Black Lake Bible Camp

PRoclaiming christ since 1946

On July 26, 1946, the founders dedicated these grounds to God during their annual conference, setting down their four reasons for creating the camp:

1. To proclaim the Truth of the Gospel

2. To instruct young people and children

3. To provide a space for Christian fellowship

4. To provide a fitting place for the dwelling of the presence of God

“Pioneering with Christ” was the theme of the first conference held in the summer of 1946. Services for the first several years were held in a Gospel tent.

The first building constructed was the kitchen/dining hall, with a roof only, with a saw dust floor. In 1947 Olympic Inn was built which originally housed the boys in one wing, the girls in the other, with pastors in between. In 1948, the first youth camp was held in cooperation with local churches.

Groundbreaking for the Tabernacle was in September 1952, and a new dining hall in 1959. Driftwood was built in 1949 for the caretaker; this was the first house on the property. In 1986, 12 acres located to the south of the main campgrounds were purchased adding waterfront and seven homes to be used by permanent staff. In June of 1991, Harmony Springs opened its doors adding a new dimension to Black Lake summer programs. The entire site was redeveloped in 2007 with cabins, and in 2009 a chapel was added. The Gym and pool were dedicated in 2012.

There is no way to measure the spiritual growth that has and continues to take place on these grounds. Many people are in full-time Christian work today because of the Holy Spirit’s work in this place. It has also been evidenced over the years that more kids make decisions to follow Christ at camp than through any other ministry! It is estimated that thousands of campers and guests have dedicated their lives here. So many stories have come out of camp ministry including the story of Monty Sholund who received a vision for Tandala Hospital while attending BLBC. Built in 1955 by EFCA missionaries, Tandala Hospital is now run by the Evangelical Free Church of Congo. It is one of the largest hospitals serving the northwest region of the Democratic Republic of Congo, offering specialized care in ophthalmology, dentistry, and radiology.

Black Lake Bible Camp has been used by God to transform lives for over 75 years, and we are committed to ensuring these grounds and this ministry remain dedicated to Christ.