Camp S'more Magazine | 2022 Summer & Fall

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CampS’more S U MME R • FALL

MA G A Z I NE

Swimming Grandma’s Final Swim!

Wiffle Ball’s

Grand Slam!

Camp’s 75th!

You’re invited.

It’s Gym Time! and More!

www.camplebanon.org

Front Row Seat by ”Bobber Bill” Abeler, Executive Director

Celebrating 75 and Warming Up for 100 When Camp Lebanon’s founders gathered in 1947 to establish a Bible camp west of Upsala on a wooded peninsula on Cedar Lake, do you suppose anyone at the time dared dream of all that God had in mind?

Could they have imagined that one day 46 acres would grow to be 142? Could they see those huge army tents used for housing, dining and chapel someday replaced with air-conditioned cabins, a large dorm,

two hotel-like facilities, a modern shop, a rec building, and a huge lakeside Chalet equipped with an elevator?

And do you wonder if they foresaw the time when a few weeks of summer youth camp would blossom into a thriving year-round ministry serving 12,000 youth, families, and adults…with waiting lists?

Probably not, but these faith-filled visionaries could see the opportunity each summer to reach hundreds of boys and girls in Minnesota with the love of Christ.

Churches were rallied. Funds raised.

Cabins built. Ballfields created. Campers recruited. The rest, they say, is His-story!

Eighty thousand summer youth campers later, Camp Lebanon strives to shine an ever bright light for the Gospel with a

plan for an expanded outreach in years to come. A multi-purpose gym is in the works. Then comes a North 40 Lodge, a second ministry site, and someday a new dining hall to complete the Master’s Plan.

As one early leader declared back in a 1948, “There’s no law against dreaming!”

When Camp Lebanon turns 100 in 2047, all gathered to celebrate will marvel anew at how God again exceeded our wildest dreams in using the site, facilities, and staff to ad­vance His Kingdom! Let us then embrace His present charge to be grateful for His abundant blessings and faithful in answering His call to trust and obey.

Celebrating 75 Years of Life-Changing Ministry 1947–2022

75th CELEBRATION

Saturday, August 27 10am –4pm

——————————————————— 8:30 Registration Opens 9:00 Camp Museum / Inflatables 10:00 Celebration Rally in the Big Tent Noon Picnic Lunch 1:00 Hub Drone Picture Trading Post / Activities /Canteen 1:30 Gym Groundbreaking Ceremony 2:00 Beach Open / Relaxed Departure

The year was 1947. The place was a peninsula on Cedar Lake four miles west of Upsala. The mission was to grow a Bible Camp that would reach boys and girls for Christ. What God accomplished through seventy-five years of vision, sacrifice, and faithful service surpasses everyone’s wildest dreams! And He’s not done!

Come and celebrate with us!

Tickets Required (FREE!) Register Online

Family Legacy Story Kathy Lundberg

My husband Chuck and I met at Camp Lebanon on June 28th, 1966. I was 14 and he was 15. We met at counselor training and went on to work at Camp together for the next few years.

We married five years later in September of 1971. This year we will celebrate 51 years together. We went on to have four children, Dan, Charlie, Ashley and Emily. They all attended and or worked at Camp. We now have eight grandchildren who have all been to camp. We love Camp Lebanon, and are so grateful for the impact it has made on our family.

Lundberg family, Camp in 2021.

RSVP to the Party! www.camplebanon.org/75th

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

It’s Gym Time!

August 27 will be historic in more ways than celebrating 75 years. Camp will also be breaking ground on a new multi-purpose gymnasium with hopes of completion

by December 2023. A gym has been on everyone’s wish list for decades, especially program leaders and youth pastors seeking a facility answer to Minnesota’s extreme seasons.

But the gym is more than merely a plan to fight back against the weather. It’s a strategic move to battle against brokenness in this world. Leadership believes this versatile facility will elevate Camp’s ability to break down the walls imprisoning the hearts of kids and adults so they can embrace the good news of Jesus.

The gym will also create local outreach and strategic partnership opportunities like never before. And more, the gym paves the way for Phase Two when Camp adds housing and a second site for expanded ministry.

Largely hidden from view, the new gym will make its home north of the main parking lot nestled among large, majestic pines.

It’s central location near the Screamin’ Eagle Zipline at the top of Hazzard Tubing Hill makes the gym only a short walk from the main site.

The gym’s highlight feature is the high school regulation court, ideal for weatherproof rec space, indoor climbing, and larger chapel sessions. The facility will also

house the Turtle Bay Coffee Company & Ice Cream Shoppe as well as a large commons for a fun hangout space. Outside features include sand volleyball, Octoball, BB guns, archery, laser tag, future climbing wall, pic­nic tables, fire pits, and more, effectively creating a new activity hub.

This thrilling opportunity to elevate impact is also the ministry’s biggest financial challenge ever. Camp plans to cover the projected $2.5 million cost with the help

BUILDING DIMENSIONS 134 feet x 108 feet 14,000 square feet

NORTH VIEW North 40 Ball Field Pine Trees & Drainfield Storage Shed

TO FUTURE SECOND SITE Phase 2 (Upcoming)

PRODUCTION KITCHEN

Regulation High School Court 24’ High Climbing Wall

COFFEE / SNACK SHOP

WEST VIEW Trees, Hills & Sunset Cul-de-sac Drop-off BB Gun Range Archery Range Laser Tag Course Climbing Tower (Future)

EAST VIEW Big Slope Hazzard Hill Tubing Volleyball Pit Campfire Ring Octoball

REC CHECK OUT BB GUNS ARCHERY LASER TAG

“Camp is the first thing that goes on our calendar!

We’ve been adopted into the Camp Lebanon family for life. But it goes deeper, as we also see other families getting invited into a new life following the Lord. The gym will facilitate experiences like these all year round!”

Tony & Anne Jones

of volunteers, at-cost suppliers, and many generous donors who believe in what God is doing at Camp Lebanon. Through the end of July, over $1.2 million has already been raised through gifts and pledges. Thank you for considering your best gift to complete this huge venture.

As God leads and provides, Camp anticipates an exciting new era for outreach in a world growing increasingly desperate for life, hope, and purpose!

TO MAIN SITE Land Bridge pathway

SOUTH VIEW Pine Trees & Sun Patio / Pavers / Tables Campfire Ring

2.5M

$

GYM FUND 49% RAISED

Progress 2.0M

$

1.5M

$

1.0M

$

$

500,000

For the full details on the Gym, visit camplebanon.org/gym.

wiffle bal 5K

A Grand Slam for Camp!

THE MISSION A team of twelve men gathered at Camp on Saturday, June 11, committed to keep swinging until 5,000 wiffle balls left Legends Field.

And they did it! At 10:02 PM, just under fifteen hours after the first swing, homer number 5000 cleared the left field fence. What a moment! The team of “wiffle ball sluggers” hugged and cheered, partying like they just won the World Series! What a huge achievement! But there was an even bigger reason to celebrate. The Wiffle Ball 5K exceeded the funding goal in raising $35,901 for Camp!

IMPACT ON CAMP LEBANON $35,901 goes a long way in elevating the impact of Camp’s ministry and will help fund several projects: 1. Hazzard Tubing Hill upgrades including lights and mechanical tow rope.

2. 180 ft Beaver Point Boardwalk extension.

3. Two new docks for swimming and fishing.

The tubing hill project will be a huge hit with overnight winter guests, but in time there is

On an individual basis, Andy Peterson led all hitters by hitting 776 home runs—more than Barry Bonds’ MLB career record of 762 lifetime home runs.

also real potential to reach thousands more who wouldn’t have otherwise stepped foot on Camp’s site! Beaver Point is another dream come true. Exceeding the $30K goal helped cover the second dock!

BY THE NUMBERS All of you stats lovers will enjoy this! In total, 5000 home runs were hit in 14 hours and 52 minutes, an average of 336 homers per hour and 5.6 homers per minute. If each home run traveled an average of 115 feet, the distance covered would total 575,000 feet (108.9 miles!)

That doesn’t count all the swings (and whiffs!) not resulting in a home run.

HIGHLIGHT OF THE DAY The day was filled with fun moments, but the highlight came in hour twelve when kids and adults from Pequot Lakes Baptist Church had their chance to take a round of swings and chip away at the 5,000 home runs. Over the past three years, these kids and adults have been a huge help shagging balls and encouraging the guys, so to see them add thirty-six home runs was truly touching and amazing!

NEXT YEAR? Lord willing, the Wiffle Ball 5K will be back in 2023! The guys are working on new ideas and twists that will allow more people to be in­­volved in what has become an annual tradition and blessing to Camp. Over the past three years, the wiffle ball home run marathons have raised a total of $79,417.50! In 2020, the funds helped Camp open as a Family Resort during COVID. Last year, the money covered the cost of Camp’s big top tent.

Total swings weren’t tracked, but based on 20 per minute (one every three seconds) a total of 17,840 swings were taken, which works out to one home run per 3.57 swings. The sixth hour was the best hour (443 homers hit, 7.38 / Praise God! minute) and the first hour ended up being the worst (266 homers hit, 4.33 /minute).

Swimming Kids to Camp Swimming Grandma’s Final Swim

She did it!

On Sunday, July 3, “Swimming Grandma” jumped off the pontoon on Cedar Lake’s south side for the eighth time and swam the near half-mile to Camp Lebanon’s shores. Joining her were family, grand and greatgrandchildren, sponsored family campers, and hundreds of friends on Facebook Live.

The flotilla, complete with three pontoons, two kayaks, four paddleboards, and a couple of speed boats, reached the swimming beach twenty-eight minutes later. Scores of family campers and guests made up the large, vocal welcoming committee.

Coming out of retirement for the second time, the 95-year-young Sandy Abeler donned her white swim cap and faced down the bumpy waters coming from a steady crosswind. The sky was cloudy and air a bit cool, but there was no stopping her. Sandy started strong, got a bit of help from an occasional push and pull, and then led the pack into the Camp’s swimming beach in triumph. She did it!

“It’s not about me,” Sandy preached in her pre-swim speech on the Chalet steps. “It’s all about helping kids get to Camp so that they can hear about our sweet Jesus!” With the help of nearly 200 sponsors, over $30,250 was raised for scholarships, the biggest offering of her eight swims.

With sold out camps and numerous financial stresses, the need for assistance is greater than ever. At $100 per grantee on average, Sandy and friends will bless over 300 kids and families with scholarship awards. What’s

more, this summer’s response pushed Swimming Grandma’s career Scholarship Blessing over $100,000. Woo Hoo! Sandy’s secret? “I can do all things through Christ who gives me the strength to do it,” she declares, using her own version of Phil. 4:13.

Sandy’s life verse from Mark 14:8 explains the undying passion to serve her Lord. The text simply reads, “She did what she could.”

With that as a late-in-life slogan, she completed her first swim back in 2012 at age 85 and ten years later she’s still at it! This may be her final swim, but expect Swimming Grandma to find other ways to help kids get to Camp.

“As long as God gives me breath!”

A big “Thank You!” to all who jumped in to “swim” with Grandma Sandy. Thanks to your help, she did it! The impact of this “Big Splash!” for God’s Kingdom and Camp’s ministries will ripple all the way into eternity.

At Glanc

FEBRUARY “It’s Gym Time!” Camp officially launches the “Elevate The Impact” Campaign at the 2022 Annual Meeting.

Camp holds its first ever CAMPmitment Day, as thirteen young men and women commit to serving on summer staff.

MARCH Four Spring Quilt Retreats go “Out of this World!“

CROSSWORD: “Classic Camp Lebanon” Answers: camplebanon.org/crossword-1

Across 1. “If you tie, ____” 3. Number of balls you start with in carpetball.

6. When campers receive letters from home.

8. “Home of the _____ Fun” 9. The phrase yelled at Bass Point bonfires.

11. “Whoever has the most fun ____.”

12. “Thank you God for a really great ____!”

13. Final youth camp event.

APRIL 125 men join together at Men’s Advance for an intensive instruc­ tion on God’s spiritual armor.

A full camp of Dads N Lads make super fun memories and learn about “God’s Game Plan!”

Two weekends of MotherDaughter-Grandmother make room for 330 guests to “Think On These Things!”

JUNE Volunteers extend Beaver Point Boardwalk another 180 feet (completed in July.)

Summer Sew guests enjoy fun… and some even quilted!

The Wiffle Ball 5K raises $35,900 funding tubing hill upgrades, Beaver Point Boardwalk, and new docks.

Summer Youth Camp opens, diving into the Truth that Jesus is our Risen Lord! 200+ decisions for Christ in the first 5 weeks!!

The Kids Love Camp-A-Thon officially kicks off, as kids earn prizes while raising money for the gym.

Family Week guests cele­brate summer family-style!

Down 1. Gets got by the net, but gets the man.

2. Begins when the lifeguard blows one long whistle.

4. Camper devos are called...

5. “Jesus! (various ____ x 3)” (HINT: “Blind Man” song action.)

6. “A ____ Place With God” 7. Camp’s counselor training program.

10. “Always delicious, always heart healthy.”

14. Proper number of times to ring the bell for meals.

MAY “Young at Heart” welcomes 55 seniors for a sweet taste of heaven!

Senior Day returns (200+) after a two-year hiatus due to COVID. YAR (Young Adult Retreat) sets a new record: 140+ 18–35-year-olds.

Camp enhances the waterfront with two new Wave Armor docks.

Memorial Weekend families kick off the summer season!

JULY Fourth of July Weekend families overflow the Camp…again!

Swimming Grandma, Sandy Abeler (age 95), completes her final swim, raising $30,250+ for Camper scholarships!

Gym Campaign surpasses $1 million in total gifts & pledges raised! Total goal: $2.5 million.

Construction begins on the main­ tenance cold storage building.

Camp’s 80,000th Summer Youth Camper attends Senior High camp!”

FALL PREVIEW Dads ‘N’ Daughters September 9–11

Invest in one of the most important relation­­ ships in your family’s life! The bond between father and daughter is so important in our world today, and this retreat provides an oppor­tunity for that relationship to be strengthened and encouraged!

Fall Fire! Youth Retreat October 14–16

Build it. Light it. Feel it. Feed it. Looking for a way to kickstart your Student Ministry this fall? Fall FIRE is a Senior High youth group retreat designed to bring your team together and equip them for an amazing school year.

Fall Men’s Retreat September 16–18

Fall Quilt Retreats October 27–December 5

Stitching together a delightful variety of work time, instruction, delicious meals, and fellow­ship, it is no surprise that Camp Lebanon is one of Minnesota’s favorite destinations for quilting and scrapbooking.

Refreshing and inspiring, Fall Women’s Retreats offer incredible opportunities for fellowship, instruction, and worship. Treat yourself to this delightful experience on the north shores of Cedar Lake, during one of the most beautiful times of the year.

Camp S’more Magazine Copyright © 2022 Camp Lebanon ———————————————————— A Camp Lebanon Publication Camp Lebanon, 1205 Acorn Road, Burtrum, MN 56318 All rights reserved. No portion of this publication may be reproduced without prior written permission of the publisher.

EDITOR IN CHIEF: Monte Abeler COPY EDITOR: Bill Abeler DESIGN & PRODUCTION: AbelerDesign.com CONTRIBUTORS: Bill Abeler, Monte Abeler, Kathy Lundberg PHOTOGRAPHERS: Alicia Korpi, Maddie Quinn, Tayah Lackie, Shawn Decker, Monte Abeler, Grace Lee

through summer

JANUARY Mega Fun A Mega Fun B Arctic Blast 1 Arctic Blast 2

January 6 –7 January 13–15 January 20–22 February 24–26

MARCH Spring Quilt A Spring Quilt B Spring Quilt C Spring Quilt D

March 2–7 March 9 –14 March 16–21 March 23 –28

APRIL Men’s Advance March 31–April 1 Dads N Lads (& Grandpas) April 28 –30 MAY Mother Daughter (& Grandma) 1 Mother Daughter (& Grandma) 2 “Young at Heart” Retreat Senior Day YAR Spring Memorial Wknd Family Camp JUNE Summer Sew Super Kids 1 Junior High 1 Adventurers Summer Family Fun Wknd

Men, schedule a weekend away to unplug, retreat with other guys, and experience God away from the busyness of life. Man food. Man Talks. “Manthem” Singing. Man Activities. The activities are great, but the main focus is on meeting with God.

Fall Women’s Retreats September 22–25 & 29–October 2

2023 Calendar

Summer Staff Chill December 30–January 1

May 5–7 May 12–14 May 15–18 May 16 May 18–21 May 26–29

June 4–8 June 11–15 June 18–23 June 25–27 Jun 29–July 2

JULY Family Week Junior High 2 Super Kids 2 Senior High

July 2–7 July 9–14 July 16–20 July 23–28

AUGUST Super Kids 3 Junior High 3 Super Kids 4 Labor Day Family Wknd

July 30 – August 3 August 6–11 August 13–17 September 1–4

A relaxed reunion for past, present, and future senior summer staff! If you’re a high school senior or older and are interested in being on Camp’s summer staff team, than this weekend is for you. It’s a super chill time to play, connect, and grow.

Upcoming Events

Camp Lebanon 1205 Acorn Rd Burtrum, MN 56318

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CampS’more S U MMER • FALL

MA G A Z I NE Sharing the goodness of God’s work at Camp Lebanon!

Now Hiring Full-Time Cook

Marketing and Ministries Associate Part-Time Kitchen and Housekeeping Apply at www.camplebanon.org/employment

JOIN THE EDITORIAL TEAM!

Do you love Camp Lebanon and enjoy telling stories?

Email monte@camplebanon.org if you’re interested in joining the team, contributing an article, or have ideas for the Camp S’more.