After a busy, fun, and sometimes trying summer, IBSA reported a successful return to summer camps following their closure due to Covid-19 in 2020. In seven weeks of IBSA-led camps, 691 children and students attended. That was down 33% from 2019, but overall, leaders considered it a strong return given the remaining challenges from Covid. One week of camp at Lake Sallateeska was relocated to Streator Baptist Camp in July, after an outbreak was reported.
In seven camp weeks led by IBSA and in partnership with local associations, 43 salvations were reported. Another 79 salvations were reported during camps organized by IBSA churches for a total of 112 salvations at Lake Sallateeska and Streator Baptist Camps this summer. “God has blessed our camps as they reopened,” said Associate Executive Director Mark Emerson. “We are grateful for our partner churches and associations, for dedicated staff and volunteer leaders, and especially glad that so many young people have come to know Christ this year.”