“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.”
– Ecclesiastes 3:1
We are blessed to announce the approval of our new 501 (c) (3) non-profit. As a result, Camp Lake Louise’s name is changing to Higher Ground at Lake Louise. The American Baptist Church of Michigan provided final approval just last month and will continue as an affiliated entity.
The Father’s love knows no bounds. In our 82nd year, more than 500 campers experienced this year’s theme: Awakening Wonder. Our theme verse was 1 John 3:1: “See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!” We saw that great love everywhere, and we are so encouraged for the future.
The camp’s transition to non-profit has required careful attention to maintaining the precious soil of the past while building trust in that which is not seen. Like a seed, a promise lies at our root, and maturation lies ahead. Like a seed, it all requires patience. It may seem safe to be change-averse; however, the future of Christian camping is not a given. In truth, God is not static, but dynamic; not a moment, but a movement. We embrace this opportunity to ensure our future and serve God in the process.
As the title states: our name is changing, but we are staying the same. Nothing changes for Camp Lake Louise. The non-profit status empowers the ways our faithful partners and new partners can contribute to the growth of the camp.
Higher Ground at Lake Louise is more than a non-profit, it’s our vision. On our camp’s heart is for every fatherless child to come into or build on his/her relationship with our heavenly Father through Jesus Christ. We have seen an increase in unchurched kids coming to know God, love God, and serve God. We have seen families transformed. We continue to partner with the Psalm68Five ministry and the local church in providing scholarships to fatherless children and mentoring them to find healing and hope in their heavenly Father.
Other opportunities continue with this transition… Volunteer Village, our volunteer camp across from our entrance includes 15-acres already gifted to Higher Ground at Lake Louise. The parcels increase our land size by 60%! A service road has been carefully set along the natural terrain, and we’re currently working with the township on next steps.
And continue… from groundwork for the Wilma Ackerson Trail, a new boy’s bathroom, and welcome center with health office, to the purchase of a new bus for transporting kids and families to camp. As God declared through Isaiah, “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” This summer, we have watched in awe. With each camp, we witnessed hearts healing and hope rising.
God is transformative, and becoming a non-profit organization is proof. We would appreciate your prayers and support! Please, join us in thoughtful prayer for campers, staff, the board, and our donors and partners as we continue our Christian camping ministry as Higher Ground at Lake Louise.
If you would like to partner with us through your time as a volunteer or through financial giving, please visit us at highergroundatlakelouise.com.
God bless you and have a great autumn!
John McLintock
Executive Director
