The name “Lost Timber” comes from the Sioux word, Chanarambie (lit. “Hidden woods”). During the early 1800s, the region of Minnesota’s Buffalo Ridge was largely barren––a treeless desert of grassy hills and plains with few natural oases. For Sioux Indians, the woods of the Lost Timber valley was one of these oases, providing abundant water on the Chanarambie Creek and shelter from wind and weather. As westward expansion forced many Sioux tribes away from Minnesota lands, new settlers began farming in area, and Lost Timber Valley became Lost Timber Farm.
In the early 1970s, the four founders of Lost Timber Bible Camp gathered for prayer, asking God to prepare the way for starting an adventure camp for young people. The new project had one goal: to share the love of Christ. After months of searching for the best location, the board of directors made the down payment on Lost Timber Farm on June 15, 1974, and the Hintermeister family moved on to the camp to be the first Operations Managers.
The next year, Lost Timber Bible Camp held its first summer of camps. The hayloft, sheep barn, and farmhouse were converted into a Chapel, dining hall, and staff housing (respectively). The “new” facilities got a facelift and a nameplate: each of the buildings was named for Bible locations where people met with God.
Ministry of Lost Timber has been rapidly expanding: each of last five consecutive years has set new record high numbers of campers! This summer, Lost Timber served over 500 campers! This season of growth has been very exciting for all of our volunteers. As the waiting lists fill up, we look forward to expanding our facilities and equipping more volunteer counselors, staff, and program directors to continue growing a high-impact ministry at Lost Timber Bible Camp. With every song, every message, every campfire; in the Ping-Pong, hiking, paintball, kayaking, ga-ga ball, and capture the flag; through Bible study, testimony, and prayer, we thank God for all the campers who have experienced the transforming power of the Gospel.
In the early 1970s, the four founders of Lost Timber Bible Camp gathered for prayer, asking God to prepare the way for starting an adventure camp for young people. The new project had one goal: to share the love of Christ. After months of searching for the best location, the board of directors made the down payment on Lost Timber Farm on June 15, 1974, and the Hintermeister family moved on to the camp to be the first Operations Managers.
The next year, Lost Timber Bible Camp held its first summer of camps. The hayloft, sheep barn, and farmhouse were converted into a Chapel, dining hall, and staff housing (respectively). The “new” facilities got a facelift and a nameplate: each of the buildings was named for Bible locations where people met with God.
Ministry of Lost Timber has been rapidly expanding: each of last five consecutive years has set new record high numbers of campers! This summer, Lost Timber served over 500 campers! This season of growth has been very exciting for all of our volunteers. As the waiting lists fill up, we look forward to expanding our facilities and equipping more volunteer counselors, staff, and program directors to continue growing a high-impact ministry at Lost Timber Bible Camp. With every song, every message, every campfire; in the Ping-Pong, hiking, paintball, kayaking, ga-ga ball, and capture the flag; through Bible study, testimony, and prayer, we thank God for all the campers who have experienced the transforming power of the Gospel.