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Camp Fairwood Celebrates Five Decades of Ministry

By August 1, 2016No Comments

Fairwood_inlineWESTFIELD, Wis.—This summer marks the 50th year of ministry for Camp Fairwood. The camp, affiliated with the National Association of Regular Baptist Camps, has been used over the decades to lead youth and families to Christ and help them grow strong in the Lord.

Staff and guests celebrated the milestone with a day of fun, connecting, and reminiscing in praise of God’s work in people’s lives and thankfulness for His provision. “Staff worked hard getting everything ready and it showed,” says attendee David Bursack. “I am so thankful for Camp Fairwood and the decisions that are made for Christ!”

Guests enjoyed walking through a Memory Museum in the dining hall, fishing and canoeing on Pleasant Lake, swimming in a separate one-acre spring-fed lake, hiking the camp’s 4½ miles of beautiful trails, shooting at the rifle range with provided .22s and BB guns, riding a hay wagon pulled by a restored 1952 8N Ford tractor, and more. Children especially enjoyed riding the camp’s famous barrel train, which has been in use since 2002. Each family who attended received a white pine tree to plant at home as a reminder to pray for the camp.

Steve Poludniak, administrative pastor of Tri County Baptist Church, The Villages, Florida, says the camp has been influential in many lives, including his own family. “Many people have been reached for eternity, many have served, many taught to serve and been discipled, many have worked together—our family has been deeply blessed by Camp Fairwood!”

Marlene Wagner has also been blessed by Camp Fairwood. She says, “I have wonderful memories as a camper for many years, culminating in the year I met my amazing husband while we were counselors.”

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Camp Fairwood’s barrel train, pictured here during a week of camp for third and fourth graders, was a highlight of the camp’s 50th anniversary.

Camp Fairwood operates year-round, hosting six weeks of summer camp for students in grades three through 12, as well as families, and about 32 retreats for youth and adults. “We go to great lengths to make sure that our staff is carefully selected and well-trained, that we choose excellent speakers, that God’s Word is kept central to our ministry, and that our buildings and grounds are clean and safe for all to enjoy,” says Brad Dickinson, executive director.

To help keep its facility up to date, the camp hosts an annual fund-raiser called Rubber Legs Rendezvous, a fun event in which individuals and families walk, run, or bike the camp’s trails. This spring, the event surpassed the camp’s goal of raising $16,000. Participants and sponsors raised $18,566, money that will go toward putting in a new asphalt basketball court, goals, and lights.

“For 50 years our commitment has been to provide an excellent Christian camping experience that will enrich lives forever!” Dickinson says. “This is an awesome responsibility and privilege that we take very seriously.”