The camp kitchen and mess hall has been the hub for St. John Bosco Wilderness Camp for over 60 years. Since before social media, internet, or even colour TV, young people were gathering in this hall to eat, sing, talk, laugh and pray.

Having served the wilderness camp for so many years, it has been recognized that a new dining hall facility is needed as we look to the future needs of our campers. Countless hours of volunteer work and donations have kept this vital facility in service for many years; now is the time to plan for a new structure to serve the camp into the future.

Help Support the Campaign

The goal of a new kitchen and dining hall is ambitious, which is why we are reaching out for your help. Our goal is to have the funds in place for construction in 2026 and to be operational by the following year. Please help us continue to give kids the opportunity to answer the Northern Call.

If you recognize anyone in these photos or in our special photo gallery, we would love to hear from you. Share your memories on our Facebook page or tag our Instagram account.

Update Food Preparation Services

One of the key goals of the Bosco Dining Hall Campaign is to build a modern building equipped with modern appliances for food preparation as per code in a public facility. The opportunity to start with a fresh layout will maximize the efficiency for serving large groups of campers. In addition to feeding the masses, a new facility will allow us to better serve the needs of campers with special dietary needs. We believe every child should have the opportunity to experience Saskatchewan’s northern wilderness.

Building for the Future

The current hall has allowed us to feed six decades of summer campers at Zeden Lake. Out-tripping will continue to be the core of the camp experience, and a new kitchen will provide a dedicated area for prepping and packaging supplies for overnight expeditions.

The existing structure will be repurposed into a meeting and activity centre when the kids are in- camp. If you were once a John Bosco camper, you will still see your old mess hall when bringing your kids to camp.

Supporting the Bosco Spirit

Young people come to St. John Bosco to experience wilderness and leave with friendships formed when challenging themselves in the northern forest. It is important to keep all our campers well fed when on their adventures in accordance to government regulations and parents expectations. A new facility will meet and exceed the standards required for today’s organizations.

The Core of the Camp

As with most homes, the kitchen is central not only to the house, but the family. At Bosco, the kitchen serves the same role. It is not only where we gather to eat, but to sing, brag, gossip, prank and pray. Many lifelong relationships started with sharing stories while sharing a bench at the table.