How many chairs fit on the main floor of the new gym? Answer: 704 (plus another 35 or so in the mezzanine!) And most of them were filled as friends made the trek to celebrate the long-awaited Gym Grand Opening on Labor Day Monday. They also came to give Bill and Lisa Abeler a giant “hug” as a thank you for nearly four decades of service. The party was the single largest event in Camp Lebanon history!
While not quite complete, The Rock (the revealed new name!) wowed the crowd with its welcoming Commons and full-sized and well-equipped gymnasium. The climbing wall demo under the black lights was especially impressive, as was the canoe hung over the coffee counter and the rocked gas fireplace with its big window views of Hazzard Hill. Guests also received a fun glimpse of the gym’s potential as Camp’s largest gathering space when the Faithbridge (Park Rapids) worship team opened and closed the service with their inspiring music. What an amazing sound!
A long parade of former staff, Board, and friends honored “Bobber Bill” and Lisa in a full, fast, and well-choreographed program spiced with humor, skits, photos, and testimonies. Sendoff gifts started with a $38.50 Cabela’s card (a dollar per year) and crescendoed to fishing kayaks and a large envelope of gifts from many friends. The ultimate tribute for Camp’s newest “Legends” was having the Camp bell renamed “Bobber Bell.” Thanks to all who made this an unforgettable celebration!
PRAISE & PRAY!
• PRAISE! Summer: 1754 youth (includes LIT & Sweat Team), full Family Camps!
• PRAISE! Gym: Campaign nears $3,020,000. Gym construction 96% complete!
• PRAISE! Following the Good Shepherd: Many said “YES!”; record LIT class.
• PRAISE! Women’s Leadership Transition: Cassie Jean Lewis off to good start.
• PRAY! 2024 Fall Ministries: Safety, staffing, fruitful ministries, & the funnest fun!
• PRAY! Transition: Executive Director. Pray for the Board as search continues.
Executive Director Search Update from the Camp Board
Since late February, a Search Committee comprised of three Board members and two Camp supporters has been working with a consultant to recruit, review resumes, interview candidates, and bring recommendations to the full Board. In August a finalist was brought on-site at Camp; however, this did not lead to a job offer. Since that time, the Search Committee has re-engaged, reviewing new resumes and conducting interviews. Confident God is preparing the right individual to lead the organization, the Boardasksfriendstoprayforclarityandunity. Pray, too, that God will bless and encourage Camp’s amazing staff that has gone above and beyond during this season of transition. Finally, pray that God will strengthen and provide peace to Bill and Lisa as they finish their remarkable service and leadership to Camp Lebanon. (Gym Grand Opening 9/2/24)
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
“For thirty-nine adventurous years, we’ve had front row seats to watch the Lord Jesus impact lives. We can look back and testify to His goodness. We can also look ahead and see that Camp’s best years are yet to come. May Camp Lebanon always stand strong on the Word of God and so shine an ever brighter light for the Gospel!” “
Bobber
Bill” & Lisa Abeler
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 161Funsummerkickoff! FamilyWeek June23-28 210Familyfunatitsbest! SummerFun July4-7 215Packedoutfun! LaborDayWeekend Aug30–Sept2 230GrandFinale!
FALL RETREATS – It’s ‘Septummer!’
DadsNDaughters Sept6-8 126guests.PurpleParty! YoungatHeart Sept16-19 72registered–arecord! FallSeniorDay Sept17 ASweetTasteofHeaven! Men’sRetreat Sept20-22 Expecting180+! Women’sI Sept26-29 220withaWaitingList Women’sII Oct3-6 Lastcall!Fillingfast. FallFire!(gr.9-12) Oct11-13 InterestisHOT! Quilt&Stitch FiveSessions Mid-weeks,SessionEopen
View the Gym Grand Opening & Abeler Farewell Go to Camp Lebanon’s Facebook page and scroll through to watch your favorite section. Enjoy!
https://www.facebook.com/CampLebanon/videos/1174300407195272