New pastor at Hawthorne Assembly of God, Gary Bell and his wife, Cheryl, are busy preparing Assembly Park Camp for a summer full of activities and campers.

Long before the north winds blow warmer and summer clothes come out of hibernation, Assembly Park Camp on Lake Minnesuing begins preparations for an active season of family and children’s camps.

Situated just outside of Lake Nebagamon, Wis., the camp is less than an hour from the Twin Ports area. For more than 50 years, the majestic white pines, inviting beach area and little cabins have made this an ideal setting to learn Biblical truths while enjoying the outdoors.

Beginning his fifth year as camp administrator, Gary Bell and his wife, Cheryl, both 60, have been working at the camp since April so everything will be in order for the first occupants.

In October 2009, the Bells also began a new role in the community. Gary was hired as the pastor of Hawthorne Assembly of God church, located just a few miles from the camp. For the past four years they had divided their time between the camp and their home in Augusta, Wis.

“We were up every year — April through October — running the camp or working on the camp,” Gary said. “Hawthorne had been looking for a pastor off and on for about two years, and we were asked to apply. 

The camp has been progressing, and our camp team is building, so we felt it was time.”

Serving for 30 years in their Augusta church, the Bells held varied positions such as youth leader, teen Sunday school teacher, board member and participant in the women’s ministry. This gave the Bells valuable skills that are now utilized in camp ministry. Also a retired union bricklayer, Gary’s construction background complements his spiritual gifts for the practical side of overseeing the camp.

Gary said Hawthorne Assembly has carried the camp during tough times, and the congregation has close ties there. Often the members work on projects and come for cleanup days.

Assembly Park can be rented throughout the summer with the exception of July — the month Assembly of God churches run kids, family, pre- teen, junior high and high school camps. This year a leadership training camp has been added for high school seniors who are very intentional about their faith and want to make an impact in their schools.

Other church denominations are able to rent the camp during June and August. Gary said Wesleyan, Nazarene, Methodist and Open Bible churches have held various camps there. Last year a church from Green Bay held Assembly Park’s first Hispanic Camp. Some churches in Duluth that sent their children to Alexandria for camp in the past have switched to Assembly Park once they discovered what is offered and its close proximity to home.

When a group rents the camp, it has access to everything the 200-person capacity facility has available. A popular option is renting out the camp on a weekend for a church family camp. The group is responsible for bringing a certified cook for any children’s camp. The camp has hired a full-time lifeguard this summer to accommodate every group. Gary said they are meticulous in keeping licensing and certifications current for state inspections.

“The River Church in Duluth has been going out to Assembly Park Camp for our annual family camp for 20-plus years,” church secretary Claudia Spees wrote in an e-mail. “The camp is a place where fond memories, growing relationships and fun abound. We have had wonderful times of worshipping and sharing in the chapel. The facilities work very well for young and old alike, due to the variety of activities.”

The camp’s motto emphasizes no child being left out. Gary said the camp’s size is conducive to giving individuals more attention, which can have a lasting impact in campers’ lives. Some of Assembly Park’s former campers are now missionaries.

“In our camps everything basically leads to the altar,” Gary said. “Kids spend a week away from their cell phones and iPods. It’s amazing how they have opportunities to hear God.”

Kayaks, paddle boats and canoes are available for fun on the water. 

Every year the camp strives to add something to the beach. This year’s goal is an inflatable water slide.

A full basketball court, volleyball pits and a mountain bike trail are recently added improvements. Most of the cabins now have heat, new windows and siding. Cheryl enjoys planting trees, which brings new vitality to the grounds.

“This was a dreadful building,” Gary said, referring to the cook’s cabin. Without sacrificing its rustic character, this newly remodeled unit still has charm along with many practical updates.

The camp’s assemblypark.org website and Facebook page are useful tools for more detailed information and forms. The high-energy video clips show worship times, water and land sports and a lot of enthusiasm among the campers.

Soon the chapel bell will be summoning campers to worship. Gary, Cheryl and their dedicated staff will be there to welcome them, too.