Camp counselor Louis-Pier Charbonneau helps campers build a shelter out of trees and branches at Amicamp, a summer camp supported by MCC Quebec. Charbonneau worked at the camp through MCC's Summerbridge program, a Canada-wide summer service program for Mennonite church congregations of diverse cultural backgrounds.

Amicamp takes place at Camp Peniel, a retreat center in the Laurentian Mountains north of Montreal founded in 1974 by the Mennonite Brethren churches in Quebec. Campers are encouraged to reflect on the meaning of the word, "Peniel," a Hebrew word for "face" or "presence" of God.

Activity coordinator Nadia Marcoux leads arts and crafts sessions at the one-week session for youth ages 11 to 15. MCC Quebec also supports a one-week camp for children ages 7 to 11.

Charlie Lavigne participates in an activity designed to help campers reflect on the influence of friends by examining the Bible story of four friends who cut a hole in a roof so that their paralyzed friend could experience the healing touch of Jesus.

Camp directors Joakim Veilleux and Carla Martens lead enthusiastic and energetic song sessions during daily worship services at Amicamp.

Amicamp participants gather around a roaring campfire at the end of the day to sing, laugh and reflect on the day's activities.

Camp director Joakim Veilleux helps Alexis Lavigne launch a boat into the lake.

Washing dishes is one of many activities that help Charlie Lavigne, Julia Mikhail, Jeanne Bonneville and Sarah Boucher get to know each other better. Camp counselor, Mikhail, is working at the camp through MCC's Summerbridge program.

This is the fourth year that Nathan Giroux has been a camper at Amicamp. He shares his musical skills during an activity designed to help campers reflect on friendships and relationships, the theme of the 2009 camp.

Camp counselor and Summerbridge participant Spencer Taylor-Wingender, spends a few moments of quiet reflection at Camp Peniel, a retreat centre supported by Mennonite churches in Quebec. The camp welcomes individuals, families and groups who come for rest, relaxation and spiritual renewal.

Amicamp brings together children and youth from Mennonite churches in Quebec. Activities are designed to help campers develop friendships and grow spiritually in a caring, nurturing, fun-filled environment.

Campers at Amicamp enjoy waterfront activities. For more information about MCC programs in Quebec please Read More.