Doing What We Can!

With the late spring weather and the cold temps here at Northern Pines Camp and Retreat Center, we are Doing What We Can to get the camp ready for the summer season and the Governor's Fishing Opener weekend in Park Rapids. While we haven't gone as far as really shoveling the snow off the lake, we have certainly thought about it.

The excitement is building as our staff is busy cleaning buildings with the help of electric heaters. Not daring to even attempt to turn the water on to those buildings they carry buckets of hot water where needed.

Help is on the way for the three dedicated guys on Sunday, May 5th. A Doing What We Can Spring Cleanup Event will take place from 11:30 to when the last have to leave. All are invited to join us for pancakes and sausage served from 11:30 to 12:30 pm and then get instructions to the areas where cleanup is needed. Tasks include: yardwork, ironing, moving picnic tables, windows, making up beds, getting kyaks & canoes out and other various tasks.

It is less than a week before hundreds of people from all across the state will be onsite and we are Doing What We Can to make Northern Pines Camp and Retreat Center look as good as it does each year.



Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.

 

 

Not Just a Seasonal Faith

Many campers and guests have photographed the cross by the lake at Northern Pines. The frozen lake and the position of the sun in the winter offers a whole new look. Just this week we received our first significant snowfall. Up to this time the lake was mostly clear ice. It allowed us to look to the bottom in places. Sometimes it was an eerie feeling knowing that under that ice was water so cold that it would take your breath away in minutes and your life not much longer than that. We walk on the ice in faith that it will hold us up. We believe in Christ knowing He will hold us up through whatever life may bring. Unlike the ice, Christ is always with us and unfailing. He is not seasonal.Where do we put our faith as Christians? Does it change with the seasons? As for me...I'll choose walking with Christ year around.

The Remodeling of the Lodge At Northern Pines

The before and after pictures of the Lodge at Northern Pines Camp show the amazing updating that has taken place in 2011. The "new" space has created a wonderful gathering area, new kitchen and game room on the lower level. Upstairs now holds all the sleeping rooms with private bathrooms for each. A cozy lounge area on the upper level provides a space to read, relax and lookout over the camp from the large windows across the front. We invite you to visit and enjoy this new experience.

Winter Returns

It is April isn't it? The camp was coated with snow once again this weekend. Although it looks beautiful we had hopes of beginning the necessary grounds work this week. Only 50 days until the first summer camp arrives.

Fall Volunteers At Northern Pines

The men of Riverside UMC, Park Rapids have been busy at Northern Pines this fall. They have helped cut down trees and split the wood. Red Pine Center has been powerwashed and a new coat of stain applied thanks to these men and the NOMADS group that was here in September.

THANK YOU! You are valuable to the ministry of Northern Pines.

Fall Retreats At Northern Pines

Fall Women's Reteats At Northern Pines

Northern Pines Camp was thrilled to host three women's retreats this past weekend. A group of quilters had a beautiful view of the lake as they set up in the three season porch of Cornerstone cabin. They loved it so much that they have booked an extra day next year.

A first time scrapbooking group set up in Red Pine Center and enjoyed the weekend sharing photos and scrapbooking ideas. The group was made up of girlfriends, a mother & daughter, and a grandmother & granddaughter.

The Lodge was host to a Stitching Group. Twenty two women actually arrived on Thursday to get an extra day in. The group has been coming to Northern Pines for nineteen years. One woman commented, "We just love being here! Don't ever change a thing." Another said that she turns the radio off when she is one hour away and uses the time to offer prayers of thanksgiving that she is returning to Northern Pines.

An Awesome Day at Northern Pines!

The day began at 7:15 am with the bell ringing of the bell by Camp Dean Pastor Don Eslinger.
The sun has been shining and the campers are enjoying the lake for swimming and water skiing this afternoon.
The day will conclude with the Jr/Sr High campers sharing in a special service and communion with their new friends in Christ. The 11 girls in the Treehouse Camp will travel to the Horse Ranch tonight to learn how to care for a horse and go on a trail ride. Each group will close the night with a campfire and singing.
Northern Pines has become holy ground for many this week.