Our mission
The mission of Ray Bird Ministries, Inc. is to share the gospel of Jesus Christ with the "at-risk" children and teens of the Michiana area, nurture those believers through memorable camping experiences and prepare them for participation in local churches.
Who we serve
At Ray Bird Ministries, we serve the economically disadvantaged children and teens of the greater South Bend area.
Our heritage
The late Mr. and Mrs. Ray Bird (Ethel)
On December 8th 1914, Mr. Ray Bird backed by a few concerned citizens opened the doors of the City Rescue Mission to South Bend's homeless and needy citizens. Their first Sunday School service was attended by a group of 24 children. The Bird's ministry would continue to focus on the needy children and their families for many years to come. By 1935 the Sunday school had an enrollment of 450 persons.
On an early summer morning in 1919 the Elks Club gathered together on newly acquired land purchased for the City Rescue Mission at Chain O'Lakes (now known as Bass Lake). Mr. & Mrs. Fredrick Cunningham and Mr. & Mrs. James Oliver donated the parcel jointly for Ray Bird's Fresh Air Camp. The Elks Club erected the camp's original lodge in a single day. It became a haven for hundreds of destitute families for years to come. The families worked through the hard times, the husbands seeking work in town while the wives and children raised garden crops at the camp to sell in town. The camp still has in its possession a large garden sprayer, which was used by the Bird's gardeners in the 1920's.
As years passed the camp evolved to meet the needs of each passing generation of needy children. The need continues and the program has continued to change and grow to meet today's needs. But the bottom line stays the same - we are hear to preach the Good News of Jesus Christ!
Today the City Mission no longer exists, but Bird's Fresh Air Camp now known as Camp Ray Bird, continues preach the good news of Jesus Christ to the at-risk children and teens. To learn more about Camp Ray Bird's history, email our director to receive a free copy of "Where Miracles Happen all the Time: A Historical Documentary of Camp Ray Bird" on video CD (plays in any DVD player).
Mission Opportunities
Summer Missions Trip Opportunity/Volunteering
You can bring your youth group for an excellent and affordable week-long summer mission trip. Senior high youth group students serve as junior counselors and kitchen assistants. What's in it for participating teens? A chance to see that God can use them, An opportunity to see God work in the lives of the campers and in their own lives, Opportunities to talk with campers about the gospel of Jesus Christ and to care for the spiritual, physical and emotion needs of the campers, Interactions with mature summer camp staff members, Exposure to many campers who come from tough homes - perhaps out of their comfort zone, and Great fun and long-lasting memories. Come join us this summer and help advance God's kingdom. Email our director to request an information packet. The first step in applying to bring a group in the summer is to download, complete and return a Volunteer Church Application.
Other mission trip/volunteer resources
Volunteer Staff Reference Form (two are required for each volunteer)
Get involved on Summer Staff
Are considering employment doing urban or inner-city summer camp ministry in Michiana (Southern Michigan and Northern Indiana)? Then Camp Ray Bird is the place for you! You can be part of sharing the gospel with hundreds of at-risk children and teens from greater South Bend, Indiana. Each summer 30+ seasonal paid employees are hired. See our calendar page for the summer calendar.
Contact our director for more information on summer ministry opportunities (and a great summer job) in this urban ministry in South Bend, Indiana. If you are interested, you can download the following
Summer Staff Application* (for new staff, NOT for returning staff)
*If you do not have access to Microsoft Word, please email our director for other options.
Volunteer Work Projects for Groups
We are always looking for help as we maintain and upgrade our grounds and facilities. Work groups (youth or adults) stay for free in exchange for the work. This is an excellent way to build teamwork and teach service. Families and individuals are welcome. If you would like to help, we will find a good job for you outside or in the office. Contact our facilities director for more information. You can also download a work group pre-arrival questionnaire.
Be a Volunteer
Would you like to share your talents with Ray Bird Ministries? At times help is needed in the following areas: kitchen work, grounds, maintenance and new building projects. Email us with questions or for more details.
Financial Support
Are you interested in supporting the work God is doing at Ray Bird Ministries? Please contact our director with any questions.
Ray Bird Ministries / P.O. 3717 / South Bend, IN 46619
Or you can donate on line
Why should my church support Camp Ray Bird?
Click here to see what one local church has to say.
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