For 30 years, the "Spice Girls" have loaded up their sewing machines and supplies to stay at Green Lake Bible Camp for a quilting retreat!  They come twice a year, for a total of 60 times, from all across the country!

They have accomplished countless projects, but enjoyed the time to rest too. Camp has served as a place to get away, where they can set their worries aside, spend time in sabbath and find peace in the comforting, encouraging presence of God. They have gathered as friends to share in life’s joyous and low moments. They have lost just a few members over the years, and miss them dearly, but really love coming here still.

And for all groups, this is more than just a chance to practice their hobbies. Sure, quilting retreats offer their guests a chance to share their tips and patterns, but they offer so much more.

Over the course of this year, Green Lake Bible Camp will host 18 quilting retreats with 11 different quilting groups. One might think that all quilting retreats are the same, but each group is unique. Some groups stay for three nights; some groups gather for four nights. Some groups prefer their tables set in pods of four, while others prefer their tables to be in rows. Some groups host show-and-tells, share devotional time, bring other crafting projects, and do puzzles for a break from quilting. One group plays “find-the-thimble” and have asked staff to help hide the thimble. Some groups prefer fresh popcorn during their late-night quilting sessions, while some bring their own snacks. Every group loves Karla’s famous quiche and caramel pull-apart rolls.

And we love hosting each and every group - each one is a blessing and we are honored to host their cherished time together.

To host your own quilting or any other kind of retreat you can dream of, give us a call at 320-796-2181, email us at [email protected]g or visit Retreats & Rental Spaces. 

Pictured: One of the talented quilters from these groups made quilts for the Quilt Auction during her stay. When she delivered her quilts for the Quilt Auction, she shared these photos of her quilts around Green Lake Bible Camp.

Andy arrived at camp wrapped in layers of defiance, convinced that "everyone is picking on me." His grandmother, wary but hopeful, left him in our care with caution: "This is going to be a hard week, do the best you can."

​By the end of the week, those layers had been peeled back, revealing a boy who could sing, smile, and share his adventure. Sitting next to his grandmother at our closing worship, watching Andy with newfound joy, we were reminded of the change that can occur when God’s love is given space to work!

​Your donations to camp have a boundless impact. We need you! Make your life-changing gift today.

Jasmine stepped into our camp wildly homesick yet brimming with untapped potential. With enthusiastic encouragement from her counselor and cabin mates, she discovered her own resilience, made lasting friendships, and threw herself into activities with abandon.

She let herself enjoy a week at camp and grew immensely in a safe and nurturing environment. Her triumphant message at week's end, “I’m coming back baby!” is a testament to the courage and growth that you make happen.

Your generosity helped create a safe and nurturing environment for Jasmine to join in and flourish. By donating today, you ensure that Green Lake Lutheran Ministries not only continues but thrives, as a sanctuary for growth, discovery, and community for everyone who engages with our ministries. We need you! Make your gift online today.

Zaria’s experience at camp was nothing short of a transformation. Her journey was illuminated by a passionate, faith-driven young adult who served as a beacon of the life-changing love of Jesus. Her counselor embodied care and confidence and made her feel valued and secure.

As her parent shared, “She LOVED her counselor. As a parent, there’s not much more I can ask for than a counselor that makes my child feel heard and secure.”

Your generosity helped create a safe and nurturing environment for Zaria to join. By donating today, you ensure that Green Lake Lutheran Ministries not only continues but thrives, as a sanctuary for growth, discovery, and community for everyone who engages with our ministries. We need you! Make your gift online today.