British Columbia

Abbotsford, BC
Fraser Vallery Gleaners

SOOP Application To apply for one of the service opportunities below, complete an online application, or print and mail a PDF application (Adobe Reader required) and send it to: Mennonite Mission Network ATTN: SOOP 500 S. Main P.O. Box 370 Elkhart, IN 46515-0370

Service Opportunities: Fraser Valley Gleaners has been in operation since September 2001. Their purpose is to process and dry local vegetables and fruit for distribution to the hungry people of the world. Opportunities to serve include sorting, cutting, spreading and removal of processed products.

Lodging: There are 7 RV sites on the Fraser Valley site. These are free to individuals working at the Fraser Valley Gleaners. In addition, there are RV sites in the vicinity as well as numerous motels. An informational web site on motels and other points of interest is at www.abbotsfordchamber.com

Burns Lake, BC
Ootsa Lake Bible Camp

Service Opportunities: The purpose of Ootsa Lake Bible Camp is to give children and youth the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors and become acquainted with their creator. SOOP volunteers would be involved with maintenance, cooking and building when needed.

Lodging: RV spots, cabins and, when necessary, accommodations in homes can be arranged.

Hope, BC
Camp Squeah

Service Opportunities: Camp Squeah is owned by Mennonite Church British Columbia. The camp is utilized in every season. Children’s camps are run in the summer. Spring and fall churches come for weekends while school groups come for outdoor education. During winter months various groups rent the camp. The mission statement is ‘in response to God who loves us and calls us.’ Camp Squeah provides a place of refuge in a natural setting where people of all ages can build relationships, grow and be nurtured. The service opportunities available are maintenance assistance. Their full time site manager would enjoy working alongside people who enjoy working to make things work well and safely. Spring and fall are the best seasons to serve.

Lodging: RV hook-ups are available. Meals are available when groups are on-site. Volunteers will be responsible for their food when camp is not booked.

Oliver, BC
Okanagan Gleaners

Service Opportunities: Okanagan Gleaners, begun and operated by Christian volunteers since autumn of 1994, processes and dries local fruits and vegetables for distribution to needy people in the world. Volunteers participate in the various aspects of the process.

Lodging: Limited lodging is available. Volunteers are encouraged to bring tents or RVs to this pleasant orchard setting where electrical hookups are provided. Shared kitchen, showers, laundry and other facilities are available in the nearby plant. Opportunities to serve run from May through November.

Vernon, BC
Fairhaven Ministries

Service Opportunities: Fairhaven is a retreat center committed to providing a place and ministry where Christian leaders can be encouraged, supported and restored physically, emotionally and spiritually. The primary focus is serving those in positions of church, mission and para-church leadership. Presently three cottages, one staff home, a large maintenance shop and a temporary office grace Fairhaven's 167 acres. Opportunities for volunteers include: repair and construction related tasks, cottage leaning, hiking trail development and maintenance, and rock cairn building and landscaping.

Lodging: Six fully serviced camping/RV sites are available on site - as well as - a small washroom with a shower in the maintenance shop.