Project overview
The goal of this effort is simple: to restore Lake Ellen Camp as a gospel-centered Christian camp serving young people, families, and churches in the region.
A group of local pastors, community members, and ministry leaders are working together with Bay Lakes Baptist Association to make this possible. Bay Lakes Baptist Association would hold the property, while the camp itself would be operated by an independent board of directors made up of local leaders who share a commitment to the camp’s mission.
The first step in this process is purchasing the camp property. The purchase price currently being discussed is approximately $3.5 million. To move forward, the project is seeking pledges toward a $1 million down payment from churches and supporters who believe in restoring the camp’s ministry.
Once the property is secured, additional funding is expected to come through grants and partnerships that support youth programs, camp facilities, and ministry outreach. These grants often require the organization to own the property before funding can be finalized.
If the project moves forward, the vision is to once again host youth camps, family camps, retreats, and discipleship programs that focus on sharing the gospel and helping young people grow in their faith.
The heart of this effort is not simply reopening a property, but restoring a place where lives can be impacted for Christ for generations to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this the same group that asked for pledges before?
No.
There have been several conversations and informal efforts over the years about reopening the camp. Those efforts were separate from the current project.
This initiative is being organized through Bay Lakes Baptist Association, which is working to purchase the property and establish a new governance structure for the camp.
Who will own the camp?
The property would be owned by Bay Lakes Baptist Association, a network of churches in Wisconsin.
However, the camp itself will not be run directly by Bay Lakes.
Instead:
A Board of Directors will oversee the camp
The board will manage finances, leadership, and operations
Bay Lakes primarily serves as the legal entity that holds the property
This structure allows the camp to operate with local leadership and financial accountability.
Who will be on the board?
The board is expected to include:
Local pastors
Community members
Individuals familiar with the camp and its history
The board is not intended to consist only of Bay Lakes churches.
The goal is a group of local leaders who care about the mission of the camp and the community it serves.
How will the camp be funded?
The project has three main funding sources:
1. Church and Community Pledges
Churches and individuals are being asked to make pledges toward the initial down payment needed to purchase the property.
This first step is approximately $1 million.
2. Grants
A large portion of the long-term funding is expected to come from major grants that support youth programs and community outreach.
Several grants are already in process, including:
A grant opportunity through the Lilly Foundation that could fund a large multipurpose building for the camp
A program grant that may provide up to $2 million
A grant proposal submitted with the help of Dell’s grant writing program
These grants typically require the organization to own the property before funding can be finalized, which is why the initial purchase is the first step.
3. Camp Operations
Once the camp is operating, funding would also come from:
Camp registrations
Retreat rentals
Church partnerships
Donations and scholarships
The goal is to create a financially sustainable camp ministry, not one that depends entirely on fundraising.
Why is the property price higher than what it previously sold for?
The current owners purchased the property as an investment several years ago.
Since then:
Buildings and structures have been maintained and repaired
Infrastructure improvements have been made
Property taxes, utilities, and maintenance have continued to be paid
The current effort is focused on moving forward and restoring the camp for ministry.
What condition is the camp currently in?
The camp has been maintained during the years it has been closed, including ongoing property care and upkeep.
With the proper inspections and permits, it may be possible to reopen portions of the camp relatively quickly.
Some facilities may require updates or improvements as operations restart.
Will children who cannot afford camp still be able to attend?
Yes.
A priority of the project is ensuring that no child is turned away because of financial limitations.
This would be supported through:
Scholarships funded by donations
Church sponsorships
Financial assistance programs
Many churches already help send children to camp, and that partnership will continue.
When could the camp reopen?
A timeline depends on several steps:
Securing pledges for the down payment
Completing the property purchase
Finalizing inspections and permits
Hiring camp leadership and staff
If those steps move forward successfully, initial programs could begin relatively soon after the purchase.
What is the long-term vision for the camp?
The goal is to restore a gospel-centered Christian camp that serves young people and families in Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula.
Possible programs include:
Youth summer camps
Family camps
Church retreats
Men’s and women’s retreats
Leadership and discipleship programs
The heart of the vision is simple:
A place where young people can hear the gospel, grow in faith, and build lifelong memories.