Pathfinder Newsletter Fall 2019

View or download the PDF version.

A gift opens the way, and ushers the giver into the presence of the great.

Proverbs 18:16

Give to the Max Day 2019

Mark you calendars! On November 14th, Pathways will be participating in Give to the Max Day. This annual event has turned into the “Minnesota Giving Holiday.” We are inviting our generous supporters to take part and make a difference. Donations on Give to the Max Day will go towards facility improvements at Camp Emmaus.

To make a donation, please go to our Give to the Max Day page.

Increasing the level of excitement, certain Pathways supporters have joined forces and set up a matching gift challenge. The Glas and Andreasen families have contributed for a matching gift of $5,500. We are asking for your generosity to unlock these funds and double the impact of your gift.

Give to the Max Day - November 14, 2019

Girls’ Bathhouse to Get a Much-needed Makeover

With your support on Give to the Max Day, as well as the remaining $5,000 of a gift from the Trinity Luther Church Foundation in Moorhead, the girls’ bathhouse at Camp Emmaus can receive a much-needed makeover. This picture shows the current state of the bathhouse and our plan is to install new partitions, water heaters, and individual shower stalls as well as paint and resurface the floor. We won’t take away from the authenticity of camp or the outdoor, rustic atmosphere, but certain updates are quite necessary.

Other Improvements

It is our hope that your generous gifts will usher the way for additional refurbishing at camp. The staff building, camp store, and offices also need a facelift. Some projects have already started, but there is still much more to be done. Chris Andreasen and Brad Fossen, Pathways Executive Director and Facilities Director, installed two sets of patio doors donated by Anthony and Karen Gambell. This has transformed the space that was once the garage to provide a better view of God’s creation and camp activities in action. What was once the garage has become an office area, but now the tools and shop materials need to find a new home.

The patio doors that turned the garage into an office

We are counting on your generous support to carry out these projects. These refurbishments will play a huge part in making the camp experience for future campers an even greater one.

Our Greatest Asset

A few weeks ago we had the opportunity to attend the annual Lutheran Outdoor Ministry Network Territory Gathering. This is an event where like-minded camp professionals get together to network, worship, and learn from one another. This years’ event was held a t Joy Ranch, an 1880s prairie town with modern high comfort amenities, just outside of Watertown, SD. My personal highlight of the gathering was a trail ride on a horse named Brandy. However, even more important than the trail ride was what we took away from the workshop focusing on How to Recruit, Renew, and Retain staff members. The breakout sessions identified solutions and developed a comprehensive action plan that will help us identify and recruit the right people, renew and train our people to b successful, and retain the excellent staff members that God has placed in our trust. With your hep connecting your leaders in our area to Pathways, we can successfully avert the staffing crisis that is affecting more than just our camps.

— Chris Andreasen

Emmaus News

Earlier this fall I had the pleasure of hosting a scrapbooking retreat and the Fall Women of Faith retreat. Faith, music, art, and fun were all in the fall air. I was amazed at the talent and love that came together in one room during these retreats. At the Women of Faith retreat we were blessed to have Jennifer Johnson play guitar and lead prayers for us. I taught a painting class for the ladies and we created beautiful birch trees. Donna, as always, provided us with spectacular meals that were enjoyed by everyone.

We are happy to announce the Spring Women of Faith Retreat, March 26-29, 2020.

If you are interested in participating in this retreat or wish to book a retreat of your own, please contact me at pathways@pathwaysbiblecamps.org or call 218-227-5107.

— Misty Fry

Houseboat Trips

Pathways houseboat trips to Rainy Lake have a lasting impact on campers, counselors, and youth group leaders. Last summer one of our houseboat counselors had the experience of a lifetime leading a youth group from Calvary Lutheran Church in Willmar, MN. Upon returning from the Pathways houseboat trip, she felt God’s call to service in her life. She is now teaching confirmation at her home church in Moorhead.

Houseboat is Back in 2020

Pathways is proud to continue the tradition of offering the houseboat experience. Select dates are available for groups next summer. Call the Pathways office or click here for more information on this life-changing adventure program in God’s pristine wilderness.

This experience truly strengthened my faith and I have felt a calling to work with youth and be a leader in faith.

— Nikki

Camp Testimonials

The Pathways Bible Camp experience has a huge impact on the faith in the lives of our partcipants.

  • First time campers establish their faith in God at camp.
  • Returning campers continue to grow in their faith.
  • Camp counselors learn interpersonal skills and share their faith stories with others.
  • Families take the excitement of camp home with them and get involved in their church.

We want to hear your story! Share the impact that Pathways has had on your life. Send your story to pathways@pathwaysbiblecamps.org.

Camp has impacted my life in such a major way that I can’t even imagine not being at camp during the summer. Camp Emmaus really does have the power to change lives.

— Alex Fuchs

In Pathway’s 50th Year of Camping Ministry, We …

  • Welcomed over 588 campers to Camp Emmaus
  • Reached over 633 youth at 19 day camps across northwest Minnesota
  • Led team-building and leadership training
  • Provided spiritual renewal opportunities

A big THANK YOU to everyone who contributed to our 50th anniversary celebration and helped make it great!

Coming Soon …

Visit our new and improved camp store next summer located in Cabin Grace.

An online camp store is coming soon for your holiday shopping convenience! Watch Facebook and Instagram for announcements.