Forest Springs Camp and Conference Center 
The information on this page was last updated 4/24/2024. If you see errors or omissions, please email: [email protected]
Summary
Forest Springs Camp & Conference Center is all about fostering deep connections and lifelong memories.
Contact information
Mailing address:
Forest Springs Camp and Conference Center
N8890 Forest Lane
Westboro, WI 54490
Website: forestsprings.us
Phone: (715) 436-7378
Email: [email protected]
Organization details
EIN: 391249982
CEO/President: Pat Petkau
Chairman: Matt Gibson
Board size: 18
Founder: Richard W. Neale
Ruling year: 1977
Tax deductible: Yes
Fiscal year end: 12/31
Member of ECFA: Yes
Member of ECFA since: 2005
Purpose
Based on the ministry's mission statement and considering our biblical and cultural parameters, the following objectives are viewed as the desired outcomes for those attending Forest Springs Camp & Conference Center. They are intentionally displayed in a logical progression from meeting physical needs to training Christian leaders. It should also be understood, however, that not every program at Forest Springs is necessarily designed to meet each and every one of these desired outcomes on every occasion.
Service of physical needs: Our objective is to make people comfortable during their stay with us as well as to encourage and enhance any physical activity which can result in life-long skills. Our objective is to create a climate conducive for spiritual renewal while encountering the wonders of God's creation. This objective will include the intent to facilitate rest and reflection, as well as to provide occasions for laughter and physical refreshment.
Experience of Christian love for all: Our objective is to build relationships with believers and non-believers, opening doors for spiritual development and for their future involvement in at the ministry of Forest Springs. We desire to create a climate where all guests and staff feel welcome, loved, and nurtured.
Opportunity for spiritual regeneration for each non-believer: Our objective is to share the message of God's saving grace, the forgiveness of sin, and newness of life that is by faith in Jesus Christ with those who attend Forest Springs and give opportunities for personal spiritual decisions.
Bible-centered spiritual training: Our objective is to provide Bible-centered spiritual training and nurturing for all believers, creating an atmosphere where spiritual growth can take place. Our objective is to minister to the spiritual needs of individuals and families, thereby effecting positive and lasting change in their home and church environments. This training will be based on the absolute truth of God's Word.
Training of Christian leaders for effectiveness in ministry: Our objective is to provide a balance of education and experience in the context of Christian camping through several core training programs, including LTD (year-round) and Counselor Training Institute (summer). Servant leadership forms a foundational element in all leadership training.
Advance Christian camping world-wide: We desire to assist with leadership training outside our borders, by providing assistance and consultations for other camps as God leads.
Mission statement
Forest Springs' mission is to provide programs and facilities in a camping environment with a trained service-oriented staff who use the Word of God to help initiate faith and cultivate maturity in Jesus Christ.
Statement of faith
Our Final Authority
We believe in the Scriptures of the Old and the New Testaments as verbally inspired by God and inerrant in the original writing, and that they are of supreme and final authority in faith and conduct (Mark 12:26, 36; 13:11; Luke 24:27, 44; John 5:39; Acts 1:16; 17:2-3; 18:28; 26:22-23; 28:23; Rom. 15:4; 1 Cor. 2:13; 10:11; 2 Tim. 3:16; 2 Pet. 1:21).
The Triune God
We believe in one God, eternally existing in three Persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (Matt. 28:18-19; Mark 12:29; John 1:14; Acts 5:3-4; 2 Cor. 13:14; Heb. 1:1-3; Rev. 1:4-6).
Jesus Christ
We believe in one God, eternally existing in three Persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (Matt. 28:18-19; Mark 12:29; John 1:14; Acts 5:3-4; 2 Cor. 13:14; Heb. 1:1-3; Rev. 1:4-6).
Sinfulness of Man
We believe that man was created in the image of God; that man sinned, and thereby incurred, not only physical death, but also spiritual death, which is separation from God; that, as a result of this sin first committed by Adam, all human beings are born with a sinful nature, and are accountable as sinners in thought, word, and deed (Rom. 3:23, 6:23).
Jesus Christ as Sacrifice
We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ died for our sins, according to the Scriptures, as a representative and substitutionary sacrifice; and that all who believe in Him are justified on the ground of His shed blood (John 1:29; Rom. 3:25-26; 2 Cor. 5:14; Heb. 10:5-14; 1 Pet. 3:18).
Jesus Christ as Resurrected Lord
We believe in the resurrection of the crucified body of our Lord, in His ascension into Heaven, and in His present life there for us, as High Priest and Advocate. (John 20:20; Phil. 3:20).
The Return of Jesus Christ
We believe in "that blessed hope", the personal and imminent return of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (John 14:1-3; 1 Cor. 15:51-52; 1 Thess. 4:13-18; Titus 2:11-14).
The Salvation of the Children of God
We believe that all who receive by faith the Lord Jesus Christ are born again of the Holy Spirit, and only thereby become children of God (John 1:12). We further believe that the Christian life is exemplary of the teachings found in the New Testament as the Holy Spirit reproduces the life of Jesus Christ in and through each obedient believer (John 14:16-17; 16:7-15).
We believe that God offers redemption and restoration to all who confess and forsake their sin, seeking His mercy and forgiveness through Jesus Christ (Acts 3:19-21; Rom. 10:9-10; I Cor. 6:9-11).
We believe that every person must be afforded compassion, love, kindness, respect, and dignity (Mark 12:28-31; Luke 6:31). Hateful and harassing behavior or attitudes directed toward any individual are to be repudiated and are not in accord with Scripture nor the doctrines of Forest Springs.
Marriage, Gender and Sexuality
We believe that God wonderfully and immutably creates each person as male or female. These two distinct, complementary genders together reflect the image and nature of God (Gen. 1:26-27). Rejection of one's biological sex is a rejection of God's choice of gender for that person.
We believe that the term "marriage" has only one meaning: the uniting of one man and one woman in a single, exclusive union, as delineated by Scripture (Gen. 2:18-25). We believe that God intends sexual intimacy to occur only between a man and a woman who are married to each other (I Cor. 6:18; 7:2-5; Heb. 13:4). We believe that God has commanded that no intimate sexual activity be engaged in outside of a marriage between a man and a woman.
We believe that any form of sexual immorality (including adultery, fornication, homosexual behavior, bisexual conduct, pedophilia, bestiality, incest, cohabitation, and use of pornography) is sinful and offensive to God (Matt. 15:18-20; I Cor. 6:9-10).
The Sanctity of Human Life
We believe that all human life is sacred and created by God in His image. Human life is of inestimable worth in all its dimensions, including pre-born babies, the aged, the physically or mentally challenged, and every other stage or condition from conception through natural death. We are therefore called to defend, protect, and value all human life (Psalm 139).
Eternal Souls of All Men
We believe in the bodily resurrection of the just and the unjust, the everlasting blessedness of the saved, and the everlasting punishment of the lost (Luke 16:19-26; 23:42; 2 Cor. 5:8; Phil. 1:23; 2 Thess. 1:7-9; Jude 6-7; Rev. 20:11-15).
Final Authority for Matter of Belief and Conduct
The statement of faith does not exhaust the extent of our beliefs. The Bible itself, as the inspired and infallible Word of God that speaks with final authority concerning truth, morality, and the proper conduct of mankind, is the sole and final source of all that we believe. For purposes of the Forest Springs Camp and Conference Center's faith, doctrine, practice, policy, and discipline, our Board of Directors is Forest Springs' final interpretive authority on the Bible's meaning and application.
Subscription
We believe that in order to preserve the function and integrity of Forest Springs Camp and Conference Center as the local Body of Christ, and to provide a biblical model to the Forest Springs staff and community, it is imperative that all persons employed by Forest Springs agree to and abide by this Statement of Faith.
Donor confidence score
Transparency grade
A
To understand our transparency grade, click here.
Financial efficiency ratings
Sector: Camps/Conference Centers
| Category | Rating | Overall rank | Sector rank |
| Overall efficiency rating | | 97 of 1117 | 4 of 36 |
| Fund acquisition rating | | 265 of 1118 | 8 of 37 |
| Resource allocation rating | | 96 of 1118 | 6 of 37 |
| Asset utilization rating | | 352 of 1117 | 16 of 36 |
Financial ratios
| Funding ratios | Sector median | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 |
Return on fundraising efforts Return on fundraising efforts = Fundraising expense / Total contributions | 7% | 5% | 0% | 6% | 6% | 6% |
Fundraising cost ratio Fundraising cost ratio = Fundraising expense / Total revenue | 2% | 2% | 0% | 4% | 3% | 3% |
Contributions reliance Contributions reliance = Total contributions / Total revenue | 34% | 45% | 52% | 68% | 62% | 54% |
Fundraising expense ratio Fundraising expense ratio = Fundraising expense / Total expenses | 3% | 2% | 0% | 5% | 5% | 4% |
Other revenue reliance Other revenue reliance = Total other revenue / Total revenue | 66% | 55% | 48% | 32% | 38% | 46% |
| Operating ratios | Sector median | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 |
Program expense ratio Program expense ratio = Program services / Total expenses | 83% | 89% | 91% | 80% | 77% | 79% |
Spending ratio Spending ratio = Total expenses / Total revenue | 93% | 104% | 107% | 74% | 69% | 94% |
Program output ratio Program output ratio = Program services / Total revenue | 75% | 92% | 97% | 59% | 53% | 74% |
Savings ratio Savings ratio = Surplus (deficit) / Total revenue | 7% | -4% | -7% | 26% | 31% | 6% |
Reserve accumulation rate Reserve accumulation rate = Surplus (deficit) / Net assets | 4% | -2% | -4% | 15% | 18% | 4% |
General and admin ratio General and admin ratio = Management and general expense / Total expenses | 14% | 9% | 9% | 14% | 18% | 17% |
| Investing ratios | Sector median | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 |
Total asset turnover Total asset turnover = Total expenses / Total assets | 0.44 | 0.49 | 0.55 | 0.39 | 0.38 | 0.54 |
Degree of long-term investment Degree of long-term investment = Total assets / Total current assets | 4.36 | 2.71 | 2.70 | 2.77 | 3.09 | 4.80 |
Current asset turnover Current asset turnover = Total expenses / Total current assets | 1.65 | 1.34 | 1.50 | 1.09 | 1.18 | 2.58 |
| Liquidity ratios | Sector median | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 |
Current ratio Current ratio = Total current assets / Total current liabilities | 5.57 | 6.46 | 4.67 | 6.77 | 5.97 | 2.49 |
Current liabilities ratio Current liabilities ratio = Total current liabilities / Total current assets | 0.18 | 0.15 | 0.21 | 0.15 | 0.17 | 0.40 |
Liquid reserve level Liquid reserve level = (Total current assets - Total current liabilities) / (Total expenses / 12) | 5.46 | 7.57 | 6.30 | 9.36 | 8.46 | 2.79 |
| Solvency ratios | Sector median | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 |
Liabilities ratio Liabilities ratio = Total liabilities / Total assets | 9% | 6% | 8% | 6% | 7% | 9% |
Debt ratio Debt ratio = Debt / Total assets | 0% | 0% | 0% | 1% | 1% | 0% |
Reserve coverage ratio Reserve coverage ratio = Net assets / Total expenses | 196% | 191% | 166% | 238% | 244% | 170% |
Financials
| Balance sheet | |||||
| Assets | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 |
| Cash | $1,906,646 | $2,472,296 | $2,240,892 | $1,386,156 | $788,032 |
| Receivables, inventories, prepaids | $594,304 | $28,721 | $130,177 | $107,445 | $138,893 |
| Short-term investments | $1,420,921 | $1,544,079 | $1,787,383 | $1,671,193 | $729,120 |
| Other current assets | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Total current assets | $3,921,871 | $4,045,096 | $4,158,452 | $3,164,794 | $1,656,045 |
| Long-term investments | $686,724 | $650,000 | $525,000 | $500,000 | $200,000 |
| Fixed assets | $6,023,572 | $6,246,862 | $6,815,615 | $6,072,955 | $6,068,853 |
| Other long-term assets | $0 | $0 | $37,739 | $33,559 | $30,934 |
| Total long-term assets | $6,710,296 | $6,896,862 | $7,378,354 | $6,606,514 | $6,299,787 |
| Total assets | $10,632,167 | $10,941,958 | $11,536,806 | $9,771,308 | $7,955,832 |
| Liabilities | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 |
| Payables and accrued expenses | $606,714 | $693,448 | $428,042 | $388,955 | $431,372 |
| Other current liabilities | $449 | $173,038 | $186,203 | $141,042 | $233,837 |
| Total current liabilities | $607,163 | $866,486 | $614,245 | $529,997 | $665,209 |
| Debt | $10,762 | $20,770 | $107,856 | $137,875 | $26,756 |
| Due to (from) affiliates | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Other long-term liabilities | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Total long-term liabilities | $10,762 | $20,770 | $107,856 | $137,875 | $26,756 |
| Total liabilities | $617,925 | $887,256 | $722,101 | $667,872 | $691,965 |
| Net assets | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 |
| Without donor restrictions | $8,418,483 | $10,054,702 | $9,861,358 | $8,351,878 | $6,772,928 |
| With donor restrictions | $1,595,759 | $0 | $953,347 | $751,558 | $490,940 |
| Net assets | $10,014,242 | $10,054,702 | $10,814,705 | $9,103,436 | $7,263,867 |
| Revenues and expenses | |||||
| Revenue | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 |
| Total contributions | $2,287,893 | $2,920,362 | $4,178,637 | $3,330,626 | $2,478,172 |
| Program service revenue | $2,549,117 | $2,143,396 | $1,785,359 | $879,521 | $1,878,058 |
| Membership dues | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Investment income | $119,676 | $109,145 | $68,129 | $43,445 | $60,494 |
| Other revenue | $106,441 | $469,067 | $103,503 | $1,147,216 | $141,009 |
| Total other revenue | $2,775,234 | $2,721,608 | $1,956,991 | $2,070,182 | $2,079,561 |
| Total revenue | $5,063,127 | $5,641,970 | $6,135,628 | $5,400,808 | $4,557,733 |
| Expenses | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 |
| Program services | $4,659,455 | $5,496,717 | $3,647,509 | $2,862,966 | $3,380,962 |
| Management and general | $482,949 | $560,895 | $655,928 | $687,553 | $735,278 |
| Fundraising | $114,227 | $0 | $239,931 | $187,978 | $150,532 |
| Total expenses | $5,256,631 | $6,057,612 | $4,543,368 | $3,738,497 | $4,266,772 |
| Change in net assets | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 |
| Surplus (deficit) | ($193,504) | ($415,642) | $1,592,260 | $1,662,311 | $290,961 |
| Other changes in net assets | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Total change in net assets | ($193,504) | ($415,642) | $1,592,260 | $1,662,311 | $290,961 |
Compensation
| Name | Title | Compensation |
| Pat Petkau | Executive Director | $135,775 |
Compensation data as of: 12/31/2023
Response from ministry
No response has been provided by this ministry.
The information below was provided to MinistryWatch by the ministry itself. It was last updated 4/24/2024. To update the information below, please email: [email protected]
History
For over sixty years, people have been discovering an incredible place tucked away in beautiful, north central Wisconsin. Thousands of young people, families, and singles of all ages have come to Forest Springs to soak up the wonders of creation and be instructed in God's Word.
Richard W. Neale, founder of Camp Forest Springs and Youth Gospel Crusade, was such a man. He traveled extensively using object lessons, adventure films, and black light paintings to teach others about the Savior he knew and loved. He wanted to begin a camping ministry as well. He began to pray.
When Reverend Neale saw the James Lake property, recommended to him by a group of men from Ogema, Wisconsin, he asked himself, "Could this property be the answer to my prayers?" An unexpected gift of $1,119 was given to help purchase 80 acres along the lake. It was God's confirmation that this was the right location for the camp.
In early 1957, a group of volunteers began transforming the wilderness area into a camp. The hill where Neale Lodge now stands was leveled and used to convert a swampy area into the present waterfront. By fall, the main lodge (Neale Lodge) was built. It housed the dining hall, chapel, shower rooms, game room, and maintenance shop. Camp Forest Springs was born. Since then it has grown to its current 570 acres, providing ample room for a varied program.
Camp Forest Springs and Youth Gospel Crusade became two separate ministries in 1976. Reverend Neale continued as president of Youth Gospel Crusade. Dick Angelo became camp's director.
In 1979 a long-range plan was developed to expand and improve the facilities at Camp Forest Springs. The goal was to serve more people more completely. The ambitious plan looked impossible, but God has miraculously provided the resources for us to continue.
Forest Springs was born out of the faith and vision God gave to this man. The work he began is still growing. Children and families continue to hear God's Word. Camp staff continue to seek God, carrying on the heritage of faith begun many years ago.