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.

Northern Pines says goodbye to Chris

Chris has accepted a camp directors position at Camp Manidokan in Maryland. Chris was our Assistant Director for the past 3 years. We wish him the best and we will miss him.

Summer 2007

Summer Camp season 2007 has arrived. We are now in our 3rd week of camp and have served over 500 campers. The playing field has been a center of activity for large group games.

It is not too late to sign up for summer camp. Many of our camps have room for you. Check out the summer brochure on the web at campminnesota.org

New Entrance Signs

Check out the new camp signs that will welcome you to Northern Pines.

Roger and Chris give their seal of approval.

Stories of Faith

One of the neat things about being a camp director is not only seeing kids come to camp, but to have them come back year after year, making new friends, connecting with old friends, and making memories together that can last a lifetime. I’d like to share with you a camp story from a previous camper who attended junior high camp from 1997-2000.

“I just wanted to tell you how much your summer camp sculpted my faith, and in that, my life. I have amazing memories of summer camp: singing around the campfire, competitions for the cleanest cabins, skits, the dance and summer friendships that I will never forget. It's funny the life lessons you don't realize you're learning until years later...

When I was a camper I remember a lot of talk about letting God into your heart and this amazing feeling that comes with that. I thought I should have experienced a huge wave of emotion to let me know I officially had God in my heart. When I didn't feel an overwhelming sensation, I began to doubt my faith. I was wrong. I have always had God with me, and as I grew, I learned more about how to talk to God. Before, I was expecting instant gratification. I now realize that a seed was planted at Northern Pines. Now that I am an adult my relationship with God has blossomed. I want to thank you for planting that seed.”

Camp is about planting seeds of faith and friendship, being the good soil where our relationship with the Lord has a chance to be planted, to take root, and grow. Indeed camping is a vital ministry whereby God uses camping to reach and change the lives of campers. Often times God uses counselors to speak the word, to share the faith, to guide them, and encourage them in their faith journey. As we approach the summer camping season I invite your participation in the camping ministry by your prayers so we can continue to have stories of faith to tell. If you would like to take a more active role at Northern Pines we are still in need of both volunteer and paid summer counselors.

In Christ,

Bob Ford, Director