Monarch Bible Camp is a ministry point of One Hope Canada.

Monarch began in 1986 under the name CSSM Bible Camp, with Ken and Louise Leonard serving as its founding directors. From 1986 to 1999, Monarch offered two weeks of overnight camp and two weeks of day camp each summer.

In 1999, Ken and Louise were called to direct another camp and began seeking new leadership for Monarch. Teresa and Barrie Ward, who had volunteered with the camp for approximately four years in various capacities, were approached about stepping into the director role. Teresa had faithfully served in children’s ministry and felt God clearly leading her to become Monarch’s Camp Director. When the Lord closed the door for Monarch to operate as a full-time resident camp, Teresa and Barrie sought God’s guidance for the future of the ministry.

Over the next 25 years, through their faithful service and constant prayer, the Lord shaped Monarch into what it is today: an affordable, travelling day camp that brings the quality of a resident camp experience into neighbourhoods in Kawartha Lakes and Haliburton Highlands.

Teresa and Barrie continually covered Monarch in prayer, asking the Lord to open doors and lead the camp to the locations He desired. The Lord provided countless properties and staff to make camp happen each summer.

In the early 2020s, Teresa shared her desire to train and prepare a new director, prompting the board to begin succession planning. Throughout this time, Teresa continued to serve with unwavering dedication, even while facing significant health challenges. On March 2, 2025, Teresa went home to be with her Saviour. For 25 years, Teresa was the heart and face of Monarch, and her absence will be deeply and permanently felt within the Monarch family. She led countless children to Jesus and discipled so many summer staff, maintaining encouraging relationships with many into their adult lives. Teresa developed and implemented a variety of year-round, midweek children’s programs in partnership with local churches and schools, creating welcoming spaces where children could feel loved and experience a sense of belonging throughout the school year. She lived a life devoted to serving others, and her compassion touched countless lives, leaving a legacy that will continue to resonate for generations.

In the spring of 2025, Monarch’s board prayerfully evaluated whether to proceed with camp programming or pause for the summer while discerning next steps. During this season, Victoria Cina felt the Lord prompting her to carry forward the ministry that Teresa and Barrie had built, and she was appointed Interim Camp Director for the 2025 season.

In December 2025, Victoria stepped into the role of Executive Director, and Melody Lippert was appointed Camp Director. Both women have been impacted by Monarch in meaningful ways through their years as campers, summer staff, and board members. The Lord’s timing is perfect and Monarch is excited to see what He continues to have in store for this powerful Kingdom ministry.