After three decades of dreams, two false starts, and countless winter retreats chilled by the snow, cold, and ice, the weather-proof, multi-purpose gym is soon to open for ministry! Motivated by a big LaborDayGymGrandOpening, it’s been a huge push to complete the siding, connect all the wires, and wrap up all the finish work inside and out. The landscaping is taking shape, 504 black chairs are on the racks, and lots of fun rec items are on order. Thanks to hardworking staff, volunteers, and contractors, the FINISH LINE is in sight! Thank you, friends, for funding both the BUILDIT ($2.5M) and FILLIT ($500K) phases of the gym campaign. As funds continue to come in (thank you!), the focus turns to USEIT with a $250,000 goal by year end. Operationally, there are several significant steps in ramping up to utilize this amazing facility. Staffing is the big one. There will also be a number of onetime costs in bringing the building fully online. Thanks for your help in building a threeyear bridge to gym self-sustainability. Exciting days ahead!
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! WiffleballChallengeV 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: 1754 youth (includes LIT & Sweat Team), full Family Camps!
• PRAISE! Gym: Campaign tops $3,000,000. Major progress!
• PRAISE! Summer Harvest: Many campers are saying “YES!” to following Jesus.
• PRAISE! New Staff: Scarlett Sutton (Registrar); Cassie Jean Lewis (Women’s Dir.)
• PRAY! 2024 Fall Ministries: Safety, staffing, fruitful ministries & the funnest fun!
• PRAY! Transition: Executive Director. Pray for the Board as the search continues.
FAMILY WEEK NOTES
“Camp is a refuge.”
“Our son was curious about the baptism and really wants to say, ‘YES’ to Jesus.”
“Stepped away from life’s stress into a true Meeting Place with God.”
“Camp allowed us the space to slow down and reflect on God’s Word.”
“Loved the water, laughter, and joy-filled staff!”
“Two of our kids said ‘YES!’ to Jesus this week.”
Story of Summer by Number
5 Sheep in Camp’s sheep pen to help experience “The Good Shepherd.”
1700 Summer Youth campers (9 sessions)
162 Kids who said “YES!” to Jesus
28 Sweat Team (first stop in D3)
41 Service Crew (second stop in D3)
26 Leaders in Training (third stop)
802 Family Campers (4 sessions)
37 Summer Rental Groups
5600+ Total Summer Attendance
$11,068 Missions Offering for Ukraine Camps
$14,109 Swimming Grandma’s Big Splash
$33,500 5th Annual Wiffleball Challenge
650+ Grand Opening / Abeler Farewell
84,898 Youth Campers – 1947 to 2024 Camp’s most important number! Every camper welcomed, loved, kept safe, and presented with the Gospel
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 $14,100forscholarships. 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 80 kids get to Camp to hear about Jesus. That’s what keeps Sandy “swimming” for Camp!
SUMMER YOUTH CAMPS
SuperKids1(3-6) June9-13 189 Greatstart! JuniorHigh1(7-9) June16-21 130 Happycamp! Adventurers(1-3) Jun30-July2 163 Sosweet!
JuniorHigh2(7-9) July7-12 181 Hotandfun!
SuperKids2(3-6) July14-18 230 WOW!!
SeniorHigh(10-grad) July21-26 227 TheUltimate!
SuperKids3(3-6) July28-Aug1 205 Somuchfun! JuniorHigh3(7-9) August4-9 190 Wet!Wild!Fun! SuperKids4(3-6) August11-15 189 GrandFinale!
FAMILY CAMPS
MemorialWeekend May24-27 161guests.Yea! FamilyWeek June23-28 210guests!Wow! SummerFun July4-7 215packedoutfun! LaborDayWeekend Aug30–Sept2 FULLHOUSE!
FALL REGISTRATION IS OPEN!
Dads N Daughters Sept 6-8 Purple Party! Young at Heart Sept 16-19 Wait list! FallSeniorDay Sept17 ASweetTasteofHeaven! Men’s Retreat Sept 20-22 Sign up soon!
Women’s I Sept 26-29 Almost full! Hurry!! Women’s II Oct 3-6 Filling fast! Hurry!!
Fall Fire! (gr. 9-12) Oct 11-13 Interest is HOT! Quilt & Stitch Five Sessions Mid-weeks, Session E open
& Abeler Farewell Monday, September 2 11 AM