“I’ve been to Camp Meeting every year of my life.”
That’s how Judy Demeter begins her story. Year after year, Judy came to Camp Meeting with her parents. One of her fondest memories is her 88-year-old father standing at their longtime campsite, guiding the family into their spot, always welcoming them. Even after Judy was married, he was there. And when he was no longer able to come, the absence was deeply felt.
Still, Camp Meeting kept calling her family back.
Over the years, Judy and her husband brought their children and foster children, offering them a place of belonging, faith, and consistency. For those children, Camp Meeting became the highlight of every summer.
“Camp Meeting has helped our family RISE UP through joy, loss, and faith.”
Even during a year of hardship, after losing their motorhome to a fire, Judy’s family still came, driving back and forth almost every day. Camp Meeting was simply too important to miss.
Today, her children still look forward to returning. Judy’s story is a reminder that Camp Meeting is not just an event; it’s a place where families grow together, children are nurtured, and faith is carried forward.
Why Does This Matter for Families Today?
As we prepare for Camp Meeting 2026, themed “RISE UP,” we are also caring for the spaces that make these family faith experiences possible. Improving the lodge, strengthening buildings, creating warm and welcoming children’s spaces, and supporting year-round leadership all help ensure that families can continue to gather, worship, and create memories.
These are the places where children learn to pray, parents find encouragement, and families RISE UP together in faith.
A Gentle Invitation for Families
The projects before us ensure that families like Judy’s, and families just discovering Camp Meeting, can continue to experience belonging, stability, and hope.
Judy’s story reminds us that Camp Meeting shapes lives far beyond a single week.
Give a gift today to create future family stories and future faith journeys to RISE UP.
Double your gift: The first $50,000 will be matched by the Alberta Conference. Together, we can help more families RISE UP.
Thank you for helping make room for families, memories, and faith to grow.
By Keith Richter
CFO, Alberta Conference
Summer 2026 | Alberta Adventist News page 35, AAN-Summer-2026-Issuu by Alberta Adventist Conference – Issuu