Changes for Summer 2021
Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, Summer Camp 2021 will see many changes, primarily made to run camp safely and smoothly for all our campers and staff.
Major Changes. Stay tuned, as we continue to work on details. We’ll release a list of Camp & COVID-19 FAQs later this spring. If you have a question to add, please submit here.
June 20, 2015 – Trippers have Returned From The Porkies!
Trippers are back from five days backpacking in the Porcupine Mountains.
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May 13, 2015 – New Tents for Our Backpack and Canoe Trips
Thanks to generous donations, our backpack and canoe trip campers will have new tents to sleep in this summer (and some new backpacks)!
For other ideas of things camp could use, see www.cpbc.com/wishlist.
Find out more about our trips at www.cpbc.com/trips.
There is limited space left!
Rockin’ Robins #1 – May 1, 2015
[fsg_gallery id=”114″]3/3/15 – Northstar Hospital Leadership Development
Our local Northstar Hospital administration team joined us yesterday for a day of leadership development and team-building. The group met in our chapel building for their sessions, and had lunch and team-building activities that focused on communication in our dining hall. The photos shown are of the “marshmallow challenge” in which small teams worked together to build a structures of spaghetti noodles, tape, string, and a marshmallow. Though a valuable experience for all, not every structure stood.
[fsg_gallery id=”111″]For more information on team-building or outdoor education at Covenant Point, check out http://www.cpbc.com/aote-outdoor/ or email dustin@cpbc.com.
Hagerman Lake Fish Habitat Project – 2/21/15
Today ten “fish cribs” were built on Hagerman Lake to provide habitat to fish once the ice melts and the structures sink. The project had helpers from The US Forest Service, MI DNR, Iron County Wildlife Unlimited, Covenant Point, and the local community. The project was headed up by the US Forest Service and MI DNR. Thanks to all who were there!
[fsg_gallery id=”107″]New Snowplow + Truck
Through the efforts of some U.P. churches, and individuals, camp has gotten a Ford F-350 truck, and a Boss V-plow. This is such a wonderful fulfillment of a need at camp, our main plowing vehicle is camp’s John Deere tractor, which requires whoever is using it to sit out in the elements for a long stretch of time, . With the new truck, whoever snowplows now has a heated cab, and a hydraulic snow plow that can go to any angle at the push of a button. This new plow is also wider and taller, which allows you to push more snow at once and take more out of a bank with a single pass, all of this to say that plowing is much faster now. We at camp are so thankful for those who helped get this donation fulfilled.
[fsg_gallery id=”106″]Christmas Camp was a Smashing Success!
We had a very full and wonderful Christmas Camp this year! We added a puzzle competition where teams were came together to see who could put their puzzle together the fastest. We extended our Christmas season by singing carols and reliving the Christmas story through the eyes of the shepherds, Zachariah, and Harrod with the help of Kyle Mecher, our speaker of the week. Hope to see you at Christmas Camp next year!
Ge-Che Trail Groomed – 1/5/15
Three inches of fresh snow on Sunday, and despite subzero temps, the whole trail was groomed and tracked on Monday. Enjoy the trails and stay warm. Happy new year!
2014 Men’s Retreat at CPBC
The 2014 Men’s Retreat, though quite cold, was a blast. Dave Nesberg, of Portage Lake Bible Camp, delivered the chapel messages with the theme “Being Yoked.” In addition to Dave’s message, great musical worship, times of prayer, and discussion brought us closer to God. Sharing delicious home-cooked meals, card games, broomball tournament, skeet shooting, saunaing, polar bear dipping, snowshoeing, and simply spending time together brought us into fellowship with each other.
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OneLife #2
We had another great weekend of the OneLife Retreat over Presidents Day weekend! We were blessed to have Hinsdale Covenant, Winnetka Covenant, Grace Covenant, Park Ridge Community Church, North Park Covenant, Evangelical Covenant Church of Princeton, Glen Ellyn Covenant, and Gladstone Covenant Church join us for the second OneLife retreat! We enjoyed a broomball tournament, fun in the snow, Skiing at Brule, good food, and great worship together. Our speaker this weekend was Melissa Wall, pastor at DeerGrove Covenant Church. Melissa shared with us how to engage in the Lord’s Prayer and what it looks like to pray that our will would become God’s will. Thanks to Joe Poppino and his band from Hinsdale Covenant who led us in worship this weekend! God blessed us with great weather for playing and opportunities for meaningful conversation. Thanks to all for making this weekend memorable!
[fsg_gallery id=”49″]Ge-Che XC Ski Trail Groomed – 1/17/14
Several inches of fresh powder fell this week and the trail was groomed this morning. Happy skiing!
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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Rev. Bill Fish’s 25 Year Ministry at CP Draws to a Close
With faith, hope, and love Covenant Point Bible Camp wishes to announce the resignation of Rev. Bill Fish as Associate Director – after 25 years of strong ministry leadership at CPBC. Please read the following letter from Bill:
12/29/13
Dear Friends,
In February of 1989 Lynn and I began a fabulous adventure in the Northwoods at Covenant Point. Never realizing it would be our lives work, we joined Chuck and Jane Frasier in the task of advancing a year round ministry to children and adults at Covenant Point Bible Camp. There were many great challenges and many wonderful successes and the blessing of being privileged to see thousands of lives changed for Christ and by Christ.
I thank God for the many people who supported us over the years and joined us in our endeavors. I think of staff who worked sacrificially long hours and parents who trusted us with their precious children, strangers who became friends and friends who became partners in ministry.
It has been a great work and the love of my life but for everything there is a season and my time at Covenant Point is now complete. As of January 15, 2014 I will be resigning my position as Associate Director.
My hope and prayer is that Covenant Point will continue to prosper, advancing the cause of the Good News of God’s love for us all in Christ Jesus. I am confident that it will be so and God’s blessing will be an abundant one.
Please pray for Lynn and me as we spend these next months waiting on God’s guidance and call to our next adventure.
Your Partner in Ministry,
Bill Fish
Countless lives have been influenced for Christ because of Bill’s passion for seeing young people encouraged in their next step of faith through an experience at camp. During this time of transition, we are extending a call to all those who represent the Covenant Point community, to join us in offering to Bill reflections on his influence in our lives, and gratitude for his friendship and service at Covenant Point. Please send your favorite “Bill stories,” reflections, photos, and notes of appreciation or affirmation to cpbc@cpbc.com or to 358 W. Hagerman Lake Road, Iron River, MI 49935. Your prompt reply is appreciated, as we hope to compile what we receive in the next few weeks.
Help Us Finish 2013 With Strength!
| Dear Friends,
Merry Christmas from all of us at Covenant Point! Many of you have already responded to our year-end appeal letter that went out in November, and we’re so grateful and encouraged by the participation and support of each. Thank you! As I reflect on all that God has done at Covenant Point this year, I’m filled with gratitude for this remarkable ministry. Listen to the impact: Lives are being formed in Christ. During his first week here, one 3rd grade camper said it this way: “At home I feel like I’m always behind and last. Here, I feel like God is pushing me to the front!” Young leaders are being equipped to serve the Church. Looking back on a summer of counseling, one of our staff members remarked, “This summer made me realize my potential to influence God’s Kingdom. I matured more spiritually than I have in my entire life.” Relationships are being renewed. One family camper shared, “The time spent with my kids was both a unique and life-giving experience for all of us – an opportunity to heal and reconnect that I had never thought was possible.” CPBC found opportunities to grow this year, creating new ways to touch more lives – exciting opportunities like our Autism Spectrum Disorder Family Camp and the Central Conference’s Adventures in Leadership, a wilderness leadership experience for high school students. To continue to see these programs develop, our facilities cared for with excellence, and our staff to flourish, we need your ongoing support. We have two important goals on the immediate horizon that you should know about. First, is to maintain our strong Annual Fund. When you give to our Annual Fund, think: immediate needs, expenses not covered by camper fees, creative new programming, and staff development. Second, is to complete the Chuck Frasier Memorial Campaign. We’re only $34,000 away from reaching our $600,000 goal! Launched in August of 2011 as the largest capital campaign in our history, it seeks to honor the life of former director Chuck Frasier by building a new director’s home and establishing an endowment to fund the CPBC Internship Program. The home is completed and the endowment is growing with each gift given. When you give to The Chuck Frasier Memorial Campaign, think: long-term investment, equipping young leaders, strengthening our financial foundation, and honoring Chuck’s faithfulness. Friends, the mission is alive and the need is real. I ask you to please join me in giving back this year to a ministry that has given so much to so many, and help us reach these exciting goals. Your support of Covenant Point with a cash gift or stock donation will directly impact programs that change lives for Christ. Gifts can also be made securely through our website at www.cpbc.com/donate. With faith, hope and love, Erik Strom Executive Director
Covenant Point Bible Camp is a 501c3 nonprofit organization. Donations of cash & property are tax-deductible, as allowed by law. |
2013 Trailblazers Retreat
Last weekend, we welcomed 40-some 4th-6th graders and their youth group leaders for the Trailblazer Retreat! We had great fun making scarecrows, playing games, and carving pumpkins, and of course a trip out to the Island where campers played games, swung on the Tarzan swing, and enjoyed a game of Island Ball. Although a chilly weekend, everyone was able to enjoy plenty of time outside. Time around the campfire, playing games in the big field, and jumping into the lake after a trip to the sauna were all highlights. There was also plenty of good food and hot chocolate available throughout the retreat. During our chapel times, campers received messages from two of our own interns, Anders Ahlberg and Abby Austin, who shared about God’s relationship with us and how that changes our relationship with others. Songs led by Kevin Johnson and Erik Strom made chapel sessions a great place to worship!
Check out these pictures from the weekend!
[fsg_gallery id=”21″]Staff Openings
For immediate release:
October 23, 2013
With excitement, Covenant Point Bible Camp is now accepting resumes for two part-time, permanent staff positions (which may be combined as one full-time position). A ministry overview, application instructions, and job descriptions for both the Office Manager and Head Cook positions can be found at www.cpbc.com/staffopenings. The positions may also be found on www.covchurch.org/jobs. Application deadline is November 30, 2013.
Please direct any additional questions to Executive Director, Erik Strom.
Summer Camp Downloads
Summer Packing Lists
Senior High ( Two Week) Backpack Packing List (.PDF)
Canoe Trip Packing List (.PDF)
One Week Backpack Packinh List (.PDF)
Summer Registration Form Downloads
2013 Youth Registration Form (.PDF)
Download to register youth campers for any of our Trips, Island, or Mainland camps. Learn more about summer programs.
2013 Health Form (.PDF)
Download this health form and mail/fax it in prior to the week that you will be attending.
2013 Family Camp Registration (.PDF)
Download to register for any of our three family camp weeks. Learn more about family camp.
ASD Family Camp Registration Form (.PDF)
Download to register for any of our three family camp weeks. Learn more about A.S.D. family camp.
2013 Venture Out Registration Form (.PDF)
Download to register for our Venture Out womens backpacking trip.
Adventures in Leadership Registration Packet (.ZIP)
Apply to be a part of our Adventures in Leadership Program which serves students for Covenant Central Conference Churches.
Island Week 6 | July 21-27, 2013
Another great week on the Island with 6th and 7th graders! Here are some photos of the week!
[fsg_gallery id=”4″]Island Week 2 | June 23-29, 2013
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Pathfinders, Explorers, and Wilderness Week | July 14 – 20
[fsg_gallery id=”1″]Mainland | Vanguard 6/7/8 Pictures
Jeff Root, youth pastor from Glen Elyn Covenant is here this week as our speaker. We are enjoying all of the beautiful weather and having a ball with kids from all over Illinois, Wisconsin, and Michigan. Here are photos from this week!
Enjoying “Joia” as a Staff, Preparing for Summer
There are often times in the life of a camp staff when strategy meetings need moments of great JOIA. So it happened one afternoon when the long winter doldrums were getting to everyone. To add spice and flavor to our time, former Point and Harbor staff person, Carleton Johnson, shared with us a sampling of a product he is marketing. Carleton and another associate started a business called Boundary Waters Brands selling a beverage named JOIA, a blend of three ingredients, a fruit, a flower, and a spice. Two examples of this refreshing all natural soda are: Blackberry/pomegranate/ginger or Lime/hibiscus/cloves. There are six varieties in all. The business which began in Minneapolis, has since arrived in other locations of the country like Seattle, Los Angelas, Portland, Denver, and Chicago area. To read more about JOIA, an informative website can be found at www.joialife.com. As for Point staff, we lift a bottle of JOIA to you, Carleton, for doing just that in our small little U.P. world. Blessings to your growth.
Blessed with a Committed Summer Staff
This summer, we have a staff of 32 fantastic young leaders on board to serve at Covenant Point. Many of these counselors, program directors, waterfront staff, and trips guides are choosing to say “no” to internships or more income at a job back home in order to lead and grow at camp. The value of serving in a camp setting is something that generations of staff members have known for a long time, and it was affirming to read more about this benefit over “summer internships” in the New York Times:
“[In encouraging my daughter to seek a summer internship] I forced myself to parrot conventional wisdom because there was at least a chance that it was true. But the clinching argument came from my daughter’s impassioned defense of camp counselors, and her outrage that someone glancing at résumés would believe that a 20-year-old [intern] who fetches coffee at Google is more impressive than one who spends days and nights nurturing, teaching, organizing, comforting and inspiring.”
– Dan Flescher, New York Times Blog Find the Full Article Here
To be entrusted with the lives of children, to learn how to function as part of a dynamic and complex community, and to improvise as a leader carrying out our mission as each day unfolds: these are experiences that foster immeasurable growth of all kinds! If you’ve chosen to work at camp at some point in your life, I bet you know what I mean. Thank you for prayerfully supporting this summer’s team of staff members, and their choice to participate in the vital work at Covenant Point.
-Erik Strom,
Camp Director
