Steve Janz
Board Chairman
Stephen Janz was born in British Columbia, and was raised on the East Coast. He completed a ministry diploma at Canadian Bible College (now Ambrose University) in 1994. He then moved to Alberta and worked at camps in both Alberta and British Columbia where his passion for youth ministry and outdoor adventures continued to grow. During those years he also worked in construction, demolition, and maintenance. In 1999, through a unique set of circumstances, he recognized God’s leading to help establish one of the first year-round Christian camp facilities in the country of Latvia. Training horses and setting up a small western themed horse program was one of the first undertakings, along with site development, staff training and program development. He married in 2001, and together with his wife, Natalija, continued to focus on developing camping and youth mentoring ministries. This included 2 new camp facilities and a mobile summer camp package and program called Camp in a Box. They have been primarily focused on summer camp and community ministry especially related to children, youth and families in Latvia, for the last 25 years while raising support for their living expenses and ministry projects. Stephen was excited to connect with BBWC around 2012 while on furlough in Calgary. He had heard about this ministry through other camps BBWC led pack trips for many years earlier. He loved the concept of the wilderness adventures on horseback connected with youth ministry. Since that time he has attended a variety of BBWC camps as well as volunteering and hosting a couple weekend groups while on furlough over the years. Stephen and Natalija have 3 teenage boys aged 13, 17, and 18, and are living on an acreage near the city limits. They have been back in Calgary for the last couple years while Stephen continues to take trips to Latvia as needed to keep ministry moving forward and to lead missions teams. It is a privilege to serve the BBWC board, staff and supporters in this exciting season and look forward to getting to know the broader community as we discern together God’s direction in building on the rich history and heritage of ministry that is Blue Bronna Wilderness Camp.
Amber Brown
Vice Chair
Amber Brown grew up in the mountains, living and breathing Blue Bronna Wilderness Camp from a very young age. As the daughter of the founders of the camp, she got to see and experience the beauty of God’s creation every summer, while also watching firsthand the evolution of BBWC over the past 30+ years. Amber’s favourite part of camp growing up was the white-water rafting. Amber is recently married, and she has a passion for the environment, finance, sports and creation. She is honoured to be serving on the Blue Bronna Board and watching the hand of God work in people’s lives in a wilderness setting.
Deanna Morris
Board Member
Deanna was born in Terrace BC and spent her early childhood there before moving to Cochrane Alberta in December 2001. Camp has always been a huge part of Deanna’s life. Growing up she attended multiple different Bible camps in Alberta, BC, and Saskatchewan first as a camper and then later on volunteering and working as a cabin leader. After graduating High School she left for Australia where she spent her first week working at a small kids camp in New South Wales before spending the next 6 months attending Caprenwray Bible School where she studied Biblical theology. Once back in Canada Deanna jumped into the working field. She spent her first 2 years back working in group homes for individuals with special needs before transitioning and spending the next 7 1/2 years working at and eventually helping run a local before and after-school program in Cochrane. In the 7 1/2 years there, each summer Deanna would help run a summer camp program. Still carrying her passion for camp, children, and family, Deanna jumped at the chance to join the board of Blue Bronna and share her love of camp with everyone, letting God’s light and love shine through her.
Brinton Wolever
Board Member
Brinton grew up in Calgary, Alberta, and upon graduating high school, went off to McGill University in Montreal, where he completed a Bachelor of Commerce degree in Accounting. Coming back to Calgary, he completed his Chartered Accountant designation with a firm here, and most importantly, met and married his lovely wife Lauren. Together, they attend a Baptist church in downtown Calgary. He enjoyed over a decade in Scouts Canada and sailing on the west coast of B.C. with a Christian sailing organization, both of which instilled in him a love of camp. In their free time, Brinton and Lauren enjoy hiking, nordic, backcountry & alpine skiing, running, biking, reading, volunteering, and travelling together. and most importantly, met and married his lovely wife Lauren.
Lauren Wolever
Board Member
Lauren Wolever grew up in a secular family with 3 sisters. Her first encounter with summer camp and Jesus were at a Younglife camp in high school where she repented of her sin and began her walk with God. Since then, she has worked at 3 summer camps, one of which being Blue Bronna, and has developed a passion for serving marginalized populations. Lauren currently resides in her home city of Calgary, Alberta with her husband, and works full time as a special needs preschool teacher. She enjoys spending her spare time outdoors in the mountains with her husband. They can often be found skiing, hiking, and camping.
Kandice Heltman
Board Member
I'm blessed to be part of this incredible team that serves at Blue Bronna Wilderness Camp. The Lord rounded my family and I up to serve at Blue Bronna in 2019. I am from Ponoka Alberta. I live there with my husband of 25 years, our youngest daughter who is nearing adulthood, our herd of horses and a small pack of dogs. I also have 3+3 married-adult children along with one beautiful granddaughter. Blue Bronna’s mission combines my heart for the Lord, love for His people, His creation, camp ministry and my lifelong passion and mission with horses. With years of experience in horsemanship and a deep commitment to creating a nurturing and faith-based environment, I pray that every camper has an unforgettable and transformative experience at camp. Together as a board we seek the Lord in all we do for His glory and purposes at camp. We hope and pray your time at camp will be an adventure filled with joy, peace and wildness. May we all continue to experience His still small voice as we’re in His glorious wilderness, challenging our hearts to know Him more. Ride on!