The Camp Okema Podcast

So long, and goodbye... After 28 episodes, countless stories, more than a few Moose Man theories, and enough dough bake debates to last a lifetime, the Camp Okema Podcast is coming to an end. In this final episode, Jesse is joined by co-hosts Kaleb Schultz and Landon "The Lumpy" Nelson to reflect on an incredible year of podcasting. Together, they share why the time has come to put the sho...

In Episode 27, Jesse is joined by special co-host David Johnson and longtime Camp Okema leaders Dave and Janice Kerr for a conversation that spans decades of camp life. From their first visit in 1983 through an Anglican parish weekend to years of involvement in work weekends, family camp, and leadership, the Kerrs share how Camp Okema gradually became a central part of their lives. They reflect on...

Welcome to a special edition of the Camp Okema Podcast—Steen Camp (Part 1). Jesse and Kaleb sit down to bring back one of their most chaotic and creative camp ideas: Steen Camp (formerly known as “Super Teen Camp”)—a fully imagined, no-limits version of camp where anything is possible and every idea is just a little over the top. In this episode, they map out the opening days of Steen Camp, starti...

In Episode 26, Jesse, Sam, and Anna are joined by Leila Mitchell, calling in from Edmonton, to talk about a lifetime spent at Camp Okema—starting at just two months old and returning nearly every summer since. From being a tag-along in Sleepy Hollow to stepping into leadership roles as a pre-teen, Leila shares what it was like to grow up right alongside camp. She reflects on early camper memories,...

One year in—and for the first time ever, all three hosts are together in person! Jesse, Kaleb, and Landon gather in Kaleb’s basement (Tuck drinks in hand) to celebrate Episode 25 and look back on a full year of the Camp Okema Podcast. From early growing pains to favourite guests, unforgettable stories, and segments that became instant classics, the crew reflects on what made year one so memorable....

Episode 24 welcomes Lauren Burningham to the podcast, joining Jesse, Kaleb, and first-time co-host Anna for a conversation that stretches across generations of Camp Okema history. With deep family roots through her grandparents, Ken and Betty Burningham, Lauren shares how camp has shaped her life from her earliest Grand Camp memories (now Family Camp) to her years as a camper, cabin leader, and yo...

Episode 23 welcomes Hannah Story to the podcast, joining Jesse, Landon, and first-time co-host Samantha — with Hannah calling in from Halifax, Nova Scotia. Hannah shares how she first discovered Camp Okema from across the lake near family friends’ cabin — drawn in by the lights, the noise, and the unmistakable energy of camp — and how early nerves as a new camper quickly turned into a deep sense o...

We’re kicking off 2026 with a fun one! Jesse, Kaleb, and Landon are back for the first episode of the year, breaking down what’s ahead for Camp Okema in 2026—including key dates and details around the Okema Society’s 50th Anniversary Celebration. Jesse also steps into the spotlight to share his vision as the new Chair of the Camp Okema Board, before the episode takes a sharp (and hilarious) turn i...

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 conversa...

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 Holl...

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 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 routi...

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 hilariou...

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...

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 tr...

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 (i...

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 201...

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 giv...

In this episode, Jesse flies solo and is joined by two special guests: Gerry Warren and Jonathan Kerr. Together, they take a trip down memory lane—sharing how Camp Okema shaped their lives, the friendships that stuck, and a few mischievous adventures along the way. From favourite camp meals and unforgettable grace songs to the camaraderie of Sleepy Hollow and the thrill of night games, Gerry and J...

The Camp Okema Podcast | Episode 11: Josh Cameron In this episode, Jesse, Kaleb, and Landon sit down with longtime friend of the camp Josh Cameron to dig into the roots of Camp Okema. From the original board members to wild stories from the early days, Josh brings the camp’s history to life with heart and humour. We also get his take on the legendary Campaign Cup, trade some favourite camp memorie...

In this episode, Jesse, Kaleb, and Landon catch up with Sam and Cassidy—Teen Camp’s new fearless leaders (or at least highly enthusiastic ones). They dive into camp memories, share some laughs, and talk about what’s ahead for Teen Camp 2025. Plus, it’s the official Camp Okema Podcast preview for the 2025 Campaign! We’re talking early predictions, highly questionable rankings, and bold claims about...

This week, Jesse, Kaleb, and Landon are joined by the one and only Carmen Holmes! From her early days as a camper to becoming one of Okema’s most beloved leaders, Carmen takes us on a journey full of heart, humour, and a few legendary camp moments. We chat about her first summers at camp, the mentors who made an impact, and the glory days of Renaissance Day and Extreme Power Napping. There are the...

Jesse, Kaleb, and Landon sit down with the one and only Andy Tomyn—a guy who showed up at Camp Okema in 1978 and basically never left (in spirit, anyway).  They chat about the layout of camp back in the day, cabin construction adventures, the Sleepy Hollow fireplace (yes, that fireplace), the mysterious Okema Bell, and why this place is so much more than just a bunch of buildings in the woods. Com...

The guys are back from Work Weekend and ready to dive into more Camp Okema history—this time with stories featuring the late Ted Morton, the Anglican Journal, and gems from AnglicanHistory.org. Kick back and let the past come to life in this episode all about Camp Okema! Katrine Sinclair Fundraising Event Link - https://tinyurl.com/3ffnm23m  Bishop Andrews Story - https://anglicanjournal.com/bisho...

Kaleb & Jesse are back with Christopher Lake's very own, David Johnson. They learn all about David's early years at the camp, the havoc he caused in Manna House, some of his favorite memories, and much more! To donate to the Camp Okema lawnmower fundraiser - https://campokema.com/lawn-mower  Follow this link for Facebook, Instagram, Youtube & Spotify: https://linktr.ee/campokemapod