ABOUT US

The original idea for Friends of Pioneer was born in 2016 as a simple Facebook group created to financially support the ongoing ministry of Pioneer on the Lake. At a critical moment in the camp’s history, this group was able to provide much-needed funds that helped sustain Pioneer during a critical and challenging season.

Several years later, in January 2020, news broke that the camp would be sold. In response, two members of the original Friends of Pioneer group—both with deep, long-standing ties to the camp—felt called to do whatever they could to preserve Pioneer’s land and legacy for future ministry. Together, they began forming a nonprofit organization, Friends of Pioneer, Inc., and invited others who shared the same passion to join in the effort.

Later that year, over Labor Day Weekend 2020, a small group of Pioneer supporters gathered at camp to pray, reminisce, and commit themselves to Pioneer’s future. From that gathering, the vision took formal shape, and soon afterward the nonprofit Friends of Pioneer, Inc. was officially formed and registered as a 501(c)(3) organization.

In August 2021, God once again moved in remarkable ways. The land was purchased by another nonprofit organization, Concordia Lutheran Ministries of Cabot, Pennsylvania—a nursing home ministry that had been one of Pioneer’s strongest supporters in years past. Through this partnership, Concordia commissioned Friends of Pioneer, Inc. to oversee the day-to-day operations of Pioneer on the Lake.

Throughout this journey, Friends of Pioneer has worked alongside a collaborative team of camp experts from Kaleidoscope, Inc. of Columbus, Ohio, receiving guidance in mission planning, camp management, program development, nonprofit governance, marketing, donor relations, and civil and structural engineering.

As Friends of Pioneer, Inc., we remain committed to prayerfully seeking God’s wisdom and vision for the future of Pioneer on the Lake, and to faithfully stewarding the gifts He has provided through so many generous and devoted supporters like you.