Now that the Worship Center building project is complete, we are filled with excitement about the future of Covenant Pines Bible Camp. We have already felt the Spirit move and witnessed campers take next steps in their Christian faith in the few weeks we’ve been using the Worship Center. We are hopeful that the impact and legacy of this new space will continue for years and years to come! As we plan for the future, we invite you to as well, by considering including Covenant Pines in your estate plan.
Planning for your legacy is important. We are committed to establishing trust and transparency with donors so you know what camp’s intentions are with these gifts. If you are considering including Covenant Pines Ministries in your estate plans, know that estate gifts to Covenant Pines go directly to funds that will help with the longevity of our ministry.
Covenant Pines Ministries has two endowments – one Scholarship endowment and one Maintenance endowment. These two funds help build the future of CPM by continuing to support camper attendance and upgrade facilities to meet camper needs. We put 10% of every unrestricted estate gift into the Scholarship endowment, along with 20% into the Maintenance endowment. The remainder of the estate gift will be put into a board restricted fund to plan for the future. Estate gifts are a beautiful reminder to us at Covenant Pines of all the people that went before us and were impacted by this ministry. It is an honor to be able to use these gifts specifically to help us live our mission for years to come.
If you are interested in including Covenant Pines Ministries in your estate plan, talk to your personal financial advisor. If you’d like to get started, we recommend reaching out to Steve Allison at Covenant Trust Company. Click here to get in touch with Steve.
Adventurous Christians canoe season is officially underway, with the Leadership Institute Fellows from Minnehaha Academy heading out on trail the second week of June. Fourteen Upper School students joined us on what the school calls a “Leadership Training Trip” and what we often refer to as the “Minnehaha Academy Leadership Adventure.” Camp Director, Matt White shares some reflections on the trip below.
The group arrived very excited and ready for fun, but left with memories that hold not only fun, but thoughtful challenges. They all pretty well agreed that the lack of media, pressure and competition for their time was welcome and eye opening. Many students said what they really will remember is the simplicity of living without many things. A number of students claimed a sharper sense of perspective on what is important and what they would perhaps like to try to do differently. They were challenged with the idea that if they could make the changes they aspire to a reality in their lives, at this time of life, they will be able to do it most anywhere. We applaud them for their work and wish the best for them as they return home and practice the leadership development and spiritual growth experienced on their trip. We hope their experience allows them to lead themselves and their peers towards a healthy school culture.
One student upon reflecting shared, “I have never had quiet time and had thoughts (about God) like that. I didn’t realize I was even capable of the thought and contemplation I experienced. When it came time to share a first word with the group I didn’t know my words could be helpful.”
This trip is such a fun and encouraging way to kick off our summer canoe season. We are looking forward to many more!
Sending your child to camp for the first time is a BIG deal. We completely understand and we do not take the responsibility lightly! At Covenant Pines, work hard to establish trust with parents to make sure you feel confident sending your child to camp. Earlier this month, we held our Parent Coffee Open House, and thought we’d share some common questions we get from first time parents sending their children to Covenant Pines.
Question: Can my child contact me if they are missing home?
Answer: We discourage campers from using their phones/devices while at camp for a multitude of reasons. If your child is really having a difficult time, they can talk to their counselor who will discuss with one of our full time staff about calling home from the office. One of our staff will touch base with the parent to come up with a plan. Usually a call home isn’t even necessary! You can always email your camper by using our email system (camper@covenantpines.org) or send them notes to open each day. We also upload photos to facebook each day so you can see your camper having fun!
Question: My child will feel much more comfortable if they are with a friend, will they be placed in the same cabin as their friends?
Answer: We do our very best to honor the cabin pals listed on registration forms. We group cabins together by cabin pals and then by church. If your camper’s friend is listed as a cabin pal on their registration, they will be in a cabin together.
Question: How are your counselors trained?
Answer: We spend two weeks before summer training our staff on many topics – including emotional and spiritual development, First Aid + CPR, camper safety and more. Each one of our staff are required to pass a background check, as well as complete MinistrySafe training, which is a sexual abuse awareness training.
Question: My child is neurodivergent. Is Covenant Pines equipped to care for my child?
Answer: Yes! We want Covenant Pines to be a welcoming place to all campers. What is most helpful to us is having enough information ahead of time to accommodate your camper. Please fill out your campers health form thoroughly, and feel free to reach out to us if you’d feel better about an in person conversation. We have served many neurodivergent campers over the years and they have a great time at Covenant Pines. We’ll work together to make sure it is a positive experience.
Question: How much money should I load in my camper’s camper wallet?
Answer: We have a cashless system at Covenant Pines, so campers have spending money loaded into their “camper wallet” on their registration. Campers spend money at the canteen, craft hall and camp store. Canteen and craft hall items range from $1-$5, while camp store items vary and are more expensive. Here is a list of sample items in our camp store and their cost to give you an idea! You can also load more money into camper wallet throughout the week.
Click here to see a complete list of FAQ’s on our website. Of course, if your question hasn’t been answered, please reach out to us! You can start be emailing our Office at office@covenantpines.org
As the year comes to a close, we here at Covenant Pines Ministries are reflecting on what we are grateful for. Working at camp comes with it’s fair share of challenges and sacrifices, but each one of us feels fortunate to be called to serve in this place. In the spirit of our year end Gratitude Campaign, here are the ways that we at CPM are grateful this holiday season. As you read these, I encourage you to think about what you are grateful for in your own life!
“I’m grateful for all the relationships that I’ve established through my work at Covenant Pines Ministries. Each year I look forward to reconnecting with campers and families at churches, at our Off Site events and at camp.” – Holly Abramson
“I’m grateful to work alongside people who genuinely care about young people. I’m also grateful for the countless volunteers who pour into making camp possible.” – Matt Braun
“I’m filled with the Gratitude for the staff – seasonal and year-round – that God calls to CPM. Each one has a growing faith that they share with campers. Some do it in obvious ways and others are behind the scenes. The CPM staff are continually giving of themselves to fulfill the CPM mission.” – Dave Cairns
“I’m grateful that my faith is an accepted and encouraged part of my vocation, that I don’t have to hide who I am and what I believe to be an ‘effective employee.’ I’m grateful that God is active in this place, when I can see it and when I can’t and that nothing is wasted. I’m grateful for the challenges in my work that give me opportunities to grow and that I’m surrounded by people who encourage me to be positive and see the lessons.” – Trisha Haugen
“I am thankful for being able to work in a Christian community with people who care for each other.” – Jared Jensen
“I am seriously so thankful for our volunteers who come up to camp. I think about this often! I often get the pleasure of hearing about projects that got done by volunteers who were up that week, and I am always amazed to hear about the work that was done. I have also been deeply blessed by volunteers who come up and help out around the kitchen, something as simple as stepping in to serve for a meal, or traying up some hashbrowns is more helpful than it may seem.” – Lilly Klett
“Something I am grateful for about Covenant Pines is the opportunity to get to serve many people throughout the year through the ministry of food. I am also grateful for this beautiful place I get to call work and home. It has been a huge blessing to get to share this place I call home with friends and family and invite them into a space that ministers to so many people’s lives.” – Pam Lofgren
“One thing I’m grateful for about camp is that for the past 13 years it’s been my second home and I can’t imagine a year without camp. I’m so grateful for the friendships I’ve made at camp as well as being able to pour into all the campers and see how God moves in them.” – Sydney O’Connor
“I am grateful for the conversations that are had at AC with guests and staff alike. Being able to listen to other’s perspectives and experiences is priceless.” – Ian O’Donnell
“While working on ministry staff at Covenant Pines I have been so grateful to see my campers from the summer come up with their churches throughout the retreat season. It is so fun to create the relationships throughout the summer and then get to see them come up months later and hear how they’ve grown. Getting to see their big smiles and give them a hug when they see me is the main reason why I love what I get to do!” – Logan Rhodes
“I am thankful that I get to experience God’s creation at camp, everyday. Between the trees, plants, and wild animals, I see the creativity and the complexity of God.” – Lexi Schafer
“I am grateful for the family that working at camp has gifted me. I wouldn’t be where I am today without the people who surround me. My camp family isn’t limited to the people who work here, but also includes all of the kids and adults that I meet while working here! It’s been such a blessing to be able to build upon existing relationships along with creating new and fruitful ones.” – Mia Schaller
“I’m grateful for the volunteers who come up to help improve the facilities of Covenant Pines. We have a dedicated small, but growing, group of volunteers who deeply care for this place and the work God does here. We would not be able to keep up without their countless hours of service.” – Bryan Schmidt
“I’m grateful for the staff community at AC. Living and working alongside good friends has been a significant blessing over the years. Friendships that began by working together at camp have been a continued source for support, growth, and community that I’m very grateful for.” – Lina Swanson
“I am very thankful for the beauty and opportunities for solitude that AC offers but what really fills me with gratitude are the opportunities to be alongside people as they grow into new things. Staff especially. The moments and life we share are windows into their hearts and I am privileged and thankful that they share them with me” – Matt White
As we close out 2023, please know that we are so grateful for all of your support of Covenant Pines Ministries! We are so thankful for each of our campers, volunteers, donors and friends. Merry Christmas!
You are invited to join us for a very exciting day at Covenant Pines Bible Camp! After years of dreaming, fundraising and construction – our new Worship Center will be ready to use in Summer of 2024! We are looking forward to this day of celebration with the Covenant Pines community as we take the time to honor and dedicate the building to God.
Here are the details for the Worship Center Dedication:
Saturday April 20, 2024
10:00 am – 3:00 pm at Covenant Pines Bible Camp
Schedule:
10:00 am: Arrive
11:00 am: Dedication Ceremony in the New Worship Center
12:30: Lunch
1:15: Free Time around Camp
3:00: Depart
If you plan to attend, and have not filled out the RSVP form, please email Executive Director, Dave Cairns directly.
If you have questions, please email Dave Cairns.
Learn more about the Worship Center and the Next Steps Campaign here. To follow along with the Worship Center Construction progress, visit our website!
We hope to see you in April to celebrate this special day in Covenant Pines history!