This summer marked two years of use for our Worship Center at Covenant Pines Bible Camp. Thanks to the generosity of many donors and the success of the Next Steps Campaign, we have been able to utilize this space in more and more dynamic ways over the past two years. This summer, we were especially reminded of just how much the Worship Center has improved our ministry.
From high temperatures and smoky air to record breaking numbers of campers, we were able to accommodate challenges this summer that would have been much more difficult before the Worship Center was built. The high temperatures, lack of rain and wildfires in the Boundary Waters impacted not only Adventurous Christians, but Covenant Pines Bible Camp as well. While the smoky air in McGregor only lasted for a few days, it still had the potential to negatively impact our campers’ experience.
Instead, the Worship Center provided a place where campers could find relief from the heat and smoke, gather comfortably for worship, or simply take a moment to rest. Our Program Director, Jared, shares:
“The Worship Center has been such a wonderful addition to our ministry. This summer, we noticed it most during the hot or smoky days. It was a place of relief and relaxation when the smoke was heavy, and campers needed a break from outside. The air conditioning and large meeting space helped keep campers comfortable in chapel, so they could learn with fewer distractions.”
In addition to one of the hottest summers we’ve had in a while, we also welcomed the largest week of summer youth camp in our history, with more than 250 campers joining us for Senior High 2. Every bed at camp was accounted for, and we were able to open the sliding doors in the Worship Center to create even more space, providing a chair for every camper to gather together.
These moments are a wonderful reminder that the Worship Center is more than just a building. It is a tool that allows us to care for more campers, respond to unexpected challenges, and create an environment where campers can focus on worship, learning and community. Ultimately, it allows us to provide a better experience for more campers as we encourage them to take a next step in Christian faith.
We are so thankful to everyone who helped make the Worship Center possible through their generosity and support. Most importantly, we praise God for the opportunity to use this space to share the love of Jesus with campers each summer.
Our mission at Covenant Pines Ministries is simple: encouraging campers to take a next step in Christian faith.
Summer ministry gives us countless opportunities across all of our ministry centers to live out that mission. Throughout the summer, we prayerfully pay attention to the moments happening around camp – the conversations, decisions, acts of generosity, moments of courage and trust – and we take time to share those stories with one another in our monthly full-time staff meetings.
This summer, we have noticed something beautiful: one small next step can create a ripple effect, making it possible for someone else to take their own next step.
These moments may seem small on their own, but together, they create a ripple effect of faith. Today, we want to share a few stories that show our mission in action.
Adventurous Christians
One of our AIL students made the journey to Adventurous Christians from a small church in southern Minnesota. His family is not involved in church, but the community around him took a next step to make it possible for him to attend.
From his nomination, to preparations, to transportation, it truly became a community effort to give this student a once-in-a-lifetime experience in the Boundary Waters. Someone recognized leadership potential in a young person and chose to put their faith into action by supporting him.
One person’s next step created an opportunity for a student to take his own.
And we pray that the ripple continues far beyond his week at AC.
Covenant Pines Bible Camp
At the beginning of the summer, a camper arrived at Covenant Pines with severe food allergies and sensitivities. For his parents, sending him to camp was a significant next step of trust. They were trusting us with the care, safety and well-being of their child.
Our Kitchen Staff and Food Service Director, Pam, took that trust seriously. They carefully prepared menus and put precautions in place so this camper could experience camp fully, without the stress of wondering what he could safely eat. As his mom dropped him off, Pam even took the opportunity to pray with her and bless the week ahead.
That small act of care helped create space for this camper to simply be a kid – to play, make friends, hear the Gospel and grow in his faith.
A parent’s next step of trust was met by a staff member’s next step of care, which opened the door for a camper to take his own next step in faith.
Covenant Pines Off Site
Our Annual Covenant Pines Golf Tournament is an event we look forward to each year. While it is a fun day on the course, its greater purpose is helping provide camper scholarships for those who might not otherwise have the opportunity to experience camp.
A few years ago, one golfer joined the tournament after being invited to participate in a foursome. This year, after the tournament, he followed up with us and expressed interest in sponsoring the tournament next year.
What began with a simple invitation has now grown into a desire to take another step of generosity.
That next step could help make it possible for campers in the future to take their own next steps in Christian faith.
Silver Beach Family Camp
Silver Beach Family Camp is a ministry of generations. Families return year after year, and as their families grow, a new generation is introduced to Silver Beach.
For several families this summer, simply making the choice to return and spend intentional time together in a Christian community was a meaningful next step. They are creating space for their children – and someday their grandchildren – to experience the same sacred rhythms of family, faith, friendship and time together that have shaped them.
One family’s decision to keep showing up creates a pathway for the next generation to discover the beauty of Silver Beach and the faith that is woven through it.
These stories remind us that our mission is rarely lived out in isolation. One person takes a step, and that step makes room for someone else to take theirs. A church supports a student. A parent trusts a ministry. A staff member creates a safe and welcoming space. A donor chooses generosity. A family returns and brings the next generation with them.
And then, in the middle of it all, a camper takes a next step toward Jesus.
We are grateful that you are part of these next steps too. Through your prayers, generosity, volunteer service and continued investment in Covenant Pines Ministries, you help create the opportunities for campers to take their next step in Christian faith. We may not always get to see where every ripple reaches, but we trust that God is at work through each small step.
The Covenant Pines Ministries Board is made up of seven dedicated individuals, along with Executive Director Dave Cairns. Our board includes parents, pastors, former staff members, and members of Covenant churches, each bringing unique experience in areas like finance, human resources, fundraising, and more. Together, they help lead and guide Covenant Pines Ministries through monthly board meetings, along with additional committee work focused on areas such as policy and camp finances.
Over the past year, the board has developed a Balanced Scorecard – a tool that helps evaluate not only the financial health of camp, but the overall strength of our ministry. This scorecard includes key areas such as Internal Camp Operations, Mission Impact, Learning and Growing, and Financial Stewardship. It has created a more holistic view of success and has revitalized the way the board engages with and supports the mission of Covenant Pines Ministries.
Meet the members of our board below!
Patrick Stolz, Board Chair 
Bloomington Covenant Church
Connection to CPM: I grew up as a camper, attending summer camp at CPBC, retreats with Excelsior Covenant Church at CPBC, canoe trips with the youth group at AC, and even some family getaways at Silver Beach. After starting my own family, Tricia and I are still campers with CPM, as well as our children Freddy, Nella and Francis.
I joined the CPM board 3.5 years ago. I enjoy serving on the board and supporting CPM ministries because the ministry has played an important part in not only my faith formation, my kids’ faith stories and many others that I have encountered. I also get to serve with really smart, talented and faithful people.
Rev. Evan Kolding, Vice Chair 
Lakeview Covenant Church, Duluth
Connection to CPM: Our church has a decades long relationship with Adventurous Christians and as the youth pastor, I led many trips and retreats through AC. I’ve also spoken at a number of retreats at Covenant Pines Bible Camp and have had my own children attend as campers.
I serve on the CPM Board so I can advocate for the furthering of Gospel-centered and Kingdom-focused ministry I’ve seen and experienced through CPM. To help steward the resources of these CPM so that more people in more places can experience more of Jesus is a privilege I am honored to have.
Heidi Carlson, Secretary
Salem Covenant Church
Connection to CPM: My children have been attending CPBC since they could participate in Kids Camp. I participated in a few canoe trips at AC when I was in high school.
I serve on the CPM Board because I believe strongly in the mission of CPM. Summer camp and wilderness tripping experiences are such amazing opportunities for youth to grow in their faith, confidence, independence and relationships with others. I have seen the impact CPM has made on my children and I want to do what I can to support the ministry so that other children and families can also grow in their faith and relationships with one another. In addition to the summer programs I am grateful for the ways in which CPM provides opportunities and space for families, pastors and other faith groups to connect and grow through their retreat ministry.
Kendra Dodd 
Sanctuary Covenant Church
Connection to CPM: Parent, Covenant Church Member
I was first approached to join the CPM Board by Sara Sosa, who was on the board at the time and also the Children’s Pastor at my church. My background in Human Resources and consulting, along with my passion for ministry has motivated me to serve CPM during this time. Bringing the concept of the Balanced Scorecard to CPM is something I’m proud of and hope it can be a tool for the organization for the future.
Rev. Anna Maloney
Bloomington Covenant Church
Connection to CPM: Since moving to MN in 2016, I have partnered with Covenant Pines several times a year as a leader on youth retreats, a participant at our church winter retreat, and as a pastor receiving the gift of personal retreat at the guesthouse. I’ve also had the chance to experience the wonder of the BWCA through several AC-guided canoe trips. CPM has been a steady source of growth and refreshment for our congregation and for me personally– I’m very grateful!
I serve on the CPM board because the health and culture of the ministry matter to me. It is an honor to be able to offer a pastoral presence and perspective to the board, and to support the wonderful work the staff is doing. I have seen and experienced the impact of time spent at camp, the next steps taken, and the relationships that are deepened; and I’m thankful to be a small part of stewarding the ministry in this current season. It’s amazing to have a front-row seat to all the ways God is providing for the ministry and working in the details to widen the circle of camp and keep us focused on the mission.
Alex Scott
Community Covenant Church
Connection to CPM: Former camper, summer staff and ministry staff member; current Youth Pastor at Community Covenant Church in Minneapolis.
I serve on the board because camp has given me so much – friendships, memories, and a place that feels like a second home. Serving on the board is my way of giving back to a place that has given so much to me.
Daniel Holmquist
Wooddale Church
Connection to CPM: Child Summer Camper 1969 – 1978, Summer Program Staff 1978 – 1982 Board of Directors 1980 – 1983, and currently Numerous retreats, volunteer work project crews, etc.
While CPBC has wonderful amenities and natural beauty, its really about people – people gathering in community, relationship and fellowship to relax together, play together, eat together, work together, worship together and most importantly journey together in pursuing to love God with all your heart, soul and mind.
In my spiritual journey, CPBC has brought so many people into my life who then, and still today, walk with me in shared relationship and fellowship in developing a deeper faith and commitment to God’s design and desired identity for my life. In a world that is filled with overwhelmingly deceptive messages – especially to our youth – Covenant Pines brings people together in a unique and special way that calls, encourages and equips them to find truth, identity, fulfillment, acceptance and affirmation in and from God.
On May 28, many from Covenant Pines gathered at Salem Covenant Church in New Brighton to celebrate the life of Sarmita Peterson. Sarmita, her husband Cal, and their entire family share a deep history with camp, and her story of faith, service, and transformation has shaped countless lives – leaving a legacy that will continue for years to come.
Sarmita’s connection to Covenant Pines began in its early days as a summer youth camp. She spent several summers on staff, where she met her husband, Cal. From the beginning, they both recognized how meaningful camp could be for young people and families. Covenant Pines quickly became a significant place to their family. A place where they invested their time, gifts, and relationships.
Over the years, Sarmita returned as a speaker for summer youth camp, often sharing with campers along the beach about God’s faithfulness in her life, including her experience fleeing Europe during World War II with her family. Three of their five children later served on staff, continuing that connection into the next generation.
Cal and Sarmita appreciated all the ways camp experiences had impacted their family, and began to volunteer at Covenant Pines nearly every month for over 30 years. Cal, a gifted carpenter, and Sarmita, with her keen eye for detail and willingness to jump into any project, worked side by side to care for camp. Together, they left their mark on nearly every building – bringing both craftsmanship and care to each space. Just as meaningful as their work projects were the relationships they built.
Former Executive Director Bruce Peterson shared:
“Cal and Sarmita’s fingerprints are on nearly every building at camp. While volunteering, they became good friends with ALL the staff including staff kids and volunteers, ministry staff…attending their sporting events, graduations, weddings. They were really CPBC super-staff.”
Cal and Sarmita exemplify what it looks like for a family’s connection to camp to grow and deepen over time. What began as a summer job became a lifelong commitment – one that shaped their family and blessed an entire community. Sarmita will be deeply missed at Covenant Pines, but her presence is still felt in the spaces she helped create and in the lives she touched.
Covenant Pines remains a special place for Cal, a place he continues to believe in and support. He still likes to say it’s a pretty great place to meet your spouse and build a shared sense of purpose as a family.
In honor of Sarmita, the Peterson family has designated the Covenant Pines scholarship endowment fund as a memorial. Through this, her legacy will continue to open the door for campers to experience camp for years to come.
As you reflect on Sarmita’s story, we invite you to prayerfully consider how you might be part of that ongoing legacy – whether through a gift to the scholarship fund or by sharing your time and talents at Covenant Pines. You can also consider including Covenant Pines in your own legacy planning. To learn more about this, contact Executive Director, Dave Cairns.
Recently, we identified areas where safety measures at both Adventurous Christians and Covenant Pines Bible Camp needed to be strengthened. At Covenant Pines Ministries, safety is foundational to everything we do and remains our highest priority while campers are on site. We want every camper to feel secure and cared for so their hearts, minds, and bodies are free to take a next step in Christian faith.
While Adventurous Christians invites campers to step outside their daily routines and comfort zones, the rustic nature of the experience must never compromise safety. In response, we have implemented several enhancements across all Adventurous Christians spaces, including night lights in sleeping areas, interior door locks, hall lights that remain on throughout the night, and radios that allow camper groups to contact staff at any time.
At Covenant Pines Bible Camp, there are areas that may be accessible but not continuously supervised outside of programmed activities. Locations such as the boat beach, tubing hill, and ropes area are staffed during summer youth camp and scheduled retreats, but not at all hours during guest group use. To better communicate this, we are developing updated signage across camp to clearly outline potential risks and set safety expectations.
Additional improvements include our CPBC Camp Director, Matt Braun, attending a two-day CampWell training through the Alliance for Camp Health, focused on both physical and mental health and safety for campers and staff. We have also strengthened our evacuation procedures on both properties to ensure clear, effective response plans if a full site evacuation is ever required.
In addition, our Board’s policy committee is actively reviewing and strengthening our safety procedures to ensure they reflect best practices and our ongoing commitment to camper wellbeing. This work will continue as we seek to grow and improve.
If you or your child have ever felt unsafe or experienced harm while participating in a Covenant Pines Ministries program, we want to hear from you. Your voice matters. We are committed to listening carefully and responding thoughtfully as we continue to strengthen our culture of safety and care.
We also recognize that many of our campers come to us during a season when their broader communities may feel unsettled or uncertain. In moments when families are navigating instability or fear, it is more important than ever that camp remains a place of security, consistency, and peace. Our commitment is to provide an environment where every camper is safe, supported, and able to encounter the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
We look forward to a camp experience that is safe, joyful, and rooted in Christ’s care for each person entrusted to us.