Each summer, guests and members of the Dakota Conference make their way to Dakota Adventist Academy in Bismarck, North Dakota, for four days of worship, teaching and connection. This year’s camp meeting, held under the theme Prepare Me to Go, brought together many individuals and families from across North and South Dakota for a spiritually rich experience centered on readiness—both personally and missionally.
A new addition to the camp meeting schedule this year was daily morning devotionals, led by Elder Jason Logan and Elder Vernon Herholdt, Dakota Conference officers. These quiet, focused times of reflection set the tone for full days ahead. Throughout the week, seminar speakers Elder Charles Byrd, president of QuestLine Productions, and Elder Cryston Josiah, vice president of administration for the Central States Conference, led attendees through topics such as repentance, spiritual growth, and the power of God’s Word.
Children’s programming ran alongside the adult schedule, offering young attendees hands-on ways to explore faith through stories, crafts and games. Volunteers transformed classrooms with engaging decorations and meaningful activities, creating a memorable experience for every age group.
Evening meetings featured messages from Dr. Bill Knott, associate director of the General Conference’s Public Affairs and Religious Liberty Department. Known for his thoughtful storytelling, Dr. Knott spoke with depth and clarity, weaving biblical truth with personal and historical narratives.
Music played a vital role in the evening and Sabbath programs. Janna Wright—head teacher and pastor’s spouse from Invitation Hill Adventist School in Dickinson, North Dakota—coordinated a full lineup of musical groups, including a ladies’ choir, men’s choir, mixed choir, and numerous special music performances. Elder Josiah also shared his gift of music, joining the praise team as a pianist.
The high point of the weekend came on Sabbath, which saw an estimated 500 people in attendance across the adult and children’s programs. Elder Byrd led the morning Sabbath school, followed by a church service that included a Pathfinder parade, recognition of upcoming retirements, and a strategic vision presentation by Elder Herholdt. Dr. Knott’s Sabbath message, Setting Captives Free, urged listeners to embrace the freedom found in Christ.
In the afternoon, two pastors were ordained to gospel ministry: Pastor Kris de Bruin (Mandan and Richardton district) and Pastor Casper du Plessis (Bottineau, Minot, and Turtle Lake district). A moving anointing service followed in the Prayer Room, where individuals seeking physical, emotional or spiritual healing received prayer from district pastors, conference leaders, and members of the prayer ministries team.
Saturday evening concluded with a time of remembrance for church members who had passed away since the previous camp meeting, followed by a violin concert by renowned musician Jaime Jorge.
While schedules, speakers and settings may vary from year to year, Dakota camp meeting continues to offer what so many return for: a place to gather, grow and go.
