AC is currently at the point of breaking ground for our much needed retreat building after 20 long months of planning. The time, work, and energy that has gone into this careful preparation is now reaching fruition. The estimated timeline is to have the foundation ready by July, to have the building enclosed by fall, and to have it ready for occupancy by Christmas. Financially we are $40-50,000 shy of our estimation. If you are looking for a new cause to give or you feel the Lord move you to give to this campaign, please go to the AC website and learn how you can help. We thank those who have committed financial and who have participated in our programming. Finally, keep AC in your prayers as we move into the building stages.
Summer is a crazy fun time at camp. We want you to stay informed! There are plenty of ways to do that.
Follow Us:
Did you know Covenant Pines Bible Camp has a facebook, Twitter, and Instagram? Follow us on all three of these to see pictures and read about what’s going on.
Check In With Our Summer Blog:
This summer we will be bringing you news with blog updates everyday! That’s right EVERYDAY! We want you to know what’s going on. Whether that’s what games we’re playing, what food we ate, or a great story about how a campers came closer to God. Many of our summer staff will contribute to this blog so you’ll experience a variety of perspectives on what camp is like. The links to blog posts will often be sent out on facebook, or Twitter.
Join Our Email List:
Giving us your email address is a great way to get lots of quick information about what’s going on at CPBC. At the beginning of every month we send out a Newsletter which contains news updates about camp as well as some upcoming events that you might know about. You might also receive emails with special deals, contests, and discounts! The more information you give us about who you are, the more relevant your emails will be. Sign up today!
The Board of Directors of the Covenant Pines Ministries is pleased to announce the hiring of David Cairns as Executive Director.
His over-all responsibilities will include Adventurous Christians Ministry, Covenant Pines Bible Camp Ministry, Day Camp Ministry, and Silver Beach Ministry. Dave comes to us with a wide breadth of relevant knowledge and experience. This includes terms as Executive Director of Pilgrim Pines Conference Center of Swanzey, NH and Associate Director of Covenant Pines Bible Camp of McGregor, MN. Dave is a graduate of North Park Theological Seminary and is an ordained Covenant Minister. He and his wife Becky have three children: Drew–16, Trent–14, Annis-11.
Dave will assume his duties as Executive Director of Covenant Pines Ministries at the conclusion of the summer.
Below is a brief bio from Dave:
“I describe myself as a Minnesotan who currently lives on the East Coast. I spent most of my childhood and early high school years living in Minnesota. Our family moved to Chicagoland when I was in high school and lived in Batavia, IL for 6 years before returning to Minnesota. The last ten years in New Hampshire has been a blessing to me and my family, but we’re excited to move back to Minnesota.
I have served at three Covenant Camps (Twin Lakes in IA, Covenant Pines in MN and Pilgrim Pines in NH). For 2.5 years as I was the JHAMS youth director at Faith Covenant in Burnsville.
I am married to Becky and we have three kids: Drew (16), Trent (14) and Annis (11). My hobbies are reading and running.
Here are a few fun facts about me:
- I have run the Boston Marathon twice raising money for camp scholarships.
- Bruce Peterson was hired in 1977 to replace my father as the director of Covenant Pines.
- I travel annually to Russia to mentor and teach new camp directors.
- 2015 will be the 26th summer that I have worked at camp in some capacity
- Throughout my entire time living in New Hampshire, I had a subscription to the Star Tribune and the Pioneer Press.”
On April 23rd, delegates from many of our Churches attended the Annual Meeting for Covenant Pines Ministries (CPM).
At the meeting, Director of Covenant Pines Bible Camp, Matt Braun, and Director of Adventurous Christians, Mike Nelson, both shared about this past year in ministry. Those in attendance enjoyed some Famous Dave’s while listening to testimonies of the power of these ministries from past campers and staff.
Board member, Geoff Woodbury, gave a brief overview of the financial reports for all of the ministries. When a delegate asked about the overall financial health of CPM, Geoff stated that all four ministries are in good health. Praise God for providing for these ministries year after year!
Mike Nelson, Director of Adventurous Christians (AC), shared what God has been doing this past year on the beautiful Gunflint Trail. The AC staff are very excited for the upcoming summer season. Mike encouraged member churches to take advantage of AC more often as either a retreat destination for relaxing in the winter, or a challenging canoe trip in the summer. To learn more about what’s going on at AC, read their most recent newsletter and follow them on Facebook.
Matt Braun, Director of Covenant Pines Bible Camp, also shared about the past year in ministry. Matt invited Marketing Director, Tate Randall, Program Director, Holly Larson, Guest Services Director, Angie Sampson, and Maintenance Director, Scott Shoemaker, to share with the group a prayer request and also what they’re excited about for the future of Covenant Pines. To keep in touch with Covenant Pines Bible Camp, sign up for our newsletter and follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.
Toward the end of the meeting we all had to say goodbye to two of our Board Members. Geoff Woodbury and Sarah Swanson have served their terms faithfully. We are sad to see them go, but we’re certain that they will continue to serve these ministries in a less formal fashion. Because of these two vacancies and another unfilled spot on the Board, three new members were unanimously voted to join the team. We’re happy to welcome Latoya Jackson, Herman Saul, and Bill Cranford to the Board of Directors.
Women’s Retreat is a Great Gift for Your Mom or Wife.
Every September, Covenant Pines undergoes a little bit of a makeover. Just a few weeks removed from the controlled chaos of youth camps in the summer, the staff and women’s committee get busy preparing for the biggest weekend of the year; Women’s Retreat.
We spare no expense and we leave no stone unturned. Every year it is our pleasure to treat the Women of Minnesota to 2.5 days of rest, play, worship, and fellowship. It has become a spiritual priority in many women’s lives. In the video below, Annette shares that there’s so much coming at her at home. The Covenant Pines Women’s Retreat offers her a chance to “just dwell.” Sonja, another woman in the video, loves the chance to get to know other women from her church. She says it’s rare to find extended, quality time with these friends.
There’s a lot on a mom’s plate. Like Annette said, moms deserve a chance to “just dwell.” Consider giving your mom (or wife) a weekend away. Dads, take the kids for a weekend and give your wife this time. She deserves it. The retreat is September 25-27. If you register now, you’ll get our early bird discount and give her this weekend for as little as $104.
If you want to know more about what to expect over the weekend, visit our Women’s Retreat page, look at pictures from last year’s retreat, or watch this video.