Success Stories

The mission of Covenant Pines Ministries (CPM) is to encourage campers to take a next step in Christian faith. When we spoke with
Dave Cairns, executive director, he shared this mission repeatedly. It is at the core of the camp’s ethos and drives their decision-making
and planning.

Looking back over the summer, Dave shared that they are still managing the impact of Covid. The number of campers has shrunk, which has led to lower staff levels. Although each summer since 2020 they have had more campers, they have yet to reach pre-Covid numbers.

CPM is located near the Twin Cities of Minnesota. The health of local congregations has a tangible impact on the number of kids attending camp since the majority of their campers live within two hours of camp, and 50% of campers are less than 20 miles away from camp transportation. As church budgets are stretched thinner, more volunteer youth leaders means they have less time to lead and chaperone retreats and encourage kids to attend camp in summer. CPM is also not immune to the financial struggles so many people are now facing. Sending a kid to camp, for many, is discretionary spending and when times are tough financially expenses need to be cut. CPM is working to increase access to scholarships and financial assistance to eliminate the financial barrier of attending camp.

In spite of all the challenges, God is still working. CPM lived in to their mission statement last summer and 87% of campers surveyed said they learned more about God. 99% of campers said they had fun. Camp is ministering to campers and t heir families. 88% of parents said camp has had a clear impact on their child and strengthened their faith.

CPM is working to be intentional, staying aware that campers are in different social and emotional states than they were in the past, while staying true to the gospel making tweaks as needed and creating a safe space for campers to explore their faith. As they add toys and invent new games, CPM staff keep themselves rooted by continually asking if they are meeting the mission of why they exist.

NCP partnered with CPM to build a 13,000-square foot worship space, which Dave said will have a generational impact. The new worship center is replacing a seasonal building that was too small to hold all the campers. It will provide year-round temperature-controlled meeting space, opening the door for larger groups in the off-season and becoming the “ministry hub” of camp. Rollie Persson, vice president of real estate services, worked with Dave and the CPM staff and board. Dave was quick to share what a blessing it was to work with someone who understood the mission and uniqueness of camp ministry. He truly felt that Rollie was an advocate. Dave mentioned Rollie was a blessing, Rollie assures us that the feeling is mutual. Camps are sacred ground, glimpses of heaven on earth where future leaders are mentored and empowered. We are honored to literally and figuratively build the future with Covenant Pines Ministries.