Our History
Founding a CampAt the 1956 IBC Annual Meeting in Kiron, the camp committee brought a recommendation to purchase a piece of land on the shores of Pine Lake near Eldora for $5,000. It seemed like an ideal location and the right price. Despite the lack of available funds, a motion to purchase the property was passed. The moderator asked the delegates to "pause for a few minutes and ask God for the $5,000." By the end of the meeting the total amount had been raised. |
Launching a CampOver the years, old buildings were torn down or moved, new buildings were added and additional land was purchased. The current facility now boasts 49 acres, 34 buildings, a swimming pool, an out post, high ropes course, a pastor's retreat cabin along with a variety of outdoor activities. The camp borders 585 acres of Pine Lake's State Park which includes Upper and Lower Pine Lake. |
Purchased 11.5 acres adjacent to Pine Lake State Park for $5,000.
1958Held first camps at Pine Lake Bible Camp.
Added caretaker house, 12 buildings, 2 bathhouses and a dining hall.
One week of camp costs $15.
1962Added a chapel to serve as the primary worship area.
1965Purchased an additional 11 acres for $17,500.
1969Winterized the first cabins and winter retreats began.
One week of camp costs $32 and Juniors camp went co-ed.
1976District office building was built.
1978The swimming pool was completed for a cost of $65,000.
One week of camp costs $65.
1983Purchased an additional 15.5 acres for $30,000,
1985The beginning of Sixers camp started and the boat dock was added.
1988The walking bridge to boys hill was built.
One week of camp costs $115.
1996A major chapel addition was completed.
1998Added the pastor's solitude cabin in memory of Harold Boman, Forest City, IA.
1999The high ropes course was built.
Parr Lodge was constructed in memory of Irv Parr, Des Moines, IA.
2004One week of camp costs $250.
200650th Anniversary of Pine Lake Camp.
2009The great hail storm hit Pine Lake which destroyed many trees and all buildings needed new shingles.
Into the FuturePine Lake Camps' future looks bright, thanks to the faithfulness of God working through campers, volunteers and supporters—all being impacted by this "meeting place with God."
