Van-Es Camp & Conference Centre

Van-Es Camp & Conference Centre Our Harmony Centre is ideal for your meeting and seminar needs. Our Morning Star Hall is well-equipped to host up to 175 people for day conferences.

The Van-Es Camp & Conference Centre is the perfect place to meet the needs of those organizing conferences, courses, retreats, workshops, reunions, birthday parties and weddings. The Van-Es Camp & Conference Centre has modern banquet facilities, conference and meeting rooms (with hi-speed Internet access), indoor swimming pool and hot tub, historic chapel, and wonderful grounds with miles of natur

e trails. We offer a number of menus for catered meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, even banquets. Our pool is great for aquafit classes and swimming lessons. And our chapel and grounds are an ideal place to hold your wedding. Located just 20 minutes southeast of Edmonton on South Cooking Lake, the Van-Es Camp and Conference Centre is located on 100 acres of secluded wooded land. Modern and rustic cabins for around 65 people are also available for overnight accommodation year-round. Camp trailer and motor home accommodation with electrical hook up and space for tenting are also available. For the Van-Es Camp web site, please click here: www.vanescamp.com/

08/26/2026

☀️ There’s still a little summer left at Van Es!

Before fall rolls in, take one last look at summer at Van Es — from the beautiful scenery to the spaces where memories are made. 🌲

There’s still time to come enjoy the outdoors, make some memories, and soak up the last bit of summer!

🧵 There’s a story behind every quilt.Each bed at Unity Lodge features a handmade quilt created by the Unity Quilters.The...
08/20/2026

🧵 There’s a story behind every quilt.

Each bed at Unity Lodge features a handmade quilt created by the Unity Quilters.

These quilts aren’t just decorations — they were thoughtfully made by people in the community and are now part of the experience for everyone who stays at Unity Lodge.

There’s something really special about knowing that the hands that made these quilts belong to people who wanted to add a little warmth and care to a place where others could come together, rest and make memories.

A small piece of someone’s story, waiting on every bed 🏕️

1950 – Service Memorial Chapel ⛪️A look back at the Service Memorial Chapel when it was first built in 1950. This histor...
08/19/2026

1950 – Service Memorial Chapel ⛪️

A look back at the Service Memorial Chapel when it was first built in 1950. This historic photo captures the Chapel in its early days, surrounded by the people who helped make Van Es Camp what it is today.

Built from heavy timber and stone, the Chapel quickly became one of the most important buildings at camp—a place where generations have gathered, reflected, and shared meaningful moments.

75+ years later, its history remains a part of the heart of Van Es Camp. 🌲

🏗️ From the Ground Up: The Harmony CentreTake a look back at the construction of the Harmony Centre at Van Es. 📸Built in...
08/18/2026

🏗️ From the Ground Up: The Harmony Centre

Take a look back at the construction of the Harmony Centre at Van Es. 📸

Built in 1992 as part of a major site expansion, the Harmony Centre introduced an indoor swimming pool, kitchenette, and large auditorium/hall space.

But there’s more to the name than you might think.

The Harmony Centre was named after a historic series of ships that served as a “link to home.”

From its beginnings in construction to the memories made here over the years, these photos capture a special piece of Van Es history 🏕️

HISTORY FACT: Did You Know? 🏕️🌽A big piece of Moravian history started right here at Van Es.In 1993, Les Westwood initia...
08/17/2026

HISTORY FACT: Did You Know? 🏕️🌽

A big piece of Moravian history started right here at Van Es.

In 1993, Les Westwood initiated the first Moravian Cornroast, bringing congregations together on the final Sunday of August.

And roasting the corn was no small operation. It was treated like a precise, high-stakes science, requiring a pit, a lot of wood, and one very large bonfire.

A piece of Moravian history that began right here at Van Es.

HISTORY FACT! 🏕️Did you know? In an ultimate DIY project, these two cabins were built by Junior High campers themselves ...
08/14/2026

HISTORY FACT! 🏕️

Did you know?

In an ultimate DIY project, these two cabins were built by Junior High campers themselves in 1970 as part of a camp craft project. 🔨🌲

What started as a summer camp project became a lasting piece of Van Es history — still standing more than 50 years later!

Showcasing a little more of our Retreat House! 🌲Tucked away in the trees, the Retreat House offers a private space to sl...
08/13/2026

Showcasing a little more of our Retreat House! 🌲

Tucked away in the trees, the Retreat House offers a private space to slow down, reconnect, and enjoy a peaceful getaway surrounded by nature.

Take a closer look at this special space at Van Es. ✨

Nature Fact of the Week: The "Canadian" Imposter! Did you know that one of the most recognizable wildflowers in our area...
08/13/2026

Nature Fact of the Week: The "Canadian" Imposter!

Did you know that one of the most recognizable wildflowers in our area is hiding a secret about its identity? Today we are talking about the Canada Thistle!

If you are hiking the trails around Van Es Camp and Conference, you have likely brushed past these spiky, purple-topped plants.

Here are three quick facts about this fascinating (and stubborn) flower:

1) It is not actually Canadian: Despite its name, the Canada Thistle (Cirsium arvense) is not native to North America at all! It was accidentally introduced from Europe and Asia in the 1600s and spread rapidly.

2) It is an underground architect: Why is it so hard to get rid of in gardens? A single Canada Thistle plant can grow a massive, creeping horizontal root system that extends several meters underground, allowing it to easily survive harsh Alberta winters.

3) It is a pollinator paradise: We might view it as a prickly w**d, but to our local insects, it is an all-you-can-eat buffet! Those bright purple, nectar-rich flowers are absolute magnets for bees, butterflies, and other vital pollinators in the Beaver Hills Biosphere.

Next time you are exploring the camp grounds, keep an eye out for these beautiful but aggressive blooms—and see how many busy bees you can spot enjoying them! 🐝

08/12/2026

Unity Lodge Is Waiting for You 🌲

Your next gathering deserves a space like this. Bring the crew, settle in, and enjoy having a place where everyone can be together. ✨

08/11/2026

Things you might not know about the trails at Van Es!

Miles of trails, wildlife, native plants, and access to South Cooking Lake — there’s more to explore than you might think! 🥾

Which one surprised you? Let us know in the comments👇

Address

51244 Range Road 220
Sherwood Park, AB
T8E1G9

Telephone

+17809222457

Website

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