We were blessed to provide a relaxing and refreshing weekend to over 50 women this past weekend.  Kecia Stroot’s message to “Love God, Love People, Period.” helped to recenter our thinking and fit within our 2011 summer theme of “Converge.”  With a forecast of rainy weather, our appreciation grew for the incredible sunshine and warmth that God provided, even to the point of some women swimming and tubing.

In past years, the women’s auctions have raised between $3000- 5000.  However, this year the women took a GIGANTIC step of faith in their giving and blessed Bluewater’s ministry by giving $10,155.   Incredibly, with the gifts that were given before the women’s retreat of $15,000, we have already made our goal for the Matching Gift of $25,000.   Thank you for giving in an inspirational way and helping to reduce our debt from $70,000 to $20,000 before the summer had hardly begun.

May God continue to bless you as you have blessed us.

We are so pleased to be at the point of “KICKING” our debt out of here.  Currently, we have $70,000 left to pay on our Kitchen debt.  Thank you for your support, but let’s give another sprint to the finish and cross the line this year.

The Bluewater Covenant Bible Camp Board is serious about the getting out from our debt load.  They have decided to dedicate our Men’s and Women’s Auction monies to pay down the debt.  We see the finish line and desire to have you run with us to the end.

PLUS, we have been blessed with a donor who will make a Matching Gift for all of the Men’s and Women’s Auctions.  The Gift could be worth as much as $25,000.  In the past our actions have raised around $12,000 for camp’s programming and remodeling.  BUT just think if we could double that amount to $25,000, then double it again to $50,000 with the Matching Gift.  Our debt would be considerably decreased.

Therefore, we need your help:

• Please bring items to the Auctions.  The more items, the larger the auction.
• Give graciously.
• If you are not able to attend, please consider sending an item for the auction or a gift towards the auction to help raise our amount.

Keep this in mind:  This is not just a fundraiser, but a way to continue to the ministry to youth and families.  Our Kitchen and Dining Hall is a defining part of our ministry.  Conversations and memories are made around the wonderfully prepared meals and the evenings of reconnecting in the Dining Hall.

Every year we try to create a project that the Men and Boys can participate in together.  From bottle rockets, to building catapults, to turtle races the idea is create meaningful interaction between the young and older.

We are excited to share that our project this year will be lead by Jeff Wade of Bemidji.  He will bring equipment to teach how to tie flies for fishing.  He will describe how each fly attracts different fish.  Then after having the Men and Boys tie their own flies, they will go down to the beach and learn how to cast a fly fishing rod.

Make plans to come and bring a son, a friend, or a neighborhood boy to attend our Mens and Boys Retreat.

Where:   Drayton High School Gym

When:     April 13 @ 6 p.m.

Who:       Anyone and Everyone

What:      Burgers, chips, memories, games, prizes, friends, and                    more.

What a great night to introduce a friend to the adventure of Bluewater Covenant Bible Camp.  Don’t miss the opportunity to invite someone.

Be bold.  Be courageous.  Be strong and come along for a great night of free food and friends.

Remember to hand out those brochures to friends, neighbors, teammates, coaches, and anyone you can think of to invite them to create memories at Bluewater.

Catch Chad, Micah , and Cassidy at Roseau Covenant Church on April 8.   Starts at 5 p.m. and goes until 7 p.m.  Bring a friend and sign up for camp.

Where:  Hope Covenant Church, Grand Forks, ND

When:  March 23rd @ 5: 30 p.m.

What:   Burgers, Friends, Activities, and Prizes

Why:    Getting PUMPED about Bluewater Covenant BIble Camp. Free Burgers.  Bringing a friend to Bluewater!

We are excited to bring Micah Rude on staff as a year round Program Director.  Micah’s summers were spent at camp with his family.  The past 5 years he has been a part of Bluewater’s summer staff:  3 as a lifeguard, and the past 2 as the program director.  During our Fall season, Micah will host and help to plan retreats.  In the winter and spring, we will work together to promote camp at the churches, youth groups and communities.  As Camp Director, I look forward to having a year round teammate in the ministry of Bluewater.

The 2011 Brochure is in.  Go to the Register page and the pull down the Camp Brochure menu.

Make plans for you and a friend to be at Bluewater 2011 for Converge:  The intersection of possibilities where we decrease and Christ increases.

Looking to impact the lives of people?  Need a summer job?

Why not combine the two and work at Bluewater?  We have opportunities in our kitchen, on the beach, in the cabins, and at the rock wall.  Don’t hesitate to fill out the application and send it in.

Bluewater needs “HEROES-  A VISION TO LEAD, A PASSION TO PRAY”

Go to “About Us” and the “Staff Applications” page to find the application and join our team.