Our mission at Covenant Pines Ministries is to encourage campers to take a next step in Christian faith. Each summer we look forward to a full season of ministry and opportunities to see our mission in action. After another great summer, we are excited to share some next steps taken around our four ministry centers.
Adventurous Christians: A canoe trip experience at AC is powerful for a multitude of reasons. While on trail, you challenge yourself, learn new skills, collaborate with your trail group and overcome whatever endeavors are thrown your way; all while hopefully enriching yourself spiritually and connecting with God. One high school student this summer shared that coming into his canoe trip with his youth group, he wasn’t very religious. After the week on trail, he connected with God now has a better understanding of his relationship with Him. What an awesome next step!
Covenant Pines Bible Camp: Each week at Covenant Pines we have what we call a “Next Steps Night” where we present the gospel message and ask campers if they have any next steps they can take in their life. We offer staff support through prayer and conversation. During Junior High 2, MANY of the almost 200 students stayed after chapel to talk or pray with a staff member. From these conversations, there were many next steps shared by these campers that included serving in church, getting baptized once they got home and reading the Bible more. One camper who struggles with anxiety and panic attacks shared that praying really helped her, and that she is planning to talk with her parents about her anxiety once she gets home to get better help she needs. Praise God for the next steps of this camper taking care of her mental health!
Covenant Pines Off Site: After the Worship Center Dedication in April, there were many individuals, families and businesses that decided to take a next step in generosity and contribute to the Next Steps Campaign. One individual who attended the dedication is a former staff member who had not been to Covenant Pines in a few years. After feeling inspired after the dedication, this former staff member even decided to start a monthly donation to Covenant Pines!
Silver Beach Family Camp: One family has been coming to Silver Beach for many years, since their children were young. Their oldest son has always loved coming to Silver Beach and also having the experience at the Bible Camp as a camper. This summer, their oldest son took a next step by joining the staff at Covenant Pines! He spent the summer as a lifeguard and working in the kitchen. This is one of our favorite next steps campers take – to join us on staff someday!
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
Little did I realize in 1994 when I started in full-time camping ministry that 30 years later I would still be serving at a Christian camp. I have served in leadership roles at Covenant camps in three states, as well as run a day camp. Memories from these years fill my brain when I reflect on the staff I’ve served with, the friendships developed and campers lives impacted by God. As we welcome in 2024, I want to stop reflecting and look forward to the future of Covenant Pines Ministries.
This upcoming year will be significantly marked with the opening of the Worship Center at Covenant Pines Bible Camp. The existing Chapel has served generations of campers from its dedication in 1957 to summer campers in 2023. For many, this building is where they heard the truth of the Gospel and were encouraged to take a next step in Christian faith. While we move into a new building this summer, I’m confident that God will continue to call campers to follow Jesus. May these words from the Chapel dedication ring true for future generations as they meet in the Worship Center…..
For worship in prayer and praise; for the ministry of the Word of God and the proclamation of the gospel message of Jesus Christ as the Savior from sin; to the salvation of souls and the upbuilding of the church in the knowledge of our Lord; for the administration of the sacraments,
We dedicate this chapel for this holy ministry.
For the instruction of children and youth in the truths of the Christian faith; for the promotion of Christian character,
We dedicate this house, to minister to childhood, youth and the home.
But there is more…. Adventurous Christians is launching the SALT program this summer. The Serving And Learning Team is designed for high school students who want to explore what the basecamp staff experience is at AC while learning tangible life skills and more about following Jesus. A portion of their time at AC will be spent building a new boardwalk to the dock and enjoying a day trip in trail. AC is also excited about the future construction of a new Health Center building. The Health Center will house two rooms for campers who become ill while at camp, as well as two year-round staff apartments, summer staff housing and a new trail room. While not fully funded, a significant amount of funds have already been donated for this project and we are seeking a contractor to begin the building process.
And still more…. In McGregor, the Fireside Lounge will undergo a renewal of sorts with new furniture for campers to gather, drink coffee and share the day’s stories in. A new foam machine will create a backdrop for wonderful memories to be made.
It’s often easy to look backwards to reflect on memories and experiences we’ve had with a fond nostalgia. As we move into 2024, I’m striving for the future and what God will do through Covenant Pines Ministries this year. I invite you to join me in creating new memories this year.
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!