After nearly 30 incredible years on the shores of Lake Enemy Swim at Camp NeSoDak, we’re excited to announce a new chapter for Camp Gilbert! Our 2025 camp will be held at Lake Poinsett Methodist Camp from June 15-20, 2025. With this change, we’ll be able to welcome 25-50 additional campers thanks to the expanded capacity!

While the location may be different, the spirit of Camp Gilbert remains the same. Our core schedule, activities, and traditions will continue, and we can’t wait to see what new friendships and memories are created at Lake Poinsett.

For those interested in learning more about the transition and what to expect at the new location, we’re hosting two informational sessions:

• Sunday, October 27 at 1 p.m. – Register Here
• Monday, October 28 at 7 p.m. – Register Here

Registration is required for these sessions. They’ll be great opportunities to meet our team, explore what’s in store for 2025, and get your questions answered.

Camper registration will open on February 22, 2025, at 8:00 a.m. CT. Be sure to mark your calendars so you can secure your spot!

Hello Camp Gilbert Family!

Welcome to the very first edition of "The Dose," our brand-new newsletter! We're thrilled to kick off this journey with you, bringing you all the latest news, stories, and updates from our wonderful camp community.

We just wrapped up an incredible week at Camp Gilbert 2024, and our hearts are overflowing with gratitude and joy. This year, we saw so many smiling faces, new friendships blossoming, and unforgettable memories being made. Every moment was special, from the exciting adventure hikes to the heartfelt campfire stories. Thank you to all our campers, parents, volunteers, and staff who made this week so fulfilling!

This Year's Highlight: "Mystery of the Missing Insulin"
This year's camp was abuzz with excitement as campers embarked on a thrilling adventure to solve the "Mystery of the Missing Insulin." The theme kicked off with breaking news: Vicky, a local resident with Type 1 Diabetes, reported her insulin vials stolen. The camp rallied to solve this mystery, turning every camper into a keen-eyed detective.

Campers received a ransom note from the mysterious thief, challenging them to find the missing vials by solving clues scattered around the camp. Guided by camp counselors and local authorities, the young sleuths embraced their role, uncovering clues with magnifying glasses and notebooks, piecing together evidence, and working as a team.
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Throughout the week, campers decoded messages, interrogated suspects, and followed trails that led them closer to solving the mystery. Every day was filled with suspense and camaraderie, from secret morning messages to evening enigma puzzles. The mystery culminated on Thursday night when the thief's identity, the insulin's location, and the getaway vehicle were finally revealed. The entire camp celebrated their hard-earned victory, reinforcing the power of community and teamwork.

​Onward to 2025
While camp might be over, the adventure never ends at Camp Gilbert. We have some exciting news on the horizon coming up that will make your experience even better. Although we can't reveal all the details yet, know that these changes will continue to grow our camp community and strengthen our bonds. Stay tuned for more updates in future editions of "The Dose!"

Grateful Hearts
We are incredibly thankful for the unwavering support from our campers, parents, volunteers, and donors. Your enthusiasm and generosity inspire us to make each year more special than the last. A heartfelt thank you to our amazing volunteers and donors for their invaluable contributions. Your support allows us to create unforgettable experiences for our campers and strengthen our camp community. We also want to express our deepest appreciation to the families for sharing their wonderful children with us and helping us grow this camp family. Together, we are making a difference and creating lifelong memories.

Camper Reflections
Here's what some of our campers had to say about this year's camp:

• "The best part of camp was the games! I'd love to see softball and baseball added next year."
• "I had so much fun playing games and trying new things. Adding a water buffalo by the cabins would be awesome!"
• "Meeting new people and learning new games and songs was amazing. I also learned more about managing my insulin during activities."
• "I loved everything, especially learning how to make a chevron bracelet pattern. The cold showers were a bit of a shock, but it added to the adventure!"
• "The people in my cabin were super funny, and I loved playing games like Eliminator. My providers were very good at their jobs, thank you, doctors!"

The campers also shared some valuable lessons and ideas for next year:

• "I learned that it's not scary to put your site on. Next year, I want to learn how to be like a counselor!"
• "I discovered that you can use deodorant to help with bug bites. I want to learn more helpful tips like this."
• "Trying new things and making new friends was the highlight. I'd love to see more cabin games and activities."
• "I learned that teamwork is essential. I also found out that you don't need a pump to play and swim in the lake or take a shower."

​Thank you to all the campers for their wonderful feedback and for making this year so memorable! We can’t wait to welcome you back next year for more fun and learning.

Sweetest Day of Golf: September 9, 2024
Mark your calendars for the Sweetest Day of Golf: a day of fun and fundraising to support Camp Gilbert, courtesy of the Cosmopolitan Club.

Until there’s a cure…
Thank you for being part of our Camp Gilbert family. Your support and enthusiasm keep our community strong and vibrant. Here’s to a fantastic summer and many more adventures to come!
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With gratitude,
The Camp Gilbert Team​