Three women whose lives were changed at camp still see kids’ transformation

Barb Erickson first visited Trout Lake Camps as a child in the summer of 1957. What the camps’ staff and volunteers offered that summer continues to impact her daily.  

“It was life-changing,” Erickson said about her time at the Converge North Central camp. More than 275,000 people have seen God work in their lives since the camp opened in the Minnesota woods in 1947.  

That spiritual harvest comes through the Lord’s workers, who continue to deploy their gifts, talents and passion. Today’s ministry at the camps inspires Erickson to imagine what God will do in the coming decades.   

“I wonder what kids are going to come to Trout Lake and hear about Jesus and be able to sit 60 years later and recount what God has done in their lives,” she said.  

She won’t have to wait that long; Almighty God’s work has been happening this summer:  

• 446 campers said yes to Jesus for the first time.  
• 1370 campers rededicated their lives to Christ.  
• 143 campers said they want to work in full-time ministry.  
• Six summer staff were baptized in 2024.  
• 5000 campers visit Trout Lake every summer.   

Have you reflected lately on the power of God’s people who invest their time, talents and treasures?  

Barb Erickson, Linda Wicklund and Marilyn Wallberg recently did when they returned to Trout Lakes Camp. Sixty-seven years have passed since they first met and came to know Jesus at Trout Lake Camps.   

This summer, they walked around the 307-acre property as a gentle breeze blew across the lake’s clean waters. Their memories of their camp counselor, Ruthie, and the devoted staff reveal the roots of a safe, fun and gospel-centered camp.  

“I had a wonderful week,” Marilyn Wallberg said of her visit as a 10-year-old girl. “I’ll always remember the joy in my heart to stand up and say, ‘I’ve asked Jesus into my heart today.’”