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There
were nearly fifty alternative service camps in British Columbia.
Although the duties were similar from camp to camp, the nature of
life in each camp was unique. It depended on the location, the type
of work, and, most importantly, the conscientious objectors themselves.
They had one thing in common. As A.J. Funk said, “Camp life was
what you made of it. It could be drudgery and weariness, or it could
be exciting. I missed my old friends but soon made new friends.”
[ASM, 219-220]
 When
David Goerzen arrived at the CO camp for the first time he found
out that 75% of the COs in the camp were Mennonites. Some
news reporters came to the camp to see what the COs were doing and
wrote some articles. Article 1.
Paul L. Storms wrote about life inside
Montreal River Camp.
Most
COs have good memories about their camp relationships. One wrote
that “I learned to love and respect my fellow Mennonite Christian,
regardless from which Mennonite group or conference he was.” [MHC,
1015-73] Another grew spiritually.
“As
I look back I wouldn't change those years for anything, at that
time it did become boring at times. It was a good chance of meeting
boys from all over Canada, not only Mennonite, some from United
Churches, Plymouth Brethren, many others. It was also a chance
to grow spiritually. We had midweek prayer meeting. Sunday services,
mostly conducted by boys who did not have too much experience
in this before. The boys were free, open, and ready to contribute.
It was here that I had a conversion experience [became a Christian].”
[MHC, 1015-26]
Work
in the camps was hard and dangerous. Saftey standards taken
fro granted today were not in place then. Jacob M. Unrau saw
this and took the opportunity to get first aid trianing which was
important since medical care was so far away from the camps in the
forest.
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| Jacob M. Unrau's First Aid certificate |
Abram
J. Thiessen felt that the spiritual part of camp life brought the
COs closer together.
“At
the Lake Cowichan camp I really enjoyed the more brotherly and
compassionate atmosphere and was able to grow in the faith. We
held at least four evening meetings during the week and usually
twice on Sundays. A Reverend Robertson from the little town named
after Lake Cowichan 4 or 5 miles [6 – 8 km] from camp was a steady
and much appreciated visitor, and we visited his church as often
as we could. On one such visit we heard the testimony of a soldier
of the armed forces. We even as COs could not deny his sincerity,
and he quite easily could identify with our position.” [ASM,
30-49]
It
was these friendships that helped the COs through rough tests of
faith.
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| Across from the CO camp near Radium, BC |
Two COs, Alvin and Bruce, out camping |
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