Our History

Founding a Camp

At 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 Camp

Over 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.

Over the past 50 years, the camp has averaged 500 summer campers and over 1,500 first-time decisions to followup Jesus have been made. Praise God.

Pine Lake Camps Timeline

1956 1957

Purchased 11.5 acres adjacent to Pine Lake State Park for $5,000.

1958

Held first camps at Pine Lake Bible Camp.

Added caretaker house, 12 buildings, 2 bathhouses and a dining hall.

1960's

1961

One week of camp costs $15.

1962

Added a chapel to serve as the primary worship area.

1965

Purchased an additional 11 acres for $17,500.

1969

Winterized the first cabins and winter retreats began.

1970's

1974

One week of camp costs $32 and Juniors camp went co-ed.

1976

District office building was built.

1978

The swimming pool was completed for a cost of $65,000.

1980's

1982

One week of camp costs $65.

1983

Purchased an additional 15.5 acres for $30,000,

1985

The beginning of Sixers camp started and the boat dock was added.

1988

The walking bridge to boys hill was built.

1990's

1990

One week of camp costs $115.

1996

A major chapel addition was completed.

1998

Added the pastor's solitude cabin in memory of Harold Boman, Forest City, IA.

1999

The high ropes course was built.

2000's

2001

Parr Lodge was constructed in memory of Irv Parr, Des Moines, IA.

2004

One week of camp costs $250.

2006

50th Anniversary of Pine Lake Camp.

2009

The great hail storm hit Pine Lake which destroyed many trees and all buildings needed new shingles.

Into the Future

Pine 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."