JULY 2024
Newsletter of Camp Lebanon
(320) 403-9555
www.camplebanon.org
Did you hear the big “WOO HOO!” from Camp? On July 4 some long-time family camp friends donated the final $15,000 needed to push the gym campaign over the $3,000,000 goal to BUILD IT ($2.5M) and FILL IT ($500K). Praise the Lord! But wait! There’s more good news. The gym project (Camp’s biggest ever!) is on target to partially open for Senior High the last full week of July. Construction is also coming in under budget thanks to volunteers and inhouse work, stretching ministry dollars to the max. As funds for the gym continue to come in (thank you!), the focus turns to how to USE IT. Operationally, there are many steps in ramping up to utilize this amazing facility. Staffing is a big one. There will also be a number of onetime costs in bringing the building fully online. There will be lots to celebrate at the Grand Opening on Monday, September 2!
SANDY’S BIG SPLASH! No longer able to swim across Cedar Lake, Camp’s 97-year-old “Swimmin’ Grandma” took the big plunge on July 6 and raised over $11,500 for scholarships. Supported by a big team of friends and family, Sandy Abeler bravely dove off the iconic raft. The impact was more like a cannonball blessing as it helps 75+ kids get to Camp to hear about Jesus. That’s what keeps Sandy “swimming” for Camp!
WIFFLEBALL ALL-STARS KNOCK IT OUT OF THE PARK Nine teams of two sluggers. 11 hours. 2899 homers. The coveted golden belt. And an elimination tournament that featured a walk off home run on the last possible pitch! Wiffleball Challenge V smacked a grand slam in blessing Camp on Saturday, June 8 at Legends Field. Despite a strong wind blowing in from Turtle Bay, the men swung with gusto and raised over $33,5000 to underwrite Screamin’ Eagle Zipline upgrades and pour concrete in the new cold storage shed. Five years have witnessed 18,278 home runs and $146,000 in gifts. Thanks to all who took a mighty swing for Camp!
PRAISE & PRAY! • PRAISE! Summer Sew: Record 106 guests. Some women even quilted! • PRAISE! Recent “MANNA”: $15,000; $10,000 (3); $5000 (3); $2000; $1000 (2). Wow! • PRAISE! Summer Harvest: Many campers are saying “YES!” to following Jesus. • PRAISE! New Women’s Ministries Director: Welcome, Cassie Jean Lewis!! • PRAY! 2024 Summer Ministries: Safety, staffing, fruitful ministries & the funnest fun! • PRAY! Transition: Executive Director. Pray for the Board as they lead the search. •
A Legend Lost NOTE FROM A DONOR “Dear Camp Team, As you anticipate all of the youth who will come enjoy a week (or more!), may you know God goes before you to minister and bless each of these kiddos. We are grateful you have committed your time and energy to serving them well…You matter to God and we are cheering you on!!” D&R
SUMMER YOUTH CAMPS 1672 (6/21/24] Super Kids 1 (3-6) Junior High 1 (7-9) Adventurers (1-3) Junior High 2 (7-9) Super Kids 2 (3-6) Senior High (10-grad) Super Kids 3 (3-6) Junior High 3 (7-9) Super Kids 4 (3-6)
June 9-13 189 June 16-21 130 June 30-July 2 163 July 7-12 181 July 14-18 230 July 21-26 230 July 28-Aug 1 200 August 4-9 180 August 11-15 180
Great start! Happy camp! So sweet! Hot and fun! WOW!! WAIT LIST! WAIT LIST! WAIT LIST! WAIT LIST!
FAMILY CAMPS Memorial Weekend Family Week Summer Fun Labor Day Weekend
May 24-27 161 guests. Yea! June 23-28 210 guests! Wow! July 4-7 215 packed out fun! Aug 30–Sept 2 WAITING LIST!
FALL REGISTRATION IS OPEN!
Linda Lee Day, Camp’s much loved Program Director from 1992-2007, died on June 12 while whitewater rafting with her family in Canada. Famous for her program creativity and for trailblazing Camp’s leadership training program, Linda touched the lives of thousands of campers and staff. The Celebration of her life will be held Saturday 11 AM on July 20 at Living Hope Church (Little Falls).
Dads N Daughters Young at Heart Men’s Retreat Women’s I Women’s II Fall Fire! (gr. 9-12) Quilt & Stitch
Sept 6-8 Sept 16-19 Sept 20-22 Sept 26-29 Oct 3-6 Oct 11-13 Five Sessions
Purple Party! Almost full! Will fill fast! Almost full! Hurry!! Filling fast! Hurry!! Interest is super high! Sessions A, B, C full.
IT’S GYM [PARTY] TIME! Gym Grand Opening & Abeler Farewell Monday, September 2 11 AM RSVP on Camp’s Website (Register)
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