Retreat ministry has looked very different for us for the past few seasons for us at Covenant Pines Ministries. This winter, our calendars were full with retreats and guest groups – which felt great….and even a little normal! Retreat ministry is special to us as we provide different opportunities and space for churches, individual and groups to experience Christ.

Covenant Pines Bible Camp Winter Highlights

We had a busy winter at Covenant Pines Bible Camp – in a good way! We ran two programmed retreats – our Trailblazer Retreat for elementary age students and our OneLife Retreat for high school youth groups. Both retreats were a success – it felt great to have these students back at camp for winter fun! We also hosted 13 guest groups which included church groups, school groups and even a couple of friends groups who planned a retreat together. After many churches took a year off from their retreats, it was great to witness the fellowship and fun of a camp weekend for these groups! Below are some highlights of our winter from some of our guests:

Trailblazer Retreat:
“Our students just feel loved there! And that’s so wonderful! And always – seeing and playing outside in nature. They just don’t get that opportunity here in the city that much. Their families are busy, not “outdoorsy” and TIRED! So it’s great to get outside in God’s beautiful creation and drink it all in!” – Brenda Johnson, Childrens Ministry Director at Brookdale Covenant Church

OneLife Retreat:
“The biggest way I experienced Christ was simply in the moments to be with God that are often hard to find in our normal routine” – Maple Grove Covenant Church student

Bloomington Covenant All Church Retreat:
“I feel like we experienced the love of Christ through one another this year more than ever, which is interesting considering our chapel times were much less – or almost non-existent. Instead we got outside and supported each other in our activities – everyone showed so much care for one another. Having scheduled meeting times for activities allowed a single person like me the opportunity to join others without the awkward “do you mind if I join you” middle school moments. It also brought about the opportunity to spend time with others I might not have otherwise walked across the lake in snow shoes and tackled a big hill I never would have otherwise even attempted. The weekend honestly brought me some renewed hope in humanity after a long pandemic.” – Angie Hennig, Retreat organizer.

We are so thankful for these groups and our wonderful winter of ministry.

Winter Highlights from Adventurous Christians:

Winter retreats were in full swing this year at Adventurous Christians, kicking off with the Minnehaha Academy Nordic Ski Team. We were so pleased to welcome back youth, church and family groups – many of whom took last winter off. The winter was full of broomball, cross country skiing and snowshoeing with our new equipment (thanks to our Portage Partners!) as well as cozy conversation around the lodge.

One particular family retreat sticks out to us as a highlight from this winter. This family spent the weekend encouraging their children to step outside of their comfort zone by trying snowshoeing or climbing the indoor rock wall. During one of our first word’s, it was amazing to see the way God has worked in this family through the generations – with parents and grandparents setting examples of what a faithful life looks like. These moments are sweet reminders of why we do what we do – encouraging campers to take their next step in Christian faith.

We received a thank you note in the mail earlier this month that read, “Thank you for all the energy and work you put in to make this such a wonderful retreat. It is such a treasure to be able to retreat at AC, commune with God and His creation and enjoy the winter activities.”

We are blessed to serve these groups and are feeling thankful after this winter season.

The Little Deck Tucked Behind The Chapel 

Camp is a sacred place – a place that has been set apart by God for spiritual growth and nourishment. Many people feel a wash of calm and security when they first step foot onto camp grounds. All around camp though, there are little spaces that have become sacred to people. Spaces that have had profound spiritual impact, where people have encountered God and made next steps in their Christian faith. Over the next several months, we will be highlighting these sacred spaces at our ministry centers and the significance these spaces have had on people over the years of ministry at CPM.

When asked about a sacred space at Covenant Pines Bible Camp, multiple people said, “the little deck tucked behind the chapel.” If you have been to CPBC – can you picture it? Nikki (Dugan) Wallace, who was a camper throughout her junior and senior high years, and then a staff member from 1997-2001 found this little corner of camp special. When asked why this space was sacred, Wallace responded “It was the place I would go to whenever I wanted some time alone—whether I wanted to pray, think, cry, read my Bible, or even just to spend some quiet time enjoying the beauty of God’s creation.”

These spaces become sacred to individuals by the spiritual moments that are captured. For Nikki, it was the fact that her years were a time in her life when she was experiencing a lot of uncertainty about what her future would hold, and a lot of deep personal insecurity. Whenever she would go to the little deck by the chapel, the experience of just being still and listening to the waves lap and the wind blow through the trees reminded her that there was a Creator who knew her, loved her and had a plan for her life.

These moments and spaces are significant in the spiritual life of our campers, staff members and volunteers and contribute to the greater mission of Covenant Pines Ministries. Nikki adds that “I had become a Christian when I was very little, but when I was at Jr. High camp in 8th grade, I made the decision to fully commit my life to Christ while at the Friday night campfire. Then, as the years went on camp was a place where the Lord helped me make many smaller, incremental steps in my faith journey. My time at Covenant Pines (including the wonderful people I met there) was very formative to me, and forever holds a precious place in my heart.”

Sacred spaces at camp provide connection to a place that have an eternal impact. Nikki closed our conversation by saying, “It’s been 20+ years , but I still often find myself wishing I could just walk up to the chapel and sit on the little deck overlooking Round Lake! Even though I don’t have that right in my backyard, I’m so thankful for that experience of finding a place to ‘be still and know He is God.’ It taught me to actively look for those special kinds of places and moments where, in the craziness of life, I could stop  to recharge, refocus, and contemplate the wonder of who God is.”

We are thankful for the place of camp that God has set aside for these moments, and the spaces within it that allow people to experience Christ fully. If you have a sacred space story to share at Covenant Pines Bible Camp, Adventurous Christians or Silver Beach Family Camp, we would love to hear from you! You can email holly@covenantpines.org to share and learn more.

Welcome Annie! 

Adventurous Christians is excited to welcome our new Program Director, Annie Huntington. Annie started at AC this week, and comes to us from Waco, Texas after recently graduating from Baylor University. Annie is passionate about outdoor ministry and even more so about Jesus! Below is a quick Q & A for you to get to know Annie a little bit better. 

Get to know Annie:

Hometown: Tough question! I grew up in Providence, RI, lived in Atlanta, GA for 6 years and would most recently call Waco, TX home!

What were you doing before moving to Grand Marias?: Attending Baylor University, where I was in an honors interdisciplinary program studying Theology, English and Philosophy. I love to read – book recommendations are welcome!

What camping experiences do you have prior to working at AC?: I was part of the Baylor Outdoor Adventure Living and Learning Program where I participated in climbing, kayaking and backpacking trips through the Southwest. Some of my favorites have been Big Bend, Guadalupe Mountain, and Paria Canyon! I also spent a summer working for Camp Eagle where I guided white water kayaking trips on the Pecos River. The following summer I lead rafting trips on the Chattahooche River in Georgia with the Nantahala Outdoor Center. Most recently, I guided canoe trips in the Boundary Waters with the Coldwater Foundation, a camp just down the Gunflint from AC.

What led you to apply for this position at Adventurous Christians?: This past summer, I came up to AC to help out and guide for a week. I had been asking prayerfully whether I was called to Outdoor Ministry and felt a certainty on that trip that this is exactly where the Lord wanted me.

What are you looking forward to in this new role?: I am excited to host guests and share how wonderful both the challenge and rest of the outdoors are for growing closer to God!

Tell us an interesting fact about you: I’ve paddled 7 of the major rivers in Texas! The Pecos, Brazos, Nueces, Rio Grande, San Marcos, Frio, and Guadalupe.

Favorite Sports Team: BAYLOR BEARS!!! Sic ‘em

Favorite Restaurant: A little food truck in Austin, TX called Veracruz with the best el Pastor tacos you’ll ever have!

A note from Annie to the CPM community: I’m so grateful to be a part of this community and excited to work with y’all!

Please join us in welcoming Annie and praying for her as she transitions and steps into this new role!

Angie Sampson, the Operations Director at Covenant Pines Bible Camp, recently took a sabbatical. Employees at CPM are eligible for a sabbatical after five years of service. Below are Angie’s reflections on her time. 

It’s a quiet snow filled morning on Davis Lake.  The lake is frozen. It’s quiet at home and at camp.  The Christmas tree is full of lights.  Advent season is upon us.  Mornings at home like this, Christ seems closer.  Stillness and closeness bring Him closer to me.

Four months ago CPM gifted me a four week sabbatical mid August through mid September.  Notice that I used the word ‘gifted’.  For an organization that sees the need for all those that serve full time to receive this gift is extremely unexpected. Advent Season seems like a perfect time to reflect on the present of this time.

The most asked question leading up to my time away was, “what are you going to do?”  I kept finding myself a bit taken aback by the question.  Being such a ‘doer’ myself I kept thinking, I feel like I’m being called to not do.  To take a break from doing. When you look up the word ‘sabbatical’ there are many definitions and plans but the one that I found most useful and defined my time is this one.

  • The rest can be just that, no particular schedule or agenda.
  • The renewal part can be some planned activity or experience that you know will be life-giving

In the midst of it I would say that Jesus met me and gave me two major take aways. My hope in sharing is that God has something for you too.

Never Alone

I left for my sabbatical at the tail end of summer youth camp season. How thankful we were to welcome youth campers back to camp for Summer 2021.  It brings with it high energy, much joy and fun.  Serving at camp is a fast paced fruitful experience.  The first day of my sabbatical I drove away on my own for a week long retreat in Tennessee.  My van felt quiet.  I felt alone but as I left the driveway I was greeted with love and well wishes. Our staff had made signs all down the drive that encouraged me as I left. I felt known, seen and loved.  But still the farther away I drove from home and camp the more I wondered what in the world I was doing. As I crossed into Madison, WI out loud I said, “Lord, what I am doing? I feel so alone.” Christ met me in my Honda Odyssey Van.  He said, “I am here.”

Jesus and I now go for drives together all the time.  I lean over and buckle him in.  I look over and we talk about all the things.  I have learned to feel his presence in my life more clearly and to ‘see’ him with me in the passenger seat.

PAUSE & PEACE

To continue to feel God’s presence in my life I take at least two times a day to stop, pause, and remember.  I give him everything and everyone including me.  There are so many great resources to help set this discipline.  I’ve been using the Pause App.  At set times twice a day I pause, and it helps me remember who has it all and it’s not me!

Taking the time to pause has filled my life with a renewed peace.  Hear me say this is not always the case.  I’m still learning and growing but a healthy Angie returned from her time away.

Following my 10 days away from home God continued to work in my times of quiet but also in my time with family and friends.  Rest, fun, and peace surrounded me. I reconnected with friends outside of camp, hit the State Fair a couple of times, had a couple of over nights away, went to a Twins Game, and continued to rest in God’s presence and fun. How thankful I continue to be for this time and for the fruit! A huge thank you to the CPM Board and the staff at camp for the extra work they did to make this time possible for me!

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! As the holidays approach, we’ve compiled a few things that you could give as Christmas Gifts to the camp lover in your life. Maybe someone you love is heading up to AC for a canoe trip or Covenant Pines Bible Camp holds a special place in their heart – consider these gifts this year!

Covenant Pines Bible Camp:

  • Covenant Pines Chapel Print: This print of the handmade collage by Nathan Stromberg Art is the perfect gift for anyone who loves Covenant Pines. The chapel holds so many significant memories and moments, this print is a way for people to cherish those forever. Prints are $100 and $50 of it is a donation to our Next Steps Campaign.
  • A week of camp: Maybe you have a grandchild, niece or nephew or neighbor who you know would love to spend a week at Covenant Pines this summer – you can gift them a week of camp! If you are interested in this, email our Camp Office to figure out how we can make this a reality. Many of our churches partner with us to make camp a reality for all students, so speaking to them about this could also be a great idea!
  • Money in their camper wallet to buy something at the camp store: Allowing your camper to pick out a sweatshirt or blanket while they are at camp could be a great gift too! Read more about our camper wallet system here.
  • Scholarship Donation: Maybe you have that person in your life who has everything they want and need and asks for charitable donations for Christmas. Consider donating to our scholarship fund in their name! This allows for campers to experience Covenant Pines Bible Camp where we can encourage them to take a next step in their Christian faith.

Adventurous Christians:

  • Gear for their canoe trip: Do you have someone who is going on an Adventurous Christians Canoe Trip this summer? Consider taking care of a few items off of the Canoe Trip Packing List! Below are some suggestions of gifts!
  • FIKA Coffee Beans: We serve FIKA Coffee Beans at AC…a cup of this coffee of these will instantly put you in the coziness of the lodge at AC! You can order these online on their website!
  • Donation to Portage Partners: We are in the midst of our Fall Portage Partner Appeal! Consider donating to AC to improve our winter program equipment in honor of a loved one.

Silver Beach Family Camp:

  • A weekend away at Silver Beach this winter or spring: Could your in-laws or parents use a nice weekend getaway at Silver Beach? We have availability this winter and spring for our Lakeside and White Pine Cabins. If you are interested in gifting a stay at one of these cabins, email the Camp Office.
  • Memorial Gift: Memorial Gifts in honor of loved ones go towards the construction of a new cabin at Silver Beach!

Covenant Pines Off Site:

  • Golf Tournament Participation: Do you have golfers in your family? Consider gifting participation in our 2022 CPM Golf Tournament! This is a great day of golf and fellowship and nothing makes a great foursome like a family of golfers!

You can also give gifts to Pines Ministries by purchasing something off of our Wish List. We are wishing you so much joy this holiday season as we celebrate with our families and anticipate the arrival of our Savior!

 

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