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Lakeshore Center on Okoboji is the presbytery's camp on the Iowa Great Lakes. Although it is quite a drive from Marshalltown, the beautiful and serene setting is like none other to slow down, relax, and reconnect with God. It is open to people of all ages year around, with accommodations ranging from cabin to hotel style rooms. Lakeshore Center will be celebrating 70 years in existence this summer! Portions of their spring newsletter are below.
Letters from Lakeshore
Spring 2024
The Next 70...
We love a good celebration at Lakeshore Center. When the occasion is a birthday and the birthday is our birthday and our birthday ends in zero? We love it even more! This summer we celebrate 70 years of existence.
On July 1, 1954 the Sioux City Presbytery voted to approve purchasing land to establish a permanent church camp. The Articles of Incorporation for the Presbyterian Camp on Okoboji were dated August 19, 1954 and filed with the State of Iowa by the Presbyteries of Fort Dodge and Sioux City on September 3. Much ministry has been packed into those seven decades… with more to come!
As we reflect on our history, we remain grateful for the vision that led to establishing a camp. We recognize the traditions of organized camping for youth, worship for the local community, retreat opportunities for adults, and a place of play and Sabbath for families. We strive to faithfully follow the guidance of the Holy Spirit as we build on the legacy and legends that came before us.
With 70 approaching, we find ourselves looking forward to the next 70 years. We are eager for more summers of camping programs for youth and families. We are dreaming up more opportunities for adults to come and use this space. We feel called to minister to ministry leaders by offering a place of rest and retreat. We want to provide practical training for congregations as we all strive to serve our communities. We want to share the love of Christ by offering hospitality and hope to all our guests and neighbors.
As you browse the rest of our newsletter, you’ll see opportunities to participate in the life and ministry of Lakeshore. We would love it if you would hold us in prayer as we seek to serve Christ and be the best stewards of our resources. Seventy years have only been possible because of faithful volunteers, generous donors, and a legacy of faithful leadership. May the next 70 be just as blessed!
Meet Our New Program Coordinator!
Rachel Meyer started working for Lakeshore Center at Okoboji in March 2024, after volunteering there the previous summer. Rachel has worked at various camps for Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, and Camp Loughridge (a ministry of First Presbyterian Church in Tulsa, OK). She spent most of her childhood in the south, primarily in Memphis, TN, and Okmulgee, OK.
See our website for more about Rachel!
Want to go to camp?
Check out all the options and register here.
Partner with us for the next 70 years!
Consider a gift to Lakeshore that will allow us to continue ministering to youth, families, ministry leaders, and the community for years to come. Here are suggestions for how you or your church can help.
Our Development Committee has set a goal to encourage 70 new donors to give $19.54 each month to support operating expenses. Our regular monthly expenses include staff salaries, utilities, routine maintenance, and supplies. You can donate by sending a check or by giving online here.
The Lakeshore Ministry Board has also committed to retiring the mortgage loan on our lodge by fall of this year. The remaining balance is $115,000. Would you consider contributing a birthday gift of $70 or perhaps $1,954 in honor of Lakeshore turning 70?
There are many ways to give, including our scholarship fund or the Frahm chapel fund. You can also donate stock or crops, or even set up a legacy gift. If you’d like to visit with a member of our Development Team or with Rev. Sara Sutter, Executive Director, call the office at (712) 337-3313 to let us know.
Looking for work this summer? Apply here!
