Grace Adventures

Overview

Grace Adventures is a nonprofit Christian organization located in Mears, Michigan. Established in 1946, it operates as a Christian camp and training center with a mission to impact people's lives with Jesus Christ. The organization offers a variety of programs and services aimed at spiritual growth, personal development, and community engagement through camps, retreats, and training sessions.

History

Grace Adventures was originally founded as Grace Youth Camp in 1946, starting as a traditional summer camp for youth. The camp was established as a ministry of the Grace Gospel Fellowship and initially hosted programs in various locations across Illinois and Michigan. In 1966, the camp relocated to Upper Silver Lake, which allowed for the development of new facilities and community worship opportunities.

In 2004, the organization rebranded itself as Grace Adventures to reflect its expanded year-round ministry, which includes not only camping but also retreats and leadership training. Over the years, Grace Adventures has continued to grow, adding various facilities and programs to better serve the community, including the Dunes Harbor Family Camp and The Shack retreat center.

Mission and Vision

Grace Adventures is driven by the mission to "Impact People with Jesus Christ." The organization seeks to create a Christ-centered environment that promotes spiritual, social, physical, and environmental growth among its participants. Through evangelism, discipleship, and leadership training, Grace Adventures aims to strengthen individuals and families, enabling them to impact their broader communities positively.

Programs and Services

Grace Adventures offers a diverse array of programs, which are categorized into five main pillars:

• Camps: Summer and seasonal camp programs for youth and families.

• Retreats: Year-round retreats designed for churches, schools, and community groups.

• Trainings: Leadership and character-building training sessions for individuals and organizations.

• Community Worship: Opportunities for worship and fellowship within the local community.

• Dunes Harbor Family Camp: A campground experience providing a family-friendly environment for spiritual growth and relaxation.

Financial Information

Grace Adventures is a 501(c)(3) organization, allowing donations to be tax-deductible. It has demonstrated strong financial health, boasting significant revenues while ensuring that program-related gifts effectively cover operating expenses. The organization’s commitment to fiscal responsibility is evident, as it has emerged from financial challenges, such as those posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, in a strong position.

Leadership

The current President of Grace Adventures is Steve Prudhomme, who has been instrumental in guiding the organization through its transformation and growth. The board of directors consists of several members who provide oversight and strategic direction.

Impact

Grace Adventures aims to create "Experiences That Live On" and fosters an environment where individuals can connect deeply with each other and with God. Its legacy includes a commitment to stewardship and a belief that one life impacted by God can transform families, communities, and the world.

Affiliations

The organization is a member of the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability (ECFA), which underscores its commitment to financial transparency and ethical stewardship of resources.

With a history of serving communities for over seven decades, Grace Adventures continues to adapt and expand its mission to meet the needs of those it serves, aiming for lasting impact through its diverse ministry offerings.