Transformation in Creation,
For the Next Generation!
A Capital Campaign for Cooperstown Bible Camp
The theme of this campaign is Transformation in Creation for the Next Generation: A physical transformation of the camp, by creating facilities and resources which provide an environment to encourage the transformation of every camper, by experiencing Christ in the beauty of God’s creation, now and for the next generation. You are invited to share in the exciting plans for the camp.
Cooperstown Bible Camp: A History
Cooperstown Bible Camp was born when Reverend Ludvig Lunde of Saron Church felt burdened to share the love of Christ with those who were not being reached through the local churches. First, an International truck was purchased and used as the “Gospel Wagon” to hold services at towns and farmsteads. In 1924, the truck was traded for a large tent. That December, Reverend Lunde shared his vision for a Bible Camp with the elders of Saron EFC Church. Together they purchased 14 acres of land along the Sheyenne River from Olaf Stokka. In 1925 the land was cleared to set up the tent, and on June 21, 1925, the first Bible Camp service was held. Reverend Lunde, speaking of the July 4, 1925 service said: “People came from far and near and were housed in the homes with every home filled. ….A sunrise service was held on July 4. Many, many souls were prayed with.” Reverend Ludwig noted in 1926: “People pouring in and God’s Spirit is near.”
Indeed, from its inception, God’s Spirit has rested upon Cooperstown Bible Camp. In 1954, the focus turned to young people, and other EFC Churches were invited to become involved in camp operations. In 1956, Cooperstown Bible Camp Association was incorporated, and the first annual meeting was held.
The buildings and facilities at camp have changed dramatically since the tent meetings in 1925. In 1926, the first building was moved onto the site, and in 1927 the first cabins were built. The Tabernacle was built in 1929. In 1930, a multi-purpose building named the “Inn” was built. A generator was used for light and power until 1948, when rural electric power came to camp. More cabins and improvements came in 1934-1936. The Pioneer building came in 1938-1939. In 1950, the first of many spring floods occurred. Many improvements and additions have been made over the years, culminating in the present physical plant at camp. There are now many buildings on camp property. Included are the Lodge, a retreat and conference center; The Rock, a regulation size gymnasium and recreational facility, including large locker rooms and conference room; the Welcome Center, with a large meeting room and offices; The Tabernacle, a worship center; and several cabins, some of which are winterized. There are also two houses for the Camp Director and Facilities Manager and their families.
In 2007, Cooperstown Bible Camp served hundreds of children during summer sessions and many more people during retreats and family camps. God has richly blessed the ministry of Cooperstown Bible Camp, and countless lives have been transformed by the saving power of Jesus Christ.
A Vision for CBC
God has richly blessed the ministry of Cooperstown Bible Camp, since the vision was born in 1925. Countless faithful have given of their time, talents and resources to maintain and build the camp and its ministries all these years. The faith of many has sustained the camp through challenging periods. The present board trusts the Lord for a bright, new era for the camp. We pray for many to share the vision that the camp can be a powerful positive influence for the Gospel in the Northern Plains District of the EFCA as well as reaching out to churches outside the EFCA and the un-churched. The two dynamic concerns are the operating budget from year to year, and the need to maintain and improve the property, buildings, and tangible facilities. Both concerns have a direct impact upon every person who sets foot on the camp grounds for any reason, at any time. First, the staff must be provided salaries, benefits, facilities and resources which uplift and empower them to serve and the other operating costs must be paid in a timely manner. Second, the physical plant must be maintained in a safe, healthy, appropriate manner for the staff and campers.
The Mission of Cooperstown Bible Camp is to develop relationships between campers and Christ. To achieve this mission, the camp should be filled, facilitated and funded for the mission. The present camp board has a strong desire to be faithful stewards of the CBC mission. A nagging concern, which operates as a drag on momentum, is the uncertain cash flow over recent years, and the lack of a concrete plan for funding facility improvement. Camp supporters have been generous and faithful, and from time to time larger gifts have made a big impact. The desire for this capital campaign is not only to raise significant funds to complete building and improvement projects, but also to raise awareness and foster ownership of the camp among constituent churches and individuals, and encourage and sustain giving to maintain positive cash flow throughout the year, every year. The over-arching goal is the spread of the Gospel in the region, and sending out those whose lives are transformed by their experiences at CBC.
The pressures imposed on families by the twenty-first century world require the CBC board and staff to consider how the camp can and should adapt to expectations, while never compromising Biblical standards. An attractive, well-maintained camp, with safe, clean, functional facilities, and a stable operating budget, can ensure the stability and commitment of the staff and volunteers, and attract people of all ages to visit, attend, and support the camp. Many times people have shared that just spending time at CBC has transformed their lives. A prayerful desire is that this campaign will draw new people to the camp, and that their lives will be changed for eternity. A necessary consequence will be a commitment to support the camp, with their time, talent, and treasure.
Below the vision for the campaign is articulated in specific concepts:
Vision:
Filled for Mission
o CBC will be filled with over 450 campers connecting with Christ at each weekly summer camp.
o CBC will be filled with weekend retreats developing relationships between campers and Christ.
o CBC will be filled with faithful, maturing Christian staff adequate for each camp and retreat.
o CBC will be filled with a Spirit-led board overseeing the ministry.
Facilitated for the mission
o CBC will offer modern, comfortable, handicap accessible lodging and dining facilities to serve over 450 people per camp or retreat.
o CBC will offer a safe and accessible environment for all, which includes the addition of a walking bridge and other equipment as needed.
o CBC will offer additional and regularly updated programming and camps to meet the needs of a changing culture with the unchanging gospel.
o CBC will utilize cutting edge technology (telecasting, wireless connectivity, etc.) to fulfill its mission in the 21st century.
o CBC will acquire additional property to expand its ministry throughout the region.
Funded for the Mission
o CBC will operate debt free on an annual basis.
o CBC will be supported by all NPD churches as well as other like-minded churches in the region.
o CBC will establish a $1,000,000 endowment to fund its mission for generations to come.
The Need:
CBC Site Development Plan
There have been many improvements to the buildings and facilities at CBC over the years. In many ways, it is a great, functional camp. However, there are pressing needs for repair, rehabilitation, remodeling, and additions to the buildings and facilities. The reality of the threat of flooding to the camp’s buildings from year to year requires action to mitigate damage as much as possible, primarily by moving buildings out of the primary flood zone and building new buildings on the highest ground. The necessary demolition of the large Pioneer Building greatly reduced the number of available beds for camps. Adding new large cabins which are self-contained, with bathrooms and common areas, fully winterized and air conditioned, will greatly enhance the camp’s ministry, year-round. The original house at camp has serious structural issues which must be addressed soon.
The following improvements are prioritized as follows, but please understand that future circumstances may alter the priority of each. Dollar amounts are rough estimates for materials and supplies, and labor costs.
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Project Name
Walking Bridge to High Ropes Course
Finish Directors home |
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Est. Mat. $
$75,000
$5,000 |
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Est. Labor$
$25,000
Volunteers |
|
Est. Total $
$100,000
$5,000 |
|
Renovate the original home |
|
|
$40,000 |
|
$20,000 |
|
$60,000 |
|
Renovate rooms 1,2,5,6 in lodge |
|
|
COMPLETED |
|
Volunteers |
|
COMPLETED |
|
Move Emmaus cabin to North side |
|
|
COMPLETED |
|
Volunteers |
|
COMPLETED |
|
Build cabin on East side |
|
|
$75,000 |
|
$50,000 |
|
$125,000 |
|
Build Cabin on West side |
|
|
$75,000 |
|
$50,000 |
|
$125,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Move (2) cabins on the West to SE |
|
|
$2,000 |
|
$5,000 |
|
$7,000 |
|
Build shop (added to existing shop?) |
|
|
$70,000 |
|
$30,000 |
|
$100,000 |
|
Move East cabin to the SE. |
|
|
$1,000 |
|
$2,000 |
|
$3,000 |
|
Build Cabin on East side |
|
|
$75,000 |
|
$50,000 |
|
$125,000 |
|
Paved walkways/ Handicap |
|
|
$15,000 |
|
$5,000 |
|
$20,000 |
|
Dining hall handicap rest Rooms |
|
|
$15,000 |
|
$5,000 |
|
$20,000 |
|
Large Cabin South of Rock |
|
|
$150,000 |
|
$75,000 |
|
$225,000 |
|
Tabernacle |
TBD |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
New Dining hall/store/canteen or lodge |
|
$500,000 |
|
$200,000 |
|
$700,000 |
|
Lodge renovation |
|
|
$100,000 |
|
$25,000 |
|
$125,000 |
|
Pastor’s Cabin |
|
|
$100,000 |
|
$50,000 |
|
$150,000 |
|
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Est. Totals |
$1,298,000 |
|
$592,000 |
|
$1,890,000 |
The Capital Campaign
This capital campaign is the most significant financial project in the history of CBC. The camp board will set a significant goal for financial commitments over three years. These commitments must be over and above the regular giving to the camp by its supporters. This goal will provide the camp with strength for the path ahead, improved and additional facilities, and confidence for a bright future, while meeting immediate, on-going needs. This will enable the board, the staff, and the volunteers to continue to be faithful stewards of the camp and its mission.
Making Your Commitment
Each person who has been impacted by CBC and its ministry, and those who believe in its mission are asked to make a three-year commitment to this campaign. The board asks that each decision be bathed in prayer, and that some would be led to give sacrificially. As each person gives according to their ability, these gifts, when taken together, will establish and maintain a solid platform for on-going ministry at CBC.
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