ARK (Archery, Ropes, & Kayaking) Camp at Wesley Acres Camp!

“Nothing warms up winter like dreaming about summer days at Lake Poinsett Camp & Living Waters Retreat Center, Storm Mountain Center, and Wesley Acres Camp & Retreat Center!”

These words, posted on the Dakotas United Methodist Camps Facebook page, are an exciting reminder that summer – and summer camp season – is not that far off. Registration for Dakotas United Methodist camps is now open. This year’s curriculum theme is “In the Wilderness.”

"For generations, camp has been an important part of the faith stories of many Dakotans,” said Keith Shew, Dakotas-Minnesota Area Director of Camp and Retreat Ministries. “Time spent in the nature and the beauty of your Dakotas UM camps, within a safe and caring community that plays, worships, explores, and grows together, helps to shape faith, warm hearts, and change lives.”

Camping ministries have a rich tradition in the Dakotas and have made a powerful impact on the lives and faith journeys of countless children, youth, and adults for generations. Lake Poinsett Camp is celebrating that generational impact this summer.

“We are so excited to be celebrating our 80th summer and have some exciting things planned to give honor to where we have come from and dream of where God is calling us to go,” said Nicole Anderson, site director of Lake Poinsett Camp and Living Waters Retreat Center.

Even as they draw on tradition, each camp continues to develop new programs to help campers of all ages grow as followers of Jesus.

“We have a few new camps that we are very excited to roll out this summer!” said Anderson. “We have Pathfinders Camp for kids in grades K-2 to come with a trusted adult for a three-night adventure to discover the path God has for them. Adventure Camp for grades 3-5 is a three-night adventure to learn about basic adventure tactics and how our faith is an adventure in and of itself. M.A.D.D. camp is back at LPC, exploring our gifts for Music, Art, Drama, and Dance, and the creative, God-given talents we all have. We are also bringing back Family Camp, which is a weekend at camp with your family.”

“We've added Intro to Camping, Cross Country Running Camp, and a Women's Fall Retreat,” said Lori Faleide, site director of Wesley Acres Camp.

Summer's Last Blast at Storm Mountain.

“We have two new camps at Storm this year,” said Tanner Clark, Storm Mountain Center site director. “Sonseekers is getting an additional event. Because of its popularity in 2025, it's time to grow! Additionally, we are introducing a new camp, "Campers & Campaigns," led by Dakotas Camp Staff alum, Matt Glaser. Campers will be able to quest and grow in experience through the classic role-playing of DnD!”

With exciting new opportunities and longstanding popular camps, there are advantages to registering early and inviting others to experience Christ, community, and creation through Dakotas camps.

“We’re excited to offer a brand-new early bird registration perk!” said Shew. “Campers who register by April 30 for any Dakotas United Methodist Camp event will receive a $25 Camp Store Credit to use during their stay. Camp store credit can be used to purchase snacks and merchandise while at camp!”

"We’ve doubled our Bring-a-Friend discount to $50 per friend. For each new friend you bring, you get $50 off your registration. Sharing camp with friends makes it even better!"

Creating a positive experience for campers and families is a priority for all three Dakotas camps, including safety and security.  Each of the three sites is accredited by the American Camp Association and regularly reviews every facet of our programs and operations to ensure a safe, high-quality camp experience. Dakotas Camping also prioritizes ensuring that anyone who wants to attend camp can, and works to remove any obstacles, including financial ones, to their attending.

"I want to make sure our camper families know that campership (camp scholarship) support, up to the full cost of camp, is available as needed," said Shew. "Campers should go online to register first to reserve their spot, then submit a campership assistance application shortly after registering."

He continued, “We also offer interest-free payment plans that can extend over all of 2026. Please contact the camping office to learn more.”

Teddy Bear Camp at Lake Poinsett and Living Waters Retreat Center.

Even as plans are underway for a great summer of camping, all three Dakotas camps offer opportunities for a space apart and connection with God and others throughout the year.
“There is a little bit for everyone at our camp year-round,” said Faleide. “Summer is camps, canoeing, zipline, and a beautiful creek-side valley to explore and grow your faith at camps and retreats. During fall, winter, and spring, we have year-round space available for small group retreats such as crafters, youth groups, women's or men's groups, or even friends gathering for a weekend, sledding, snowshoeing, good food, and fellowship.” 

Clark feels similarly about the experience people have at Storm Mountain Center throughout the year.

“We are in the midst of God's creation, quite literally,” he said. “While the Dakotas Conference is the current steward of the property, we are completely surrounded by protected National Forest. Every day, we get to walk outside and experience being in a place apart. It doesn't hurt that without cell service, you're able to fully disconnect and be present.”

It also doesn’t hurt that the coffee area in the dining hall is currently being updated. “Our coffee area in the dining hall is such a huge part of our hospitality. We're currently giving it an update so that it can be a warm, welcoming spot before our guests arrive this summer!”

With all of the site preparation, staff and counselor recruitment, and program development taking place, site directors and staff are keeping the main thing in focus – praying for all those who will attend camp and for the powerful ways the Holy Spirit will work through these experiences.

“My hope and prayer is that camp is a soft place for people to land to learn more about who they are and whose they are,” said Anderson. “Every summer I pray that people come to camp and experience Christ, Creation, and Community, and leave knowing that they have something this world needs and that God has created them for exactly this moment.”

“There is a spot at camp for everyone,” added Faleide. “As they reconnect with their faith in the camp setting, it continues to grow when they return home and hold a special place in their heart for camp.”

“Seeing how our campers build relationships with each other, with our volunteers, and with our staff, is such an integral part of our ministry,” said Clark. “I tell our staff and volunteers during training sessions that ‘you will change someone's life this summer. You might be able to find out about it in 10 years.’ I hope that that statement continues to hold true – that we will do good in helping our campers love God, love others, and love themselves.”

Check out the Dakotas Camping website for more information, resources to promote camp in your church, and links to register today!