Who We Are

Where Did It All Begin?

In early December, 1953 a group of pastors from the Twin Cities met to discuss the purchase of property which would be suitable for a Bible camp. A committee was formed to search for a site. After more than a year of visiting different locations, two of the members came across the Frontier Camp near McGregor, MN. They felt it would be perfect for their camp and later brought the whole committee to the site. After seeing the grounds the committee met on October 1, 1954 to vote on the site. The outcome was 25-4 to purchase the site for $22,000. The Twin Cities Covenant churches now had a camp.

The first summer of operation was 1955. There were three camps; junior high boys; junior high girls; and a coed senior high camp. Total number of attendees; 285 with an operating expense of $6,483.07. The fees were set up to cover the operating expense while the churches were assessed $1.50/member to go towards capital improvements. The vision and enthusiasm of the people were amazing. They quickly filled the camp to its capacity. The Lord was doing great things in the lives of the campers, that can still be seen today.

Affirmed In Our Faith

Looking back over the past 50 years, it is easy to see the work of the Lord at Covenant Pines. Those early camps filled and there needed to be new buildings, more land, and more staff, all of which God provided. From the three youth camps in 1955, Covenant Pines has grown to 11 camps and 1,800 people per summer with an operating budget of $900,000 and a year-round operation which serves 7,500 people

Although costs have increased, the fees still work the same. The campers pay the operating expense while a $15.00/member fee is assessed to the Twin Cities District Covenant churches which continues to aid in the funding of capital improvements. This allows the camp to be secure both physically and financially.

It is amazing to see the Lord working right before your eyes! Covenant Pines is the place where that happens. People of all ages, from children to grandparents, hear the word of God. Just think of the possibilities! You can find prayer, supportive people, and a place to renew the soul right here at your camp, Covenant Pines.

Our Commitment

The following is a quote from A History of Covenant Pines by Paul Norby. His account was first printed in the program for the 25th Anniversary banquet which was held on February 29, 1980. He began his five page recollection with this paragraph:

"…the potential (for a successful ministry) lies not in administration, programs, or facilities, but in a word…..Commitment. The commitment of our churches and the commitment of the people within them in relation to their commitment to Christ holds the key to the potential of Covenant Pines. We have within our grasp a camping program based on Christ that molds itself to the purpose of lives. Let us reach out to Covenant Pines in prayers and support and develop that ministry to its full potential. Then we can say as the Apostle Peter said, ‘that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ.’ Maranatha!!

Now more then ever, Covenant Pines Bible Camp needs the prayers and support of its churches and individuals like you. Only with your support can this camp grow and blossom to meet the special needs of today's society.

The mission is to share the love of Christ, the hope is that people will except it, the prayer is that they will share it.

We are an Evangelical Church

(The following is taken from Covenant Affirmations a brief form.)
We were born out of the revival movement that touched all of Europe in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries…

Appreciating this classical Christian heritage and hungering for an ever more vital experience of new life in Christ, Covenanters affirm a number of evangelical emphases.

Among them are:

• The centrality of the Scriptures, the Old and New Testaments, as the authoritative Word of God and the only perfect rule for faith, doctrine, and conduct.
• The necessity of the new birth for entrance into God’s kingdom, and the importance of continuing growth in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ for sound spiritual health.
• The Church as a fellowship of believers, characterized by mutual participation in and sharing of the new life in Christ.
• The ministry of the Holy Spirit, who with the Father and the Son calls the church into being.
• The reality of freedom in Christ, who delivers us from the power of sin and moves us by His grace into a whole new experience of obedience and life.

It is the hope of Covenant Pines that each camper be introduced to at least one of these emphases during their stay. Please pray for this incredible ministry!