About Camp Omagh
since 1937
Honouring our Past. Living Our Present.
Securing Our Future.
When campers at Camp Omagh read the Bible together, gather around a campfire, swing a baseball bat or sing wonderful praises, they are creating memories and friendships that become the framework of a vibrant Christian life. In a rapidly changing world, Christian camping builds Christ-like communities.
The origins of Camp Omagh
In 1937, Mr. and Mrs. William B. Johnstone, members of the church of Christ meeting at Omagh, a small village near Milton, Ontario, conceived the idea of inviting young people from the city to spend a short vacation on their farm. Not only did they want to provide Christian companionship for their own children but they also wanted to help youth: come to know God as creator of all things and Father of all men; develop a faith in the Bible as the word of God; and develop standards of right and wrong, based on Christian values.
They arranged for Mr. and Mrs. Alex Stewart to assist, and Mr. Stewart, minister for the church of Christ then meeting on Bathurst Street in Toronto, Ontario, taught the Bible classes. Miss Grace Johnstone taught a class in singing. There were 25 students living at the farm that year. They ranged in age from early teens to late 20s. Girls were housed in the large farm home; boys in a nearby building. Young people from Omagh came each day by car, bringing with them their visiting city cousins. This brought the total student body up to 38.
Food, Learning and Fun at the Farm
Meals were cooked in the "summer kitchen" and served at one large table in the spacious kitchen. Classes were taught in a large building near the house. School began at 9:00 a.m. with chapel, followed by classes running to 11:30 a.m. and resuming again at 1:30 p.m. through to 3:30 p.m. Memory work was a daily class, and of the utmost importance. Chapters of the Bible were memorized.
Sunday services at the church building at Omagh were a highlight. Afternoon services were held at the school. Visitors and students ate their noon meal, provided by the Omagh ladies, on the lawn in the shade of the house. Dessert most often, and considered a real treat, was home-made ice cream. Mr. Harold Walker from the Sanford Avenue congregation in Hamilton made the ice cream and it came packed in dry ice.
Evening services were held three nights a week at the Omagh church building – which was a very
unique building. Each row of seats was one step higher than the previous one. The congregation "looked down" on the speaker. Of course, the favourite seat in the building was the highest one - and so coming early had its advantages. Visitors were many.
That year there were seven baptisms. Tuesday evening was sports night, when many rousing baseball games were played. Thursday evening was concert night. This brought many happy scenes to view; a hilarious group on the lawn watching some skit, or listening to a song.
Saturday afternoon was a good time for hiking down the Sixteen Mile Creek. Supper was cooked outside. The croquet lawn was never idle a moment after classes. And swimming. Many good splashes were enjoyed in the creek. The school lasted three weeks.
Adapted from The Story of Omagh Bible School – The Early Years, by Wilma Johnstone Moore
The Camp Omagh Difference
A Place where FAITH meets FUN!
Who We Are
Camp Omagh is owned and operated by a not-for-profit corporation that is formally called 'Omagh Bible School'. The corporation is made up of qualified members of the churches of Christ.
From among its members, the corporation elects 11 people to serve on the Board of Directors.
The Directors oversee the operation of the camp, giving attention to both the spiritual needs of its campers and staff and to the maintenance of
the property.
Our Beliefs
We believe spiritual growth is essential for all Christians. This is accomplished when people learn and practice Biblical teachings. As Christian principles are taught and lived, commitment to Christ follows. We recognize that in the
dramatically changing world of the 21st century, people need encouragement to live for Christ. We believe Camp Omagh has been and will remain an effective tool for Christ, and will continue to provide encouragement for young and old alike.
Our Purpose
Since the early days, Camp Omagh’s growth on land donated by the Johnstones has continued with the addition of well-equipped facilities. Dormitories, washrooms, staff accommodations, playing fields, a swimming pool, dining hall, craft area and a modern kitchen serve as examples of
the commitment of Omagh's membership and service to young people. Most importantly, the Johnstone’s dream of providing a strong Christian influence on young people continues into the 21st century as the Bible remains at the heart of all camp activities.
WANT TO VOLUNTEER?
All the great programs that take place at Camp Omagh would not be possible without the hard work of all our wonderful volunteers. If you would like to be a camp volunteer, please email us at hiring@campomagh.org
MISSION STATEMENT
Camp Omagh nurtures growing faith in God, while providing a place to develop friendships and enjoy God’s creation.
Want to be a Camp Champion for Camp Omagh?
We are looking for a few good men and women in your local congregation, who share our enthusiasm about making camp the amazing place that it is.
Welcome to Camp Omagh.