We would ask Friends who plan to attend, and especially those coming in person, to register as soon as possible, so that we can get an idea of how many Friends are coming and from where. We’d especially love to get an idea of how many children are attending. If you have questions regarding registration, please contact the registrar at: whymregistrar@gmail.com
This year we will be offering Meeting for Worship with attention to Business hybrid, as well as an online Worship Sharing Group. If you wish to participate in an online Worship Sharing group, please email: whym-clerk@quaker.ca with “Fall online Worship Sharing” in the subject line.
A link for online participation in Meeting for Worship for Business will be shared closer to the gathering. Please see the Minutes from Fall 2025 (attached to this message).
Thanks, and look forward to seeing you on the golden shores of Sylvan Lake, Rachel
—
Rachel Singleton-Polster Clerk, Western Half Yearly Meeting
Location
Camp Kannawin is a Presbyterian camp located on the north shore of Sylvan Lake, just north of the town of Sylvan Lake, in the heart of Central Alberta. It is almost exactly halfway between Edmonton and Calgary: 161 km from Edmonton and 173 km from Calgary. It is 1118 km from Vancouver with a gorgeous drive halfway up the Ice Fields Parkway and through the Foothills as the ending and beginning of your trip. (more info on Transportation below)
Program begins on Friday evening with supper and an intergenerational event to get to know one another, coordinated by Ministry & Counsel.
Saturday and Sunday daytime will include time for worship (including Worship Sharing, which is an intimate style of worship in which sharing from the silence is encouraged), Meeting for Worship for Business, Special Interest Groups* and plenty of free time for wandering, chatting, knitting, playing, and whatever you dream up. Children’s Program will be led by the community, with many fun activities both indoors and outdoors. This is a link to CYM’s Safe Nurture for Vulnerable Persons in Our Care Policy to which WHYM currently follows.
* (Also known by their acronym “SIGs”, these are workshops or discussion groups led by someone who has a special knowledge or interest in a topic. For example, past SIGs have included topics such as Reconciliation, Meditation, Wikipedia, Stem Cell Research, Nuclear Power and more. The possible list is as expansive as the interests and expertise of those attending – and all are welcome to lead one!)
On Saturday evening we hope for a special presentation, more information coming soon!
Sunday evening will be Family Night, a fantastic opportunity to share talents and artistry together.
WHYM ends Monday morning and we are responsible for cleaning up after ourselves at this time.
The full schedule can be seen here, though it is likely to be somewhat fluid.
Accommodation
Camp Kannawin has a few different options for sleeping. Although the rooms and cabins are set up to be shared, we will endeavour to have all families/couples/singles have their own rooms/cabins. If the number of registrants make this impossible, the registrar will be in touch to make sure all needs are accommodated. **Please note that the accomodation options may get updated as we learn more about availability!**
1) Cabins (9). The cabins are basic and very cozy. Each is equipped with electricity and a furnace for winter camping. Each Cabin has 6, 8, or 12 beds in each, and lots of room for storing luggage and group activities before bed. There are also areas for tenting on site. There is a heated wash house a few steps away with showers and toilets for both males and females. There are 4 showers for each gender, which means there should be no waiting lines.
2) Shared Trailer (4 bedrooms). The “staff trailer” has 4 bedrooms with 2 sets of bunks per room, totalling 16 beds. There are also washrooms and a common area in the trailer.
3) Tenting. October can be cold in Alberta, so keep this in mind if you choose to tent.
4) Sleeping Off Site. There are multiple hotel, Airbnb, and BnB options within driving distance. If you require this option, it will be an additional cost to you, but the registrar can help you find a suitable location. Please make contact ASAP if you need help arranging this.
Cost
We encourage Friends to pay fees through e-transfer. Information will be updated shortly to provide instructions, or you may email the registrar to get this information. Fees will also be accepted on site through cash or cheque.
Please note that fees have increased this year in accordance with Camp Kannawin’s fees. The organizing committee for the fall gathering feels it is appropriate for adult fees to cover the estimated cost of holding the gathering. This will allow donations and any surplus revenue to go towards discounted fees for Young Friends, travel assistance for Friends in need, and overall WHYM overhead. Thank you for understanding.
If you need travel or registration assistance funds, first, request assistance from your monthly meeting and then, if you still need assistance, notify the Clerk at whym-clerk@quaker.ca as early as possible. Decisions regarding travel assistance will be made during the WHYM weekend gathering. Transportation
To get the camp by car from either Edmonton or Calgary, travel 15 km West from Red Deer on Highway 11 and turn North on Highway 20. Continue through the Sylvan Lake Roundabout towards Bentley for 3 km and turn West on Township Road 392. The camp is the 4th driveway in on the left, just at the bottom of the hill.
