For over 40 years through the leading of God, the churches of the Northwestern District have been building and developing a camp for the purpose of bringing people to a closer relationship with Jesus Christ.  Its people have put into it countless hours of work and dedication, overcoming financial problems, spiritual testing, and feats of nature.  

     In 1959, Rev. Leo Berreth, Leslie Pippert, and Viron Miller, after prayerful deliberation, stepped out in faith and purchased an old 120-acre camp for $18,000.00.  Located on Big Sandy Lake, they named it Big Sandy Conference Grounds.  The camp had formerly been a CCC camp from the 1930s.  It was dotted with old shacks and about 90% wilderness.  Rev. Leo Berreth, one of the first directors, soon earned the reputation of burning a cabin a week for bonfires.  The first camp sessions were held in the summer of 1960 with three camps.  The following year, a second purchase of land was made when the camp acquired nine more acres, including the entrance from the road and log house, now used as the maintenance home.

     This was purchased, with no back-up money, for $17,000.  In years to follow, various buildings were erected, including the main lodge (now referred to as Lakeview Lodge).  In 1968, remodeling was completed on the chapel.  This building had been the summer cabin of former governor Floyd Olsen.  The next year, the camp became a year-round operation when weekend retreats were made available.  Family camps also became new avenues for ministry.

     Today there is not much to remind you of the old CCC camp, but throughout the years the Lord has continued to bless the Big Sandy Camp ministry.  Currently, 13 summer sessions are held, including non-Alliance camps, with nearly 2,500 people in attendance.  Openings for Fall and Winter weekends fill rapidly as retreats are planned for youth, church families, singles groups and men's/ladies' retreats.  Young people and adults continue to meet the Lord through experiences at Big Sandy Camp.  The number of our camp friends is growing.  It is the desire of the camp that the Lord will continue to use it as a means of reaching lives for Him and that He will be glorified in the days ahead.

     Big Sandy summarizes its ministry on reaching lives for Christ in its unique statement of philosophy.  BSC views camping as a Christ-centered, group living experience which integrates the teaching of Scripture with outdoor appreciation, and social and camping skills to develop the total person.  By upholding this philosophy, the camp continues to grow.

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    Big Sandy Camp is located on beautiful Big Sandy Lake in McGregor, Minnesota.  We are the Northwestern District camp of the Christian and Missionary Alliance and would love to have you here to join us for one of our many camps.  It is our desire to provide an environment where lives can be changed through a Christ-centered social experience.

     Summer youth camps are a major part of the Big Sandy Camp Ministry.  With eight camps for youth entering grades 2 - 12, we have a camp that is perfect for you.  Each camper that participates in one of our camps will have the opportunity to utilize all our facilities.  We strive to make this a fun, life-changing week for each and every camper that comes our way.

     Our beautiful year-round accommodations for groups of 10-350 are sure to make your stay with us a pleasurable one.  Each of our three main lodges has a large meeting room as well as the media equipment needed.   

     At Big Sandy Camp your child's safety is a top priority.  To assure his or her wellness during their stay, we take the following steps:

*We use a thorough hiring process including: a complete criminal background check, three reference letters, interviews, and a four-page application.

*Every summer each staff member is certified by the American Heart Association in both first aid and CPR.

*All lifeguards are American Red Cross or equivalent certified.

*We have a registered nurse on the camp grounds each week.

*All staff members are informed of Big Sandy Camp and Retreat Center's Touch and Discipline policies.

  Let us help you get away from the distractions.  We clear aside the obstacles so that you can be free to focus on your group.  Our experienced staff would be glad to help you in the planning and running of your weekend.  It is our goal to make your goals come to life.

     If you are thinking that Big Sandy Camp and Retreat Center would make a good place to hold your retreat, call camp at (218) 426-3389 to check on the availability for your desired dates.  If you are new to Big Sandy, set up a visit to come and look around - you are always welcome!

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   The mission of Big Sandy Camp is to provide an environment where lives are changed through a Christ-centered social experience.

To accomplish this mission, the objectives of Big Sandy Camp are as follows:

SPIRITUALLY

     1. To give a clear presentation of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

     2. To challenge growth and maturity through application of God's Word in every area of the camper's life.

     3. To teach acceptance of one's self as a person of worth, for whom God has a meaningful plan for their life.

MENTALLY

     1. To formulate an attitude of increased respect for the environment and develop an increased knowledge of nature.

     2. To provide certified instruction in camping and recreational skills.

SOCIALLY

     1. To provide an opportunity to develop friendships and accept others from various backgrounds.

     2. To cultivate self-reliance and resourcefulness.

PHYSICALLY

     1. To encourage physical fitness, safety habits, and a healthy lifestyle.

     2. To provide opportunity to participate in organized and unorganized activities.

     Camping at Big Sandy involves all areas of a person's life.  We believe in the integration of the physical, mental, and social aspects of the lives of our campers.  In order to accomplish this, there must be an interaction among these program areas, while working toward a common goal and objective.  In addition, our program is graded so that it is in line with the age-specific characteristics of our campers.

     Big Sandy camp is to be a centralized residential camp.  The camping program is to be an extension of the ministry of the churches that use the camp.  As a Christian and Missionary Alliance-owned camp, C&MA groups are given preference.  It is the camp's desire that each person would experience growth and personal fulfillment in the unique relational situation presented at the camp.  

     Camping will generally be co-ed.  The camp purposes to have worship, Bible study, crafts, recreation, etc., be done in the natural environment as much as possible.  In turn, the natural environment will suggest and shape much of the programming.  This further suggests that we will avoid a camping program that could be just as well accomplished in the properties and facilities of the churches that use the camp.

     The camp seeks to offer a Christian community in a natural setting where campers would develop their Christian faith, a sense of personal achievement in some area of camping, a healthy relationship with others, and a positive experience of camping.  The ministry of evangelism and Bible study will be kept as a key part of the camp programming.

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