Questions & Answers

We like thoughtful questions...so ask them!

he Blue Lake Assembly Ground Commission was formed in 1950 by the Alabama-West Florida Conference to support its growing youth programs. The first camp was an older youth work camp held in 1951. Pinewood Camp construction began in 1952 and ten short years later more than 12,000 people a year were involved in Blue Lake activities.

Why is Blue Lake important today?

Simply put-impact! Almost 500,000 people have attended more than 4,200 Blue Lake activities. It is a Blue Lake tradition and a passion of its staff and volunteers to work with God to identify, nurture, and call persons to lay and ordained spiritual leadership. General Board of Discipleship research shows that camp and retreat experiences are the top two formational events for United Methodists with 76% of clergy reporting that camps and retreats impacted their development as Christian leaders.

Why is the Campaign for Blue Lake necessary?

Blue Lake must be the effective partner our conference, districts and local churches need to encourage Christians and development church leaders. Today, more than ever, our churches and communities need a dynamic conference, camp and retreat ministry. Making disciples for Jesus Christ, experiencing a Christian community where we can face our fear of the stranger, developing spiritual leaders, teaching creation care in an environmental treasure, and modeling Christian hospitality are key learning experiences that will be enhanced by planned campus improvements.

Who determined a building campaign was needed?

Blue Lake's Board of Trustees began researching future direction for the ministry in 2003. Stewardship Resources for United Methodists was chosen in 2005 to conduct a Conference-wide study to gauge possible philanthropic support. In 2007 and in response to study results, camp and retreat consultants Kaleidoscope of Little Rock, Arkansas, began to guide Blue Lake and Conference leaders through a process to further clarify the ministry's future vision. In conjunction with this effort, Stewardship Resources began the design and management of the Blue Lake Campaign to fund immediate needs and priorities.

What is the financial goal of the Blue Lake Campaign?

Identified building priorities call for a $3 million campaign to be conducted over three years. An additional $2 million challenge goal for priority needs may be attempted when the base goal has been achieved for a total campaign of $5 million over three years.

When was Blue Lake's last capital campaign?

More than twenty years ago. The last capital campaign was in 1986 to help fund the last Oakwood Lodge expansion.

Is this a Conference sponsored campaign?

Yes, special permission for the Blue Lake Campaign was granted by the Annual Conference. Also, Blue Lake enjoys Special Advance Charity status.

Is the design work complete for the priorities pictured in this booklet?

No. The illustrations you will see in this booklet are best ideas to date. Blue Lake's Board of Trustees is working with Kaleidoscope, camp and retreat consultants, to further refine the ministry's vision for the future.

How will a new vision for Blue Lake's future affect the current campaign building priorities?

Two important steps are necessary to position Blue Lake for long-term success. The ministry must form a close working partnership with the Alabama-West Florida Conference, its districts and local churches. Second, future program needs of Blue Lake’s stakeholders will drive the physical plant changes made. Blue Lake's leaders want to ensure that what is built has the longest, most productive life possible and represents the very best use of the donors' gifts.

What are the Blue Lake Campaign priorities?

They are listed below. For more detailed information, please click here.