket. Hat. Sunscreen. Water bottle. Journal. Musical instruments! Unicycle! Art supplies! Juggling balls! Most important of all: an open heart.

5. What if I have never been recognized as a leader?

Some Camp Micah participants will have been recognized as leaders, and some won’t. That doesn’t matter. The most important thing, we think, is whether or not you feel a call to leadership within yourself. The kind of leadership that seeks to serve others and to make a difference in a troubled world. If you see yourself as that kind of leader, then you’re perfect for Camp Micah.

6. How do I know if I’m really a leader?

We don’t believe that some people are “born” to be leaders. And some who have been called “born leaders” have ended up leading their followers right over a cliff. We believe leadership is a call, a gift of service to the community. Anyone, at any time, can become a leader. Do you feel that call within yourself? 

 7. What if I can’t afford it?

We realize $400 is a lot of money. We don’t want that to be an obstacle. If you’re having trouble finding the money, please get in touch with us. We have some money set aside to help, and there may be a way to come up with the money by brainstorming together.

8. What does “ecumenical” mean?

“Ecumenical” is when people from different denominations (Baptist, United Church, Catholic, Anglican, etc.) gather to work or to pray together as Christians sharing a common faith tradition.

9. Who the heck is Micah?

Micah is a Judean prophet (735-700 BCE) who raised his voice against injustice and the oppression of the poor. He warned the rulers of his time that social calamity would result if they did not change their policies. He also announced a day when God would gather the lame and the exiles together, and “nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore.”

10. Are there any rules?

Act justly, love tenderly, walk humbly—and do what you will! Oh, and two other things. Thou shalt not consume drugs or alcohol. And thou shalt not go into anyone else’s cabin at night.