Business Details
47 Years
experience
Christian Summer Camp & Retreat Center in Berrien Center, MI
Founded in 1979, Five Pines Ministries has served as a non-denominational Christian summer day camp and retreat center in Berrien Center, Michigan. Our mission centers on reaching out to youth, challenging them socially and spiritually, and fostering life-changing experiences through Christ-centered programs. We specialize in experiential education, discipleship, and adventure-based learning designed to help young people grow in faith and build meaningful relationships. Our core valuesrooted in God's Word, prayer, accountability, and servanthoodguide every aspect of our ministry. With over four decades of experience, we provide summer camps, retreats, and high-adventure programs that combine physical challenges with spiritual development.Our team of dedicated staff and volunteers creates a safe, inclusive environment where children and families can explore their faith, develop leadership skills, and form lasting connections. We partner with local churches and schools to extend our impact through evangelistic outreach and community-building initiatives. Our commitment to excellence ensures every guest receives personalized attention and opportunities for personal growth. As stewards of this ministry, we continually evaluate our programs to maintain the highest standards of quality and relevance. Through innovative approaches and a focus on Christian hospitality, we strive to make a lasting difference in the lives of those we serve.
Services
Summer Day Camp
Retreat Center
Adventure Programs
Teambuilding Activities
High Adventure Experiences
Christian Discipleship Programs
Youth Evangelistic Outreach
Family Retreats
School Programs
Volunteer Opportunities
Details
- Year established: 1979
Highlights and features
- We have over 40 years of experience in faith-based youth development programs
- Our staff includes certified professionals with extensive Christian ministry experience
- We offer adventure-based learning programs that combine physical challenges with spiritual growth
- Our core values emphasize accountability, stewardship, and Christ-like character
- We provide safe, inclusive environments for children and families to explore faith together
What people say
Safe, fun environment
Staff was amazing
Learned scripture verses
Built confidence in kids
Loved counselors' enthusiasm
Services
Summer Day Camp
Our summer day camp provides structured Christian education combined with outdoor activities for children ages 5-17. Participants engage in Bible study, archery, swimming, and nature exploration while building friendships in a safe environment. The program focuses on spiritual growth through experiential learning and team-building exercises.
Adventure Programs
Challenge-based outdoor programs help youth develop leadership skills through physical activities. Features include team challenges requiring trust and cooperation, personal growth exercises, and faith-based reflection sessions. Programs are designed for school groups, church youth organizations, and community teams seeking character development.
Retreat Center
Our retreat facilities host church groups, families, and organizations seeking spiritual renewal. Includes lodging accommodations, meeting spaces, and recreational amenities. Guests receive support for planning worship services, team-building activities, and personal reflection opportunities in a natural setting.
Christian Discipleship
Weekly meetings and monthly outreach programs guide youth through spiritual growth journeys. Combines Bible study with practical ministry experience, helping participants develop personal faith and share it with others. Focuses on building Christ-like character through service projects and peer mentoring.
Youth Evangelistic Outreach
Community-focused outreach initiatives train youth in evangelism through hands-on service projects. Includes local mission trips, peer counseling training, and faith-sharing opportunities. Programs help young people develop leadership skills while practicing Christian hospitality in practical ways.
People
Nate Parsons
Executive Director
Nate leads our ministry operations with over five years of experience in Christian youth development programs. He oversees program strategy and staff training to ensure alignment with our mission of challenging youth through Christ-centered activities.
Michelle Lemanski
Office Coordinator
Michelle manages administrative operations with a background in organizational leadership. Having grown up in our ministry programs, she brings firsthand understanding of our mission's impact on youth development and community building.
Joel Swanson
Program Associate
Joel coordinates high adventure activities with seven years of experience in outdoor education. He designs challenge courses that combine physical development with spiritual growth, emphasizing teamwork and personal responsibility in a Christian context.
Jim & Judy Scofield
Founders
The Scofields established our ministry in 1979 and continue contributing through board service and program development. Their vision for Christ-centered youth development remains central to our ongoing mission and facility improvements.
Bethany Hall
Food Service Manager
Bethany oversees kitchen operations with expertise in institutional food service management. She ensures nutritional standards while creating welcoming dining experiences that support our community-focused ministry environment.
Questions
What age groups do you serve?
We serve children ages 5-17 in our summer programs, with special family retreat options for all ages.
Are your staff members trained in child safety?
All staff complete safety training with background checks to ensure a secure environment for all participants.
Can local churches rent your facilities?
Yes, we offer retreat facility rentals for churches and organizations seeking space for spiritual development programs.
Do you offer volunteer opportunities?
We welcome volunteers for summer programs and facility maintenance projects throughout the year.
Are scholarships available for campers?
Yes, we offer financial assistance applications to ensure all children can participate regardless of economic circumstances.
What adventure activities do you provide?
Our high adventure programs include team challenges, archery, swimming, and nature exploration activities.
Reviews (7)
Charlotte Stephens
Jan 29, 2022
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We had a great day at 5 pines today. The staff were really helpful and made another great experience for my wife. She is in a wheelchair but they were willing to use a gator to pull her up the hill so I only had to transfer her once to the tub. Allowing us to have many more trips down the hill than I could have physically done without their help. Also Many thank to them for helping us in general, a few other sledding places just flat out told us no because of her abilities and we got a sorry.
Brandi Overton
Jan 27, 2022
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My family, friends, and I had the most wonderful experience tubing at Five Pines. My friend is in a wheelchair and her husband is always trying to find ways to make new fun experiences for her that normally she wouldn't be able to do. This time he wanted to take her sledding. He called many places before finding this treasure and every denied him right away didn't even give it any thought and told him there was no way that it can be done. He finally found Five Pines and gave them a call the guy he talked to was immediately all for it. He said "we've never done it before but we have a gator and
Brandi Stephens
Jan 26, 2022
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Very awesome & fun place for sledding. My family & I had a blast! The staff there are very nice & accommodating with me being in a wheelchair. I was able to go sledding safely & Nate helped pull me back up the hill so I could join the rest of my family to slide down again! Definitely can't wait to go back again!
Ginard Henry
Jan 23, 2022
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Super fun sledding! Easy parking.
Helping out good cause at same time.
Bonus: hill climbing workout
Helping out good cause at same time.
Bonus: hill climbing workout
Alyssa Vest
Jan 12, 2022
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5 slides to use with the tubes which are included in your ticket price. Great for kids and adults of all ages. It is an easy walk back up to the top of the hill if you use the rope to help keep your balance.
Quinn Fuller
Jan 09, 2020
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I came here on a Southwestern Michigan College trip to go tubing. I thought there was going to be more to it, but overall it is a nice place. The tubing is really fun and you can even race people. When you want to warm up, there's a cozy lodge with games and food.
Amir Modi
Dec 15, 2019
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Good Place for weekend
Enjoyed basic level skiing and tubing. Good palace for youngsters to get fun out off Snow.
Enjoyed basic level skiing and tubing. Good palace for youngsters to get fun out off Snow.
