Legacy Spanning Generations

Justice Z., a Bay Shore Basketball Camper, wrote this:

“Camp changed my life in many ways and brought me closer to God. It showed me that no matter what I have done or what I will do He will always love me. It helped me to be more confident in expressing my faith publicly. I learned some new basketball skills and it taught me to glorify God on and off the court. I made some new friends and many great memories.”

Kent Fishel’s association with Bay Shore Camp came many years before becoming the dean of Senior High Camp. He first appeared at camp, sometime in the 60’s, as a camper under the watchful eye of Norm and Beulah Warner, Saginaw youth group leaders and longtime supporters of “that little rustic camp on Saginaw Bay.” And Beulah was a first-time camper in 1936.

Only Kent knew when and where it actually happened, but there came a moment when he surrendered to God’s love and asked Jesus into his heart. A flame began and over the years, it became a fire that directed his path into full-time ministry. Eventually called to ministry as Bay Shore’s Senior High Camp Dean, Kent spent more than 40 years impacting the lives, directly and indirectly, of thousands of youth. With his passing this year, he left a legacy that has already spanned generations and will continue to do so forever.

In 1981, Lew Tibbits was hired as the first Executive Director of Bay Shore Camp. The foundation of Lew’s 27 years of leadership was set on Biblical principles, empowering people to use their gifts fully, and inspiring others to give and support the ministry. But his vision for the Bay Shore Camp ministry was simple. It had to be Fun. It had to be Safe. And, it had to be about sharing Jesus. Lew spent 27 years as the Executive Director of Bay Shore Camp, impacting the lives, directly and indirectly, of thousands of children, youth and adults. With his passing this year, he left a legacy that has already spanned generations and will continue to do so forever. Lew’s vision remains part of the core values of the ministry. Our mission is “to provide an invitation for all people to experience Jesus Christ and to nurture them in their relationship with Him”.

This year, Bay Shore impacted the lives of more than 1300 children and youth through our camp programs. And more than 500 children, youth and adults at our Family Camp. And countless others at our retreats and outreach events provided throughout the year. What a legacy!

Maybe you didn’t know one of these two Bay Shore leaders. Maybe you were never a camper at Bay Shore Camp. Please know that there are lots of ways you can be a part of the eternal legacy of Bay Shore Camp. Help a child or youth find their way to summer camp by telling them about Bay Shore Camp. Or, make it part of your prayer life to pray for the ministry, the staff, the campers. Or, volunteer! Or simply make a financial gift to support the ministry.

Unfortunately, offering this life-changing camp experience at an affordable registration fee wouldn’t be possible without the support of generous individuals like you. With only a few weeks left, we’re still a long way from reaching our 2025 fundraising goal. Will you help create a lasting impact and become part of this enduring legacy?

We don’t know what legacy has been put in motion with Justice Z. and his brothers and sisters and all the kids attending camp, but know, that with your gift, you are part of it.

Would you be part of the legacy?

Peace & Blessings,