In 1965, a group of Unitarians in Vancouver, British Columbia became aware of a 160 acre parcel of unspoiled land for sale on the shores of a large lake in southeastern B.C. They decided to try to keep it in its unspoiled state so that people could enjoy its natural beauty and use it for family camping.

Robert Fulghum of the District Executive, Pacific Northwest District of the Unitarian Church, negotiated the purchase of the property for $35,000 in January 1966.

To acquire the land, the Northwest Wilderness Society was registered in November 1965 under the BC Societies Act as a non-profit enterprise whose main purposes are:

• promoting the principles of Unitarianism and strengthening the bonds of fellowship among the people of the Pacific Northwest.
• to be affiliated with and to cooperate with the PNWD, the Canadian Unitarian Council, and the Churches and Fellowships of the UUA.

The first camp at the Wilderness was held from June 27 to Sept. 1, 1966. The camp has operated every summer since then. Camp is open with the camp director on site and the boat running from July 1st to August 31st.

It is not necessary to be a Unitarian member to experience the Wilderness. People of all faiths, or no faith, are welcome to camp with us.

What a delight to have these original letters from our founder

Our Vision
We are stewards of the land. We facilitate enjoyment of this land and are committed to preserving the peace, beauty and essential wildness while protecting it from development so that future generations may continue to draw nourishment from it.

Our Mission
Our mission is to promote the principles and values of Unitarianism, and to strengthen the bonds among Unitarians, their families and friends, by experiencing community in a wilderness setting.  Find out more about Unitarianism here.

Unitarian Principles

We, the member congregations of the Canadian Unitarian Council, covenant to affirm and promote:

• The inherent worth and dignity of every person;
• Justice, equity, and compassion in human relations;
• Acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth in our congregations;
• A free and responsible search for truth and meaning;
• The right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregations and in society at large;
• The goal of world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all;
• Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part.