History

Star Lake Lodge was founded over 50 years ago, with the vision of providing a recreational adult camp with a Christian emphasis. It's founder was Stan Steinmann, a Winnipeg teacher. It would remain a vision until Stan visited the shores of Star Lake. On July 27, 1956 the land was purchased, and the beginning of a new adventure had begun. The 8 acres were to be the home of the current camp that we all enjoy. The Whiteshell Keswick Fellowship group was formed to manage the camp, and was given their incorporation certificate on October 31, 1956 by the Religious Societies Land Act. Possession date was May 1, 1957.

At first the camp was operated under the aegis of the Tourism Department of the Manitoba Government - earning revenue from tourists and campers. These early years were difficult, and only through careful financial planning and much sacrificial volunteer work did the camp stay afloat.

In March 1960, several notable donations were made, including a speakers cabin and church pews. For a while after, there were church services held every Sunday throughout July and August. The next few years saw much activity and growth at Star Lake Lodge. In 1961, Inter-Varsity Christian Fellowship, Inter-School Christian Fellowship, and the Christian Service Brigade began using Star Lake's facilities regularly on weekends. By 1964, every weekend was booked from May to September 18. Winter rentals were also started, and by 1968, winter weekenders from January 1 to March 31 numbered 986.

With the swelling growth the camp experienced, so did the need for more modern facilities. The old lodge and other buildings were moved to the present day location. A new lodge was constructed at a cost of $12,000 in December of 1966. The new lodge was finally completed in 1970. The next following years saw every weekend booked from January 1 to April 1. By 1978, the camp was used by a total of 33 other groups and churches. In 1973, the camp requested a new lease and to be placed under the Parks Board - under which it still remains. By 1977, the new lodge's loan was completely paid off. Cliff Derkson became the camps host director on a full-time basis, taking over from Stan Steinmann who had fulfilled the roll since its beginning. During this time, the camps 25th year anniversary was celebrated. Shortly later, Cliff resigned his position and left to work at Camp Arnes. Since then the directorship has been shared by the camp Council who operate on a volunteer basis. The councils Chairman have been Stan Steinmann (1957-1972), Earl Dick (1972-1976), Ed Maguire (1976-1977 and 1978-1979), Dave Friesen (1977-1978), John Steinmann (1978-1982), Jack Klassen (1982-1986), and Alvin Suderman (1986 - present)

Over the years, there have been many speakers who have attended camp, all from many different backgrounds including Anglican, Baptist, Christian Reformed, Lutheran, Mennonite, Presbyterian, United and non-denominational.

Since 1984, the camp has undergone changes to its program. Winter rentals of the main lodge have been discontinued due to heating costs, and the summer schedule has been altered. The camp now runs several camps of its own, but the rest of the time it is available for groups and churches to rent.