History Lesson of the Month!

The Story of Krislund’s Covered Wagons

For the past 60 years, Krislund’s Covered Wagons have been one of the most memorable symbols that tell the Krislund story.  The story of the Krislund wagons begins in 1963 when Tor Edvar, the first Camp Director suggested that covered wagons could provide lodging for campers.  With this in mind J.M. Aitkin from Lewistown began buying up wagon chassis at local auctions.  It was the time when farmers were moving from horse drawn wagons to tractors that could handle larger wagons so many of the old wooden wheel chassis were abandoned.  Harold Aitkin, J.M.’s son and current Thursday Volunteer recalls that his dad was able to purchase wagon chassis for less than $10 each.

The wagons have served well as lodging over the years and became a favorite spot for campers.  However, each wagon could accommodate only 3 bunks and, with changing American Camping Association regulations, the wagons could no longer serve for overnights.  Further, the wagons were showing signs of 60 years wear.  In spite of repairing wheels, replacing covers, bolstering the bases and building new steps, the wagons were no longer viable as lodging.

New Life For the Wagons

During the last couple of years while the camp activities were curtailed due to Covid, the Krislund wagons have been given new life.  Several of the wagons have been repositioned so that they can be used as activity centers.  Some have been dismantled with various components repurposed.  Some of the board have been used to make gaga pits which provide for one of the favorite activities at camp.  Meanwhile, the wheels are being cleaned and stored.

We hope you will come to visit, take a picture or two with the covered wagons, and learn about the plans for the future.  If you would like to learn more about the wagons, click here.

Save the Date!

Centre Gives

May 10-11 2023

Celebrate Sixty Years of Krislund!

In 2023, Krislund is celebrating SIXTY years of ministry. To commemorate this achievement, we will be holding an anniversary celebration on August 19 that includes open adventure activities, a silent and live auction, live music from your favorite Krislund musicians, and, of course, plenty of food and fun for the entire family. Follow our Facebook event page to keep up-to-date with the most current information. We can’t wait to see you here!

Thursday Volunteers

On Thursday, January 12, 2023, a celebration was held to kickoff the New Year for Thursday
Volunteers. While a few regular volunteers were missing most were there to commemorate
the start of the new volunteer season.
For over a decade, Thursday Volunteers have been active in and around Krislund. They meet
every Thursday (of course) starting at 8:00 AM in the Retreat Center. During that day, they
work on inside and outside projects depending on the needs of the camp and depending on the
weather for the day.

Volunteers work on building, repairing, painting, repainting, planting, maintaining, mowing,
repurposing, organizing, cleaning, moving, weeding, staining, and all things Krislund. Some
examples of completed projects are Fellowship Lodge, Adventure Park (think High Ropes),
flower gardens by the Krislund office, and pieces of furniture -made, painted, or stained by the
volunteers.

Being a Krislund Volunteer not only means a time of work and fellowship, a time of giving and
receiving, but also being able to make a difference.

If you are interested in being a Thursday Volunteer, we would love to have you join us. Reach out to either Josh Boyd at campdirector@krislund.org or Kealy Daye at
programdirector@krislund.org to be included on the mailing list. If you would like to see what
being a volunteer is all about, consider also dropping in on a Thursday to help.
You do not need any special skills or training to be a Thursday Volunteer – come as you are!