Lumsden Beach Camp was not created by chance. It was founded by people of deep faith, strong community spirit, and a bold vision for what camp could be.
That vision began in 1905, when Reverend John Doyle, a Methodist minister serving the Lumsden district, established what was then known as Lumsden Beach Summer School. The early camps brought youth from the Regina area together along the lakeshore for learning, worship, recreation, and community. By 1908, Lumsden Beach Summer School was recognized as the first church camp in Western Canada.
Getting to Camp
In the early years, getting to Lumsden Beach was an adventure in itself. Campers arrived by the Qu’Appelle Steamer or travelled by train to Lumsden. From there, Wilkie’s Livery offered horse-drawn transportation to camp for 50 cents per person when travelling in groups of two or more.
Those arriving by wagon or horseback could even arrange nearby pasture space for their horses.
Early Camp Life
Campers were originally expected to bring their own tents, although a limited number were available for those who needed them. They packed ground sheets, straw ticks, blankets, cushions, and everything required for a simple summer stay by the lake.
Meals were prepared with care by the Ladies’ Aid of Lumsden, who worked tirelessly to provide wholesome food for campers. Breakfast and supper cost 25 cents, while dinner cost 35 cents.
Camp life was simple, communal, and deeply connected to the outdoors.
Sundays at Lumsden Beach
One of the more memorable traditions of early camp life was the rule against swimming on Sundays between morning Sunday school and the evening service.
The time was intended for study, reflection, and worship. Even on the hottest summer days, requests for a swim were usually met with a firm “no.”
Some determined campers found another solution, hiking farther down the shoreline to a secluded swimming area that eventually became known as Sunday Beach or Bible Beach.
Building a Permanent Camp
As camp grew, permanent buildings began replacing the original tents and temporary spaces.
In 1911, the first camp building, a dining hall, was constructed on the site where the Lumsden Beach Village Store now stands. It was later expanded to include living quarters.
By 1912, the camp added the Tin Temple, a large gathering space used during cold or rainy weather. It could seat approximately 250 people and hosted meetings, worship services, and other camp gatherings.
In 1917, the Leaders’ Lodge was added, providing 24 beds for camp staff.
By the spring of 1925, traditional tents were being replaced with cabins. Reverend Charlie Morgan gave the cabins memorable names such as Queens Quarters and T-U-X-I-S Terrace.
The Ice House, built in 1929 on Hindson Street with permission from the Village Council, became another important part of camp life.
LBC Today
More than a century later, Lumsden Beach Camp continues the tradition that began on the shores of Last Mountain Lake in 1905.
Today, LBC welcomes children, youth, volunteers, staff, and community groups from a wide range of backgrounds. Camp continues to be a place for friendship, outdoor adventure, personal growth, faith, leadership, and connection.
Much has changed since the days of steamers, horse-drawn wagons, canvas tents, and 25-cent breakfasts, but the heart of LBC remains remarkably familiar.
Generations of campers have come here to experience community, grow in confidence, discover something new about themselves, and make memories that stay with them long after summer ends.
More than 120 years later, the story of Lumsden Beach Camp is still being written — one camper, one campfire, and one unforgettable summer at a time.
