Inter-Varsity’s ministries in Alberta are fired by the energy of a new Leadership Team: Tom Greentree (Calgary & Grande Prairie), Lisa Laird (Edmonton), Troy Taylor (Lethbridge), and Roberta Cross (Pioneer Ranch Camps).

They are dedicated to the health and growth of all IV’s ministries – on campus, at camp and in the world at large – unified by our mission to transform youth and students into fully committed followers of Jesus Christ.

IV’s work touches many:

	from camp to campus (high school, college, university)
	from little kids (our youngest campers are 6!) to seniors (some of our great volunteers)
	from local students to visiting internationals
	from Christian students to those who have never before heard the gospel

Roberta Cross is the team’s newest member. Bringing her experience in diplomacy, business and communications and her childhood at Pioneer Saskatchewan, she began as Executive Director for Pioneer Ranch Camps on March 1, 2007.   

You are invited to participate in our community and mission in Alberta.  Our commitment is to make a place for everyone, and for all to celebrate God’s work amoung us.

	Junior Boys Camp at Sundre, July 8 - 14 Places are available for boys grades 4 - 6. Check us out at www.pioneercamps.ab.ca
	Senior Boys Camp at Rocky, August 4 – 17 Places are available for boys grade 7 – 12. Check us out at www.pioneercamps.ab.ca

Peace Country is booming! Pioneer is heading into another strong summer of camping, and there's now a full-time staff worker at Grande Prairie Regional College.

Mike Bennett was until recently a colleague of Rick Erlendson at GPRC. As IVCF volunteers, they encouraged the student ministry, supported Peace Country Pioneer, and did some strategic camper follow-up. Mike's passion for this mission work grew to where he wanted to move to a new level.

We welcome Mike, Kleanza and their three children – Kiara, Jalena, and Callen – into this new level of the IV family.

The dynamic duo of Cayley Webber and Naomi Fisher led a powerful team of young and enthusiastic Christian leaders during Spring Program at Pioneer Ranch Camps.

The Spring Program team hosts school and church groups at the Lodge (Sundre) and the Ranch (Rocky Mountain House) in May and June. Our guests learn about our faith through being in close contact with Christian leaders and the joy they bring to horseback riding, canoeing, archery, outdoor skills and campfire.

Among the fabulous comments the team received are -- “these leaders were exceptional,” and “these are God’s workers, too good to be true.”

Cayley and Naomi are part of the IV leadership at the U of A. Spring Program is one of our most exciting camp-campus overlaps. Young leaders continue to develop their Godly character through service to youth, living in community, solving problems, and having some silly fun.

Erin Mullinger has been a key leader in the work of IVCF for the last five years. She recently graduated with two degrees, Political Science and Environmental Science, and is excited to serve Jesus wherever she goes. Erin was recently interviewed by Tom Greentree.   

You have been very involved in Inter-Varsity for several years. Tell us a little about it.

Since my first year at the University of Calgary, I have worked at Pioneer as a cabin leader and as a lifeguard, gone on an Urban Plunge, been involved on the VCF student leadership team on campus, and led bible studies. This past May, I participated in a Global Partnership.

Global Partnerships are new to the U of C. What is a GP?

Thirteen of us went to the Caucasus region and participated in a Cultural-Linguistic Exchange at a university. We shared about Canada, learned about the Caucasus, and built relationships with students there. We took day trips to different areas of the country, went shopping with students, toured the city, and were hosted for dinner at student’s homes. We also connected with student believers and shared stories about what God is doing in our student groups.

In what new ways did this GP challenge you?

One new challenge was to trust God to provide in material ways. From fundraising to navigating in a foreign country, my tendency is to control my environment. During the preparation and the trip itself, I saw God provide in ways I never thought possible. 

How did your other experiences with IVCF (Pioneer, VCF, Urban Plunge) prepare you for this GP?

All of my experiences with IVCF challenged me in tangible ways to take risks in my personal and spiritual life. This was instrumental in deciding to go on the GP. Pioneer, VCF and Urban Plunge also prepared me to be willing to be used by God despite what I see as my limitations. 

As a graduating student, how has Jesus used IVCF to shape your Christian life and calling?

IVCF provided mechanisms to discover more about my faith and about who Jesus wants me to be. I was given the opportunity to grow and learn in an environment that encourages risk, questions and growth in community. I feel like I have been challenged to see the enormous wealth of opportunity to serve God in the world around me and to use my gifts and skills wherever I go.