Episode 21 : Tamara Zarowny

In this episode, the crew catch up with Tamara Zarowny to talk all things Camp Okema—from life in the kitchen and cooking for special dietary needs to favourite camp memories, talent show laughs, and campfire stories. Tamara also shares a few thoughts on the legendary Moose Man and what it would mean to return to camp one day with her grandchildren.

A fun, warm conversation filled with the behind-the-scenes stories that make Camp Okema so special.

Click the link below to find us on social media, and other listening platforms:

https://linktr.ee/campokemapod

We’re back with Part Two of our 20th episode as Jesse and Kaleb continue the conversation with Camp Okema legends Steve and Yvonne Mitchell. This episode dives into the origins and impact of the Youth Ministry Intern (YMI) program, the challenges of building it from the ground up, and the incredible volunteers who helped make it work.

Steve and Yvonne also share stories from the iconic Sleepy Hollow building, reflect on the importance of Tuck time, and highlight the families and supporters who helped shape Okema over the years. It’s a meaningful, memory-filled look at the people and community that made Camp Okema feel like home.

Use this link to find our socials, and all places you can listen to our podcast: https://linktr.ee/campokemapod

Episode 20 - Part 1 : Steve & Yvonne Mitchell

Episode 20 marks a major milestone for the Camp Okema Podcast, and Jesse and Kaleb are celebrating it with two guests who have helped shape the camp for decades—Steve and Yvonne Mitchell.

In part one of this special two-part series, Steve and Yvonne walk through their 40 years of involvement at Camp Okema, beginning with their first leadership role in 1984 and spanning the many positions they've held since, including program administrators. They share stories about the people, programs, and pivotal decisions that helped define the camp’s culture and direction.

From the early days of shaping summer programming to memorable moments that still influence camp life today, this episode offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at Okema’s evolution through the eyes of two longtime leaders. Whether you’ve been connected to Camp Okema for years or are discovering its story for the first time, this episode is full of history, insight, and classic Okema charm.

Don’t miss part one of this legacy-building conversation!

Use this link to find our socials, and all places you can listen to our podcast: https://linktr.ee/campokemapod

In Episode 19 of the Camp Okema Podcast, hosts Jesse, Kaleb, and Landon sit down with MT Owens to unpack a wide range of stories from her long involvement with Camp Okema. MT recalls her earliest impressions of camp, the summers she spent volunteering, and the everyday moments that became camp legends.

She brings forward vivid memories of meals at Manna House, classic Okema programs, and the routines and traditions that defined each summer. MT also reflects on the people who shaped her experience—leaders, campers, and friends who left a lasting mark—as well as the family ties that continue to connect her to Okema today.

This episode offers a detailed look at the culture, characters, and memories that make Camp Okema what it is.

Using the link to find our socials and all places you can listen to our podcast: https://linktr.ee/campokemapod

It’s finally here—the Camp Okema Songbook Bracket! In this episode, Jesse, Kaleb, and Lumpy are joined by special guest “Salty” Sam Lafreniere to settle one of camp’s biggest debates: what is the greatest Camp Okema song?

From classics like “Seek Ye First” and “As the Deer” to dark-horse contenders like “Shine, Jesus, Shine,” the crew dives deep into the nostalgia, friendly arguments, and hilarious reasoning behind every matchup. Fan votes are in, opinions are flying, and feelings might get a little hurt along the way—but it’s all in good camp fun.

Join us for a lively, music-filled episode that celebrates the songs that defined generations at Camp Okema. And don’t forget to fill out your own bracket and share your picks!

The 'Camp Okema Songbook' Spotify playlist : https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3tF18eqjvjcZ99GLK6vjIQ?si=89cedca3f3684faf

Camp Okema Poinsetta Fundraiser:

https://campokema.growingsmilesfundraising.com/home 

Follow this link for Facebook, Instagram, Youtube, Apple Podcasts & Spotify: https://linktr.ee/campokemapod

In this episode, Jesse, Kaleb, and Landon sit down with longtime Okemian and beloved leader Marin Schultz! Marin shares how a simple brochure from St. Stephen’s Anglican Church led her to Camp Okema—and how that decision changed everything.

We chat about her first experiences at camp, leading programs, and the moments that made her fall in love with the Okema community. Marin also reflects on her years of leadership, the friendships that have lasted well beyond the summer, and the impact camp has had on her life.

And yes, we even dive into the real-life Camp Okema love story between Kaleb and Marin—because what’s camp without a little romance?

It’s a funny, heartfelt, and nostalgia-packed episode celebrating the people and stories that keep the Okema spirit alive.

Follow this link for Facebook, Instagram, Youtube, Apple Podcasts & Spotify: https://linktr.ee/campokemapod

In this episode, Jesse, Kaleb, and Landon are joined by longtime friend and camp legend Jade Pujari! From her very first experience at asthma camp to her years as Camp Okema’s nurse, Jade takes us through some of her most memorable moments—including an iconic night game, unforgettable talent show performances, and the true origins of Extreme Power Napping.

We also get into the evolution of camp traditions, the era-defining power of MSN Messenger, and even a few spooky recollections involving the mysterious Moose Man.

It’s a hilarious, heartfelt trip down memory lane—packed with nostalgia, laughter, and everything that makes Camp Okema feel like home.

Follow this link for Facebook, Instagram, Youtube, Apple Podcasts & Spotify: https://linktr.ee/campokemapod

In this episode, Jesse sits down with retired Bishop Tom Morgan to explore the deep roots and enduring legacy of Camp Okema. From Tom’s first summer as a camper in 1955 to his role in shaping the camp’s future, this conversation dives into the moments that built Okema’s story.

We talk about the early days of the Okema Society for Christian Development in the 1970s, cabin construction adventures (including one unforgettable bear encounter at Uncle Tom’s Cabin), and the vital contributions of First Nations people to the camp’s history. Bishop Tom also reflects on key figures like Ted Morton and others who helped lay the foundation—literally—for what Camp Okema is today.

It’s a fascinating mix of history, heart, and humour that captures just how much Okema has meant to generations of campers and leaders alike.

Follow this link for Facebook, Instagram, Youtube, Apple Podcasts & Spotify: https://linktr.ee/campokemapod

In this episode, Jesse, Kaleb, and Lumpy recap all the laughs and late nights from the Young Adults Retreat—plus, they pay tribute to a legendary 7/11 in Prince Albert, SK.

From there, the crew takes a trip through Camp Okema’s history, drawing from the late Howard Green’s document, “The 40th Anniversary of the Okema Society for Christian Development: A Historical Overview of Camp Okema” (July 2016). Using his work as our guide, we unpack the formation of the Camp Okema Society and highlight key moments from 1977 to 1995.

To wrap things up, we dive into listener questions—like what our ideal camp day would look like, and who makes the cut for each team’s official Mount Rushmore, and where we're sitting on a canoe.

It’s got the nostalgia, the history, and the Okema humour all rolled into one episode.

Follow this link for Facebook, Instagram, Youtube, Apple Podcasts & Spotify: https://linktr.ee/campokemapod

We’re back! After a little break, Jesse, Kaleb, and Landon return with a jam-packed recap of Teen Camp 2025. This episode has it all—seven interviews with campers and staff, a round of Okema Family Feud, and more stories than we can fit around one campfire.

Of course, we’ve got the official Campaign breakdown. We dig into nuggets of Campaign stats, throw out some way-too-early projections, and give a “where do we go from here” outlook for each team. Add in a few debates over the best camp meals and a fresh round of Moose Man chatter, and you’ve got the ultimate Teen Camp recap.

It’s fun, it’s nostalgic, and it’s pure Okema energy—capping off an incredible week at Teen Camp and setting the stage for the upcoming Young Adults Retreat.

YOUNG ADULTS RETREAT REGISTRATION: https://tithe.ly/event-registration/#/9858014

Follow this link for Facebook, Instagram, Youtube, Apple Podcasts & Spotify: https://linktr.ee/campokemapod