The Camp Okema Podcast

Episode 27: Dave & Janice Kerr

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 the early days of camp—rustic facilities, evolving cabins, and the challenges (and character) of places like Sleepy Hollow. Much of the conversation focuses on their years leading Small Fry Camp, including how programs were built, how staff were trained, and the intentional care that went into creating a meaningful first camp experience for young campers. Along the way, they revisit the traditions that defined those summers: graces and meal routines, dish pit duties, bannock over the fire, campfire songs, skits, night games, and the always-important certificate notes. They also highlight the people who shaped camp behind the scenes and the role of spaces like the outdoor chapel in building community and faith. It’s a thoughtful, story-rich episode that captures the heart of Camp Okema through the lens of leadership, service, and decades of memories—plus, of course, a quick check-in on the ever-unsolved Moose Man mystery. Follow this link for Facebook, Instagram, Youtube, Apple Podcasts & Spotify: https://linktr.ee/campokemapod

STEEN CAMP : Part 1

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, starting with Collegiate Day. Think parent drop-off meets full campus takeover—complete with cabin “houses,” recurring camp tours, food trucks, a pep rally, and a March Madness-style basketball tournament (yes, including a staff team). It’s part camp, part college kickoff, and fully unrealistic in the best way. From there, things only get weirder with Woodchuck Monday. Campers are paired with their very own “woodchuck” for the day—bringing them along for meals, chores, chapel, and activities. The day builds toward Chuck Bake, cabin decorating, and a full-on “Chuck-o-ween” celebration with costumes, games, and candy-fueled chaos. This is just the beginning of Steen Camp—and we want to hear from you. Let us know what you think, what ideas you’d add, and whether you want to see more episodes like this in the future. Follow this link for Facebook, Instagram, Youtube, Apple Podcasts & Spotify: https://linktr.ee/campokemapod

Episode 26: Leila Mitchell

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, volunteering at a young age, and some classic Okema experiences—horseback riding, WALO, and the chaos (and creativity) of teen camp. From prank-filled weeks to night games like Mission Impossible, her stories capture the energy and unpredictability that define those years. She also shares what it was like leading a pirate-themed Small Fry camp—complete with a buried treasure that almost didn’t make it back. The conversation dives into camp traditions too: baked oatmeal loyalty, Johnny Appleseed grace, dish pit roles, and a spirited dough bake debate. Add in campfire songs, skits, talent shows, and evolving camp culture, and it’s a full snapshot of the Okema experience across generations. The episode wraps with reflections on Sleepy Hollow’s legacy, the importance of certificates, faith, and friendships—and of course, Leila’s take on the ever-mysterious Moose Man. It’s a story-filled episode that captures what it means to grow up at Camp Okema. Follow this link for Facebook, Instagram, Youtube, Apple Podcasts & Spotify: https://linktr.ee/campokemapod

Episode 25 : One Year Anniversary

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. They revisit the moments that felt most like sitting around a campfire, the traditions they’d love to see return, and a few debates that are still very much alive (including Moose Man theories). Along the way, they preview upcoming events like the Saskatoon banquet, recap Prince Albert, and look ahead to the 2026 Camp Okema season. The episode also includes a moment to remember MT Owens and her impact on the Okema community, before turning toward the future—dream guests, new ideas, and what a successful second year could look like. To close things out, Okema Family Feud returns—this time with the listeners taking on Kaleb and Landon in a close, chaotic matchup. It’s a fun, reflective, and slightly competitive way to celebrate one year of the Camp Okema Podcast. 🏕️🎙️ Follow this link for Facebook, Instagram, Youtube, Apple Podcasts & Spotify: https://linktr.ee/campokemapod

Episode 24 : Lauren Burningham

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 youth ministry intern. Lauren reflects on early homesickness that slowly transformed into a powerful sense of belonging, along with unforgettable childhood stories — including sleepwalking adventures, Murray Point trips, archery range memories, and the quiet magic of growing up alongside the same camp community year after year. The episode captures the evolution of teen camp culture too: extreme power napping trends, shifting traditions, and the energy of a full-summer staff experience packed with off-site adventures, creative programming, and the kind of chaos that only makes sense in hindsight. The conversation dives into dining hall loyalties and favorite graces, strategic dish pit roles, and a passionate dough bake debate. Lauren shares her campfire song picks, skit and talent show memories, and the influence of the people who shaped her faith and leadership journey. From WALO and Okema Olympics to night games and canoe trips, her stories paint a full picture of what it means to grow up at Okema. The episode closes with heartfelt reflections on Sleepy Hollow, certificate signing, giving back to camp, and the legends that keep evolving — including Moose Man and Guyman. It’s a generational look at Camp Okema tradition, community, and the moments that stay with you long after summer ends. Follow this link for Facebook, Instagram, Youtube, Apple Podcasts & Spotify: https://linktr.ee/campokemapod