Camp S'more Magazine | 2022 Fall & Winter

Front Row Seat

by ”Bobber Bill” Abeler, Executive Director

Announcing the Highlight of the Year! Picking my ultimate highlight out of a year overflowing with amazing moments is like catching the tastiest sunny off the dock. The nominees are: 75th Celebration Rally. Beaver Point Board Walk. Wiffleball 5K. Men’s Retreat. And the winner is: None of the above!

One much-loved tradition enjoyed by all ages is the campfire trek on the last night of camp. My highlight occurred on

the summer’s first. On a glorious June eve ning 204 Super Kids wiggled and giggled their way to Bass Point. What a happy sight and sound!

The fun opened with a few favorite songs followed by a rowdy “Gorilla Gets the Man,” a full-body version of “Rock, Paper, Scissors.” The speaker shared a short Bible lesson and then it was my turn to lead the kids on the “Lion Hunt.” Hopes were high after thirty-six years of futility.

Before this “scary story,” however, I told the kids a couple of “sad stories” that related to the summer’s theme, “Risen Lord!” A beloved Camp volunteer was called “home” suddenly last October. My 97-year-old father died in November. And a good friend was lost to COVID in January.

“So, is this the end of their story?” I asked after each episode. Because of their embrace of the Savior, the answer in every case was a loud “NOOOO!” The resurrec tion of Jesus changes everything!

Kids responded instantly to the invita tion to come with their counselors and stand around the fire if they had or wanted to embrace Jesus’ gift of life. Over forty kids stood! One was a boy from our own J TEAM in Upsala. Before going back to his spot, he turned suddenly and beamed, “Now I know what it means to have two birthdays!”

That simple but enthusiastic testimony captures Camp’s mission. It also wins my trophy for Highlight of the Year!

At a Glance

SEPTEMBER

SUMMER

1827 kids grades K-12 experience the “Funnest Fun!” in 9 full sessions!

342 campers (that we know of) say “YES!” to the Risen Lord during summer camp!

Summer Missions Offerings raise $12,500 for sister camps in Ukraine (record!) Camp throws its biggest party yet (500+ friends) to celebrate 75 years of ministry! It’s faith time! Camp’s leadership and friends break ground on the new gym!

Labor Day Family Weekend lives up to its billing as Summer’s Grand Finale. Dads and Daughters stir up “The Winning Recipe” over an amazing weekend.

“Young At Heart” & Senior Day provide a sweet taste of heaven and a $7,200 blessing!

A record Men’s Retreat coaches “Sword Training” as guys unsheathe the Word of God.

Women at two packed retreats “Rise Up, Take Courage, and Do It!” while blessing Camp with $12,500 for a “people-mover.”

OCTOBER & NOVEMBER

Volunteers help the facilities team “finish” the Cold Storage Shed Fall FIRE stokes the flames of 150 teens in loving God “all in.”

Lumberjack Crews chainsaw the gym site into readiness for spring construction. Five full Quilt & Craft Retreats discover God’s daily mercies while treasuring “Denims & Diamonds.”

WORDFIND: Year-Round Camp Staff Team

MEET CAMP’S NEWEST STAFF

Ramping up for an expanding ministry, Camp welcomes several new partners (L to R): Noah Desrosiers (Operations Intern), Megan Sands (Sous Chef), Ben Smith (Rentals Manager), Michelle Goebel (Admin Assistant), Izzy Thostenson (Ministry Associate), and Gloria Olson (Registrar). Plus, Tori Campbell shifts to the Marketing & Ministries Associate role.

j u a t b m v i o m v u e d p r i o X z Q h y l r e e u r v w i i d n h b l w u t p o z i h g g k u n n e b z r l b g p t s n s z s t r a o X i k g n i e i s a o h y X h i a i a n z h d i b r a v s u c v X l a a f h a r e k r a p r u m j l s m y m v n n t t f o o m i c h e l l e m a r c d i e e g j t m o n t e j i o t i p m e n y a w d s y n o t o p h i w t j a Q z k k s b r g a Q d a i r o l g e

bill lisa monte shane ben tori izzy michelle parker faith gloria

marc paulette jim tony megan scott dwayne craig vern noah sylvia

It’s Gym tI me! Progress Report

After years of dreaming, it must finally be gym time. Friends are giving. The site is being cleared. And excitement is growing!

Fundraising Update: Over $1,800,000 of the $2.5M is committed (72%!)

The countdown to zero is on! As of mid-November, less than $700,000 remains to be raised for the multi-purpose gym thanks to the 350+ donors (individuals and organiza tions) who have partnered through donations and pledges. Gifts in kind are also being recruited. A huge “Thank You!” to everyone who continues to pray, volunteer, invest, and cheer Camp on.

Summer Campers Raise Over $24,000!

In an inspiring display of passion for Camp and the gym, 40 kids generated $24,255.34 in the Kids Love Camp-A-Thon. They ran lemonade stands, completed chores, held garage sales, merchandised shirts, sold flies for fishing, collected pledges for sports activities, sold parade candy, gave from their piggy banks, donated tips, and more. In all, these amazing youth raised 1% of the gym costs, making themselves not only big-time future gym users but also part-owners! Thanks, guys!

Site Work Begins!

Equipped with chainsaws and a dump trailer of enthusiasm, two groups of volunteers joined Camp staff in late fall to clear the gym site. These lumberjacks, including eight from Faith Community–West Concord, helped with tree and brush removal, revealing the gym’s eventual footprint. Beautiful! Building the gym sure feels real now! Thanks to all who helped last year to purchase the new Bobcat compact track loader and grappler attachment. Wow! What a blessing!

What’s Next?

This fall’s site work sets the stage for spring construction. After grading and pouring footings, installation of the precast concrete and super-insulated panels begins once road limits lift in late April. Construction will continue throughout the summer and fall with the goal, as God provides, of being ready for use as the year turns to 2024.

Gym Sized Blessings!

Thanks to a twenty percent increase in ministry activity in 2022, Camp has a special opportunity to direct year-end gifts to the campaign. What a big boost! So are the “Gym Parties.” These home gatherings of friends provide leadership with an opportu nity to share vision and invite guests to support the campaign through a gift, pledge, or connection. To learn how you can help, please visit camplebanon.org/gym or scan the QR Code.

BEFORE: Gym site during the Groundbreaking Ceremony on August 27.

AFTER: Gym site following the Fall tree clearing

Aubrey (7) sold her toys and gave the proceeds ($250) to Camp!

West Concord Lumberjacks

Allen kids running a lemonade stand to raise money for the gym!

Camp Lebanon ’23

spring & summer camps open for registration january 1st!

Youth Events

winter retreats mega fun a (3–6) january 6–7 mega fun b (3–6) january 13–15 arctic blast i (7–12) january 20–22 arctic blast ii (7–12) february 24–26 summer camps (grade fall 2023) super kids 1 (3–6) june 11–15 junior high 1 (7–9) june 18–23 adventurers (1–3) june 25–27 junior high 2 (7–9) july 9–14 super kids 2 (3–6) july 16–20 senior high (10–grads) july 23–28 super kids 3 (3–6) july 30– august 3 junior high 3 (7–9) august 6–11 super kids 4 (3–6) august 13–17 leaders in training a (10+) june 11–27 leaders in training b (10+) july 9–20, july 30–aug 3 fall FIRE! (9-12) october 13–15

Family Events

dads n lads (& grandpa) april 28–30 mother/daughter/grandma i may 5–7 mother/daughter/grandma ii may 12–14 memorial weekend family camp may 26–29 summer fun family weekend june 29–july 2 family week july 2–7 labor day weekend family camp september 1–4 dads n daughters september 8–10

Men’s & Women’s Events spring Quilt retreats (4) march 2–28 men’s Advance! march 31– april 1 spring “young at heart” may 15–18 senior day may 16 yar spring (ages 18–35) may (18) 19–21 summer sew june 4–8 fall “young at heart” september 18–21 men’s retreat september 22–24 women’s retreat 1 september (28) 29– october 1 women’s retreat 2 october (5) 6–8 fall Quilt retreats (5) october 26– december 4

Celebr Ati NG The First 75 Years

ertainly, God from the beginning of creation, must have intended this spot for a Christian camp.” So declared a bold group of founders who in 1947 purchased 46 acres in central Minnesota to establish a Bible Camp to reach boys and girls for Christ. the $6000 purchase price included a 46acre peninsula on Cedar lake’s north side, six buildings, and the road into the property. Soon a five-inch well was drilled, a heavily wooded swamp cleared and filled, and the first camps organized. a handful of campers pioneered the first summers and by 1950 more than 500 youth registered for summer camp. Camp lebanon was born!

Under the strong leadership of Sidney Anderson (Grounds Superintendent), Herb Hazzard (first General director 1948–1975), and many others, the original Master Plan came to life. in 1948 a dining Hall was built and by the early 1950’s a dozen cabins were erected replacing the old army tents that housed early campers. twice in the 1960’s the Chalet was enlarged (1964, 1969) and in 1970 an a-frame Prayer Chapel was dedicated with the activities Center soon to follow in 1971. in 1974 Larry and Marj Magnuson (19741985) became the first Camp Managers to

live on site as year-round attendance reached 3500. The facilities continued to upgrade with a Health Center (1975) and east shower house (1977).

In 1986, Camp welcomed Bill and Lisa Abeler into leadership, just in time for Camp’s 40th birthday in 1987 and a showerhouse for the west end. The year-round team slowly begun to grow and new ministries were initi ated for senior adults, families, and quilters, thanks to the construction of the hotel-like Cedar Bay Lodge (1989), Scandinavia (1994), and a renovated Chalet (1996). With more adults came more kids and soon summer at tendance was exploding. By 2000 Camp was serving 1800 summer youth and over 10,000 year-round guests.

Camp was also growing in geography with the purchases of two north lots (1992), Eagle Ridge (1993), Sunset Cove (1999), Bass Point (2000), and the North 40 (2006). A new “Master’s Plan” adopted in 2008 chartered out a bigger vision that in two short years included a new shop, zipline, hiking trails, and a North 40 ballfield.

Looking to the future, full utilization of the now 142-acre site will require three major efforts. Phase I is already underway

with construction for a multi-purpose gym scheduled to begin Spring 2023. Phase II is creating a second ministry site on the North 40 by adding beds for 75+ in a second Lodge. The final Phase would be a new dining hall and renovated Chalet to serve an enlarged outreach.

Seventy-five years and 80,000 summer youth campers later, Camp’s program has broadened to 50+ year-round ministries to youth, families, and adults, but the mission is unchanged. Camp Lebanon is still a Bible camp fully dedicated to shining a bright light for the Gospel. In an increasingly dark and broken world, the opportunities have never been greater nor more urgent.

The writers of Camp’s first printed history said it best. “Camp Lebanon has become a sanctuary for many to begin a closer walk with God. From the beginning of its pres ent adaptation, those who have labored to prepare the place for camping have earnestly prayed that multitudes might there gain renewed vision and fresh inspiration and that others might there learn to love their Savior.” Prayers answered. Keep praying!

THE STORY BEHIND THE NAME

‘CAMP LEBANON’

In 1947, a contest was held to give a name to the new Minnesota Baptist Convention As sembly Grounds on Cedar Lake. The winner was State Convention Youth Director, Rev. Earle Matteson. Since Solomon used the “Cedars of Lebanon” to build the temple of the Lord, Earle thought that “Camp Lebanon” would be a perfect fit for a Bible camp on Cedar Lake. Rev. Ray Anderson (First Baptist–St. Cloud) gave further explanation in an arti cle dated August 1947. “Mount Lebanon was noted for its gigantic cedars, grandeur and beauty of scenery and supplied sacred writ ers with many expressive figures. Figuratively ‘Lebanon’ is used to symbolize that which is strong, great, and beautiful. Jesus Christ

and His Church are likened to Lebanon for their spiritual comeliness, perpetual flour ish, fragrancy and fruitfulness. ‘Lebanon’ suggests the heights…Our Camp should lift people to greater spiritual heights. The name ‘Lebanon’ also signifies ‘whiteness’ (purity)… May many souls be washed white here in the blood of the Lamb. It is said that hills of lower elevation run to Mount Lebanon from all sides. May our Camp Lebanon be a rallying and unifying point for all (Christians.)”

“A Camp Story for the Ages!”

retold by kelsey standafer

since 2001, camp has been a second home to me. i deeply treasure the friendships, skills learned, and Truth gleaned. As a part of the camp band, i learned from far better musicians than myself. Phil Gerth taught me how to use a drill and swing an axe. i even met my husband at camp! so many treasured blessings. But none are more special than the story of when i gave my life to the Lord.

The 2001 summer theme was “soldiers of the King.” i remem ber singing “i’m in the Lord’s Army” a lot. The staff was all-in, making my first week a very fun, immersive experience as i learned what it meant to be a soldier for christ. in fact, i gave my life to Jesus that week. Whatever the speaker said, the Holy spirit used

the words to pierce my ten-year-old heart, showing me my need for forgiveness and a Savior.

Over the years I would enjoy looking back at the pic tures developed from the disposable camera I carried to Camp that week. Admittedly, most of them were of chipmunks, but I did get one of the speaker in the middle of chapel...at least of his hand! It was accidentally illuminated by the camera’s flash. I was so embarrassed when he lightheartedly called me out. Over the years, I would look at that photo wishing I could thank him both for not shaming me for interrupting his message and for allowing the Holy Spirit to use his words to lead me to Jesus. But alas, a hand is not a good indica tor of identity. I resigned to thank him in Heaven.

t w O CAMP l e G e NDS HONO re D

Kris Otto

With contribu tions dating back to the first-ever quilt retreat in October 1990, Kris instantly resonated with the idea of spending time with other Christian women who enjoy sewing. As the ministry grew and needed leadership, Kris was an obvious choice for the first instructors team.

Kris played a pivotal role in helping to clarify the mission of Camp’s quilt retreats. More than merely providing a quilt experience with some Bible thrown in, Camp Lebanon would function first as a Bible Camp with quilt as a specialty interest. The chief objective was to build relationships that would encourage wom en to run to God’s Word.

“I am so grateful that the quilt ministry

has always been a way to reach women who would not come to a church with the Gospel,” Kris shared.“So many are hurting and need someone to love and care for them.”

For thirty-two years and counting, this personal touch has seen Kris serve as a rover, instructor, pattern tester, speaker, theme participant, and prayer warrior.

“My favorite role,” she explained, “is to listen to the women tell their stories and pray for them as they do their quilting.”

Kris and husband, Cal, continue to eagerly support Camp’s outreach. Their faithfulness sets the tone for an incred ible team of women whose enduring involvement keeps the “Quilt Blessing! ” growing through ten sessions that touch over 1000 women each year.

Fast forward to 2019. I’m back sitting in the same chapel while my husband, Jackson, stands on stage and lifts his hand to the sky in front of 200 Super Kid campers. Instantly I’m back in that moment when I was the camper taking that picture with the flash. I watched as he led the kids in a prayer for salvation, just as had been done for me 18 years before. Jackson (or “Mr. Ketchup” as the kids have come to know him) was becoming part of their lives and stories just as the man with the illuminated hand had been part of mine.

Then it hit me. I was at Camp and there must be records of past years somewhere. So I marched up to the Director’s office. As I suspected, Bobber Bill had shelves of historical binders, one for every year. Together we located the records from 2001. And there it was! The program schedule for Super Kids 1, June 24-28, 2001. Theme: “Soldiers of the King!” Speaker: Greg Standafer.

When I saw the name my heart nearly burst out of my chest. My own fatherin-law led me to Christ! The hand in the photo I stared at all these years was the

same hand that gave his only son to me on my wedding day. The hand that held mine and said, “I’m so thankful to call you ‘daughter’ now.” The hand that now hugs and tickles my two infant sons!

Wanting to immediately call him, I stepped out lakeside onto the very Chalet deck that his hand helped to build and then dialed his number. “I’ve been waiting my whole life for the chance to thank the person who led me to Christ,” I said as my father-in-law and I wept together. “Greg, thank you for hearing the Lord and speaking His Truth. I’ll be grateful forever.”

We don’t always get to see the fruit of our ministries. As followers of Christ, sometimes He leads us to love people without us ever knowing the good that comes from it. Miraculously, this wasn’t one of those times. Now we glorify the Lord even more for what He orchestrated both in my life and in the lives of the Standafer family. Our Camp legacy goes back far. Now we can only wonder how far into the future it will continue!

Jim Flaa

“Chef Jim” proved every meal that if the food is good, everything else about Camp’s ministry is better. From the famous “always delicious, always heart-healthy” oatmeal to gourmet buffets for adults, dining became an integral part of the Camp Lebanon experience under his leadership. Through nineteen seasons running from 2004 to 2022, Jim’s good humor and kind spirit spiced up the ministry with a sweet flavor.

INDUCTED LEGENDS

CLASS OF 2017

Sidney Anderson & Ray Anderson

Irving Larson / Harris Hanson

Herb & Millie Hazzard

Larry & Marj Magnuson

Roger & Gail Negaard

Jim & Sandy Abeler

Phil Gerth

Linda Day

John & Verna LaBarre

CLASS OF 2022

Kris Otto Jim Flaa

Camp S’more Magazine Copyright © 2022 Camp Lebanon A Camp Lebanon Publication, Camp Lebanon, 1205 Acorn Road, Burtrum, MN 56318

EDITOR IN CHIEF: Monte Abeler | COPY EDITOR: Bill Abeler | DESIGN & PRODUCTION: AbelerDesign.com

CONTRIBUTORS: Bill Abeler, Monte Abeler, Kelsey Standafer, Ruthie Flaa PHOTOGRAPHERS: Alicia Korpi, Tayah Lackie, Shawn Decker, Monte Abeler, Tori Campbell, Matthew Abeler, Bill Abeler

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Legendary Chef Announces Retirement

Ruthie Flaa

The announcemenT concerning Chef Jim Flaa’s retirement during his induction as a “Camp Legend” at Camp’s 75th celebration was bittersweet. After overseeing hundreds of meals for thousands of guests annually for nearly nineteen years, Camp’s much loved Food Service Manager deserved the rousing standing ovation he was given.

But a tinge of panic also swept through the crowd. Who would be left to row out in the middle of the lake on those cool fall mornings to scoop out the fresh spring water needed for famous Camp Lebanon oatmeal?

As a cook, it all began back in the late 1970’s in the kitchens of Northwestern College (St. Paul) as Jim gained his footing in the food service industry. Doors opened into the corporate world with Jim working at country clubs and restaurants out of the Twin Cities for over a decade.

It was Jim’s charisma, talent, and, ulti mately, love for a special “Meeting Place with God ‘’ that, by the Creator’s grand plan, brought him back to his childhood roots at Camp Lebanon.

“I was at Camp in the womb,” Jim stated, recalling Camp Lebanon’s continuous presence in his life from a very young age. Jim attended Hayden Heights in St. Paul, the same church as the most legendary of Camp’s founders, Herb Hazzard. “At the time, Camp was just a summer camp,” Jim explained. “Herb knew I wasn’t working, so he asked me if I wanted to come serve.”

As a teen, Jim attended church retreats as well as summer youth camps, but from 19721974 he was hopping on the bus with friends to join Sid Anderson’s maintenance team. After ruining the Caretaker’s favorite axe, Jim was “promoted” to food service.

In 2004, some thirty years later, Jim was lit erally called back to the shores of Cedar Lake. “My daughter had been up at Camp, and we thought she had left something up there,” Jim

recalled, laughing as he described the phone call from his soon-to-be boss. What was sus pected as a “Lost and Found” inquiry turned into an amazing God-directed invitation.

“At the time, we were taking care of my father,” Jim said, expressing his initial reservations. “We’d made the decision in 1999 to move in with him. Leaving for Upsala was a difficult decision to make because we couldn’t take him with us.”

Despite the intimidation of moving out of the city and making a monumental change for his family, Jim and his wife joyfully began to walk towards the Lord’s leading.

Sylvia got me excited about the opportu nity,” Jim remembered. “I was forty-six and had been in the food service industry for a long time. I was getting tired of the pressure of the corporate world.”

“Starting out as a camper, then cooking with Jim for nearly 22 years in Camp’s kitchen, I am excited to carry on his legacy of making meals a key part of the Camp experience.”

Tony Cluka Camp Lebanon Chef

But there was more. “I believed in what Camp Lebanon was doing,” Jim continued. “For the last ten years I’d been working for organizations that were just business. The opportunity to be in ministry was appealing. I finally came to realize that and embraced it.”

Looking back over nearly two decades of ministry, Jim marvels in the leap of faith that shaped the course of not only his life but also the lives of his wife and three kids. “My wife being able to work with me and my kids being able to be a part of Camp allowed us to carve out a pretty nice family life here.”

With a new life and a new job came the triumphs and challenges of not only working in ministry per se but a different form of min istry than most may experience. Jim gained strength from hearing from staff as they had better opportunities to witness firsthand the spiritual impact of Camp.

“For me, it was really special to listen to whoever was running the event describe what had happened from a spiritual stand point and learn how many kids gave their life to Christ,” Jim mused. “It’s a wonderful thing to hear what you were a part of. I also

enjoyed the exchange with guests when I had them.”

Of the fifty events Camp hosts each year, the “Young at Heart” retreats and Senior Days were his favorite. The slower pace pro vided more time to interact with guests who were always extremely appreciative.

A close second were the Fall and Spring Quilt Retreats. “It’s the best time to use my culinary skills,” Jim noted. “Menus can be a bit more complicated and interesting and it was fun to plan them and carry them out.”

Jim also appreciated the value of seeing local youth come to work in the kitchen. Camp offered teens a wholesome and posi tive environment for their first-time jobs. “I always tried to make it fun to work, as much as possible.”

Summer was extra special and extra busy. Despite the heat and long hours on his feet, Jim cherished all the laughs and memories made with coworkers and young staff who came to work every summer. “I feel like God really provided a perfect situation for me. From day one I was fortunate to have such great helpers that made it possible to do what I did.”

While retiring from his management position, Jim looks forward to leading a shift from time to time. He also hopes to continue sharing both his artistic skills and his love for his coworkers and Camp’s many guests.

“Before Camp I’d been painting in water color for some time,” Jim reminisced. “Then I was approached to do a watercolor class for one of the quilt retreats.” It was an instant hit for both teacher and class. “I’m looking forward to doing it again now that I’m retired and will have a bit more free time.”

While change is inevitable and a more relaxed schedule is more than well-deserved, Camp hasn’t seen the last of Chef Jim. Guests may still catch a glimpse of him now and then stirring that savory basil tomato soup or trimming the pot roast.

“Jim is the ultimate team player,” praised Bill Abeler, Executive Director. “He’s been a wonderful cook and a good manager. Not once was his team ever late for a meal. We’re so happy to keep his friendly presence in the kitchen!”

Thank you, Jim Flaa, for your faithful service and a legacy that helps Camp Lebanon feed the souls of blessed guests.