Looking to the Future

An InterVarsity Pioneer Camp Manitoba Site Renewal Project

Jesse's Legacy

It is entirely fitting that this year’s Generation to Generation site renewal project be in memory of Jesse Matties (1991-2022), and for his legacy at camp.

Jessie attended MPC for many years as a camper, starting in the late 90s, but I remember Jessie as a dedicated staff. He was kind, upbeat, confident, independent, and original, as well as a fabulous cabin leader and a good friend. He loved living and serving together at the special place we call MacKinnon Island, engaging fully with the programs and goals of camp.

This project will be a long-awaited, beautiful staff housing facility. Future staff, for generations to come, will know they are being cared for at MPC, while making a difference in the lives of campers and fellow staff. They, like Jesse, will grow and mature in leadership, faith, service, and relationships. What a legacy, and well deserved.

I believe all staff would have good memories of Jesse as I do – memories that still bring a smile to my face when I think of “Caesar,” his camp name. Let’s complete the funding and make this dream a reality, all for Jesse.

Sincerely,
Pete Dearborn
Director of Generation to Generation

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Fundraising Events

Upcoming

Our Spring Celebration Fundraiser will be in support of the staff housing facility. It is happening from 6-9 pm on March 14, 2026 at Marpeck Commons, Canadian Mennonite University. This year it includes a performance by musician Steve Bell! We would love to see you there. Please buy tickets ahead of time at the link below:

Get Tickets

Coming Soon

Maybe you know that Jesse and his friends once started a screen-printing business. In memory of this, Jesse’s friends are organizing a T-shirt fundraiser. We will update this page with information on how to order.

Our Generation to Generation campaign is about a flourishing ministry at Manitoba Pioneer Camp. It’s a step-by-step campaign: as we fund and finish one project, we will undertake the next one. With the completion of Bill Mason Place renovations in 2025, we are eager to begin a new and exciting project in Phase 4.

Phase 4

Phase 4, in memory of Jesse Matties, is an exciting project that will meet a need that we have had for years – greater quantity and quality of staff housing. The new staff housing facility, designed by architect Herb Enns, will replace the dilapidated “Chalet,” which is being torn down winter of 2026. We plan to commence the new building as soon as our fundraising goals are met. Thank you for your investment in not only our site, but our staff team!

Fundraising Goal for Phase 4: $325,000

$275,000 raised

Phase 3

Phase 3 was an ambitious, detail-oriented, and much-needed refresh and renovation of Bill Mason Place. This building has been restored to its original beauty and is now built to last with a new roof and paneling, completely new windows, and many layers of high-quality varnish on the floor. Many thanks to the skilled volunteers who made this project happen in summer 2025! We were pleased that the project came in under-budget, so some of this phase’s funds have rolled over into Phase 4.

Fundraising Goal for Phase 3: $130,000

We have reached our goal of $130,000 for Phase 3!

Phase 2

Phase 2 included staff housing renovations, converting the main site to bulk propane, replacing the front bay wall and several docks. These changes have made our site more beautiful, practical, and long-lasting. We estimate that the new front bay wall will last us another fifty years!

Fundraising Goal for Phase 2: $185,000

We have reached our goal of $185,000 for Phase 2!

Phase 1

Phase 1 of our renewal began with the new Leadership Training Center, which we call “The Ship.” This facility opened in June 2022 and has proven multi-purposed in its ability to be an effective learning space which is comfortable and inspiring. It also is a launching or landing space for our canoe trips, offering space for both briefing and lodging. This building’s boat-shaped design overlooking the water honours Ralph Bueckert, a staff member who drowned while serving as a boat driver at camp in the 1960s.

Fundraising Goal for Phase 1: $250,000

We have reached our goal of $250,000 for Phase 1!

Give specifically to the site renewal in any way you can.

Together, let us be sure that the wonderful story of Pioneer Camp goes on for many more generations.

Other Ways to Give

Cheques:

Please write out cheques to Manitoba Pioneer Camp, and write “Generation to Generation” in the memo. Mail cheques to the following address:

Manitoba Pioneer Camp

500 Shaftesbury Blvd.

Winnipeg, MB R3P 2N2

E-Transfer:

Send E-Transfers to [email protected]. Please include “Manitoba Pioneer Camp Generation to Generation” in the memo, as well as your mailing address so we can issue you a tax receipt.

Generation to Generation