Project Nehemiah
Since 1946, Black Lake Bible Camp has existed as a place where people can come together as a community and hear the truth of God’s word. Every Family Camp, Conference, Women’s Retreat, Guest Group, and Kids’ Camp has existed under that purpose.
As Camp has grown in the last 80 years, so to has the need to be able to provide a variety of accessible spaces. The new cabins, The Pines and The Firs, offer accessible, large spaces with more opportunities for communities to gather together in worship and learning.
Will you help us build the walls?
Camp is for Everyone
Young or old, brand-new Christian or seasoned disciple. Whether you walk, run, or roll around Camp, this place is for you!
But sections of our 80-year-old camp were not designed with accessibility in mind, and we’re working to change that. Through Project Nehemiah, we hope to open up Camp to better accommodate every member of our community.
Phase 1
Completed Summer 2025!
Phase 1 of Nehemiah consisted of constructing 4 new ADA accessible cabins near Harmony Springs for the dual purpose of adding additional spaces for groups to stay, as well as to provide spaces more convenient for those with mobility issues, which were previously unavailable at our site.
These cabins, “The Pines,” were completed in the summer of 2025 and have since hosted participants of both retreat guest groups as well as attendees to our program camps such as the Women’s Retreat!
Phase 2
In progress…
Phase 2 of Nehemiah is the construction another set of four cabins, “The Firs.”
Identical in design to the Pines, these cabins will provide additional space for guest groups and program camp attendees, and will also bring more ADA accessible spaces to Camp!
The current estimated total for completing Phase 2 is 1.5 million USD, and while ground has broken for the new cabins, we’re currently waiting for our builder to give us an estimate for the next portion of construction so we can get funding secured and begin to raise the walls.
Will you help fund Phase 2?
Phase 3
Phase 3 will be to complete land- and hardscaping to both the Pines and the Firs, as well as to add needed community gathering spaces in between. This will include constructing permanent fire pits for each of the cabins to accommodate small group gatherings, as well as adding plants, picnic areas, and more.
This vital step will help clean up the buildings, making them not only accessible spaces, but welcoming ones, contributing to Camp’s ongoing mission to provide places of community gathering and retreat!
Final details about what this phase will entail are still in planning.
Nehemiah 3:1-4
Then Eliashib the high priest and the other priests started to rebuild at the Sheep Gate. They dedicated it and set up its doors, building the wall as far as the Tower of the Hundred, which they dedicated, and the Tower of Hananel. People from the town of Jericho worked next to them, and beyond them was Zaccur son of Imri. The First Gate was built by the sons of Hassenaah. They laid the beams, set up its doors, and installed its bolts and bars. Meremoth son of Uriah and grandson of Hakkoz repaired the next section of wall. Beside him were Meshullam son of Berekiah and grandson of Meshezabel, and then Zadok son of Baana.
The third chapter of the book of Nehemiah describes the beginning of the rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem, which had lain in ruin for 141 years before God put on Nehemiah’s heart to put them in place once more.
It was an effort filled with community and teamwork amongst the people of God. The chapter continues with 32 verses dedicated to listing the families and people groups who contributed to the project, a massive undertaking which was completed in an astonishing 52 days thanks to the diligence of God’s people. Chapters 4 through 6 describe the troubles which arose as some opposed the work, but ultimately the perseverance of the Israelites and the faithfulness of God won out.
Your generosity helps remove financial barriers and allows for even more people to hear the gospel here at Black Lake Bible Camp. By donating today, you are opening the door to an unforgettable experience for a child or adult!