WHO WE ARE

 

Everything we do at Circle Square Ranch is for the purpose of helping children and youth grow spiritually, mentally, socially and physically in a fun-filled and safe place of adventure and challenge. As a Christian camp, everything we do is based on our Biblical convictions about our relationship to God and with one another. This means that we respect the dignity of every person, desire their best and commit to doing our best to help them know they are loved and cared for by God. As a Canadian camp, we adhere to federal and provincial human rights codes.

 
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Meet Our Team

 

Our staff are well trained to mentor and guide in all aspects of camp life, from developing skills to engaging in conversations about life and faith. We recognize that we live in a world where people have many different beliefs, perspectives and practices. We are committed to welcoming and treating all people with dignity and respect.

 
Our Team

Our Story

 
 
1970's

Beginnings

Circle Square Ranches were originally created as part of the Crossroads Christian Communications TV program called Circle Square, which aired on TV in the 1970’s. Several children’s summer camps were birthed as a result of an overwhelming response from Canadian public to the show.  Although the television program came to an end, several camps are still in operation today.

 

Since 1979, Circle Square Ranch has welcomed several thousand campers to our 360 acres of beautiful, wooded property with waterfront on Big Clear Lake in Ontario.

About Us
2011

Transition

In April 2011, in an act of great generosity, Crossroads transferred ownership of five Circle Square Ranches to InterVarsity. These camps are located in Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Ontario.  Circle Square Ranch near Arden, Ontario was one of the five camps.
 
This was a great fit for Circle Square Ranch, and we have become family! InterVarsity has been providing amazing summer camps and year-round programs for children, youth, young adults and families since 1929.
TODAY

MOVING FORWARD

During the summer months, we run several overnight camps for children & youth, providing a transformative experience for campers in a fun and caring environment. In this camp community, where leadership and faith development is encouraged, students are comfortable asking tough questions about life and faith. We believe that faith in Jesus Christ and an understanding of God’s love leads to a life full of purpose and meaning. Children & youth find answers & direction for life here along with incredible opportunities to develop into mature, Christian leaders.

 

We also provide a wide variety of affordable, seasonal activities with bookings available September through June for conferences, retreats, family getaways and school outings. Whether you are riding on a horse, conquering a high ropes course or enjoying a high-energy campfire time, Circle Square Ranch will deliver incredible memories.

About InterVarsity

It all began with one student.

 

At 25, Howard Guinness heard God ask him to put his medical studies on hold, leave his home and friends in Oxford and sail across turbulent waters for the sake of reaching out to university students in Canada. It would have been easier for Howard to say no, to stay where he was comfortable… but he said yes. And with the help of a few friends, he raised funds for a one-way ticket to Canada.

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He spent the next year criss-crossing the country, urging students to see the campus as a place where God would capture the attention—even the very lives—of their friends. Broadening their strategy beyond the university, Howard and a group of student leaders organized the first InterVarsity camp for high school students. Going further, they took part in forming the International Fellowship of Evangelical Students, a mission determined to introduce Jesus to students all over the world.

Through it all, they pursued Jesus with unwavering conviction. And because of the risky obedience that Howard and countless others have shown through the years, we can continue their work today, helping thousands of Canadian students hear God’s call. Almost 90 years later, they’re still saying yes.

 
Learn more about InterVarsity!

What We Believe

 

Being shaped by God’s word and led by the Holy Spirit, the purpose of InterVarsity is the transformation of youth, students and graduates, in all their ethnic diversity, into fully committed followers of Jesus Christ.

 
Our Statement of Faith
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Facilities

 

We are a well established camp offering a warm and welcoming environment for campers in the summer and rental groups from September to June. Explore all we have to offer!

 
Our Facilities

Committed to Excellence

 

Fully accredited by provincial camping associations, we follow recommended guidelines and standards in all areas including food service, health and safety, program and staffing. Trained leaders, committed to providing your child with an outstanding camping experience supervise all activities.

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