The Campground Dream
In the Beginning...
Pardon this picture... The Brackley family had just unloaded a huge moving truck and we were exhausted but wanted to capture the moment we first arrived. We are a camping family at the core- even taking our newborn baby tenting! Half of our family is Autistic and we found our biggest joy was getting out of the city and going camping. Our favorite place to do that was in Sundre. For many years we saw this campground for sale and wished we could live out our dream of camping 24/7, in God's country. Wagons West had been built in the early 90's by four friends and had been through about seven owners and many transformations over the years. After seven years of working multiple jobs, saving every penny and taking many overtime hours as possible, we had finally arrived! We had no clue what we were doing. All we knew is that we wanted to create the perfect campground for our family.
Five Years Later
From our first day, we began to transform the campground once again. We wanted it to be a place that was a refuge, an escape, a safe haven for families and those with special needs. A seasonal family began to grow and together we built a playground, a mini putt, hosted spectacular international events, welcomed new babies, celebrated milestones, held drive-ins and concerts and supported one another through the tough times. We also connected with so many amazing families who come to camp with us year after year. We never expected the riches in relationships that we continue to reap and we are so honored that you create your special memories, with us.
My have we grown! Since the beginning, our focus has been on families. We strive to provide you with the rest and relaxation that comes with an awesome camping experience. To do that, we are constantly adding and improving our services. Our goal is to make sure that EVERYONE who comes to Wagons West feels welcome, included and comfortable. We are a special needs family so diversity is very near and dear to our hearts. It is an honor to make accommodations for our guests whenever we can - so that camping is accessible to everyone. Our plan is to keep the campground in our family for generations to come. We would be honored to have you as our guest.
Today...
A portion of all proceeds go to support:
Autism Society
Alberta
Autism Society Alberta (ASA) is a grassroots organization within the autism community connecting to it’s provincial members through regional partners and networking with agencies and associations throughout the province and nationwide.
ASA is dedicated to increasing public awareness about autism and the day-to-day issues faced by individuals with autism, their families and the professionals with whom they interact. The Society and its partners share a common mission of providing information and education, as well as supporting research and advocating for programs and supports for the autism community
Boston Terrier Rescue
Boston Terrier Rescue Canada (BTRC) is a registered Canadian non-profit organization made up entirely of unpaid volunteers who are dedicated to the rescue and rehabilitation of Boston Terriers and Boston Terrier mixes in Canada.
Our program takes in Boston Terriers that are abandoned, neglected, abused or that can no longer be cared for by their owners and we provide them with a safe haven, medical care, training, support and TLC. Our ultimate goal is to match every dog with a permanent, loving home through our careful adoption process.
Being a nation-wide organization, we do not have a central shelter facility. Instead, we rely solely upon a network of kind and caring volunteer foster homes to help the dogs transition from their previous life to their future forever homes.
BTRC works with animal shelters, veterinarians and the community to provide support for Bostons in need. We promote responsible dog ownership, including spay/neutering, positive training methods and humane care of Boston Terriers and all pets. We work to inform prospective Boston Terrier owners of the special qualities, characteristics and requirements of our breed, as well as educate the public about the issues surrounding commercial breeding facilities (puppy mills) and pet store animal sales.
Central Alberta Pregnancy Care Centre
The Central Alberta Pregnancy Care Centre is a Christian charity dedicated to upholding the sanctity of all human life. We help women, their partners, and their families to explore all pregnancy options; giving access to accurate information and the space and time needed to make a well informed decision. The Centre does not perform, refer, or advocate for abortion. However, we are committed to unconditional acceptance of everyone we serve, regardless of their choices.
Vision
“We envision Central Alberta as a community that honors every life through the restoration and transformation of individuals to wholeness.”
Mission
“To offer support and education in a loving environment to individuals and families impacted by pregnancy and its effects.”
Watoto
Watoto is a holistic care program that was initiated as a response to the overwhelming number of orphaned children and vulnerable women in Uganda. It is positioned to rescue individuals, raise each one as a leader in their chosen sphere of life so that they in turn will rebuild their nation.
The Watoto model involves physical care, medical intervention including HIV/AIDS treatment, education - formal and technical, trauma counselling and spiritual discipleship.
We exist to raise the next generation of African leaders, by pursuing excellence in academic and practical skills, integrity in conduct and moral values, so that each one becomes a responsible and a productive citizen.
We aim to replicate the model in other countries across the continent so as to fast-track the rescue of orphaned children and vulnerable women in Africa.
The ministry has also been extended to reach out to vulnerable women as well as the war-affected community in Northern Uganda including the many child soldiers who were forced to become weapons of war. Since 1994 the Watoto Children's Choir, founded by Gary and Marilyn Skinner, have travelled all around the world as advocates for the children of Africa. Their lively singing inspires audiences as they witness first hand the hope and joy the children have found in Jesus Christ.