In the past few months, I’ve seen more historical photos of camp than ever before—despite growing up going to camp. Each old T-shirt design, sign, and historical picture from the ‘60s, ‘70s, ‘80s, ‘90s, and early 2000s has been eye-opening. They capture the transformation of camp: of buildings, programs, and people. And behind each capture were families, donors, directors, and staff who brought their visions to life.
Some of those photos feature summer staff who served the year I was born (which feels surreal, haha). But it puts the ministry of camp into perspective: 60 years of stories, memories, and songs, passed down from generation to generation. The newest team of summer staff have arrived, been trained, and are ready to serve the next generation of campers and guests with the same Christ-centered mission that has defined Lakeview Ministries for 60 years.
Psalm 78:3-4 reminds us of, “things we have heard and know, things our ancestors have told us. We will not hide them from their descendants; we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, his power, and the wonders he has done.” And that’s what we do here at camp. We pass on the Gospel message.
Camp may change over the years: buildings, schedules, songs, and people, but our mission remains the same. Like Colossians 2:6-7 says, “So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in Him, rooted and built up in Him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.”
And this is true for you too. Your circumstances may change; you yourself change and grow each year. But Christ remains the same. He is someone you can build your life upon.
For 60 years, this place has been rooted and built up in Christ, and we’ll continue to build each other up in faith, through His grace. As another summer begins, we begin with deep gratitude: for the legacy rooted in Christ, the people who pour into it, and our God who redeems and promises to walk beside us as we grow.
