Welcome!

Welcome to Spirit
in the Pines

Spirit in the Pines is all about community! All week long counselors and staff build an accepting and inclusive atmosphere, lead fun games, and give inspiring talks around the campfire. Many alumni hold their time at camp among their most formative experiences. Campers can choose from traditional camp activities such as swimming, canoeing, gaga ball, carpetball, crafts, music, meal themes and more.

Summer 2024 Brochure
Main Lodge

Stone fireplaces, screened porch, game room, storm shelter, kitchen and dining hall.

Comfortable Cabins

Complete with bathrooms, showers, mini-fridge, microwave, table and chairs, bunk style sleeping, and living area.

Waterfront

Canoes, kayaks, paddle boats, pontoon and fishing boats, swimming area, raft, and lily pad.

Activities

Sand volleyball, basketball, ball field, playset, swings, gaga pit, tetherball, carpetball, frisbee golf, walking trails, and challenge course.

The Camp

The Camp on Pleasant Lake

Spirit in the Pines Camp is located on Pleasant Lake in Hackensack, Minnesota.

About

Spirit in the Pines is owned and operated by St. Andrew. It is located about an hour north of Brainerd, Minnesota on beautiful Pleasant Lake. We host over 1,000 people every summer, with about half being St. Andrew members and others from mostly the southwest twin cities metro. Summertime at Spirit in the Pines Camp is filled with age specific youth camp sessions during the week and family camp sessions on the weekends. Youth and adult retreats are held during the fall and winter months.

Every summer Spirit in the Pines hires 12-18 college students to live and work onsite. We are taking applications every December. Our staff community is incredible, and we often have a mix of first, second, and third year staff members. Reach out if you would like to learn more about applying!

Employment Info

Food

One of the best parts of camp is the great food! We offer a wide ranging menu that caters to many. We also have a yogurt bar and/or salad bar available at all meals. We have a separate prep area for allergen free meals.

Inclusion

Every camper deserves a great experience at camp! We are trained and committed to accommodating a wide range of unique needs. Campers can request smaller cabins, 1:1 staff support, alternate activities, and more during registration.

Safety

Safety is a top priority at Spirit in the Pines! We align with ACA standards. All staff members pass a background check and are lifeguard and first aid certified. We also staff a CNA certified camp nurse for all youth camp sessions.

Registration

Registration for Summer 2024

Registering for camp is easy! Registration for Summer 2024 will open in early December 2023. Check back soon for our published schedule.

View our Registration Page for more information!

Spirit in the Pines offers a variety of camps all summer long! We offer 9 weeks of youth camps and family camps that host up to 100 campers each week. We are also eager to grow and expand the ways we can serve our communities and your families.

All age and grade ranges for summer camps are for listed for the grade the child is entering in the fall.

Camp Aspire | Elementary

We have three types of elementary sessions to choose from that vary in length: 2 nights, 3 nights, and 5 nights. Campers will be grouped in cabins and spend the day with kids in their same grade.

Learn More & Register

Camp Agape | High School

Our pinnacle camp program for high schoolers brings together all the best parts of camp in one action filled week. 

Learn More & Register

Off-Season & Outside Groups

We offer a variety of low cost and independent options for outside groups from September through May. We can host up to 90 people in our heated cabins where you cook for yourselves or we cook for you! 

Learn More & Register

Camp Adventure | Middle School

At Camp Adventure, your day is filled with laughter, team surprises, and amazing meals. We run land and water Olympic games on Thursdays, along with a very special closing campfire!

Learn More & Register

Family Camp Weekends

We would love to host your family at Spirit in the Pines this summer for quality family time at the lake!

Learn More & Register

Counselors

Interested in becoming a counselor for camp? Volunteer week-long counselor positions are open for students who have completed 10th grade and above. We’d love to have you!

Learn More & Apply
The Pines Press