From July 14-17 we completed our 24th year at the beautiful country setting of Ironwood Springs Christian Ranch, in southern Minnesota. A total of 100 preteens (including 20 plus mini dorm campers aged 5 and under), 26 teens and 53 adults enjoyed four days of living, playing and working together “God’s way.” God blessed the camp with His protection and beautiful weather.

This was the biggest camp we’ve had at Camp Ironwood. It was attended by preteens and teen staff from Minnesota, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, North and South Dakota, Michigan, Texas, Tennessee, Ohio, Wisconsin and Washington!

One of our camp goals was to enrich the children’s lives by giving them opportunities to build relationships with other children who share common beliefs, deepen their relationship with God, and experience a variety of challenging activities. Each morning the entire camp was in camper or teen Christian living and music classes, and adult staff Bible study. Classes emphasized our camp theme “What is the Greatest Commandment?” Campers looked at the Scriptures to learn what Jesus said was the greatest of all the commandments and how they can love and obey God and love their neighbors. The theme was also emphasized throughout the day in activities and in the evening wrap-up dorm time. Campers also enjoyed the new Jelly video and soon started trying to memorize all the words to Micah Gunn’s new Jelly song: “He’ll Show the Way.”

Campers experienced a variety of daily activities including zip line, horseback riding, slip-and-slide, team challenge, creek walk, field games, archery and slingshot, climbing wall, petting zoo, swimming and arts and crafts, as well as evening fun including a campfire sing-along, novelty Olympics, treasure hunt, carnival and dancing with Jelly. Jamie Schreiber made a short video which can be viewed at: youtube.com/watch?v=0c9TSI_Z1dc

We are very thankful for the assistance from the Church’s home office and
blessed by the service of an amazing group of camp staff, as well the many contributions and prayers from local brethren. We praise God and give thanks to Him for another successful year at Camp Ironwood!