Summer Camp

Bay Lake Camp occupies the largest island in Bay Lake. The site runs camps and retreats all year long for youth groups, church groups, and civic retreats. The camp underwent major renovations in 2008, resulting in the Red Cedar Lodge and a new and improved dining hall. The Red Cedar lodge, where we will spend most of our week) has 12 bedrooms, a large main room and kitchen, and two fireside lounges. The dining hall has an updated kitchen and serving window, air conditioning, and ample seating around multiple tables. The renovation converted the old dining hall into the Island Café and store. The chapel is a large open building with wooden pews and a rainbow cross on the west side. The camp also has two fields for games and activities, a basketball hoop, the “How Great Thou Art House”, multiple campfire rings, beach, boating area, labyrinth, and several other hidden gems on the island.

We are closer to “glamping” than “roughing it.” We will stay in the Red Cedar Lodge, where many activities will take place. Each bedroom will house 5-6 campers in bunk or single beds. Each room has a private bathroom with shower, two sinks, and climate control in each room. Linens and towels will be available on each bed.

The Naming Project partners with Bay Lake Camp in Deerwood, MN, to hold our summer camp. Bay Lake is located about 115 miles north of the Twin Cities. Campers can meet at a gathering point in the Twin Cities, or meet us directly at Bay Lake Camp.

If you choose to meet us at Bay Lake Camp, we will send driving directions. The camp is on an island, so everyone must ride a pontoon to the island. We ask that you do not arrive too early or late, to minimize the number of crossings the pontoon must make.

If you meet us in the Twin Cities, we will depart our gathering point at 3:00 PM on our first day of camp. If you are flying into Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, please be sure your flight arrives with enough time to get from the airport to the gathering point.

If you want to ride in transportation provided by The Naming Project, there will be a $50 round trip fee. You can drive your own car up, but we encourage carpooling, since parking is limited at the camp. Once again, Bay Lake Camp is on an island, so you will not have access to your vehicles during camp.

We will close with breakfast and worship on Friday morning, with a planned departure by 11:00 AM. The drive back takes a little over two hours, so plan any returning flights after 3:00 PM on Friday.

Keep your clothing casual, because this is camp. Plan to not have access to laundry (it’s only five days). The temperature can vary, and the island is typically cooler and breezy, so plan to pack in layers and have some warmer and rain-proof clothes ready. One pair of long pants and long sleeved shirts are good for protecting against mosquitoes (and by the end of the week, have a nice campfire smell).

In addition to your regular toiletries, don’t forget bug spray and sunscreen (we will provide some backup). Bring a Bible, another good book that’s important for you, pen or pencil.

Finally, many campers like to serve lewks for the final dinner and Coffee House Cabaret. So a dressy outfit, drag, or fun camp chic fashion are fun, but not mandatory. But don’t forget to bring whatever you might need for your act. Poetry, music, dance, story, etc.

Bring some spending money for a few extras at the Island Café, or for incidentals during the ride up and back. Cellphones are allowed, but the service is spotty on the island, and we will ask you to not use them during group activities. Please do not bring large amounts of cash, or valuable watches or jewelry. Additionally, alcohol, non-prescription drugs, weapons, and clothing that depicts drugs, violence, alcohol or graphic sex are not permitted at The Naming Project.

• First Word & Breakfast
• Large Group Bible Study & Small Groups
• Lunch
• Arts & Crafts
• Free Time/Swimming/Activities
• Worship
• Dinner
• Reflection Time
• Camp Game
• Campfire

We highly encourage you to participate in all activities offered at camp. After all, it’s why you came. There will be chunks of unstructured time throughout the day, including a large chunk of the afternoon. You can choose from several activities, take a nap, or chat with a new friend.

The Naming Project and Bay Lake will work to accommodate any special needs, including diet, physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual listed on the registration form. Please provide all relevant information, so we can plan accordingly. Bay Lake Camp has accessible lodging and bathrooms, and the kitchen can accommodate dietary restrictions.

That being said, Bay Lake Camp is an outdoor camp setting on an island (how many times have we mentioned the island?), with dirt roads, hills, and steps. There are many ways to get around camp, and people can navigate it on a wheelchair. However, it can be something of a challenge.

The camp also has no medical staff on site. While we can treat some minor first-aid injuries, anything more serious will involve transportation to the nearest medical facility, which is about 30 minutes away.

Registration for camp is $400, which includes all activities and events during the week, arts and craft supplies, snacks, and all the meals from dinner on Sunday through brunch on Friday.

Round-trip transportation between the Twin Cities and Bay Lake is an additional $50.

The only other spending money you should need is for items in the Island Café (souvenirs, snacks, fancy coffee drinks), beverages during happy hour, and items in transit.

Megan is a child of God and Director of The Naming Project. She passed away unexpectedly but peacefully in her sleep, September 19, 2017. Megan was a pastor to several congregations and campus ministry settings. She was a pastor, a friend, a sister, an aunt, and the owner of three English Springer Spaniels. Megan received her MDiv degree from Trinity Lutheran Seminary in Columbus, OH and her BA from the University of South Florida. Megan loved to read, laugh, ask questions, tell truths, and spread Christ’s love to everyone she met.

Due to the outpouring of donations following Megan’s untimely death, we are establishing the Rev. Megan Jane Jones Memorial Scholarship. This scholarship will cover a full camp registration and transportation costs to attend. One scholarship will be awarded each year and the decision of The Naming Project will be final. To apply, download the simple application and return by May 1 to staff@thenamingproject.org

Megan Jones Scholarship Application

We recognize some campers will be paying for both travel and registration. We also recognize the cost of camp may be prohibitive to some families—our goal is to make camp affordable to all, and we will work to secure a place for all interested youth. The Naming Project does not want to turn any camper away because of a lack of funds. We will provide other scholarships and financial assistance to campers who request it. If applying for a scholarship please send an email to staff@thenamingproject.org with a simple request and statement of need.

There is wi-fi and cell service at Bay Lake Camp, but the camp is in a fairly remote area with limited signal. We will ask that you limit phone calls, texting, and browsing to designated times in the schedule. It’s camp. Unplug a bit!