Morgan, Nicole, and I had all been involved in ministry and had known each other for years; we thought that working at a summer camp together would be just another chapter in our college season.  But it wasn’t just another chapter; it was one of the chapters that shaped our relationships with each other and our creator.  Looking back, there was no better choice than walking away from internships, classes, and all the things that we “should have done” while in college and serving with one of the ministries that holds a place in all of our hearts. 
         After reflecting on the goodness that God has done in our hearts through Grindstone Lake Bible Camp, we decided to write down just a few of the reasons why you shouldn’t just do camp ministry, but you should do ministry through GLBC.

1. You get to spend time outside.  Who doesn’t want that? 
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2. You learn how to work well with others. If you can get along with people when you have little sleep, are expelling a great deal of energy, and living in tight quarters for 8 weeks straight; you can work well with anyone!
 
3. Nobody judges you if you’re sweaty or dirty, because everyone is sweaty and dirty.
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4. You don’t have to play it cool when asked if you like to play games; in fact, you’re encouraged not to play it cool.  You’re encouraged to get your tube socks on, paint your face, and try to steal that flag even when the odds feel impossible. 
 
5. You learn skills like time-management, flexibility, and communication, all of which will benefit you in any career path. 

6. When working at a small camp you get to have personal and authentic relationships with supervisors and co-workers.  They know you at your worst and still love you. 

7. With those personal relationships, you gain the flexibility to learn/grow in certain areas of interest because of the hearts that Kevin and Amber Burgess (Camp Director & Registrar) have for supporting their staff.  That’s a big thing; most camps don’t have Kevin & Amber (or a baby Mordecai). Example:  You are the nurse but you love playing soccer, bam. All of a sudden you are now a soccer instructing nurse that also gets to lead worship. And they pay you to do all those things. Amazing, right?
 
8. You get time to grow in your faith during a foundational part of your life—your coworkers and supervisors are invested in your faith journey, available to have authentic conversations, and hold you accountable. 

9. There is limited cell reception and internet access.  Being unplugged for a few months is good for you and allows you to be present—trust us, it’s great. 
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10. You make life-long friends!! Nothing brings you together quite like a summer filled with campfires, sunsets, yelling at the top of your lungs in excitement over every little thing, kids that drive you crazy and that you also love a lot, and worshiping and talking about Jesus nonstop. This is the stuff friendship is made of, folks!

Authors: Danielle Yaste, Morgan LaPlante, & Nicole Smetana

Dear friend of Grindstone Lake Bible Camp,


 Spring greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! The 2017 camping season is almost here,and once again,we are busy planning and making preparations for campus improvements. We anticipate God doing great things again this summer at GLBC. 
 As a devoted supporter of camp, we want to share some concerns and needs that our aging campus has. As you know, the camper fees we charge do not cover our annual expenses. If they did, our camper fees would be out of reach for many families. Instead, GLBC has relied on faithful partners like yourself to supply the need that we have to keep camp affordable and viable. 

 Below you will find the "Top Five" projects the Board of Directors have deemed as priorities or are in need of being replaced or completed. We bring these to you as a matter of consideration and prayer. We realize that what we share are large dollar amounts, however, we also realize that we serve an awesome God, who supplies all our needs. 

1. Replacing the convection ovens in the kitchen.....................$8,000.00
2. Replacing the automatic commercial pan washer in the kitchen........$2,500.00
3. Replacing the two walking bridges that go over the mote to the girls cabins...$1,200/bridge
4. Updating the bathrooms and showers in the boys and girls cabins.......$1,500.00/bathroom  (10 bathrooms total ) 
5. Converting our temporary chapel bldg into a new administration office/nurses station/staff lounge. There has already been a generous contribution of $5,000.00 towards this project, we estimate it will take another $10,000.00 to complete it. 

Would you be willing to contribute to one of these important projects or perhaps pay for an entire project in full?  Please prayerfully consider this important ministry as God lays it on your heart. If you are willing to contribute please make your check out to GLBC and mail it to:


Grindstone Lake Bible Camp
13222 Grindstone Lake Road
Sandstone Mn 55072

This year, GLBC celebrates its 85th year of sharing the good news of Jesus Christ with young people!!  Literally thousands of campers have heard the message of the gospel at Grindstone Lake. Your prayerful and financial contribution will help this legacy of the gospel being heard to continue. THANK YOU!!

From the Camp Board of Directors,

Loren Nelson, Chairman GLBC 
320 630 7999
ldnelson44@gmail.com

Kevin Burgess, Camp Director
603 608 9068
glbcdirector@gmail.com

Have a comment or a question?  We would love to hear from you!
God Bless you for being a part of GLBC!