More Than a Faith-Based Summer Camp—A Place to Encounter Christ

Mission Meadows is where young people learn who they are and whose they are. In this sacred space, transformation begins—and echoes for generations.

Read Our Mission

Where Transformation Begins

Mission Meadows is a sacred space where young people encounter Christ, own their faith, and carry it for a lifetime.

At Mission Meadows, every experience—from chapel to campfire, from shared meals to joyful noise—is rooted in the love of Christ. Our Christian community creates year-round spaces where people of all ages can grow in faith, friendship, and purpose through evangelism and discipleship.

Here, children discover they are fully known and deeply loved. Teens find belonging that’s real. Adults reconnect with God and one another. And through it all, lives are transformed—not just for a season, but for generations to come.

Our Camp

Our Retreats

Rooted in Legacy. Growing with Purpose.

Mission Meadows began in 1947 when nine faithful men from local Covenant churches came together to purchase lakeside property for a single purpose: to create a place where young people could encounter Christ.

What started as a Christian youth summer camp has grown into a year-round retreat center serving all ages. From Braveheart and Happy Cake to the iconic bell tower that still calls us to worship, every generation brings new memories—but the mission remains the same.

1983 - Early conversations begin about a place for Christian camping
1947 - Property officially purchased by nine churches
1950s–1980s - Growth in summer programs and cabins
1990s - Emergence of alumni traditions and family camps
Today - Year-round ministry serving churches, families, and campers of all ages

Our Core Values: R.A.I.S.E.

At Mission Meadows, our values shape everything—from kitchen duty to chapel time. These are more than ideals—they’re lived out every day in the way we serve, lead, and love.

Relational

Ministry happens through connection. We prioritize relationships—with Christ and each other—because presence matters.

Accepting

Everyone belongs. This is a place where campers can show up fully as they are and be embraced with Christlike love.

Intentional

Every experience, game, and conversation is designed to point toward growth, purpose, and faith.

Safe

Emotionally and physically, we work to create spaces of trust where all feel secure and supported.

Encouraging

From counselors to campers, we speak life. Joy, hope, and belief in each other are part of the culture here.

The People Who Make It Home

Meet the leadership team that keeps the heartbeat of this ministry strong.

Jackie Haines

Executive Director

Michaela Gaylord

Associate Director

Steve Haines

Facilities Director

Kelly Dill

Office Manager

Joe Gaylord

Camp Facilitator

Kimmie Hallberg

Food Service Director

Board of Directors

Fred Rizzuto

President

Carolyn Palmquist

Treasurer

Tami Lapaze

Regina Sherman

JT Maddison

James Swanson

Secretary

Garth McGrath

Paul Aley

“I stay because I see lives changed every single week.”

– Staff Member

Rooted in Christ. United in Grace.

At Mission Meadows, Christ is the center of everything we do. While our ministry is grounded in the Evangelical Covenant Church, we welcome campers and churches from a wide range of Christian backgrounds. We focus on core truths of the Gospel rather than denominational division—and that has helped us build a community marked by love, grace, and belonging.

Our Theological Foundation