We have four pillars of our program ministry at Covenant Pines Ministries: Safe, Fun, Gospel and Experience. We take that first pillar very seriously and implement many practices to ensure campers have a safe week at camp. One those practices is having trained medical staff on site every week at camp caring for the safety and well being of our campers!
Our medical staff at CPBC is a group of volunteer, licensed medical professionals. Every week we have two “Camp Nurses” on site who provide care for campers. We have ER Doctors, night shift nurses, pediatric specialty nurses, school nurses, NPs and PAs throughout the summer who spend a week at Covenant Pines as the camp nurse. We have 2-3 medical staff at camp at all times to provide everyone with a break and to manage all the tasks. The team spends time getting to know each camper and spends the week administering medications, helping campers when they get hurt or aren’t feeling well, and often providing some emotional support to campers who are homesick or need some extra TLC.
One of our lead nurses, Jen Good describes a day as a nurse like this, “Grabbing a cup of coffee or tea and heading off for breakfast to pass morning medications to campers. Between meals we hang around the health center or watch camp activities to be available for any injured or ill campers. Heath center staff is welcome to participate in chapels and other camp activities during the day and that’s a fun way to get to know the campers. In the evening we reset all the medications for the next day, help prepare for the following week of camp, and often get a little time to relax before campers head off for bed. Sometimes there’s time for a little relaxing in a hammock, reading a book, or having a nice chat with campers.”
Being a camp nurse is a rewarding experience, as you get the unique opportunity to get to know and engage with every camper. You also get time to experience camp, enjoy the outdoors and witness campers taking their next step in Christian faith. It is a great way to spend a week of your summer! Not to mention, if you volunteer as a camp nurse, you get a credit for a free week of camp for a camper of your own. Jen adds this,
“The best perk is no cooking or doing dishes for an entire week (unless you enjoy it and want to pitch in to help the kitchen crew, which some of us do, but it’s never expected)! Just being at camp and enjoying the beauty and connections with God is a perk. Camp also gives one free camper registration for volunteers in the health center. If you have a child anxious about going to camp alone, this is a great way to “be there” and also give them a sense of independence in their camp experience. They love knowing their parent or grandparent is there if they need them. I also love coaching a camper who’s really missing home, or is away for the first time, through their fears and seeing the joy in their face when they make it through the week. I also LOVE connecting with the high school students and having some “real” life conversations. We are there to support the whole camper, and that often means caring for their minds and souls, as much as their bodies. We have a unique connection with campers, and a freezie pop or a hug always deepens it even more.”
We are looking for licensed medical professionals to join our 2025 medical staff at Covenant Pines. We’d love to have you join us! If you are interested or have questions, email Jen Good. She can be reached at nurse@covenantpines.org!
Youth camp has always felt like the bread and butter of what we do here at CPM. We love having youth campers up for summer camp and retreats as we encourage them to take their next step in Christian faith. In recent years, we noticed that some of our programmed retreats were decreasing in attendance. With guest groups eager to rent space at camp, we ended up putting some of those youth retreats on the back burner for now, but that doesn’t mean youth ministry hasn’t still been happening. Over the past few years, we’ve noticed an exciting trend in some of our church youth retreats at both Covenant Pines and Adventurous Christians – youth groups, especially ones from smaller churches, collaborating on retreats to experience together.
We love offering program retreats, but have learned that we don’t always need to be the ones running the show. We have talented youth pastors and volunteers in churches who can plan and execute a retreat beautifully, while we offer the space, activities and staff to assist. We’ve been able to shift our relationship with youth retreats and it has felt like a win-win.
Emmanuel Covenant in Shoreview makes their way up to Covenant Pines multiple times a year. Their Junior High Retreat in the fall was joined by Salem Covenant, Roseville Covenant and Plymouth Covenant. Arctic Blast is a winter retreat for middle school and high school students that started in 2023 by Faith Covenant and this year had 81 students and six different churches. Up at AC – Linwood Covenant, Karmel Covenant and Community Covenant in Upsala join together over President’s Day to retreat together.
We chatted with Chris Kelly from Linwood Covenant and Paula Herko from Restoration along with Davey Neubauer from Faith Covenant about their experiences with collaborating with other churches to on youth retreats – see what they had to say below:
What made you want to do a retreat with other youth groups?
Paula + Davey: In 2022, we saw an opportunity to create something meaningful for smaller youth groups. It started when Davey Neubauer from Faith Covenant wanted to take his new youth group on a fall retreat, but at the time, there wasn’t a middle school camp available. After learning that Covenant Pines could be rented, the gears started turning—what if we invited other churches with smaller youth ministries to join? A few phone calls later, the vision was born: to create a retreat specifically designed for smaller youth groups, giving them an experience they might not be able to provide on their own.
From the very beginning, this retreat has been about more than just coming together for a weekend—it’s about reminding students that they’re part of something bigger. Worshiping, learning, and growing alongside students from other churches creates a unique atmosphere of energy and encouragement that deepens their faith and helps them see the broader body of Christ in action.
Chris: Honestly, a big part of it is that we youth pastors like each other and enjoy doing ministry together. When you find people who share your heart for students and discipleship, it just makes sense to team up. Beyond that, we wanted to give our students a retreat experience that helps them see they’re part of something bigger than just their own youth group. It’s powerful for them to worship, learn, and grow alongside other students who are also following Jesus.
What is the advantage of collaborating with other churches to provide a youth retreat experience?
Paula + Davey: Collaboration allows us to create a more dynamic and impactful retreat experience. With multiple churches involved, we can pool our strengths—whether that’s speakers, worship teams, or leaders—offering students a well-rounded weekend. It also gives students a chance to build connections with other believers that are their age, helping them see that faith isn’t just something they walk alone.
Chris: There are so many benefits. First, it builds relationships—not just between youth pastors, but between students who might not have crossed paths otherwise. It also creates a richer retreat environment because we can bring different strengths to the table. Some of us are stronger in teaching, others in worship, others in organizing logistics, and when we combine those gifts, the experience is even better. Plus, it’s just more fun!
What is a highlight of one of your youth retreats?
Paula + Davey: One of the biggest highlights was seeing students open up about their faith. Whether it was during worship, small group discussions, or even late-night conversations in the cabins, you could see God moving in their hearts. A powerful moment was when students took time to reflect and pray on Saturday night during worship, really leaning into what God was revealing to them and asking their leaders to listen and pray with them. Plus, the “Where’s Waldo?” theme made for some hilarious and memorable moments throughout the weekend!
Chris: One moment that really stands out from last year was a late-night worship time in the lodge. After the planned session wrapped up, no one wanted to leave. Students kept singing, praying for each other, and sharing what God was doing in their hearts. It was completely unprompted but ended up being one of the most meaningful moments of the weekend. Seeing students take ownership of their faith in that way—that’s what it’s all about.
Can other churches join your youth retreat in the future?
Paula + Davey: Absolutely! We love partnering with other churches to create opportunities for students to grow in their faith. If a church with a youth ministry of 25 students or less is interested in joining us in the future, we’d love to connect and explore how we can make that happen!
Chris: Potentially! Right now, the size works well for what we do at Adventurous Christians, but we’re always open to talking with others who share a similar vision for this kind of retreat.
Anything else you want to share about your retreat?
Paula + Davey: Arctic Blast wasn’t just a weekend away—it was a time for students to reset, refocus, and take steps forward in their faith. The mix of high-energy games, powerful messages, and intentional small group time created an environment where students felt both challenged and encouraged. We’re incredibly grateful for Covenant Pines and all they do to create a space where students can encounter Jesus in a meaningful way!
Chris: Even though this is just our second year doing this retreat at AC, we already see it becoming a tradition we hope to continue for many years to come. What makes it so special is its simplicity. There’s something about being in the northwoods—away from distractions, under the stars, in deep conversations with God and each other—that sticks with students long after they leave. They come back refreshed, challenged, and more connected to their faith, and that’s what keeps us coming back.
If you are a church that is interested in joining one of these retreats – don’t hesitate! You can reach out to the following people to get the conversation started.
Middle School Fall Retreat: Dan Schwarz, Emmanuel Covenant
Arctic Blast Winter Retreat: Davey Neubauer, Faith Covenant
Chris Kelly, Linwood Covenant
The end of the year is always a very natural time to reflect on all that has happened in the past twelve months. For us here at CPM, we find ourselves extremely grateful for 2024. This was a very significant year for our ministry and we are so thankful to all our campers, staff, volunteers, donors and friends who made it possible. As 2024 comes to a close, we find ourselves full of thanks and anticipation for what is to come in 2025.
In our last staff meeting of the year, our staff was chatting about what we are looking forward to in the new year. For some, it is their first time experiencing year round camp ministry, and they are looking forward to seeing what the rest of the retreat season holds and establishing relationships with campers and volunteers. Others are looking forward to summer ministry – meeting the summer staff, more next steps nights and seeing campers grow in their faith and feeling more settled in the Worship Center.
Our friends at AC are looking forward to completing some projects and seeing how that impacts how we do ministry, our new and upcoming Clergy Canoe Trip, and also fixing up our canoe fleet and preparing for summer trips thanks to our generous Portage Partners. In the Twin Cities, Holly is looking forward to kicking off some new projects and fun events that will hopefully continue to allow growth and sustainability for CPM.
The thing people were most excited for in 2025? SNOW! After a brown winter in 2024 our staff on both properties are ready for some serious winter fun. This was such a good reminder about what we do at camp – and that one of our pillars of ministry is FUN! We hope to see many of you at camp this winter to check out the new and improved broom ball rink at CPBC or take a cross country ski at AC – and so we can provide you with a safe, fun, gospel experience.
Our applications for Summer 2025 are OPEN! If you or someone you know is thinking about working at camp this summer – take a look at these Summer Staff Application FAQs that our Program Directors Jared and Lexi Covenant Pines Bible Camp and Trisha at Adventurous Christians have put together.
Are Summer Staff Applications Open?
CPBC: YES
AC: YES!
When do you start doing interviews for summer staff?
CPBC: We will start doing interviews in December. Jared or Lexi will reach out to set one up with you!
AC: We already have! We try to set up an interview within a couple weeks of receiving an application.
I am interested in working at camp, but can’t commit to working the whole summer. Should I still apply?
CPBC: Yes. We hire staff each year with varying availability. We will work with you and your schedule.
AC: Sure! Our guide staff need to be around for the entirety of staff training, but we can be flexible with the rest of the summer. Other positions like kitchen and in-base are even more flexible. We appreciate knowing your availability as far ahead as possible.
What is the value of spending one of my summers as a young adult at camp?
CPBC: Building lifelong friendships. Spiritual and personal growth. Opportunity to serve others.
AC: Many people consider Boundary Waters trips to be a once in a lifetime experience. Working at AC, you get to not only experience it, but become proficient and enable other peoples experiences while living in Christian community. There are endless opportunities to grow physically, mentally, relationally, and spiritually against the backdrop of service in God’s creation.
When does staff training start?
CPBC: June 3rd
AC: May 26th
I’d love to work at camp for the summer, but I need an internship for school. What are my options?
CPBC: We offer several different internship opportunities that fit most majors. If you mention it during your interview we will work out the details.
AC: We don’t have specific positions set up for internships, but we’re open to exploring possibilities based on your school’s requirements.
I’d love to work at camp for the summer, but don’t feel like I can afford it as I’ve heard you don’t get paid very much. Is that true?
CPBC: We pay competitively amongst camps, and meals and housing are part of your compensation. You also spend a lot less money working at camp for the summer. We can talk more about this in your interview!
AC: Compared to other christian guiding organizations, AC pays competitively, though if money is your primary motivation, you may be dissatisfied. Room and board is provided, and guide staff receive Advanced Wilderness First Aid and Wilderness Water Safety certifications.
What other thoughts or advice do you have for someone who is thinking about applying to work on summer staff?
CPBC: Pray about it and talk to a trusted person about it. Bonus if that person has worked at camp before!
AC: Prayerfully consider if serving at camp would be a good next step for you. Also, reach out and ask questions. We’d love to talk with you about what working at camp is like.
If you are interested in working on Summer Staff at Covenant Pines or Adventurous Christians this summer, start by checking out our website here. If you have questions, email Jared or Lexi at Covenant Pines or Trisha at AC!
After a summer full of ministry, we have transitioned into our retreat ministry here at Covenant Pines Bible Camp. This summer was the first time we experienced worship in our New Worship Center. It was, of course, an adjustment – but it was amazing to see the Spirit of God so present in campers as they worshipped and had fun in this new space. Campers continued to take next Steps in Christian faith – it was a great introduction to what the future holds here for us at CPBC.
Now that retreat season has began, we have begun to see even more what the effect of the New Worship Center will be on our ministry. We have had a busy fall – hosting multiple midweek groups and large groups on weekends. The busyness is tiring, but the impact of ministry is worth it. Here are just a few examples of ways the new Worship Center has made a difference in our retreat groups this fall:
- We hosted the Minnehaha Academy Middle School Retreat which included almost 250 people. They were able to comfortably worship together in the Worship Center altogether.
- Emmanuel Covenant Church was able to open their Middle School Retreat to other Twin Cities Covenant Churches, allowing for more participation across youth groups of our owner churches.
- CPBC was able to host 160 Christian Camping Leaders from across the state to gather for worship and lunch at the beginning of October.
A year ago, we would have had to make major adjustments to accommodate groups like this. While raising money for the Next Steps Campaign, one of our goals shared for the New Worship Center was to increase our retreat ministry. Even in the short time we have been able to utilize this building, we’ve been able to begin to accomplish this goal. It is just a glimpse of what we hope is a flourishing retreat ministry for years to come.
One faculty member from Minnehaha, who is a former staff and board member, shared,
“Covenant Pines has an amazing new Worship Center but I was worried the singing wouldn’t feel the same. Nope…still impactful. I love CPBC.”
We are looking forward to continuing through our retreat season, and many more retreat seasons like this in the future. It is truly remarkable to see the plans and hopes of this space come to fruition, both in summer and retreat season. We can’t wait to see what God has in store next for us…including this weekend with 150 Senior Highers at our MEA Retreat!