About Us

Bay Lake Camp is stewarded by First Lutheran Church in St. Paul, MN, a congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Bay Lake Camp is also a member of Lutheran Outdoor Ministries and is proud to have been in existence since 1926. We currently host church groups, non-profit groups like 4-H and The Naming Project, as well as public school racial equity groups, college and seminary groups, weddings, corporate retreats, family reunions, folkschool retreats, and a week of Home-full Camp for people experiencing poverty and homelessness.

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Who We Are

Bay Lake Island Camp and Resort exists to welcome people of every race, gender, religion and economic status. We strive to make camp affordable for everyone and offer groups, families, and individuals space and time to "just be." In a world of increased speed, screen time, and time spent indoors, Bay Lake Camp offers an alternative by encouraging time outdoors to work in the gardens, play in the water, hike on the land, nap in a hammock and care for all of the earth.

Our History

It was Fourth of July weekend 1926 when the first group of people came to the island First Lutheran Church of St. Paul, MN had owned since 1909 to begin what would become Bay Lake Camp now celebrating 92 years of life on the island. Over the years, Bay Lake Camp has been a destination for people of all ages looking to spend time in retreat in celebration of creation, people seeking peace, and people hungry for deeper community.

What was a gift to First Lutheran by lumberman, Adolf Landstrom, before he ventured back to his homeland in Sweden, little did anyone know that over 100 years later, “Church Island” would still be going strong. Bay Lake Island Camp and Resort has become a thriving entrepreneurial business venture training young adults in service-related hospitality skills and hosting groups of all kinds. Most recently, The Island Cafe’ is open on weekends to serve the mainland community and all those who arrive to spend time on the island with signature foods and drink created by First Lutheran’s own catering company, “Heavenly Day Cafe and Catering.” This Summer with the addition of a new wood-fired oven, it will be possible to host pizza nights, bread classes, and folkschool classes.

Coming to “the island” still offers spiritual renewal and the gift of community. There are still weeks of camp for youth and families focusing on the multi-cultural nature of the world and our responsibility as people seeking justice for all. In the Centennial booklet of the congregation, Gerhard Alexis said, “Through the years this unusual project has been one of our finest achievements.” It still is…. Pastor Chris Olson Bingea, First Lutheran Church