Week 4: Island July 6-12
The Islanders spent an amazing week in the rustic beauty of camp. They hiked to Ottawa Lake, did high ropes, and had fun on the Mountain Dew Swing. The week was great for spending time in community with each other and God.
[fsg_gallery id=”73″]Westward Backpackers Hit the Road!
Two weeks of challenging and exciting traveling, sharing faith journeys and exploring God’s vast creation together begins today for our Westward Backpack Trip. For the next two days the 10th through 12th grade trippers will be on the road with our guides traveling across the great plains to the mountains and camping along the way. Then 7 days will be spent backpacking the Wind River Mountains of Wyoming. Three days on the road will get them back to Covenant Point, with camping stops at natural landmarks along the way. More photos to come after the trip!
Porcupine Mountains Backpacking Trip July 13-19, 2014
We hiked through the Porcupine Mountains for a week with 8 campers. We enjoyed eating lunch next to waterfalls and swimming in lake Superior. Another highlight was skipping rocks on the lake and watching the sunset. We had great weather and a fun time on trail together.
[fsg_gallery id=”78″]Flambeau River Canoe Trip June 29- July 5, 2014
We spent the week floating down the Flambeau River in Wisconsin. The best parts of our week were swimming down the river next to our canoes, eating lunch on the river with each other as we floated down the river, and eating delicious meals and hanging out around campfires every night. We saw God in the river, in the rain, and in each other.
[fsg_gallery id=”76″]Adventures In Leadership 2014
June 22 – June 29
14 Central Conference high school students, 5 Central Conference youth workers, and CPBC staff joined together for the week long Adventures in Leadership. One full day was spent at camp with leadership training, group initiatives, personality profiles, trip preparation, and times of worship. The next three days the group was split into two, and headed out backpacking the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore where each student led their group for a half day, helping prepare meals, make group decisions and lead a devotional “first or last word.” The trip wrapped up with a sea kayaking adventure on Lake Superior before returning to camp.
[fsg_gallery id=”74″]Men’s Trout Fishing Trip, July 7-10
“Many men go fishing all of their lives without knowing that it is not fish they are after.”
– Henry David Thoreau
A group of adventurous men joined Covenant Point staff to retreat from everyday life, and spend time on the Bois Brule River fishing for trout. The three days were spent in community as well as some solitude and silence in the unspoiled realms of Northern Wisconsin’s Brule River State Forest. The theme of the message was “awakening” to God in your life. Highlights of the trip were sharing good meals around a campfire, visiting a trout hatchery, spending days on the river, from the headwaters to Lake Superior, slowing down from the pace of everyday life, and even catching some trout.
[fsg_gallery id=”75″]Vanguard: Jr. High Camp
This week we had our Mainland Jr. High camp. In addition to the usual big games and activities, campers this week participated in Pack Attack– a giant relay race between small groups. Chad Harrison, the speaker of the week, talked about how people can react to fear and troubled times differently when they know that God gives them strength. Despite the inordinate amount of rain, we had a blast this week and were still able to have an Elimination Tournament, enjoy some wonderful Choose Your Own Adventures, and spend time in nature listening to God.
[fsg_gallery id=”72″]Sojourners: Senior High Week
This last week we had our Senior High mainland camp. Speakers Jaimie Sladkey and Michelle Clifton-Soderstrom talked about what it means to know each other and to know God. We played big games, went to see fireworks, had a dance party in town, worshiped, and had an overall very full week.
[fsg_gallery id=”71″]Week 2: Family Camp, June 22-28
This last week was a great beginning to this summer’s family camps. Families engaged in frog catching, ropes courses, big games (including Braveheart), waterfront activities, and some genuine relaxation.
[fsg_gallery id=”70″]The Island: Week 2, June 22-28
With high ropes, fellowship, community building, and all-around fun, the second week of Island camp was an amazing time.
[fsg_gallery id=”69″]Wilderness Week One
The Wilderness Week campers are having a week of learning and discovery. From tadpoles and archery to games and worship, the campers have had a packed and exciting time at camp. There will be more pictures soon, so keep checking in!
[fsg_gallery id=”68″]The Island: Week One
The Island has kicked off its summer with a small group of amazing kids. The low elements, high ropes, and time spent with God in nature all provided a wonderful start to a great week and extraordinary summer. Be sure to come back later for more pictures.
[fsg_gallery id=”67″]Pathfinders & Explorers: Week One
We’re halfway through the first week of Summer 2014: Explorers and Pathfinders! We played the Despicable Me game, dressed up for our rotations, had an opening campfire and shared lots of laughs! Check back for more great pictures from this wonderful week!
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CPBC Men’s Winter Expedition 2014
January 10-12, 2014, eight men ventured to the Porcupine Mountains, backpacking with cross country skis to a small rustic cabin in the woods. In the two days at the cabin, they enjoyed skiing and snowshoeing, playing card games, having good conversations, sharing meals cooked over the woodstove, and devotional times with the theme of “Discovering True North: Self-awareness, discovery, and creating the new normal” led by Kevin Johnson. The exceptional snow and good group of men made for a great trip.
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Celebrating Rev. Bill Fish
Bill and Lynn Fish responded to a call to serve at Covenant Point Bible Camp in 1989 with a two-year commitment in mind. Now, after 25 years and thousands of lives impacted, we rejoice and pray with them as Bill begins a new chapter of his life and ministry. In honor and celebration of these dear friends, the staff gathered on January 15, Bill’s final day, to share a meal, tell stories, speak affirming words and thank you’s, and pray together. We love you Bill, and the whole Covenant Point community is grateful for your service!
For just a taste of the impact Bill has had, check out these two videos from current and past staff members. Special thanks to Colby Mecher for his work to create this special tribute.
Watch the seven minute video here and a 19 minute extended video here!
CPBC Writing Retreat – North Park University
North Park University philosophy and creative writing students came to Covenant Point Bible Camp for a writing retreat the weekend of October 25-28. Students spent the weekend meeting in our Outdoor Education Building for faculty led sessions and discussions, walking our interpretive trail, reading nature writings, visiting Sylvania Wilderness area, learning to start fire without matches, enjoying home-cooked meals together, taking time to write, and sharing their writings around the fireplace at night.
Writing Retreat in the North Woods
Quilter’s Retreat 2013
We hosted some wonderful AND creative women this past weekend. The quilter’s retreat was a long weekend filled with space to finish up projects, showing off all their hard work, enjoy good food, fellowship and laughter. The ladies had a “show and tell” on Friday evening where they had a chance to share with the group the projects they had been working on. There was space to talk about the inspiration for the quilt or other creative work, and what’s a “show and tell” without a SWORD! Rev. Bill Fish hosted a Bible study on Sunday morning, which had full attendance and it was followed by a wonderful brunch!
Thank you to all the ladies who came and we are really excited about next year!
[fsg_gallery id=”20″]Jr. High Fall Retreat
What are these pictures from? Well, junior high youth groups from the Chicagoland area and the UP came to Covenant Point for the long Columbus Day weekend and had a great time exploring, playing games, worshipping and growing together as fellow Christians. Covenant churches in attendance included Hinsdale, Batavia, Park Ridge, Winnetka, and Grace Covenant.
The messages of the weekend were given by youth leaders from the attending Covenant Churches, Lauren Malecki, Christy Bouris, Lars Stromberg, as well as our camp director Erik Strom. These talented speakers shared about relationships Jesus had with the Father, outsiders, his disciples, and children. Music was led by our friends and youth leaders Colby Mecher, Jamie Sladkey, Meghan Bruggeman, and Lars Stromberg. The kids also enjoyed a hike out to beautiful Ottowa Lake, some time doing high ropes on our Island, and games including a guest appearance by the chicken!
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Women’s Retreat 2013
We had our annual Women’s Retreat here at Covenant Point.
We had a great speaker, great food and great fellowship. Please enjoy some wonderful photos!
[fsg_gallery id=”16″]Fall Volunteer Weekend
We welcomed a lot of people to come and help us with a variety project here at Covenant Point!
Some of those projects included: helping put a new roof on Cedar Lodge, new curtains in Pine and the Nature Building, cutting firewood, putting together retreat mailers and repainting the basement of Cedar Lodge.
We are so thankful for all the help we received this volunteer weekend and continue to receive year to year!
[fsg_gallery id=”15″]Chuck Frasier Memorial Campaign Chicago Half Marathon Race, 2013
The weekend in Chicago was perfect for seeing the sights of Chicago, hanging out together at various functions, working at the pre-race events, and running in the half marathon on September 8th. Twenty-three people signed up to participate in the race and raise money for the Chuck Frasier Memorial Campaign. Three women ran the 13 miles while others ran the 5K portion of the race. Those running the half marathon were Jessica Bacon, Lynn Mecher, and Sarah Snow.
A BIG thank you to all who worked on pre-race activities, cheered the runners on, and supported through donations. A very special thank you to all runners. It was great to see you there.
At present around $3,500 has been given with more to come. Anyone interested in donating specifically to the race can do so. Enjoy the following photos of this wonderful time together in the big city.
[fsg_gallery id=”13″]2013 CPBC Triathlon August 4
Enjoy the photos from the Triathlon 2013, a wonderful success in regard to raising funds for special needs programs at camp and for those who participated and those who cheered them on. There were 17 solo competitors and 7 teams. At the present time $10,000 has been raised with more to come!!!! The winner for the third year in a row was David Haller, who conquered the course in 2:17:08. Jack Hudson became the oldest to complete the full marathon at the age of 63, finishing in 3 hours and 25 minutes. The day began chilly which made for a cold 1/2 mile swim at the beginning but warmed up to comfortable temperatures when the biking and running unfolded. There was also 6 walkers and one baby who participated in the 6.3 mile trek. This annual event has been on tap for 14 years now and is a great way to spend a weekend at Point.
A portion of funding from previous triathlons was used to offset registration fees for the new Autism Spectrum Camp for families who have children with autism. (blog entry to follow). Monies are also used to provide assistance and support for campers with special needs who attend Covenant Point during the summer.
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2013 ASD Camp
The first ever ASD Camp (Autism Spectrum Disorder) , August 6-10, was a great success for families and staff. There were seven families from the Midwest Conference participating along with a health officer family and speaker of the week, Steve Burger, who is director of adult, children, family inter generational ministries with the Department of Christian Formation. Programming mirrored other family camp weeks offering a wide arrange of activities. Time was spent on the island doing the Tarzan Swing, climbing the high ropes course called Track N Trail, playing big group games like BraveHeart, having time in arts n crafts and waterfront, going to interactive chapel time and singing, and having a prayer of blessing with counselors and staff. Expressions of appreciation and thanksgiving for this week were shared by parents, siblings and staff.
Enjoy some of the comments that were spoken or written from time at ASD camp:
This was a wonderful experience for our WHOLE family! I am so glad the counselors, these young people, got to go beyond their fear of special needs/autism and just see these children for who they all are cherished children of God.
ASD Family camp gave many families permission to try camp and also provide an environment where we did not have to explain our families.
By the end of the week, there was just so much joy. Afterward some of the parents said if the camp is held next year, “We are definitely coming back.”
I think the camp gave people an opportunity to experience something that they wouldn’t otherwise have and to celebrate the gifts that we all are.
I know so many families like ours who need this camp experience!!
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Week 8 Island | August 4 – 10, 2013
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The last week of Island camp is off to an excellent start. It rained on Monday, but Tuesday has been a beautiful, hot day full of fun activities.
