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

We Need Your Help!

Northern Pines has two immediate needs that require your support to meet.

The first concerns the water system on site. In two of the past three winters the waterline to the director’s home has frozen forcing them to use other facilities at the camp for showers, laundry, cooking, and other water needs for several months during the winter. To eliminate this problem the camp has decided to drill another well in close proximity to the director’s house. This unplanned expense will cost approximately $4000 and needs to be completed before next winter.

This garden hose runs over 500 feet from the lodge to the director's house and is providing temporary water.

The other immediate need of the camp relates to the computers used by our full-time staff. The lack of adequate office equipment greatly reduces the productivity of the staff. We need to replace the computers in both the main office and the assistant director’s office. This will cost more than $3000 and is becoming more necessary every day.

Please consider making a donation to help Northern Pines meet both of these needs.

A Beautiful Weekend

It was a beautiful weekend at Northern Pines and we had two groups here enjoying it. A group of 80 people from the local hospital we here on Friday and Saturday listening to speakers and participating in workshops. We also had a local family staying in Cornerstone to celebrate a special occasion. These two groups represent just some of the variety of groups we host at Northern Pines. If you belong to a group that is looking for a place to hold a retreat or have a special family celebration coming up, please consider Northern Pines. We would love to speak with you about the various things we can provide, like special meals, to meet your needs. Contact the camp for more information.

Why Good Friday is Good

During this Good Friday and Easter weekend I hope you will reflect on what the crucifixion and resurrection mean for us lowly sinners. It is truly remarkable to think of the love God showed us by sending Jesus.

First, we are all sinners since we cannot meet God’s perfect standard.

Romans 3:23

for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.

Secondly, the consequence for our imperfection is death.

Romans 6:23

For the wages of sin is death…

But that is not the end of the story

Romans 6:23

… but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Thirdly, Jesus Christ, the only person who ever met God’s standard, took our punishment.

Romans 5:6-8

You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Finally, God’s gift is available to everyone through acceptance of Jesus as Lord and Savior.

Romans 3:22

This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe.

Not many people would consider the death of their leader a good thing, but as Christians we know that Jesus' death was necessary and really just the beginning of our salvation.

Volunteer Opportunities

It takes a lot of work to keep Northern Pines running smoothly, and as a result we are always looking for people who are willing to give their time and talents.

During the Spring there is a lot of physical work that needs to be done to prepare for the summer season. This includes indoor and outdoor cleaning (painting, raking, etc), completion of winter projects (like our new challenge course), and various other tasks that will enhance the camping experience at Northern Pines.

If you enjoy working with people, volunteering as a counselor for a week is an incredible way to use your gifts to help a camper with their faith walk. Remember, campers aren't just kids anymore!

If you happen to be a registered nurse, volunteering for a week at camp is a great opportunity to serve Christ by ensuring our campers have quality health care while at Northern Pines.

Regardless of what your skills are, we can use your help at camp. Chances your experience at Northern Pines will benefit you as much as it benefits the camp. Contact the camp office if you, or a group you belong to, would like to volunteer at Northern Pines. God Bless.

Welcome to "Spring" in Minnesota

A week ago the sun was shining and it was 70 degrees outside. Today we are getting 6 inches of snow.

It may be hard for some of you to think of summer on days like this, but now is the perfect time to register for camp. At Northern Pines we have 30 camp offerings for kids in 1st through 12th grade as well as camps for adults and families. Visit this website to search for camp offerings and to register for camp.

If you have any questions about camp please contact Northern Pines at northernpines@unitelc.com or on the phone at 218-732-4713.

Remember, if you register and pay in full by May 15th you receive the $10 early bird discount!

Looking for Staff

We want YOU!

Working at camp for a summer is an unforgettable experience full of fun, faith, and friends. Spending a summer at camp is an excellent opportunity for personal growth through serving Christ.

We currently have the following positions available at Northern Pines: treehouse counselors (2 male, 1 female), Christian friendship counselor (1 female), and kitchen staff. The other United Methodist camps in Minnesota are also looking for staff. Click here for job descriptions of the positions available at each site.

If you, or someone your know, would like to be considered for a position please fill out a job application and send it to the camping office in Minneapolis (address on form).

If you have any questions please email Northern Pines at northernpines@unitelc.com or by phone at 218-732-4713.

The Snow Has Melted, But It's Not Gone

Here are some pictures of me kayaking across the playing field earlier today.

Be sure to check out more pictures from camp at our photo album.

Share Your Christian Camp Stories

We would love to hear your Christian camping stories. Of course we would like to hear from people who have been to Northern Pines, but the purpose of Christian camping is furthering the message of the Gospel, and that can happen anywhere. Use the comments to share your story of how camping and nature have impacted your faith walk. We may even use your story to help show other people the power of Christian camping. Thanks, and God bless.

New Photo Gallery

Check out the new Northern Pines Camp photo gallery at Picasa.

Have a wonderful day.

Cross at Sunset