|
The theme for the summer of 2025 is New Creation, campers are learning how God renews each of us and blesses us to be a blessing to others. Camp Concordia has been a blessing for many children, youth and families since its beginning in 1957, and will continue to be a blessing for generations to come. However, the original facilities from the 1950s need to be renewed. While the complete picture of this renewal is still being developed, initial plans call for a multi-phase renewal project to take place before the 75th anniversary of Camp Concordia in 2032. These renewed facilities will enable us to reach the next generation of campers and provide more opportunities for children, youth, and families to encounter Christ. The time is NOW.
Phase 1: Bathhouse - Plans for new restrooms and showers have been in discussion for a decade. A new facility with larger space would meet the needs of the current summer camp program, and enable camp to better serve schools and churches in the spring and fall for retreats and outdoor education experiences. The architectural plans pictured below come with an estimated price tag of $1.2 million. A legacy gift of $180,000, a large donation of $75,000, and many other gifts to the current Building Fund have raised approximately 1/3 of the cost. With another $500,000 received and $1 million pledged we will be able to break ground on this much anticipated and needed project. Phase 2: Cabins - Camp Concordia will always be a rustic, wooded, lakeside retreat. Our cabins are well maintained, but the expectations of parents today call for a little more. The doors and windows of the cabins will be replaced and the floors, walls, and ceilings of the cabins will be finished. Insulating the cabins would improve efficiency for air conditioning in the hottest parts of summer and heating for groups in the spring and fall. Minimum renovations for the cabins are estimated at approximately $100,000 each x 9 cabins for another $1 million. Phase 3: Lodge - Meals and meetings around the lodge form the rhythm of every day at Camp Concordia. Whether it is gathering for pizza or pancakes, or to meet up before heading to Bible Study or Campfire devotions, life at camp moves around the Lodge. Thanks to generous donors over the years and good stewardship of facilities and equipment, camp's kitchen is able to provide healthy meals for campers and retreat groups, but the size of the kitchen is not always the most convenient. Renovations to the Lodge would increase the space for meal prep and dry and cold storage, as well as updating some appliances for more efficient models. Insulation for the Lodge would also enable more groups to use camp's facilities in the spring and fall. Included in these plans would be minor updates to the Bethesda cabin to better equip the camp Health Office for summer camps. Finally, these updates would also modernize the office space for camp. The rough estimate for this portion of renewal is another $1.5 million. Phase 4: Retreat Cabins - The Lakeview Cottage, which sits at the edge of the current parking area provides a space for retreat leaders and guest speakers to stay with their family while at camp, and also gives camp a space to offer for church workers to retreat for a time at camp. The current cabin is a 2 bedroom, 1/2 bath space. Phase 4 would look to replace this cabin with a duplex-style cabin that could be used for these purposes and/or for additional short term staff housing. The cost of this project is estimated at $1 million. Phase ?: Next Steps - How is God planning to use Camp Concordia to bless the Church and His people in the years to come? We can only imagine, but we want to leave some room to explore God's direction for the future ministry of Camp Concordia as we partner with churches and ministries in and beyond our summer camp program. Funding: These initial plans call for an estimated $5 million in renovations to prepare our facilitities for the future of ministry. This will require us to prayerfully call upon God's people to generously give of the Lord's gifts for them to bless children, youth, and families through the future of Camp Concordia. Would you prayerfully consider how you might be blessed to bless the future? Visit with your friends, fellow church members, and others who are interested in sharing and dream of camp's impact on generations to come. Scan the QR code below to begin the giving. Keep Dreaming: Look for future "Dream-Events" around the state in the 2025-2026 off-season as we listen to God's people for input on the these plans and the future of ministry. Help Camp Concordia Build on a Firm Foundation of the past for the future. |
OLD Boys’ NEW |
|
Early Foundations: In 1958, when the first concrete was being poured at Camp Concordia, the men & women behind it were not just building structures, rather they were building a ministry that would last for decades. Today, over 65 years later, the board of directors, volunteers and staff, comprised of a new generation of talented women and men, are working to build on this foundation of ministry.
Building the 2nd Story: If 1958 began the 1st story of Camp Concordia’s ministry, today, involved and concerned families from Michigan and states beyond are begining the 2nd story - building on a firm foundation of the past. This is your story in God’s history! |
