Pine Lake Camps offers year-round retreats as well as summer programming. Check out upcoming events below. Details and registration forms will be added for each event as they become available.
Save the Date:
NEW dates*April 26-28, 2024 Marriage Camp 20's & 30's
April 18-21, 2024 Men's Spring Fishing Retreat
May 3-5, 2024 Español Family Camp
May 17-19, 2024 Work Weekend!
July 2-5, 2024 Family Camp 2024
Pine Lake Camps' Fall Student Retreat is like if summer camp was a little bit cooler (temperature-wise), a little bit more laid back (schedule-wise), and equally as fun and impactful!
What we'll do (sample schedule):
Friday
5-7pm - Check-in
7:00 - Dinner
8:00 - Chapel
9:00 - Cabin Devos
9:30 - Evening Hangout (Campfire/S’mores/Camp Store)
10:30 - Something Fun!
12:00 - Lights Out
Saturday
8:30 - Breakfast
9:30 - Chapel
10:30 - Time Alone with God
11:00 - Game/Event
12:30 - Lunch
1:30 - Activity Time (ropes course/zipline, gun range, axe throwing, archery, boating, game cabin, camp store, etc.)
4:00 - Game/Event
5:30 - Dinner
6:30 - Chapel
9:00 - Game/Event
10:30 - Evening Hangout
12:00 - Lights Out
Sunday
8:30 - Breakfast
10:00 - Chapel/Church
12:30 - Lunch
1:30 - Check-out
What to bring:
- Bible, notebook, pen
- Pillow, bedding
- Towels & toiletries
- Warm clothing/layers. It will be chilly, especially in the evenings!
- Good walking shoes/boots (there may be mud)
- Money for the camp store
This event is being hosted by:
Holland Zolnosky is passionate about helping young women own their identity in Christ and live like they believe God is who He says He is. She currently serves as the Assistant Camp Director of Pine Lake Camps, and is newly-married to the camp’s Maintenance Manager, Aaron. They have a pet cat named Beef, whom you may see roaming the campground at times.
Pastor Braden Dykstra is the Production Director and Students Pastor of Free Grace United church in Elk River, MN, as well as the Program Director at Pine Lake Camps! He loves his wife (Alanah), frisbee golfing, Culver's butter-burgers, his dog Zeppelin (named after his favorite band, of course), and his two sons, Oliver and Wesley.
FALL 2023 WOMEN’S RETREAT
Grab your besties and get ready for a weekend full of great food, new friendships, exciting activities and surprises, powerful worship, purposeful and inspirational messages, and time to unwind and get a break from everyday life on our gorgeous 49-acre property at Pine Lake Camps’ Fall Women’s Retreat! (Minors should be accompanied by a parent or guardian.)
When: Oct 13 (arrive 5-7p) through Oct 15 (check out 12:30p)
Where: Pine Lake Camps (32203 230th St, Eldora, IA 50627)
Who: Girls ages 14 & up!
Pricing:
- On-site cabin: $185 – May require a short walk to the restroom. If you have a physical or medical need for us to consider in your cabin assignment, please notify us in your registration.
- RV/tent/offsite: $165 – Includes all retreat sessions & activities & meals.
- Retreat Sponsor: $500 – Includes a private lodge room, bedding, towels, and private bathroom. Lodge rooms each hold a queen and a twin bed. (Lodge Room registrants can add up to 2 roommates for an additional $165/each.)
This event is being hosted by:
Pastor Kelly Dykstra is the co-founder of Free Grace United, and she is passionate about raising up strong, confident women of God to their fullest potential. She serves as the Director of Pine Lake Camps, is the author of several books, the mother of three kids, the doting grandmother of 2 grandsons, and the favorite wife of Pastor Eric Dykstra, to whom she’s been married 28 years.
Holland Zolnosky is passionate about helping young women own their identity in Christ and live like they believe God is who He says He is. She currently serves as the Assistant Camp Director of Pine Lake Camps, and is newly-married to the camp’s Maintenance Manager, Aaron. They have a pet cat named Beef, whom you may see roaming the campground at times.
What we’ll do (sample itinerary):
Friday:
5-7p: Arrival
7p: Dinner
8p: Worship Session 1
9p: Bonfire, s’mores & games
Saturday:
8:30a: Breakfast & Morning Devotional
9:30a: Worship Session 2
10:30a: Breakout Sessions
12:30p: Lunch
1:30p: Optional activities (ex: ropes course/zipline, canoeing, kayaking, hiking, gun range, archery, axe throwing, hangin’ out by the campfire, play card games, take a nap, etc.)
5:30p: Dinner
6:30p: Worship Session 3
7:30p: Dessert Break!
8:30p: Something Fun
9p: Campfire Hangout
Sunday:
8:30a: Breakfast
10a: Church with FGU Eldora
11:30a: Lunch
12:30p: Check-out
What to bring (packing list):
- Bible, notebook
- Pillow, bedding (the bunk beds are twins, but almost every cabin has 1 full-size bunk; first-come, first-served. Plan to give honor to women who would benefit from the “better beds” (grandmas, etc.).
- Towels & toiletries.
- Warm clothing/layers. It will be chilly in the evenings!
- Good walking shoes/boots (there may be mud).
- Ear plugs/whatever you need to sleep comfortably in a cabin with others. If you registered for a lodge room, you may want a noise maker because people may be hanging out near your room.
- BYO snacks if you have special dietary needs. We will have options at meals but can’t guarantee options for snack times.
- Money for the camp store.
- Please, no alcohol, animals, or children.
- Pack a CAMP mentality: It’s camp! There will be bugs, dust, critters, other people, a schedule, and lots of fun. The food will be delicious, and the cabins are heated.
Elementary 2 Week is for campers finishing grades 2-5. If you're from MN, bussing will be available from Free Grace United Elk River for this week at camp. Our teaching theme this summer centers around the Armor of God. This age group will learn about each piece of armor, and then spend the week examining the life of King David to learn how they too can “Suit Up” with the Armor of God! Your camper can come prepared for lots of fun & immersive medieval-themed games, events & activities. We can’t wait to meet your camper(s)!
Joining us as our guest speakers for this week are Pastor Karli Phelps, Assistant Pastor of Free Grace United, Elk River and Mr. Chris Day. Mr. Chris is married to Pastor Sara and they lead Free Grace United Princeton, MN.
Drop-Off Time: Sunday 3pm-5pm
Pick-Up Time: Friday 9am-11am
Registration for bussing is available within the camper registration form.
Registration is closed.
You can use the link below to login to your account to fill out medical forms, deposit camp store money and make payments.
ULTRACAMP LOGIN
Jr./Sr. High Week is for campers finishing grades 6-12. If you're from MN, bussing will be available from Free Grace United Elk River for this week at camp. Our teaching theme this summer centers around the Armor of God. This age group will spend time in the book of Ephesians, learning about each piece of armor and how they can choose to “Suit Up” with the Armor of God daily! Your camper can come prepared for lots of fun & immersive medieval-themed games, events & activities. We can’t wait to meet your camper(s)!
Drop-Off Time: Sunday 3pm-5pm
Pick-Up Time: Friday 9am-11am
Registration for bussing is available within the camper registration form.
REGISTER HERE
Junior High 2 Week is for campers finishing grades 6-8. Our teaching theme this summer centers around the Armor of God. This age group will spend time in the book of Ephesians, learning about each piece of armor and how they can choose to “Suit Up” with the Armor of God daily! Your camper can come prepared for lots of fun & immersive medieval-themed games, events & activities. We can’t wait to meet your camper(s)!
Our guest speaker for this week will be Pastor Silas Austin, our Camp Pastor!
Drop-Off Time: Sunday 3pm-5pm
Pick-Up Time: Friday 9am-11am
REGISTER HERE
Senior High Week is for campers finishing grades 9-12. Our teaching theme this summer centers around the Armor of God. This age group will spend time in the book of Ephesians, learning about each piece of armor and how they can choose to “Suit Up” with the Armor of God daily! Your camper can come prepared for lots of fun & immersive medieval-themed games, events & activities. We can’t wait to meet your camper(s)!
Joining us as our guest speaker for this week is Pastor Wade Walton!
Drop-Off Time: Sunday 3pm-5pm
Pick-Up Time: Friday 9am-11am
REGISTER HERE
Primary Camp week is for campers finishing grades 1-4. This is a shortened week of camp (Wednesday-Friday) that may be more suitable for younger campers that maybe aren't ready for a full week of camp yet. Our teaching theme this summer centers around the Armor of God. This age group will learn about each piece of armor, and then spend the week examining the life of King David to learn how they too can “Suit Up” with the Armor of God! Your camper can come prepared for lots of fun & immersive medieval-themed games, events & activities. We can’t wait to meet your camper(s)!
Drop-off Time: Wednesday 9am-11am
Pick-up Time: Friday 9am-11am
REGISTER HERE
Junior High 1 Week is for campers finishing grades 6-8. Our teaching theme this summer centers around the Armor of God. This age group will spend time in the book of Ephesians, learning about each piece of armor and how they can choose to “Suit Up” with the Armor of God daily! Your camper can come prepared for lots of fun & immersive medieval-themed games, events & activities. We can’t wait to meet your camper(s)!
Our guest speaker for this week will be Pastor Silas Austin, our Camp Pastor!
Drop-Off Time: Sunday 3pm-5pm
Pick-Up Time: Friday 9am-11am
REGISTER HERE
Elementary 1 Week is for campers finishing grades 2-5. Joining us as the speaker for this week will be Pastor Karli Phelps, the Children's Director of Free Grace United, and her assistant, Nikki Benincasa! Our teaching theme this summer centers around the Armor of God. This age group will learn about each piece of armor, and then spend the week examining the life of King David to learn how they too can “Suit Up” with the Armor of God! Your camper can come prepared for lots of fun & immersive medieval-themed games, events & activities. We can’t wait to meet your camper(s)!
Drop-Off Time: Sunday 3pm-5pm
Pick-Up Time: Friday 9am-11am
REGISTER HERE
When: May 5th - May 7th, 2023
Check out: Sunday after lunch
REGISTER HERE
Pastor Brian is the former Pastor of Free Grace Princeton and student church at FGU. Him and his family moved to Pueblo, CO to start a FGU location in late 2023 God willing.
Pricing
- On-site cabin (may require a short walk to restroom): $170 for dad and $50 per son
- Bring your own tent or RV: $170 for dad and $50 per son
- Off-site (includes all retreat sessions & activities & meals; no lodging): $140 per dad and $40 per son
- Retreat Sponsor (Contribute to help make this event awesome! Includes a private lodge room, bedding, towels, and private bathroom. Lodge rooms each hold a queen and a twin bed.): $500 for dad and add up to 2 sons for $50 each.
The Work Weekend is a great opportunity to hang out and bond with other volunteers, spend some time on our gorgeous 49-acre property, and have a hand in the life-change that takes place every year at Pine Lake Camps. Your service to our camp will affect many generations to come!
Projects (including but not limited to): repairs, painting, organizing, wiring, assembling, hauling, tree-trimming, log-splitting, remodeling, siding/roofing, flooring, landscaping, carpeting, and more!
PLC requests a non-refundable contribution of $25/person to hold your lodging spot and help with meal costs for Work Weekend. If you prefer to stay in a private room with linen and towels, you can upgrade for an additional non-refundable contribution of $150.
When: April 28th-30th, 2023
Check out: Sunday after lunch
REGISTER HERE
Registration Closed
Cost: $175 for a standard cabin (may include short walk to bathhouse)
- 1:00pm Arrive at PLC and fish Upper & Lower Pine Lakes.
- 7:30pm Supper
- 7:30am Breakfast & Devotional
- 8:30am Fish all day
Pastor Eric will send boats to 5 area lakes (within 1 hour drive: Beeds, Briggs Woods, Brushy Creek, Bluebill, Pleasant Creek, Rock Creek, Upper & Lower Pine), along with coaching on how to fish them. Lunch will be on your own. - 7:30pm Supper
- 8:30pm Bonfire, fish stories & prizes for biggest catch & most caught
- 8:00am Breakfast & Devotional
- 10:00am Worship Service at Free Grace United in PLC chapel
- 11:30 Head home or back out on the water
Registration for Women's Retreat is closed. Late registrations may be avaible and you can email office@pinelakecamps.org for more information.
The Women's Retreat is designed to connect women from all different backgrounds and walks of life and provide for them a weekend packed with powerful worship sessions, engaging speakers, tons of optional activities, workshops that focus on growing your personal walk with God, and lots of epic games and prizes! And of course, we'll still make sure you have plenty of time to get rested, recharged, and seriously well-fed.
Check in: Friday 5-7pm; Supper is at 7pm
Check out: Sunday after lunch
Pastor Kelly Dykstra is the co-founder of Free Grace United, a family of churches in Minnesota, Iowa, and across the globe. She serves as the Director of Pine Lake Camps. She is the author of several books, the mother of three kids, the doting grandmother of (almost) 2 grandsons, and the favorite wife of Eric Dykstra, to whom she's been married 28 years.
... and Pastor Sara Day
Pastor Sara Day is the Lead Pastor of Free Grace United in Princeton, MN. She is the author of the book Healing Through Prayer, and long time leader of Free Grace Recovery Meetings. Her passion is helping other women in recovery find their way to Jesus. She is married to Chris Day, Director of Kid's Ministry at FGU in Princeton, and she homeschools her kiddos.
Guest Speaker Dr. Jessica Rothmeyer
Dr. Jessica Rothmeyer has been a professional counselor for 23 years. Her ministry exists to establish biblical standards and a Christ-centered perspective in all nations. Her vision is to see all lives set free through Christ, offering speaking events, trainings, and many other resources. "Your Kingdom destiny awaits... and it all begins with a mindset."
Pricing
- On-site cabin (may require a short walk to restroom): $175
If you have a physical or medical need for us to consider in your cabin assignment, please notify us in your registration. - Off-site (includes all retreat sessions & activities & meals; no lodging): $125 (use discount code OFFSITE)
- Retreat Sponsor (Contribute to help make this event awesome! Includes a private lodge room, bedding, towels, and private bathroom. Lodge rooms each hold a queen and a twin bed.): $500
Marriage Camp is focused on bringing married couples together for a weekend of powerful teaching sessions designed to connect partners and strengthen relationships. Unifying worship, amazing meals, and plenty of free time to check out all the exciting camp activities (or just rest!) round out a refreshing time away. The two of you can bunk in your own cabin on camp or reserve a room at a local VRBO or hotel.
Check in: Friday 5-7pm; Supper is at 7pm
Check out: Sunday after lunch
REGISTER HERE
Hosted by Pastors Eric & Kelly Dykstra and Pastor Jason & Tracy Keech
Eric and Kelly Dykstra are the founding pastors of Free Grace United, a family of churches based in Minnesota. They have been married 28 years and have three grown children & a grandson who is getting a brother soon. They have authored several books and traveled a few places (their favorite is Israel), and they enjoy sharing what they've learned with others who are pursuing a Christ-focused life.
Jason and Tracy have been married since 1997. They raised two kids and became empty-nesters in 2020. They pastor at Free Grace United in Zimmerman, Minnesota, where Tracy also works as Communications Director. From a desire to help couples be blessed through marriage, they wrote a 30-Day He Said/She Said Devotional called Happy Marriage lol (available on Amazon and Kindle). In addition to bass fishing (Jason) and spoiling their black lab (Tracy), these two truly enjoy the opportunity to share God’s grace, love, and hope with everyone they meet.
Guest Speakers Pastors Lon & Dawn Williams
Lon and Dawn are the founding and lead pastors of Liberty Church. God has given them a vision and a passion for people to embrace grace and reach their potential. Lon & Dawn have been married for 25 years and pastoring for 24 years. For them, there's nothing more exciting than seeing people discover that they really are victors and God is their biggest fan. They are 'Hope Dealers,’ and they are addicted to Jesus and the life change that He gives. Together, they have devoted their lives to carrying out God's vision for Liberty Church. They have 4 sons, Noah (22), Titus (19), Caleb (18) and Silas (15). They reside in Liberty, Pennsylvania.
Pricing
- On-site cabin with attached bathroom: $300/couple
- On-site cabin with a short walk to men's/women's restrooms: $275/couple
- Off-site (includes all retreat sessions & activities & meals; no lodging): $175/couple
- Retreat Sponsors (help make this event awesome for everyone! Includes a private lodge room with bedding, towels, and private bathroom): $550/couple
Off-Site Housing Options
- AmericInn by Wyndham – Grundy Center, IA; Distance to camp: 15.8 miles (19 minutes)
- AmericInn by Wyndham – Iowa Falls, IA; Distance to camp: 19.5 miles (24 minutes)
- Super8 by Wyndham – Iowa Falls, IA;Distance to camp: 19.5 miles (24 minutes)
- Village Motel – Eldora, IA; 641-939-3441; Distance to camp: 2.1 miles (6 minutes)
REGISTER HERE
- Boating
- Archery
- Gun range (bring your own or use ours)
- High ropes/zip line
- Hiking/walking trail around Lower Pine Lake
- Game cabin (bring your favorite games to share)
- Crafts
- Eating lots of delicious food
- Making new friends and reconnecting with the ones you already have!
Cabin Types:
- Main Hill, attached bathrooms (Cypress, Cedar, Elm, Chestnut, Basswood) - SOLD OUT
- Main Hill, short walk to bathhouse (Ash, Birch, Fir, Evergreen)
- Boy's Hill (walk across bridge), attached bathrooms (Cottonwood & Cherry)
- Boy's Hill, short walk to bathhouse (Oak, Walnut, Hackberry, Locust, Maple [many new beds 2022])
- Motel-style (please contact office@pinelakecamps.org to inquiry about a room) - SOLD OUT
Registration is closed. We may be able to fit you in. Please email us at office@pinelakecamps.org
Guys - join us for great food, manly activities, worship, purposeful and inspirational messages, and a time to unwind and grow your faith at our Fall Men's Retreat!
Hosted by Pastor Eric Dykstra of Free Grace United. Featuring Pastor Zak White of Revolution Church - San Antonio, TX.
Dates: Friday, September 30 - Sunday, October 2
Cost: $170
Arrival: Friday evening between 5pm-7pm
Check out: After church on Sunday
Retreat includes:
Lodging (bunkhouse style cabins)
6 meals (including a steak dinner)
2 snacks
Retreat T-shirt
Activities:
High ropes course
Zipline
Archery
Slingshots
Axe throwing
Frisbee golf
Golf (tee times can be scheduled for Saturday afternoon at https://plccgolf.com or call 641- 858-3031)
Rifle range (bring your own or use one of ours)
Fishing
Hiking
Canoeing
Kayaking
Capture the flag
Bike trails (bring your own bike)
Tentative Schedule:
Friday:
- 5pm- 7pm Check In
- 7pm - Dinner
- 8pm - Worship Session 1
- 9:30pm - Bonfire
Saturday:
- 8:30am - Breakfast
- 9:30am - Worship session 2
- 11:00am- 12:30am - Recreation
- 12:30pm - Lunch
- 1:30pm - 6:00 - Recreation
- 6pm - Steak dinner
- 7pm - Worship Session 3
- 9:00pm - Capture the flag
- 10pm - Bonfire
Sunday:
- 8:30am - Breakfast
- 10am - Worship Session 4
- 11:30am - Lunch
- 12:30pm - Check Out
This week is specific to Free Grace United Church students. It is with a few tears and many good memories that we relocate from our beloved Camp Swampy to our new (RUNNING WATER, PEOPLE!) Pine Lake Camps in Iowa! This week will be a little different from our PLC summer programming.
Click HERE to register.
Pastor Braden Dykstra Pastor Brian Sparks
This week is open to everyone, but Free Grace United churches will help to arrange transportation for kiddos from the Twin Cities.
Click HERE to register.
Pastor Karli Phelps Pastor Ben Saffrin
Who: Hardworking men from any church (or no church!)
When: Friday, March 18 through Sunday, March 20. Must be able to arrive between noon and 6 pm Friday and stay through noon on Sunday.
Where: Pine Lake Camps (32203 - 230th Street, Eldora, IA 50627)
What: Knock out some construction projects around camp. Remodeling, demo & carpeting, and deck building are just a few of the projects we have lined up. Pastor Mike Curtis (Free Grace United Iowa Church Planting Director) will lead us in Sunday worship. Meals and lodging are provided but bring your own bedding and towels.
Pre-registration is required.
Register Here
You are welcome to make a donation to help with food and supplies by clicking here.