Christ the King Camp Marean Lake, Saskatchewan
Purchased in 1961 by Father Francis Meyer-Zielinski for the purpose of providing summer camps with catechetical instruction for children, Christ the King Camp was operational for youth camps in 1963
Father Zielinski, then pastor of the Blessed Virgin Mary parish in Porcupine Plain, bought the property from Mr. Ladoucer with money borrowed from friends. A portion of this property near the lake was then cleared and a few buildings erected with the valuable help of friends and volunteers primarily from the neighbouring Knights of Columbus charters (Kelvington, Nipawin, Melfort and Tisdale).
After the sudden death of his friend and colleague on July 29, 1970, Monsignor Edmond B. Ulinski of the parish of Notre Dame de la Nativity in Zenon Park was given permission from the bishop of Prince Albert, His Excellency, Bishop Laurent Morrin to continue the work of his friend promoting the camp as a place that invited faithful people to find God through the beauty of nature thus nourishing themselves spiritually during their earthly pilgrimage.
In 1971 the Rex Mundi Society, a non-profit corporation, founded primarily by Knights of Columbus members who contributed funds and volunteer hours, was incorporated to operate the camp.
Mr. Laurent Fournier accepted responsibility as camp director and administrator in 1983 from Monsignor Ulinski, who was finding it difficult to administer from his new parish posting at St. Mark's Parish in Prince Albert. Under Mr. Laurent's direction a building was purchased and attached to an existing building to serve as a large dining and meeting hall. The structure was named the monsignor Ulinski Centre. Mr. Fournier looked after the administration of Christ the King Camp until his retirement in 1994.
Extensive damage from a heavy snowfall and vandalism in the fall of 1993, followed by a lack of volunteers and a dwindling board member interest caused a depletion of funds due to a revenue shortage which left the camp sitting idle for several years.
A renewal of interest in 1997 from volunteers and deanery sparked a resurgence of activity resulting in funding and labour that provided camp rejuvenation, which continues to be ongoing.
Today, a group of board members are intent on maintaining the camp, as a place for families to strengthen their family bonds and their relationships' with God through nature, as hosts for retreats, reunions, wedding/anniversary celebrations, etc.
Bringing the camp a little closer to its roots by maintaining the visions of their predecessors, a separate group of volunteers in 2018, obtained a week of camp for children and youth to give them the opportunity to enjoy God's blessings through Faith, Fun, Fellowship and Food @ Christ the King YOUTH Camp!