Nov 10, 2025 Update

As we close out the fiscal year, our focus is to honor our volunteers and staff who make camp possible. We want to give them the tools necessary to serve our campers.

The first tool is the Welcome Center. This new building houses the camp office, and it provides two motel units for summer staff who are unable to sleep in our cabins. This past summer both units were used every week. The remaining need is only $17,000.

The second tool is the swimming pool. This popular activity area allows staff to engage with campers in fun activities and sideline conversations. By the time you read this letter, the pool facelift project should be completed. $12,000 is needed to reach our goal.

The third tool is sustainable wages for seasonal staff. Our summer staff do a wonderful job serving our campers, and we would like to pay them accordingly. Any amount given over the needs listed above will go toward a new fund that is dedicated to increasing the wages for our summer staff.

Please consider a gift today that will help give our staff the tools necessary to ‘care for the kiddos in an environment rooted in Christ.’

Serving with you at camp,

Michael R. Gehlert, Executive Director

Sept 1, 2025 Update

Construction was completed in June! Praise the Lord with us, as all the funds have been received for the original construction goal of $1.2 million! Thank you for your part in making that happen!

Now it is time to add the Finishing Touches to this project. For this phase we have a goal of $200,000 and the Lord has provided a matching gift of $100,000. Can you help us raise the remaining $100,000 by October 1, 2025?

We will hold a dedication ceremony on Sunday, October 5 at 2pm during our annual banquet. Please RSVP to join us for this celebration here.

As we climb the final steps of this project, we are excited to see how God will work to bring together all the remaining details. See below for how you can be part of the Finishing Touches campaign at Camp Conquest this fall!

Mike Gehlert

Executive Director

Why Construct a Welcome Center?

The Needs:

To increase safety and security for each camper by controlling access of vehicles and guests at camp.
To create a welcoming environment for new camper families and guests to be introduced to the ministry.
To bring our staff together in shared office spaces as they are currently in three different buildings.
To provide seasonal staff housing for summer staff and weekend hosts.

Benefits on the main level:

Staff offices and workspace in close proximity
Efficient and attractive welcome area
Meeting space for groups and conferences
Restroom access for horse area

Benefits on the upper level:

Director’s office with conference space
Additional open office space
Archives and storage

Benefits on the lower level

Two hotel style rooms for seasonal staff housing
Utility and storage space
Laundry facilities

Other Ways to Contribute

Look over the project plan to see if you could offer services or a donation of materials instead of cash
Sign shares of stock directly over to the camp
Sell unused or unneeded items and contribute the proceeds , i.e. jewelry, collectables, antiques, etc.
Share part of an inheritance
Delay major purchases for a little while and contribute the amount you would have made on monthly payments.

Anticipated Timeline

Oct 2022 – Capital Campaign Kickoff
2022-2023 – Planning, fundraising, permitting
2024 – Utility hub construction and site preparation
Sept 2024 – Farmhouse Demolition
Oct 2024 – Construction begins
June 2025 – Building Complete
August 2025 – Staff move into new offices