By Abby Ciona

So you’ve planned a campground at Muskoka Bible Centre—now what? Whether you’re staying at the campground for a few days or a few weeks, here are several tips to help make your MBC camping trip more enjoyable and memorable for everyone.
- PERSONALIZE YOUR CAMPSITE! Adding a sign to your site with your names, church, or hometown can be a fun way to connect with other campers around you. Consider bringing solar-powered lanterns or Christmas lights to make your campground come to life at night and easier to find in the dark. If you’re hoping to meet some of MBC’s local wildlife, hang up a bird feeder in a nearby tree to attract friendly Muskoka birds—some chipmunks and squirrels might come for a visit too!
- PREPARE ACTIVITIES FOR RAINY DAYS. It can be hard to predict the weather when you’re planning a camping trip weeks or months in advance, so it’s wise to make a plan for inclement weather. Consider downloading audiobooks from your local library or saving your favourite podcasts to listen to together. Bring board games, card games, books, or crafts to play together. Our MBC Bookstore is also stocked with many family-favourite activities to keep you entertained.
- MAKE YOUR TRIP MORE ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY. While single-use cutlery and plates can be convenient, they also build up a lot of trash over a few days. Consider bringing biodegradable soap and reusable dishes and cutlery to help reduce waste on your trip. An insulated travel mug will help you keep your drinks cold or hot longer, and a reusable water bottle will help you save money over the years.
- EXPLORE THE OUTDOORS. Camping is a great way to reconnect with God’s creation, so make the most of enjoying the beautiful Muskoka landscape. Go for a morning walk on one of MBC’s new hiking trails, rent a canoe or kayak and venture onto the river or lake, or even stay up late to watch the stars.
- FINALLY, TAKE ADVANTAGE OF MBC’S UNIQUE PROGRAMMING. Attend chapels, register your kids and youth for programming, participate in workshops, sign up for recreation activities, and enjoy worship concerts. Or, if you’re staying in the spring or fall, enjoy the recreation amenities on site, including sports courts and both disc golf and mini golf courses.
Whenever you plan to visit, we hope you have a great camping adventure!
Abby Ciona is an author and photographer who loves encouraging young people to find their place in God’s story. Abby has been visiting MBC all her life but began working for MBC in 2022. You can find her on social media at @abbyciona.