The Board of Minnesota Conference’s North Star Camp recently hosted a Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting ceremony for the new Donna Ward Lodge. The event not only honored donors and volunteers who have given tremendously of both time and money, but also focused on God’s blessings that have made the upgrades to our camp a reality.

The past 10 years have resulted in an incredible transformation at NSC. When the Visioning Committee was created and met for the first time in 2006, the dream of tearing down and rebuilding the lodge was not even a glimmer in the committee members’ eyes. Yet, 10 years later, not only has the lodge been rebuilt, which serves as the camp’s dining hall, but all the camper cabins have been replaced and winterized, two new staff cabins constructed, the canoe shed replaced, and the caretaker’s house remodeled. In addition, Polaris Hall (the primary meeting house) and two bath houses were renovated. All these upgrades provide space and suitability for year-round ministry at North Star Camp.

The Grand Opening was a wonderful celebration full of laughter, tears of thankfulness, and continued hope for the future. Justin Lyons, Reggie Leach, Jack Dougan and Ken Rannow seized the opportunity to thank the North Star Camp Board, donors, volunteers and the contractors and subcontractors. These invitees were the first to enjoy a meal in the building, where the promise of many happy meals to come made the event even sweeter.

The evening ended with a consecration prayer, praising God and requesting continued blessings as we focus on helping people realize they are accepted in Jesus Christ and come to know, love, serve and share Him.

Savannah Carlson is an administrative assistant for the Minnesota Conference.