As the warmth of summer fades and the colors of fall surround us, we look back with gratitude on an incredible season at Camp Iroquoina. From the laughter and friendships formed during our summer camp sessions to the meaningful moments of reflection and growth at our fall retreats, God’s presence was evident in every activity and every shared experience. Whether it was splashing in the swimming pond, exploring the woods, or gathering around the campfire in worship, campers and staff alike carried home memories and lessons that will last a lifetime.
Emerge Intensive Bible Camp
This summer’s inaugural Emerge Intensive Bible Camp invited young people to dive deeply into Scripture while fostering spiritual growth through teaching, fellowship, and adventure. Led by speakers Steve Price and John Clifford, the week centered on lessons of faith, virtue, and God’s ongoing work in the lives of His people.
Throughout the week, campers explored stories such as David and Abigail’s intercession, Ruth and Boaz’s faithfulness, and examples of godly character in action. Between Bible sessions, days were filled with swimming, canoeing, scavenger hunts, and campfire fellowship, blending joy and reflection. The week concluded with lessons on what godly examples look like and on becoming Christlike examples to others.
Boys Camp
The summer continued with Boys’ Camp, where speaker Joe Wilbur guided campers through the lives of Abraham, Moses, and the Exodus. Through these studies, boys were challenged to understand God’s unwavering faithfulness, how His promises endure, even when years or generations pass.
Days were filled with classic camp activities such as archery, fishing, and the much-loved buddy burner breakfast, where campers cooked their own meals over firelit cans. Chapel sessions tied Old Testament events to the Gospel, emphasizing God’s sovereignty and patience.
Games like “War Ball,” “Chair Tag,” and “Capture the Flag” kept energy high, but the greatest takeaway came from evening campfires, where lessons of faith, repentance, and God’s deliverance through Jesus Christ were discussed under the stars.
Skills Camp
Next came Skills Camp, a hands-on week of learning and faith under the Bible teaching of Joshua Swaim. Campers rotated through workshops in auto repair, welding, woodworking, and ceramics, discovering the joy of creativity and diligence.
Each lesson tied practical work to spiritual truth, how faith, like craftsmanship, requires patience, care, and trust in the process. Among the projects worked on by the campers were benches which now proudly sit at the newly renovated basketball court, so the campers can return in the future and see the results of their participation in the first-ever Skills Camp. Campers also enjoyed hikes, games like Razzleblast, and devotionals that followed the faith journeys of Abraham, Isaac, and Joseph. Despite rain showers, the week ended with a cookout, completed projects, and a sense of accomplishment that reached beyond the physical work of their hands.
Girls Camp
Girls’ Camp was a vibrant two-week celebration of Scripture, friendship, and faith-filled fun. Eleanor Wagner, Cathy Young, and Judi Hall led lessons through the book of Daniel, exploring themes of courage, conviction, and God’s sovereignty.
From campfire songs to creative workshops in crafts, pottery, and journalism, every day reflected the campers’ enthusiasm to learn and grow. Highlights included the Eagles’ sleepout under the stars, Meadow Day cookouts, and the ever-popular Razzleblast night. Counselors poured into the lives of campers, leading devotions and encouraging young hearts to stand firm for Christ, whether in the “lion’s den,” moments of life, or the quiet routines of everyday faith.
Family Camp
The summer season concluded with Family Camp, featuring main speaker Stephen Swaim and the theme “When Life Gets Hard.” Families gathered to rest, worship, and reflect on the steadfastness of God through life’s challenges.
Messages were drawn from the Psalms, the Gospels, and Paul’s letters, reminding attendees that the same God who calmed the sea walks with us through every storm. From the wonder of creation in Psalm 8 to the compassion of the Lord Jesus with the woman at the well in John 4, each day emphasized God’s faithfulness and personal care. Families left strengthened in faith, reminded that even when life feels uncertain, the Lord remains in the boat with us.
Autumn Awakening Bible Retreat
As the leaves began to turn, Camp Iroquoina hosted its Autumn Awakening Bible Retreat, a weekend gathering for kids and young teens designed to spark spiritual renewal and reflection. The retreat’s name drew inspiration from Ephesians 5:14: “Therefore He says: ‘Awake, you who sleep, arise from the dead, and Christ will give you light.’”
The Bible teaching was led by Joshua Swaim, who also served at multiple summer camps this year. The retreat focused on the call to be awakened to the Gospel and God’s purpose in our lives. Just as autumn brings change and preparation, the weekend encouraged campers to experience the transforming light of Christ.
From the first morning’s fog and waffles for breakfast to evening s’mores and campfire singing, every moment was filled with fellowship and joy. Campers sang songs of praise, hiked to Chapel Rock, launched pumpkins from a catapult, and played favorite games like Capture the Pumpkin and Gaga Ball.
Food like the Mac & Cheese bar provided fuel for a full weekend of fun, and each chapel session centered on the message: Believe in the Lord Jesus, He is worthy. Through Joshua’s teaching, many young hearts were challenged to trust in Christ and consider what it means to be “born again,” as it says in John 3:3.
Ladies Retreat
With full fall foliage in view, a number of sisters in Christ spent the second weekend of October at Camp Iroquoina for the Ladies Retreat.
Tami Swaim served as the speaker for the retreat, and she shared on the theme of “Gods Goodness in times of trial.” In between messages, the ladies enjoyed a number of activities including hikes to Chapel Rock and Counsel rock, crafts, fishing, archery, canoeing, games, great food, and sweet fellowship.
“Though the fig tree may not blossom, Nor fruit be on the vines; Though the labor of the olive may fail, And the fields yield no food…Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation. The LORD God is my strength; He will make my feet like deer’s feet, And He will make me walk on my high hills.” Habakkuk 3:17-19
