We currently have an urgent need for Summer Staff this summer. Read a note from our Program Director, Natalie Swanson below about what staff can expect this summer, as well as why a young adult should consider joining us!
It’s starting to feel like summer around here in McGregor—the ice is off of both Davis and Round lakes, buds are appearing on trees, and there is lots of buzz about the summer registrations coming in. You can feel the excitement of our year-round staff as we pray for our summer season each week; campers are ready to come back to camp this summer and we’re creatively dreaming about all the fun and safe experience we get to make for them. But alongside that excitement in our year round staff is growing anxiety—we have lots of campers who are pumped to be back at camp and not nearly enough summer staff to be with them. Camp is such a fun experience in large part because of our young adults who carry out our mission all summer long. And we need more of those young adults!
I know that camp will feel different in ways this summer—we’ll still be greeting each other indoors smiling under masks. Cabin sizes will be smaller. We’ll be spending a lot more time outside. Summer will feel different for our summer staff team as well—we know that. And while I also feel a sense of loss for the things that will look different this summer, I feel far more excitement and hope. Camp is happening and camp will feel like camp. We’ll still have chapel, we’ll still play our favorite big games, and we’ll still make lifelong friends and grow closer to Christ all summer long. Let’s focus on the hope we feel as summer nears—hope for the good work God will absolutely do in the lives in campers and staff this summer. And you’re a young adult reading this—or you’ve got a young adult in your life that you love—we need you. We need staff that love Jesus and love campers. We need staff that gets excited about playing outside all day and hanging out with people. We’re eager for all that God is going to do this summer, and we need young adults to join us in carrying that out. Will you consider joining our team? Check out our website for more info and applications: https://covenantpines.org/
In the past year, families have likely spent A LOT of time together at home. After being cooped up together at home for a year with lots of screen time between distance learning, working from home and extra downtime…maybe it is time for a family wilderness adventure! We talked with Jeanie Everson, who took her family on an Adventurous Christians Canoe Trip for a family trip in 2018. She is happy to share her experience and why you should consider it this summer!
Jeanie and her family went on a canoe trip as a family vacation in 2018. At the time, her children were ages 15 and 12.
What made your family decide to take a canoe trip at Adventurous Christians?
We decided to take the canoe trip with AC because I (Jeanie) had had such significantly good experiences in the BWCA as a college student, and I really wanted the family to share this kind of experience together at least once. When we found out AC does trips like this, especially for the price, we were thankful and excited. Finally, knowing we’d all be without cell phones the entire time was a big plus – knowing we’d be “fully present.”
What was it like having an AC guide with your family on your canoe trip?
Having the AC guide was super helpful. With the guide, we knew we would get help with navigation plus help with knowing exactly what stuff to bring, etc. Thus, all of us could “enjoy” more and leave some of those critical details to the guide. We loved having the morning and evening devotions, too.
What was the highlight of your family’s trip to AC?
The highlight of our trip was the double night at Lake Esther when we swam around for fun, hiked up to a lookout and found a HUGE amount of blueberries which we ate then and added to the next morning’s pancakes. My daughter’s highlight was portaging a canoe for an entire portage. The whole experience was a highlight of our kids’ growing up years – they’ve told us!
Would you feel comfortable going on a canoe trip as a family in the midst of COVID-19?
We would definitely feel comfortable going on a canoe trip as a family in the midst of COVID-19. In fact, I’d say with so many opportunities that are not safe, this is one that can be done with full confidence and no worries. It might even be a better time to do it because kids won’t miss out on other opportunities that are not running due to COVID.
What would you say to encourage families to consider this as a family vacation experience?
I’d say, “Do it!” There are very few family experiences during which each person contributes to help make it happen, each person can enjoy different parts (which helps each other person notice something new), you can all be fully “present” (without phones/internet) AND NOT MISS THAT, while enjoying extraordinary beauty and fun (swimming, hiking, etc).
Anything else you want to add?
I’m willing to bet most families will come through this with a better/stronger bond as a family.
If your family is interested in going on a canoe trip this summer, contact Lina Swanson at AC. We have openings June 20-July 3 and August 8-21 with flexible arrival and departure dates, depending on the schedule.
As summer registration opened this week, some of you may be wondering – what is camp like for students during COVID-19?
Youth camp certainly looks different in the midst of the COVID-19 Pandemic, but after hosting families over the summer and offering church retreats as well as a youth retreat this fall, we are confident we can run camp in a safe and healthy way. But what is it like for the students? We talked with Plymouth Covenant Youth Pastor, Craig Sanborn about his students’ experience at our Senior High Fall Retreat.
How many of your students attended the fall youth retreat?
We had approximately 80 students and leaders attend.
What was their experience like?
It was different but it was still “camp.” So much has been taken from students this past year. Consequently, students have developed a new and greater appreciation for organizations or ministries offering opportunities for them even if it isn’t exactly what they had previously experienced. During my informal exit polls before we left camp on Sunday students gave the weekend experience rave reviews!
How did your students feel about wearing a mask?
Nobody loves wearing masks but students have grown accustomed to doing so. Wearing masks is not a hard sell for what they get to experience overall.
Did you feel like camp was safe?
CPBC has 100% done their part to keep campers safe.
Did the students from your church who attended the retreat have fun, despite the differences in programming?
My students had a blast! Nobody was blindsided by changes or the differences in programming. They accept the changes and are thankful to be together at a place that means so much to them. Just being there is special! Everything else that happens is a bonus!
How did you coordinate transportation?
I thought transportation would be a tricky one but families were more than willing and able to do the pick up and drop off. Some families allowed their children to carpool and a couple students received rides from my adult leaders.
Any final thoughts or anything you would like to share about your camp experience during COVID?
Covenant Pines Bible Camp means the world to my students. It’s where they surrendered their life to Jesus. It’s where they make monumental decisions about their future. It’s where they make and build friendships that will last throughout their lifetime. Covenant Pines Bible Camp is the place where they feel free to be who God has created them to be without the worldly pressure to conform and fit it. Therefore, just being on the property is a win and feels like home no matter what the changes are or slight risks that may exist.
To read more about what changes, as well and health and safety measure are taking place in Summer 2021, check out our Summer FAQ page.
In July of 2020, after months of brainstorming, pivoting and ultimately cancelling our summer youth programs, we found ourselves in a financial crisis. We knew we needed the support from our churches, individuals and businesses to move forward into 2021. We launched our Seeing The Big Picture Campaign – a fundraising effort to raise $250,000 by the end of the year.
Today we conclude our Big Picture Campaign with $311,025. We are overwhelmed with gratitude – this exceeds our goal more than $60,000. We are so thankful to serve such a faithful God who has provided for us through your generosity.
In addition to our Big Picture Campaign, we also received $161,965 in restricted gifts in the past six months. These are gifts given to scholarships, capital improvements, the new Worship Center and other designated areas of ministry. This totals $472,990 given in the past six months by 474 individuals, churches and businesses.
We could not have done this without you. Thank you – from the bottom of our hearts, thank you. We are now able to look to the future and even cover some anticipated income loss in 2021 thanks to these gifts. We have so hopeful for this next year in ministry.
Now what?
Your gifts will benefit campers for generations to come. These funds have put us in a good financial position going into 2021, allowing us to continue to do ministry and encourage campers to take a next step in Christian faith. As we move forward into 2021, we will continue to update you on what is happening at CPM, and we still encourage you to keep us in mind as you discern where to donate. We know this year will be different, but we also know God is faithful! Our summer 2021 registration opens Monday at CPBC, and Canoe Trip registration is underway at AC.
Winter Retreat Calendar Changes
We have made some significant changes to our 2021 Winter Retreat Calendar. Below are calendar changes that include new retreat options.
January 22-24: Parent/Grandparent + Child Retreat
January 29-31: Winter Getaway
February 19-21: Winter Getaway
February 26-28: OneLife Retreat
March 12-14: Craft Camp
March 19-21: Women’s Retreat
All of these retreats will follow COVID-19 guidelines, as it is our number one priority to provide a safe and healthy retreat experience.
Registration and details for these retreats will be available in mid December. We will post updates on our website and social media pages.
If your church is interested in hosting a retreat at Covenant Pines Bible Camp, we would still love to have you! Start by reading this article on how we are able to do retreats during COVID-19, and contact Angie to discuss availability and details.