Photo credit: Ness Lake Bible Camp

By Greg Fry

Polar Bear Dip

Warm temperatures bring out record number of people for annual Polar Bear Dip

Jan 2, 2024 | 5:10 AM

PRINCE GEORGE — The warmer temperatures brought out a record number of ‘dippers’ for the Ness Lake Bible Camp’s annual Polar Bear Dip on New Year’s Day.

A total of 216 people took part, blowing away the previous high of 115. A total of $27,735.97 was raised with the top fundraisers being the Stofers with $10,400, city councilor Trudy Klassen with $3,075 and Julianna Deweed with $1,000.

“It was so crazy to see so many people come and do the dip as well as spectate. There were so many people from all over that came to participate in the dip, one family went in together that were visiting from Mexico!” says organizer Dayna Penson.

Organizers say that the weather for the annual Polar Dip has ranged from -30C over the years to +5. Monday’s forecasted high was -1.

Since the event began 23 years ago, it’s brought in approximately $218,709. Money raised from the event goes towards the camper sponsorship fund which makes camp possible for families who would otherwise not be able to afford it.

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Ness Lake Bible Camp was founded in 1953 with over 65,000 children having participated in the program since it opened. Last year, the camp hosted 1,463 campers.