July 15thCamp Commissioning Litany
Prayed at Camp Valaqua, July 3rd, 2026
Leader: In a busy world camp offers a space apart. It is a place to pause, to become immersed in the beauty of creation, to find belonging, to experience the love of Christ in community, and to grow as a person.
As we head into the summer camp ministry program, we pray for courage and grace for each person. We pray for peace of mind, of spirit and of heart. We pray that all who come may experience wholeness of relationship with each other, with God, and with all of creation.
All: In this time and in this place, may all who come
see God’s face in creation
experience God’s love in Christ
and radiate God’s Spirit in the world.
Leader: This evening, we recognize those who have been called to serve as camp staff this summer and ask God’s blessing upon them. For over 60 years Camp Valaqua has brought people together to experience God’s presence in a unique way. Children, youth, and adults; campers, staff, and volunteers have all shared their mark on this place – as this place has left a mark on them. Soon, this next summer of campers, staff and volunteers will encounter the same.
The beauty of the forests, rivers, and wildlife reminds us of the presence of God in creation, and the interconnectedness of all of life. God, bless this summer’s camp staff as they learn and teach the importance of living in right relationship with all you created.
Camp Staff: We commit ourselves to honouring the beauty
and rhythms of creation,
and to learning together how to live with respect and care.
The Rest: We will pray for you in your ministry
of caring for all of God’s creation.
Leader: God, bless the camp staff as they practice discipleship, and as they model Jesus’ life, teachings, and love for others. Guide them as they lead the campers this summer, and as they support one another in their work together.
Camp Staff: As best we can, we will be Christ-like companions
to the campers and to each other.
We pray that God’s love and grace
may be made known through us.
The Rest: We will pray for you as you seek to reflect
the love of Christ to those around you.
Leader: Everyone who comes to camp is created by God for love and through love. We pray for wisdom as camp staff discern the spiritual, emotional and social needs of the campers. God, by your grace, may their interactions with campers and their relationships with each other be filled with kindness, generosity and compassion.
Camp Staff: We offer our gifts and talents,
our energy and enthusiasm
to this summer ministry
and to our shared journey of faith.
The Rest: We pray that God may
bless your ministry this summer.
May God’s love be magnified
through all that you do.
Leader: The support for camp extends beyond those that have gathered here. That support includes the 10 churches within Mennonite Church Alberta and their members. Camp would not be possible without many people giving of their prayers, their finances, and their time. This includes summer volunteers, camp committee members, grandparents, parents and others who have given in support of Valaqua’s ministry.
Camp Staff: We are grateful for your prayers
and support for our ministry at camp.
Leader: Through the Camp Connections program, each camp worker has a special prayer partner who has volunteered to pray for them and care for them during their camping ministry this summer.
Camp Staff: We are thankful for your prayers
and support for our ministry at camp.
Leader: As you now prepare for the arrival of campers this Sunday, we offer you our prayers and support. We do so as those gathered here together and the on behalf of the many more from across Canada that surround you and hold you in prayer.
All Except Summer Camp Staff:
We pray that God may bless your work and your rest,
the relationships you will build
and the solitude you will need.
May you sense the movement of God’s Spirit
in and around you.
Leader: This summer, may all who are present here in this place be filled with awe in their experience of God’s creation. May they be nurtured in their journeys of faith, and may they experience strong, healthy and impactful relationships with each other. May their encounter with creation, with Christ and our Creator shape each of them in ways that will guide their faith journey. Today and always.
All: May God bless all who will visit this place.
And may God’s presence go with us always.
Amen.
