Dakota Adventist Camps exist to bring young people closer to a life-long relationship with Jesus. It doesn’t matter if you are a camper, staff, or volunteer, our goal is to help each person who steps foot onto our camps have an experience that leads them closer to Jesus. Each year, we witness young people baptized in Castle Creek or Lake Metigoshe who view camp as a major part of their spiritual journey. Our prayer is to continue leading young people to Jesus until He comes.
A mom’s testimony
“I just don’t think I believe that God is real.” As a mom, these words fell on my heart with a thud and shattered like glass. How can our kids live every day in a God-worshipping, Bible-reading, praying, church-involved family and not believe that God is real?
The decision to send our teen daughters to summer camp was probably the best decision we made that year, but at the time it felt like a gamble. You know how it is—if you listen long enough, you will always hear the good and the bad of everything. Camp is no exception. Not only were we total strangers to this area, we also heard words like, new directors, new program, it’s not like it used to be, and so on. We sent our daughters anyway.
Fast-forward with me to the end of just one week of camp: She kept a detailed journal during the week of camp and recounted to us every activity, meal, recipe, worship, song, note, camper, and probably even every conversation she’d had, talking non-stop for nearly the entire six-hour drive home. She summed it up again and again—“Camp was amazing! Camp is where kids can meet Jesus every day, and it’s not weird….Every kid should be able to go to camp.”
The next summer, both of our daughters applied to work at camp and made sure that their siblings would attend as campers, and even convinced a cousin to attend from four states away. “It’s so worth it,” she said, “you won’t ever be the same!”
—Elaine Chism, parent
A staff story
I have experienced this camp both as a camper for many years and now as a staff member. That perspective has allowed me to witness how God works in lives not just during a single week, but across many summers. I have watched campers grow in confidence, maturity, and their willingness to engage with their faith, seeing fruit that develops over time.
One thing I have consistently seen is how God uses this place to shape people beyond what is immediately visible. Campers grow through activities and challenges, but that growth continues after camp ends. I have seen campers, as well as fellow staff, return more grounded, patient, and intentional in how they live out their faith.
Worship has been one of the clearest places where I have witnessed God at work. When campers and staff lift their voices together, there is something powerful happening that is hard to put into words. In those moments, it becomes easier to feel the Holy Spirit’s presence. I have seen campers become more open and more willing to reflect on their relationship with God.
Having walked with this camp for many years, I am confident that God is actively at work here. I have seen Him provide through both easy and difficult seasons and work in ways that can only be described as miraculous when it mattered most. It has been a privilege to witness how He continues to move in our lives over the summers.
—Baker Mitchell, DAC staff for 4 years, DAC camper for 9 years
A volunteer story
Dakota Adventist Camps is a treasured part of our family’s summer tradition. As a mother, I’ve watched my children build lifelong friendships while at camp. Camp is where faith comes alive—through laughter, outdoor adventures, meaningful worship, and unforgettable experiences both inside and out.
Even the meals are a highlight. The food is nourishing, well-balanced, and genuinely enjoyed by the kids—it’s fun to see campers get excited about Asian tofu day or the Agape feast featuring fresh fruits, veggies and homemade bread!
As the camp’s medical director, I’ve also seen Dakota Adventist Camps from an operational and ministry perspective. The Christ-centered staff and intentional programming consistently prioritize both spiritual growth and camper well-being. One of the greatest blessings each summer is witnessing multiple baptisms. Just when we think we’ve reached everyone, God continues to bring new hearts ready to commit their lives to Him.
Because of my commitment to serving at camp, all three of my children spend their entire summers there—and eagerly look forward to returning each year. Each plans to serve on staff when old enough. Dakota Adventist Camps is deeply woven into the Bohlman family calendar, and we are grateful to continue this meaningful tradition.
—Jaime Bohlman, volunteer
Dakota Adventist Camps
Flag Mountain Camp 23071 Kinney Springs Road, Hill City, SD 57745
Northern Lights Camp 10851 17th Ave NE, Bottineau, ND 58318
2026 Camp Schedule
Flag Mountain Camp
CUB (ages 8-10) June 10-14
JUNIOR (ages 11-13) June 14-21
TEEN (ages 14-17) June 21-28
Northern Lights Camp
CUB (ages 8-10) July 8-12
JUNIOR (ages 11-13) July 12-19
TEEN (ages 14-17) July 19-26
