Bates Family Legacy Story

John Bates (right) and his family.

My family first came to Camp Arcadia sight unseen in the late ‘60s, knowing next to nothing about Camp or its history. As a young boy, I immediately fell in love with the lake, the beach, all the activities that Camp offered, and ice cream in the Trading Post! Since then, our family has come back every year. For us, Camp is a respite from a broken world where sin pulls us away from our relationship with God. Walks on the beach, sunsets, canoe trips, time with fellow believers in the Word – even time in the Trading Post – are some of the moments at Camp when we can sense God calling us closer to Him. Now more than 30 members of our extended family gather with us in Arcadia each summer and feel God’s presence and His renewing spirit.

What will our legacy be?  Wouldn’t it be meaningful to support and participate in a ministry that has helped us and our loved ones to come closer to God?

What I could not have appreciated as a boy over 50 years ago were the efforts of faithful Arcadians to form the Lutheran Camp Association with the intent of restoring Camp. These folks valued the history and meaning of Camp because of their experiences there, and chose to donate their time and resources at a critical moment to reestablish Camp as a vibrant ministry. They are true legacy builders.  I am now able to comprehend how God worked through these inspired people to prosper Camp’s ministry that we all love. What will our legacy be?  Wouldn’t it be meaningful to support and participate in a ministry that has helped us and our loved ones to come closer to God?  That is why we have chosen to include Camp Arcadia in our estate plan. Through simple means, we are doing our small part to help ensure that Camp will prosper for generations to come and help families stay connected to God.

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