People around the world brave icy waters to kick off 2026
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PRINCE GEORGE – 202 people braved the icy waters at Ness Lake Bible Camp for its 25th annual Polar Bear Dip. Held on New Years Day, this tradition has become a community favourite way to begin the new year, but the Camp says it was pleasantly surprised to see people around the world take part as well.
“A lady said she was from Ecuador, another man said he was from Brazil, and Colombia, and Hawaii, snd we’re like, ‘what are you doing here? That’s crazy!’ And they went in the water, so that was really cool to see, people either visiting family or just new to the country, and they are taking part in the Polar Bear Dip too, and it’s just amazing to see,” said the Camp’s Program Director Dayna Penson.
Penson says the Camp’s gym was packed as the community came out in full force to jump in the lake, or even just watch and support from the comfort of land. The event is certainly a fun spectacle, but beyond that, it’s also of great importance for the Camp’s fundraising efforts. There’s no official number yet but Penson estimates around $30,000 was raised, which goes into helping kids attend summer camp who may otherwise not be able to afford it.
“We’re so happy with the amount of people that are part of it and the money that’s raised because every person that goes in and raises some money to go in the water, we know that’s another kid being sent to camp,” Penson said.
