A Brief History
Salem Acres was registered in 1978. The founders, John Adams and Herb Styles, had two complementary visions – to provide a farm home for young men who had been in trouble with the law and to establish a Christian camp.
Both sides of that vision were realized. Until 1998, Salem Acres operated a residential program for troubled youth. From the start with young men who had experienced prison there was a shift to working with younger people and emphasizing prevention before serious trouble occurred.
The camp vision began very early in our history. Salem Studies was a summer time family camp week that continues still, more than 25 years later. The camp vision is now the focus of our organization, that focus is reflected in our recent name change to Salem Acres Bible Camp.
Summer is fully booked from Canada Day until Labour Day, a substantial increase in our program from the first single week of Salem Studies. Camps cover a broad age range with structured camps for kids from seven years old to college and careers -- and our Salem Studies family camp, which hosts “kids” of all ages.
The expansion of the original vision now extends beyond summer to retreats and conferences booked here every month of the year. Many of the those months have every weekend full.
Our facilities are constantly improved. Our kitchen has grown from a set of poplar poles shrouded in plastic sheeting to a well equipped unit that turns out fine meals. Accommodation started with canvas tents. We can now sleep about 105 people in beds, have hookups for RVs but still have plenty of room for your tent.
Our property is a witness to the goodness of our God. Everything is paid for and many spots around the place have special meaning to people who met God at Salem Acres.
The consistent line running through our history from young men already hardened to seven year old campers is God’s faithfulness. We praise him for all that is past and trust Him for all that’s to come.