Pilgrim Point Camp 2017 Season Wrap-up

We will love God, one another, and the Earth by providing sanctuary, radical hospitality and faith-forming ministry in a sacred outdoor space.

The summer of 2017 was a memorable one.  As we buttoned up camp the last weekend of October, we had many reasons to celebrate this season. Following are some of our favorites:

We invited new partners at Pilgrim Point through our Eco-Justice Retreat and Deaf First Family Camp, as well as welcoming our congregational campers, coming for the first time or returning, for beloved week-long or weekend camps. We lived into a fuller management agreement with Luther Crest Bible Camp, who provided necessay support for our site, including our amazing new chef Roger! Our Living Sanctuary theme encouraged guests to look within as well as around them, in a search for ways we embody sanctuary in ourselves, and out into the world. We explored how Pilgrim Point has been a touchstone for so many, the sacred sanctuary where campers come to refuel and reconnect.

We heard many stories from campers, here are some of our favorites: a young adult at our first Young Adult Retreat, claimed that PPC is a place of grounding and essential to their faith formation; a Youth Camper noted that changes made to camp that were infused with times of spiritual exploration, created “the best youth camp” she has attended in many years of attendance; a weekend congregational camp leader was grateful for “just the right amount” of programming that helped her congregation connect more fully with one another. And Deaf First Family Campers were so delighted with their stay, they created a Facebook page about their experience and booked for next summer before they even finished their week with us.

Next summer will see some new entries on the schedule, including an adult Mission Retreat focused on food justice, a middle school student/parent weekend based on the sexuality curriculum Our Whole Lives, an expanded Deaf Friends and Family Camp, a Men’s Retreat, and more! We also look forward to our continued partnership with Luther Crest, whose site management fed us well and kept our site clean and ready for new camps.

Camper relationships were enhanced by facilities upgrades in the North Shore cabin and the Poem Lounge, thanks to UCC New Brighton and Robbinsdale UCC. Benson UCC helped open our campground space for larger vehicles, added a new floor in the Poem Lounge, and did basic repair work that was needed throughout camp. A deep clean of our site filled seven dumpsters and helped our property be more welcoming and clutter-free. The final closing of camp has set us to have a stress-free opening in the spring. Thank you to all who added to our improvements or gave time in repair or cleaning!

I am looking forward to what next season will bring. Consider attending or contributing to camp, we have a vibrant ministry that is growing and we want you to be a part! Registrations will begin in January!

Lori Alford, Program Director and the PPC&R Committee