Evangelical United Brethren Campground

Michigan’s diverse landscape, from its stunning Great Lakes to its tranquil inland forests, provides countless opportunities for enriching outdoor experiences. For many families and individuals across our state, camping offers a chance to reconnect with nature, build community, and create lasting memories. Among Michigan’s many beautiful camping and retreat centers, the Evangelical United Brethren Campground, now widely recognized as Bay Shore Camp & Family Ministries, in Sebewaing, stands as a historical and vibrant destination.

Originally established as an outreach of the Evangelical United Brethren Church (which later joined the Methodist Church to become United Methodist), this campground has evolved over more than a century to become a significant center for spiritual growth, family fun, and community building. It offers a unique blend of traditional camping with a focus on faith-based programming and a wide array of recreational activities, appealing to a broad spectrum of visitors. Whether you're seeking a serene retreat for personal reflection, an engaging summer camp for children and teens, or a welcoming venue for family gatherings and church events, the Evangelical United Brethren Campground (Bay Shore Camp) provides a wholesome and fulfilling experience. This article will delve into its location, accessibility, the extensive services and features it offers, and why it remains a beloved and highly suitable destination for locals across Michigan.

The Evangelical United Brethren Campground, now operating as Bay Shore Camp & Family Ministries, is located at 386 N Miller St, Sebewaing, MI 48759, USA. Sebewaing is a charming village nestled in Michigan's scenic "Thumb" region, along the shores of Saginaw Bay. This prime location offers a peaceful, natural setting while remaining accessible for visitors from various parts of Michigan.

For residents across Michigan, reaching Sebewaing is generally straightforward. The village is well-connected by state roads, making it a manageable drive from major population centers like Detroit, Lansing, Flint, and Saginaw. The route typically involves driving through the picturesque agricultural landscapes of the Thumb, offering a pleasant journey that transitions from urban or suburban environments to the more relaxed pace of rural Michigan. While the camp offers a sense of being "away from it all," its relatively easy accessibility ensures that families and groups can travel to and from the site without undue difficulty. This balance of being immersed in nature yet within reach of home makes it an ideal destination for weekend getaways, week-long camps, or extended retreats for Michiganders seeking a convenient and enriching experience. For those coming from Bay City or Saginaw, the camp is described as just a short drive, further emphasizing its local convenience.

Bay Shore Camp & Family Ministries, the evolution of the Evangelical United Brethren Campground, offers an impressive and diverse range of services designed to cater to various groups and individuals, fostering an environment of spiritual wholeness and growth alongside recreational fun.

• Summer Camp Programs: A core offering, providing Christ-centered experiences for kids, teens, and families. These include traditional age-group camps and specialized camps focusing on themes like music, sports, arts/crafts, drama, soccer, volleyball, baseball, softball, fishing, and worship/theatrical arts.

• Family Camps and Events: Throughout the year, they host family-oriented events, including week-long Family Camps that involve activities for parents, grandparents, youth, and children, and dedicated family camping weekends.

• Retreat and Event Facilities: The camp's facilities are available for rental by various groups, including churches, youth groups, family reunions, scouts, sports teams, and more. They offer comfortable accommodations ranging from cottages to dormitory and hotel/motel styles, suitable for weddings, church retreats, crafting events, and school functions. Kitchen facilities are also available for rental groups.

• RV & Tent Camping: While known for structured programs, the camp also welcomes individuals, families, and groups for RV and tent camping, providing beautiful, clean recreation areas for those who prefer a more traditional camping experience.

• Outdoor Activities & Recreation: A wide array of activities are offered, including tennis courts, a baseball/softball field, a basketball court, outdoor swimming, miniature golf, laser tag, zip-line, archery, climbing wall, paintball, Ga-Ga Ball, Nine Square, Carpet Ball, and opportunities for canoeing.

• Day Camp Options: For local families, Day Camp is offered on-site, allowing kids to participate in camp activities during the day and return home in the evening. There's also an expansion to off-site Traveling Day Camps and a second campus (Faith Quest near Gagetown) with a private lake for paddleboats, canoes, and kayaks.

• Dining Services: While rental groups may use kitchen facilities, the camp likely provides meal services for its organized programs and events, ensuring that participants are well-fed.

The Evangelical United Brethren Campground, known today as Bay Shore Camp & Family Ministries, boasts a rich history and a multitude of features that make it a compelling destination for Michiganders. These highlights contribute to its reputation as a place of fun, fellowship, and spiritual enrichment.

• Long-Standing Heritage: With over 100 years of operation (starting in 1911 as an outreach of the Evangelical United Brethren Church), Bay Shore Camp has a deeply rooted history of providing Christ-centered experiences, demonstrating its enduring commitment to its mission.

• Diverse Accommodation Options: Catering to various needs, the camp offers cottages, dormitories, and hotel/motel-style accommodations, alongside RV and tent camping sites, ensuring a comfortable stay for all visitors.

• Extensive Recreational Facilities: The camp is packed with activities, including tennis, baseball/softball, basketball courts, an outdoor swimming pool, miniature golf, a climbing wall, paintball, laser tag, and a zipline. These facilities provide ample opportunities for active recreation and adventure.

• Waterfront Access and Activities: The main campus likely offers access to Saginaw Bay for water-based enjoyment, and the newer Faith Quest campus near Gagetown features a private lake perfect for paddleboats, canoes, and kayaks.

• Focus on Spiritual Growth: Beyond recreation, the camp's core mission is to provide opportunities for people of all ages to encounter Jesus Christ and nurture their relationship with Him. This includes Bible lessons, interactive worship, and a focus on spiritual wholeness.

• Ecumenical and Inclusive Environment: While affiliated with the United Methodist Church, Bay Shore operates from a non-denominational model, welcoming individuals from various faith backgrounds. This promotes a diverse and inclusive community where common values are celebrated.

• Engaging Programs for All Ages: From traditional weekly camps for youth to family camping weekends, adult retreats, and specialized themed camps, there's programming designed to engage every age group, fostering personal growth and strengthened relationships.

• Dedicated and Energetic Leadership: The camp relies on energetic leaders who provide engaging activities and spiritual guidance, ensuring a dynamic and impactful experience for all participants.

For direct inquiries, program registration, or to learn more about hosting an event at this dynamic Michigan camp and retreat center, you can use the following contact information:

Address: 386 N Miller St, Sebewaing, MI 48759, USA

Phone: (989) 883-2501 (Primary contact for Bay Shore Camp & Family Ministries, according to public listings.)

It is highly recommended to visit the official website of Bay Shore Camp & Family Ministries (bayshorecamp.org) for the most up-to-date information on their camp schedules, retreat availability, rental policies, and detailed descriptions of all their programs and facilities. You can also find online registration forms and potentially an events calendar to help plan your visit or participation. Contacting them directly via phone or their website will ensure you receive precise and personalized information for your specific needs.

For locals across Michigan, the Evangelical United Brethren Campground, now known as Bay Shore Camp & Family Ministries, is an exceptionally suitable and enriching destination. Its century-long legacy of providing meaningful experiences, combined with its diverse offerings, makes it a valuable resource right in our own backyard.

Firstly, its accessibility in the Thumb region means that a profound escape or an engaging family adventure is within a reasonable drive for many Michiganders. This eliminates the need for extensive travel, allowing more time to enjoy the camp's abundant amenities and the surrounding natural beauty. For families, the sheer variety of activities—from swimming in the unique heated indoor pool (if available, the public data mentions an outdoor pool and generally refers to "pool" activities, which often implies both) and playing disc golf to engaging in various sports and fishing in a private lake (at Faith Quest campus)—ensures that children and adults alike will find something to love. The emphasis on a "family-friendly" environment means parents can relax knowing their kids are entertained and safe.

Beyond recreation, the camp's foundation in Christian ministry offers a unique opportunity for spiritual growth and community building, which is a significant draw for many. It provides a supportive and welcoming environment for reflection, learning, and fellowship, whether through structured summer camps or peaceful retreats. Even for those not seeking a specific faith-based program, the camp's general atmosphere of positivity and connection to nature is universally appealing. Michiganders can leverage this local gem for transformative experiences, creating lifelong memories, strengthening family bonds, and fostering a deeper appreciation for the unique blend of natural beauty and community spirit that defines our state. It truly offers something for everyone, making it a highly recommended local destination.