ONEKAMA — Portage Lake Bible Camp will bid farewell this month to a 57-year-old landmark as it prepares to build a new, modern dining hall to serve campers and the community year-round.
The current dining hall, built in 1968, will serve its last meal in August before being demolished to make way for the new facility.
The building has hosted generations of campers with meals, stories and laughter but was not designed for winter use. Over the years, heating the hall and keeping up with the camp’s growing year-round ministry became increasingly difficult, said Executive Director Marc Eix.
“Campers and retreat-goers spend more time in the dining hall than any other single building at camp,” Eix said. “The new facility will be more efficient, versatile and comfortable, allowing ministry to thrive for the next generation.”
Plans for a replacement began in 2018, though fundraising slowed during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The extra time allowed the camp to enhance the design with flexible seating, a lakeside lounge, a more functional entryway and space for smaller gatherings. Rising construction costs and required infrastructure upgrades, such as a new septic system and fire suppression pump house, increased the project’s budget.
Most funds have been raised or pledged, and Eix said he is optimistic the remaining amount will come in once construction starts.
The camp will host a farewell “Last Supper” on Sunday, Aug. 10, during the final family camp of the season. The evening will include worship in the chapel, a dedication service and a farewell lunch in the dining hall.
The event is open to the public, with meal tickets costing $25 for adults, $15 for children ages 4 to 12 and free for children 3 and under. Registration is available at portagelake.org.
Demolition of the old dining hall is scheduled for Aug. 19, and construction on the new facility will begin shortly after. Eix said the updated space will remain a central hub for camp life, hosting meals, community events and even Onekama High School’s prom, a tradition the camp hopes to continue.
“It’s a space that we’re going to be eating in, but it’s not just an eating space — it’s really a gathering space,” Eix said.
