History
Summer camp ministry officially started in South Dakota in 1934 when the South Dakota Conference sponsored a youth camp event in the Black Hills, answering the prayers of eight boys and three adults who had camped together for a weekend the year before in a primitive camp site near Redfield. This small group had fervently prayed that a larger camp with more youth could be held the very next year in the Black Hills. Their prayers were answered, and camp took place the following year and then in various areas until 1965, when the beautiful Flag Mountain Camp was provided for permanent Adventist camp ministry in the Black Hills of South Dakota.
In 1947, the North Dakota Conference ran a summer youth camp by renting sites at Lake Metigoshe State Park with 99 junior campers in attendance. Previously, summer camps had been held in various locations. In 1952, conference treasurer F. E. White purchased property on Lake Metigoshe without the permission of the executive committee. He reportedly told them he would pay for it himself if they decided not to go along with the unauthorized purchase. They voted to pay for it in the end, and it became Northern Lights Camp, situated on the northern border of North Dakota.
Summer camp ministry remained a strong program in both of the Dakota conferences through the years with hundreds of young people enjoying nature and finding life-long relationships with each other and with Jesus. The hard work of both lay leaders and conference administrators ensured that young people throughout the conferences could experience camp ministry.
In 1981, the two conferences merged, with the agreement that the combined Dakota Conference would maintain and continue both camps. This decision has been a huge blessing in a conference that spans such a large territory. These camps provide a sanctuary where people can meet and grow in Jesus. Campers grow up, return as staff, and then continue their leadership within the church. These two camps have been tremendous training grounds for church leaders.
Why we exist
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.
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
Website
