Our Philosophy
More Than Just Camp!
Forest Cliff draws kids away from the routine of daily life and puts them in a new environment with unique experiences that offer growth, independence and discovery. We focus on building intentional, caring relationships between our leaders and your kids. It's through these encouraging and motivating relationships that kids develop a sense of belonging, learn more about themselves and God and grow into their true potential!
Our Vision & Mission
Forest Cliff Camp aspires to be a pioneering ministry and an indispensable partner in changing young lives.
We seek to fulfill this through our mission, which is to create life-impacting and unforgettable experiences that encourage young people to learn more of themselves and God and inspire them to grow into their true potential.
Our Values
In addition to our mission, we hold a number of values that influence the way we think and do camp.
- We desire life change for ourselves and others through God's message of love, forgiveness and hope.
- We are committed to serving children, youth and young people. We want to meet the diverse needs of all our guests.
- We are passionate about doing ministry in the context of personal, caring relationships and inclusive and close communities. As a result we expend a great deal of time and energy finding, developing, and retaining people who relate to others in such a manner.
- We are committed to delivering unique, exciting and inclusive experiences. This translates into the integration of faith and fun, diversity in programming and a resolve to meet and engage every young person at their level of maturity and development.
We seek to be a listening, learning and leading organization that launches young people into a life of purpose and Kingdom service.
Our Beliefs
We believe in one God, eternally existing in three persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
We believe that Jesus Christ was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, was true God and true man existing in one person and was without sin. We believe in His representative and substitutionary sacrifice, his bodily resurrection, His ascension to the Father, His present life as Lord of all, and His personal return in power and glory.
We believe that the Holy Spirit indwells and gives life to believers, enables them to understand and apply the Scriptures, empowers them for godly living, and equips them for service and witness.
We believe the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments are the inspired Word of God, fully trustworthy, and the final authority in all matters of the Christian faith and life.
We believe that each member of the human race is fallen, sinful, and lost; that Jesus Christ provides the only ground for forgiveness of sins and justification to all who receive Him by faith; and that only through regeneration by the Holy Spirit can they become children of God.
We believe that the one, holy, universal church is the body of Christ, composed of all regenerated people. This redeemed community worships God and seeks to proclaim the Good News to all people.
Our Direction Team
Tyler Shaule BSc BEd | Chief Executive Officer
Tyler has enjoyed over 20 years of involvement at Forest Cliff Camp. As a camper Tyler developed a love and passion for Forest Cliff and went on to experience camp as a volunteer, Counsellor, Assistant Director and Executive Director. Tyler completed certificates in Outdoor Recreation and Biblical Studies from Summit College and went on to study at the University of Western Ontario, earning Bachelor degrees in Medical Biophysics and Education. Tyler returned to Forest Cliff in 2013 after 8 years as a secondary teacher with the Thames Valley District School Board. Tyler is committed to encouraging children and youth to discover more of themselves and God, to experience life changing moments and build lasting friendships through the Forest Cliff Experience. Tyler met his wife Janet at Forest Cliff Camp in 2000. "Rover" and "Kiwi" currently reside in London with their 3 children Owen, Theodore, and Elliott.
Jon Burkholder BRE | Executive Director of Day Camps
"Obi-Jon" has been involved in camp culture since childhood and loves serving with the Forest Cliff team! Jon's enthusiasm and vision for bringing Forest Cliff experiences to kids and families is why he'll tell you that he's "living the dream". He holds a Bachelor Degree in Religious Education from Heritage College, and served for 10 years as a Christian school teacher and Vice Principal. Jon is for kids - he has lead many children's outreach programs, coached and served as a guidance counsellor and mentor. Creating new adventures at Day Camps is one of his favourite things and he loves to show all kids just how much Jesus loves them! He also likes sci-fi, comics, sports and collecting pretty much everything. Jon, Aislinn, Lewis, Isaac and their cat Macey, have a fun-filled home in St. Thomas.
Leah Lapp BSc | Associate Director of Year Round Programs
Leah joined the Forest Cliff team in 2017, and she has been passionate about creating excellent camp experiences for kids of all ages ever since. Leah loves working with young leaders, encouraging them to grow into their God-given gifts and skills, and she is excited to be a part of the Direction Team. Leah holds a Biblical Studies Certificate from Emmanuel Bible College (Kitchener, ON) as well as a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics (Ottawa,ON), and she is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Education at Western University (London, ON). Leah finds joy and purpose in seeing how camp and the gospel impacts young people, and she is eager to see how God continues to move in and through the staff and kids at Forest Cliff.
Keith Lockhart BSc | Overnight Camp Director
Keith joined the direction team in May 2019, but has been involved with Forest Cliff for 5 years. Keith grew up attending Forest Cliff as a camper, but never pursued volunteering or staff opportunities. After 8 years away from camp, he got reconnected in his last year of university. Since then he has been passionate about growing young leaders through camp ministry and the life of Jesus.
Matt Lockhart D.GD | Social & Media Production Manager
Matt worked at Forest Cliff from 2016-2019 as a Counsellor and Program Director. Matt was connected to Forest Cliff through his brother Keith where he grew his passion for camp and youth ministry. Matt pursued his passion for creative arts and camp ministry during 2021-2022 while working as a videographer/photographer at Camp Qwanoes in BC. He was led back to Forest Cliff where his call for camp ministry began. You can find Matt making videos and cracking jokes with campers and staff.
Reagan Martinez-Ramos CYW | Fundraising Manager & Executive Assistant
Reagan has been involved in many staff positions at Forest Cliff Camp since she was a camper herself. Reagan received her Child & Youth Worker Advanced Diploma from Lambton College. She is passionate about making Forest Cliff Camp a safe place for all children and staff where they can share their life stories, discover purpose, build encouraging relationships and experience the love of God. She is thrilled to be a part of FCC as we grow to impact more and more lives.
Krista Van Weezep | Administrative Assistant
Krista has great memories of being a camper at Forest Cliff in her youth. Now she is thrilled to provide camp experiences for her daughters as well, as they create lasting memories both at Forest Cliff Day Camp and Overnight Camp. Joining the Forest Cliff staff in November 2023, Krista brings her administrative skills to our registration team. She is passionate about helping parents, supporting the team and mission of Forest Cliff.
Karen Wiseman BRE | Registrar & Business Manager
Karen grew up loving camp, and in fact, that's where she earned her one and only trophy. She served in the kitchen and in counselling capacities as well. In 2015 Karen joined the Forest Cliff team, bringing her Bachelor of Religious Education and administrative experience along. When she's not behind her desk in the London office, you'll find Karen at home with her family or snuggling her grand babies.
Board of Directors
The Board of Directors provides guidance and expertise to the ministry of Forest Cliff Camp by:
- Determining the organization's Mission and Vision
- Selecting and supporting the Executive staff
- Ensuring organizational effectiveness in accomplishing our Mission and Vision
- Maintaining compliance with government bodies
- Providing financial transparency and accountability
- Advancing the ministry of Forest Cliff Camp
Board of Directors
Phillip Bruce (Chair)
Ron Baker
Grant Hall
Jennifer Naccarato (Treasurer)
Scott Stein
Nadia Zeversenuke (Vice-Chair)
