We Are Open For Business
Call 218-426-3389 to set up a small retreat in one of our buildings. We have opened our Voyager Building as a self-contained retreat spot for groups up to 14 people. You can cook your own meals! Our other buildings are available based upon current State of Minnesota capacity limits. Food service may be available for your retreat based upon staffing and booking capabilities.
2020 Fall Family Get-a-Way Days
Friday Evenings through Sunday Noon | September 11 - November 1, 2020
See the brochure below for more details!
Check out our Online Store!
Mission Statement
Big Sandy Camp and Retreat Center seeks to touch hearts and change lives through innovative, Christ-centered activities, events and programs.
2020 Summer Family Get-A-Way Days
Thursday Evenings through Sunday Noon
July 2 – September 6, 2020
Rooms in Birch Lodge – $100 per night (air conditioned, private bathroom with shower, six beds for one family: 1 double/single bunk; 2 two-single bunks)
Recreational Vehicle Sites – $50 per night (water and electric)
Tent Camping Sites – $50 per night (water and electric)
Call 218-426-3389 to reserve your dates!
Available Activities:
- Daily “Word of the Day” from Camp staff at 8:30 AM in Fisher Chapel
- Boating – canoes, paddle boards and kayaks
- Swimming beach
- Water slide – 1 hour per day (pending weather forecast)
- Low ropes course
- Craft shop activities for the family
- Snack shop
- Gift shop
- Mini Zipline
- Nature walks
- Playground
- Basketball
- Volleyball
- BSC Express train
Mission Statement
Big Sandy Camp and Retreat Center seeks to touch hearts and change lives through innovative, Christ-centered activities, events and programs.
Summer 2020 Update
Greetings from Big Sandy Camp! We are experiencing the beauty of God's creation once again as the leaves are filling the trees along with the population of mosquitoes and ticks growing by the day.
COVID-19 has impacted all our lives in one way or another. The biggest impact we have seen is no guests have been on site since March 24. The outlook for getting back to our full capacity is not on the horizon.
Taking into consideration the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Minnesota Department of Health guidelines, the Big Sandy Camp Board has made the decision to cancel all planned activities for the 2020 summer – through August 31. We did not make this decision quickly or without lots of discussion. We feel that the guidelines and restrictions will not be loosened or allow what would be our expectations for having a fun time at camp during the summer months.
Refund Policy – We are offering the following to individuals that have already made a payment for a summer activity:
- A full refund
- A partial refund and a partial donation to the ministry
- Donating the full amount paid to the ongoing ministry needs
- Deferring the payment for another event in the next 12-18 months
Please contact us via email at office@bigsandycamp.com or call our office.
Possible Alternative for Families
We are looking into possible options for families to come to Camp and stay in Birch Lodge or a camp site starting in July. Please continue to check our website for more information.
Support for the Ministry
We still have financial needs to keep the ministry operating. Staff salaries, insurance premiums, and utility bills are the most obvious. We have identified several projects that we would like to complete during these "quieter than normal" months. Here are a couple of them – new HVAC system in Lakeview Lodge, remodeling needs for the gym. We believe the completion of these projects will afford us the opportunity to better serve our camp and retreat guests when we resume full operations once again in the future.
Please considering supporting us with a gift of $300; much like our regular cost for a camper to come this summer.
Thank you for your support and prayers for the ministry of Big Sandy Camp!
Sincerely,
Doug Parkinson
Executive Director
Greetings from Big Sandy Camp! We are experiencing the beauty of God's creation once again as the leaves are filling the trees along with the population of mosquitoes and ticks growing by the day.
COVID-19 has impacted all our lives in one way or another. The biggest impact we have seen is no guests have been on site since March 24. The outlook for getting back to our full capacity is not on the horizon.
Taking into consideration the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Minnesota Department of Health guidelines, the Big Sandy Camp Board has made the decision to cancel all planned activities for the 2020 summer - through August 31. We did not make this decision quickly or without lots of discussion. We feel that the guidelines and restrictions will not be loosened or allow what would be our expectations for having a fun time at camp during the summer months.
Refund Policy – We are offering the following to individuals that have already made a payment for a summer activity:
- A full refund
- A partial refund and a partial donation to the ministry
- Donating the full amount paid to the ongoing ministry needs
- Deferring the payment for another event in the next 12-18 months
Please contact us via email at office@bigsandycamp.com or call our office.
Possible Alternative for Families
We are looking into possible options for families to come to Camp and stay in Birch Lodge or a camp site starting in July. Please continue to check our website for more information.
Support for the Ministry
We still have financial needs to keep the ministry operating. Staff salaries, insurance premiums, and utility bills are the most obvious. We have identified several projects that we would like to complete during these "quieter than normal" months. Here are a couple of them - new HVAC system in Lakeview Lodge, remodeling needs for the gym. We believe the completion of these projects will afford us the opportunity to better serve our camp and retreat guests when we resume full operations once again in the future.
Please considering supporting us with a gift of $300; much like our regular cost for a camper to come this summer.
Thank you for your support and prayers for the ministry of Big Sandy Camp!
Sincerely,
Doug Parkinson
Executive Director
Mission Statement
Big Sandy Camp and Retreat Center seeks to touch hearts and change lives through innovative, Christ-centered activities, events and programs.
2020 Big Sandy Camp Event Calendar
| Dates | Event | Days |
|---|---|---|
| January 17-19 | Junior Avalanche | Friday-Sunday |
| January 24-26 | Senior High Avalanche | Friday-Sunday |
| February 7-9 | Junior High Avalanche | Friday-Sunday |
| February 21-23 | C&MA Men’s Retreat | Friday-Sunday |
| July 3-5 | Sprouts Camp | Friday-Sunday |
| July 7-10 | Senior High Camp | Tuesday-Friday |
| July 7-10 | Senior High Wakeboard | Tuesday-Friday |
| July 12-17 | Pinecone 1 (limited beds available for this session) | Sunday-Friday |
| July 12-17 | Junior High 1 | Sunday-Friday |
| July 12-17 | Junior High Wakeboard | Sunday-Friday |
| July 19-24 | Pinecone 2 | Sunday-Friday |
| July 19-24 | Junior High 2 | Sunday-Friday |
| July 26-31 | Pinecone 3 | Sunday-Friday |
| July 26-31 | Junior High 3 | Sunday-Friday |
| To Be Announced | Labor Day Family Camp | Friday-Monday |
| September 11-13 | Empty Nesters | Friday-Sunday |
| September 25-27 | C&MA Women's Retreat | Friday-Sunday |
| October 9-11 | Man Camp | Friday-Sunday |
| October 30 - November 1 | Marriage Retreat | Friday-Sunday |
Big Sandy Camp and Retreat Center is a Christ-centered facility located on the northeastern corner of Big Sandy Lake, just a few miles north of McGregor, Minnesota. Operating twelve months out of the year, we provide several summer camp sessions for kids as well as host a wide variety of retreat groups ranging from 1-300 guests in the fall, winter and spring.
Youth Camps
Youth Camps are by far one of our most favorite things to do here at Big Sandy Camp. We love when camp is filled with campers having fun and learning more about Christ. Check out our different youth camp options here!
EXPLOREFamily Camps
We love having families here at camp. Big Sandy Camp is a great place to get away with your family and have some fun, while being poured into spiritually. There are a couple different programs we run here specifically for families. Learn more about them here!
EXPLORERetreats
During the school year we have a lot of churches and groups that come to camp to run their own retreats. We host the Alliance Men’s and Women’s retreats, as well as some youth, men’s couples’, and women’s retreats, and more! Learn more about having your retreat at Big Sandy Camp here!
EXPLORERentals
Camp doesn’t slow down just because summer is over! During the school year we have a lot of different events going on at Big Sandy Camp. We have different types of retreats and events to reach different people. Check out our specialty events to see which ones you would be interested in!
EXPLOREBig Sandy Camp is where God changes lives for Christ in the north woods of Minnesota. It doesn’t matter if you’re a parent, pastor, camper, volunteer, or donor, we’d love to see you at BSC this year. We have switched to a new registration software. Please create a new account for your family before registering.
Summer Camp registration will open online on January 7, 2020. Please call our office at 218-426-3389 if you need assistance registering.
2020 Big Sandy Camp Event Calendar
| Dates | Event | Days |
|---|---|---|
| January 17-19 | Junior Avalanche | Friday-Sunday |
| January 24-26 | Senior High Avalanche | Friday-Sunday |
| February 7-9 | Junior High Avalanche | Friday-Sunday |
| February 21-23 | C&MA Men’s Retreat | Friday-Sunday |
| July 3-5 | Sprouts Camp | Friday-Sunday |
| July 7-10 | Senior High Camp | Tuesday-Friday |
| July 7-10 | Senior High Wakeboard | Tuesday-Friday |
| July 12-17 | Pinecone 1 (limited beds available for this session) | Sunday-Friday |
| July 12-17 | Junior High 1 | Sunday-Friday |
| July 12-17 | Junior High Wakeboard | Sunday-Friday |
| July 19-24 | Pinecone 2 | Sunday-Friday |
| July 19-24 | Junior High 2 | Sunday-Friday |
| July 26-31 | Pinecone 3 | Sunday-Friday |
| July 26-31 | Junior High 3 | Sunday-Friday |
| To Be Announced | Labor Day Family Camp | Friday-Monday |
| September 11-13 | Empty Nesters | Friday-Sunday |
| September 25-27 | C&MA Women's Retreat | Friday-Sunday |
| October 9-11 | Man Camp | Friday-Sunday |
| October 30 - November 1 | Marriage Retreat | Friday-Sunday |
COVID-19 UPDATE
The Big Sandy Camp staff is keenly aware of the ever changing coronavirus pandemic. Several events have been postponed or cancelled to help curb the transmission of the virus. Enhanced cleaning procedures have been put in place to ensure the safety of the staff and future guests. It is our prayer that a “normal” schedule will resume in the next few weeks.
We are extending our Early Bird Registration discount this year to May 1, 2020 and are still planning our Summer Camps starting in July, so please REGISTER now!
If changes occur per the State of Minnesota Department of Health, we will be refunding deposits. If you would like to make a contribution – which we will certainly appreciate – to the ministry of Big Sandy Camp while we adjust to the COVID-19 restrictions, please DONATE now!
If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact us any time. Thank you for supporting the ministry of Big Sandy Camp!
COVID-19 UPDATE
The Big Sandy Camp staff is keenly aware of the ever changing coronavirus pandemic. Several events have been postponed or cancelled to help curb the transmission of the virus. Enhanced cleaning procedures have been put in place to ensure the safety of the staff and future guests. It is our prayer that a “normal” schedule will resume in the next few weeks. We are taking camper registrations as usual and look forward to another life changing summer. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us.
2019 Big Sandy Camp Event Calendar
| Dates | Event | Days |
|---|---|---|
| October 25-27 | Marriage Retreat | Friday-Sunday |
2019 Big Sandy Camp Event Calendar
| Dates | Event | Days |
|---|---|---|
| October 25-27 | Marriage Retreat | Friday-Sunday |
Camp Map
2020 Big Sandy Camp Event Calendar
| Dates | Event | Days |
|---|---|---|
| January 17-19 | Junior Avalanche | Friday-Sunday |
| January 24-26 | Senior High Avalanche | Friday-Sunday |
| February 7-9 | Junior High Avalanche | Friday-Sunday |
| February 21-23 | C&MA Men’s Retreat | Friday-Sunday |
| July 3-5 | Sprouts Camp | Friday-Sunday |
| July 7-10 | Senior High Camp | Tuesday-Friday |
| July 7-10 | Senior High Wakeboard | Tuesday-Friday |
| July 12-17 | Pinecone 1 (limited beds available for this session) | Sunday-Friday |
| July 12-17 | Junior High 1 | Sunday-Friday |
| July 12-17 | Junior High Wakeboard | Sunday-Friday |
| July 19-24 | Pinecone 2 | Sunday-Friday |
| July 19-24 | Junior High 2 | Sunday-Friday |
| July 26-31 | Pinecone 3 | Sunday-Friday |
| July 26-31 | Junior High 3 | Sunday-Friday |
| To Be Announced | Labor Day Family Camp | Friday-Monday |
| September 11-13 | Empty Nesters | Friday-Sunday |
| September 25-27 | C&MA Women's Retreat | Friday-Sunday |
| October 9-11 | Man Camp | Friday-Sunday |
| October 30 - November 1 | Marriage Retreat | Friday-Sunday |
Things to Know about Summer Camp Registration 2019
Hello Big Sandy Camp Family!
We wanted you to be aware of some details regarding summer camp registration this year.
- Our registration and drop-off days are changing from last year. Registration will be from 2:30-4:30 PM on Sunday afternoon.
- Summer camp and family camp registration opens at 9:00 AM on January 7, 2019. Your account may not allow you to login prior to 9:00 AM, but you should have access to it after 9:00 AM. This is designed to limit people from logging in to the server early, ideally keeping registration running smoothly for everyone.
- Please review your student’s registration forms and make any necessary updates to the information listed (e.g. any new allergies, updated medications, health insurance changes, approved pick-up persons, etc...).
- Please be aware that spaces will not be reserved for campers until a $100 non-refundable deposit is received by Big Sandy Camp. Deposit payments can be made online, with a check, or by a credit card over the phone.
Thank you for your patience as we help everyone through the registration process. For questions or concerns, call our office at 218-426-3389, or email us at office@bigsandycamp.com.
In Christ,
The Big Sandy Camp Staff
Paperless Registration
Starting in 2020, Big Sandy Camp will be moving to a paperless registration for Youth and Family Camps. Registration will be available online. For questions about how to register, please call our office at 218-426-3389.
2019 Summer Registration is NOW OPEN!
Summer is just around the corner and we are excited for you to join the experience here at Big Sandy Camp. Hang out at the waterfront with your friends, climb the highest wall in the gym, and enjoy a time of worship in chapel. All this and more during our summer camps. Register today so you don’t miss any of the action. Click here to start your registration or call 218-426-3389.
Big Sandy Camp and Retreat Center is a Christ-centered facility located on the northeastern corner of Big Sandy Lake, just a few miles north of McGregor, Minnesota. Operating twelve months out of the year, we provide several summer camp sessions for kids as well as host a wide variety of retreat groups ranging from 1-300 guests in the fall, winter and spring.
Summer is just around the corner and we are excited for you to join the experience here at Big Sandy Camp. Hang out at the waterfront with your friends, climb the highest wall in the gym, and enjoy a time of worship in chapel. All this and more during our summer camps. Register today so you don’t miss any of the action.
Click here to start your registration or call 218-426-3389.
We are extremely grateful for the prayers and financial support by so many people of the ministry of Big Sandy Camp. This past summer we had over 2,000 campers on the grounds. We recorded over 200 decisions; both first time and re-dedications. Praise the Lord for His goodness. We anticipate a great winter retreat season. Your continued prayers and financial support are appreciated!
HIDDEN CONTENT
Summer Map
Campsite Map
Mission Statement
Big Sandy Camp and Retreat Center seeks to touch hearts and change lives through innovative, Christ-centered activities, events and programs.
This July, Big Sandy Lodge will be hosting the 1st Annual Sam Oden Memorial Relay Triathlon!
All proceeds from the triathlon will be split between the three youth camps of McGregor, MN: Catholic Youth Camp, Covenant Pines Bible Camp and Big Sandy Camp. For more information check out the brochure.
