Theme Verse
As it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet, “The voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord’…”
Luke 3:4
Download: Prepare the Way Campaign Brochure
Preparing the Way since 1930
At Fortune Lake, we prepare the way for:
Individual Impact
We believe that everyone is made in the image of God. We celebrate and proclaim the truth of God’s goodness and love for all people!
Young Adult Leaders
At camp, our summer staff develop their sense of call to serve others, discern their gifts, and gain useful skills and confidence. “Everything I need to know, I learned at camp,” is a refrain of our alumni as they work and volunteer in varied roles and settings.
Authentic Community
Life is best lived together—especially when it’s hard. We’re committed to discussing our differences and creating a safe and affirming environment. Here we grow and strengthen our relationships with God and one another.
Transformational Experiences
We are called to steward and care for God’s good Creation. Encounters in our 40-acres of northwoods wilderness—walking across the dew-drenched field, tasting raspberries fresh off the Vagland vines, hearing the calls of the loons echo over the bay, or enjoying the sunset over the peninsula—shape refresh, challenge, and renew us.
About the Campaign
In early 2025, the Board of Directors took the opportunity to purchase a 19-acre lot adjacent to our existing Vagland site, home of the treehouse village (and former platform tent village). This strategic decision allowed Fortune Lake to:
knit back together the original 40-acre lot.- be our own neighbors and caretakers of the property.
- provide much-needed housing for our full-time, year-round Guest Services Coordinator who supports the growing numbers of rental and retreat guests.
- utilize enclosed storage buildings, allowing removal of old and unsafe structures.
- dream of uses for the additional wilderness acreage.
And the Prepare the Way Campaign was born!
Our Goal +$400,000
We invite you to help us prepare the way for the future ministry at Fortune Lake:
- to better serve growing numbers of summer campers and year-round guests.
- for improved visibility via signage near our main entrance.
- for safer camp facilities and improved equipment storage.
- to celebrate our 100th year of ministry in 2030.
- for an endowed fund to address future property needs.
- to listen to the Holy Spirit’s calling for future ministries!
Additional projects include:
- updated signage on our busy section of US-2.
- removal of the Palace and the old Chapel (aka the Pit) which are decades past their prime.
- establishing an endowed fund for future property needs.
Project Costs
| Property purchase and related expenses | $279,500 |
| Property-related expenses | $26,100 |
| Property upgrades | $4,500 |
| Highway signage, demolition | $21,000 |
| Fundraising costs | $4,500 |
| Subtotal of above categories | $335,600 |
| 10% of total raised for upcoming property needs | $33,560 |
| 10% contingency to account for cost overruns | $33,560 |
| Total Estimated Cost: | $402,720 |
How to Give
As of April 2026, $272,000 has already been pledged, putting us over 2/3 of the way to our goal! Can you help us reach the end by giving a special gift, above and beyond your regular annual giving?
There are multiple ways to give, and you can consider your commitment over up to three years:
- Check
Write “Prepare the Way” - Give Online
Type “Prepare the Way” in the Special Instructions section - Credit Card over the phone at 906-214-CAMP (2267)
- Gift of Stock
- Gift of Property
- Charitable distribution from IRA (for those over 70.5)
Download: Our Pledge Form
All donors of $100 or more will receive a custom Fortune Lake collapsible tote! It’s perfect for your summer beach days, your trips to visit the grandkids, as an environmentally friendly shopping bag, or for your next stay at camp.
Please indicate whether you would like it mailed to you, or if you prefer to pick it up at camp.
Thank You!
Thank you in advance for your support of the Prepare the Way campaign!
Your generous gift will ensure that Fortune Lake remains a welcoming space for all people to experience God, community, and nature for years to come.
