Portage Lake Celebrates 80 years!

Portage Lake Bible Camp celebrated their 80th anniversary and new dining hall dedication over Labor Day weekend, and the entire experience felt like one big, joy-filled family reunion! The staff worked hard to make sure everyone would have a great time, feel entertained, have meaningful time to worship, and enjoy a heartfelt walk down memory lane. Old photos lined the spaces, stories flowed easily between generations of campers, and a fun photo backdrop in the fireside lounge helped everyone capture new memories to cherish for years to come.

The weekend schedule was absolutely packed—in the best way possible. Laughter broke out over games, skits, pickleball, gaga ball, cornhole, and all kinds of waterfront activities. The weather couldn’t have been more perfect for a day on the lake, and campers took full advantage with pontoon rides, swimming, lounging in the sand, and playing on the many water toys/inflatables camp offers. They even planned a nighttime zip line ride to see the night’s stars in a new way! Each day was filled with voices raised together, singing all the beloved camp favorites that have echoed through this beautiful camp for decades.

Some of the most powerful moments were the stories shared. Executive Director Marc Eix opened up the floor for anyone who wanted to share what camp meant to them. People spoke about where they met God at camp, how their lives had been changed here, and—yes—for some, how they met their spouse at camp! It was a beautiful reminder that Portage Lake Bible Camp is more than just a place; it’s a spiritual home woven into people’s lives and families across generations.

While the staff carried a huge load to make the weekend special, there were a few “outside” helpers who went above and beyond to bring extra joy and energy. Longtime camper and former staffers, Paul Gustafson and his daughter, Malena Gustafson (yes, they are my husband and daughter!), spent countless hours preparing games, skits, worship music, and of course, some wonderfully silly camp songs. They even managed to recruit a few former camp counselors to revive an old favorite camp skit, and it had everyone roaring with laughter as it came back to life with fresh hilarity.

Sunday morning began just as any perfect camp morning should—with a delicious full breakfast in the new dining hall. Plates were filled with eggs, oatmeal bakes (one studded with chocolate chips and another with juicy blueberries), crispy bacon, yogurt, and fresh fruit. Soon, the sound of the worship band practicing—made up of past worship leaders—drifted from the beautiful red chapel. The sounds could be heard throughout the camp. At 11:00am the chapel bell sounded, calling everyone inside. Soon the seats were filled with people who have carried camp in their hearts for years, even decades. One attendee had been around since the very beginning in 1946, a living bridge to the earliest days of Portage Lake Bible Camp! What a remarkable testament to the camp’s lasting impact.

Marc had asked several former staff members to come forward and read the Bible verses and themes from the years they had served. It was a powerful way to revisit the spiritual heartbeat of the camp across different eras. He also unearthed memories that had been written for the 50th anniversary and arranged for family members to read those reflections aloud, since the original writers have since passed away. Hearing these reflections from decades ago brought many to tears—both those reading these treasured words from parents and grandparents, and those listening and recognizing the legacy of faith, fun, and community those earlier generations helped build.

Pastor Bob Hoey delivered a beautiful, thoughtful message that spoke to all ages and seasons of life. The main message was drawn from the story of Jacob and Essau. God wants us in relationship with him in whatever form. Even wrestling with him in difficult times. It was a thoughtful and heartfelt message that resonated with everyone in the room—those who had just discovered Portage Lake and those who had known it for a lifetime. It was a message that honored the past while encouraging everyone to look forward with hope and expectation to what God will do in the years to come.

To top it off, everyone made their way to the new dining hall where a prayer of dedication was offered. Together, everyone prayed over this new space—that it would be a place of nourishing meals, deep conversations, meaningful friendships, and encounters with God for generations of campers yet to come. With another ribbon cutting, the celebration of 80 incredible years at Portage Lake Covenant Bible Camp blended seamlessly into a hopeful launch into the future—a future filled with more laughter, more worship, more memories, and more lives changed by the ministry and community of this beloved camp. Here’s to another 80 years!