BE THE SPARK FOR BLUE LAKE CAMP
Be the Spark is a powerful fundraising campaign that inspires individuals to create a positive impact at Blue Lake Camp. Join the movement and become the spark that ignites change today!
Patric Newton
Executive Director
8500 Oakwood Ln
Andalusia, AL 36420
director@ bluelakecamp.com
(334) 222-5407
For 70 years, God’s ministry at Blue Lake has impacted countless lives. This rich history is full of incredible stories of changed lives. And, the story is still being written as God continues to transform lives through Blue Lake. The future is full of hope and God is unfolding a vision for the next 70 years of ministry. In an effort to be better equipped to face an ever-changing ministry landscape, a strategic plan has been prayerfully created to launch us into the future.
Our prayers and planning have made one thing abundantly clear. Blue Lake must become fully sustainable if we are to move boldly into the future.
Our financial health has improved drastically over the past few years, but Blue Lake is not currently sustainable without the annual funding from the conference. In 2010, we took a loan of $1.8 Million to fund new facilities projects and to update our site. While those updates were needed, the debt has been crippling. Currently, we are paying approximately $140,000 annually to pay down that debt. The current balance sits at around $380,000.
In order to be a more sustainable organization that can make significant investments in our facilities and programs, this debt needs to be retired for good.
Great News! The Alabama-West Florida Conference of the United Methodist Church is offering Blue Lake Camp an incredibly generous gift. The Conference will match up to $223,000 for every dollar we are able to raise in 2023. That means that every congregational and individual campaign gift we receive will be doubled until we reach this goal. Meeting this goal not only removes the burden of our debt but will raise approximately $70,000 to be used for facility improvements.
The Blue Lake Board of Directors and Staff invite you to join us as we work to remove a burden that has been holding us back and to be a spark that leads to the long-term health of this valuable ministry. By giving generously to this campaign you will fan the flames of an exciting future in which Blue Lake is no longer simply surviving but thriving to reach new generations with the love of Christ.
Patric Newton
Executive Director
THE PROBLEM
- AND WHY IT MATTERS
Blue Lake Camp is not currently financially sustainable. In fact, it has only survived the last 10 years because of the generous support of the Alabama-West Florida Conference, our churches, and individual donors.
We took a loan of $1.8 Million in 2010 to fund new facilities. While those buildings were needed and have been used well, the debt has been crippling. Currently, we are paying approximately $140,000 annually to pay down that debt and the balance sits at around $380,000.
In order to be a sustainable organization that can invest in our facilities and programs and thrives long into the future, this debt needs to be retired for good.
Now, with your support and a significant matching gift from the Conference, we hope to pay off the remaining debt by the end of 2023.
OUR MISSION
Making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world while connecting to God's creation.
HISTORY
- THE 2010 CAMPAIGN
Blue Lake undertook a $1.8 Million loan in 2012 to pay for capital improvements to the site.
Improvements included:
• New Cabins (4 total that house 144 campers when full)
• Renovation and expansion of existing cabins
• Restroom renovations in our lodge
• New multi-purpose meeting space
• New signage throughout camp
CONNECTING PEOPLE TO GOD
CONNECTING PEOPLE TO NATURE
CONNECTING PEOPLE TO PEOPLE
THE SOLUTION
- AND IT'S IMPACT
Blue Lake’s Be The Spark Campaign seeks to raise $450,000 in gifts from individuals and congregations!
This money will be used to pay off the remaining debt and invest in facility improvements.
Our ability to fulfill our mission, “Making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world while connecting people to God’s Creation,” is directly affected by our financial health and the quality of our property and facilities.
THE FUTURE OF
BLUE LAKE CAMP
In 2021, the Blue Lake Leadership Team and Board went through a Strategic Planning Process. The following objectives were laid out.
When this campaign is fully funded, Blue Lake Camp will be able to tackle these initiatives so that we are positioned for maximum health and growth long into the future.
The Future of Blue Lake is exciting!
OBJECTIVE #1
FINANCIAL HEALTH
A significant part of Blue Lake’s strategic plans center around improving the financial health of the ministry.
This work includes evaluating our current operational health and developing plans to address our operational needs, as well as setting aside significant resources for capital improvements and times of economic instability.
Plans include improved fundraising strategies, increasing the number of guests utilizing the site, evaluating expenses, and developing new resource streams.
OBJECTIVE #2
PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT
There is an ongoing need to evaluate and reimagine our programs so that we can continue to reach new people of all ages.
Some highlights of this work involve creating new programs, updating existing programs, and developing new ways to reach new people and grow the number of individuals being served.
This work also includes developing plans for additional program activities throughout the site and making updates to existing program spaces as needed.
OBJECTIVE #3
FACILITY UPDATES
Blue Lake has a lot of facilities and property that require a great deal of time and energy to maintain.
Our facilities continue to serve our guests well, but many of them are showing their age and in the coming years will need some additional updates to ensure they are meeting the needs of our campers and guests.
Furniture updates, equipment replacement, and more significant renovations will be part of this ongoing work.
OBJECTIVE #4 - NEARLY COMPLETE
MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS
Communicating Blue Lake’s mission and inviting others to join is integral to keeping our current campers and guests involved, but also a vital way for new campers and guests to experience Blue Lake. This work involves developing a marketing plan, updating our logo/branding, updating our website, and increasing our communication through various modes of media. Much of this work has been completed in 2022.
DOUBLE YOUR IMPACT WITH A
MATCHING GIFT FROM THE CONFERENCE
The Alabama-West Florida Conference will match any giving up to $223,000!
ANTICIPATED CAMPAIGN GIVING:
• Individual & Congregational Giving = $227,000
• Conference Matching Gift = $223,000
• Total Raised = $450,000
Download Campaign Resources
GIVING TO
- BE THE SPARK CAMPAIGN
All gifts are welcomed and appreciated! If you have any questions, please contact Patric Newton at (334) 222-5407
ONLINE
WWW.BLUELAKECAMP.COM
You can make a one-time gift, or set up monthly giving online at www.bluelakecamp.com
BLUE LAKE CAMP
8500 OAKWOOD LANE
ANDALUSIA, AL 36420
Be sure to indicate your gift is for the Spark Campaign so we can thank you appropriately.
VISIT US
WE WOULD LOVE TO SEE YOU!
If you would like a tour of Blue Lake Camp or want to visit regarding the campaign, let us know. You can contact Patric at 334-222-5407 or director@bluelakecamp.com.