Stacy Long
AFA Journal staff writer
March 2017 – A lakeside retreat, a historic luxury resort, and a peaceful natural setting on one of the most valuable and coveted pieces of vacation property in the Midwest. There’s little more one could ask, unless its adding the opportunity for spiritual growth, varied outdoor family activities, and full-service hospitality.
Peaceful pastimes
Begun as a retreat for the wealthy in the Victorian era, the 900-acre estate in Green Lake, Wisconsin, is now Green Lake Conference Center, purchased by the American Baptist Association in 1944 to be a Christian conference center. Today, now non-denominational, the center provides an idyllic setting where even the budget-conscious family can enjoy the amenities of a multi-million dollar property once styled for the upper class.
Recreational opportunities are endless at GLCC, including bike rentals for a breezy ride along the lake; shaded trails for hikes through conservation areas; lingering along the serene walkway of Memory Lane; a peek into history in Chapel Car Grace; zip lines and challenge courses; a swimming beach and boat rentals.
Two additional favorite features are a ceramics studio where guests choose and complete a ceramic piece during their stay, and Worldwide Gifts, a beautiful gift shop with a wide selection of handmade international wares that fund missions in their home countries. Placards with each item describe the associated mission’s work, and how the item was crafted by creative artisans.
“Worldwide gifts is entirely volunteer-run, so 100% of proceeds go back to support missions worldwide,” said Kate Triller, director of group scheduling and marketing.
For whatever intent, GLCC is a complete package in itself, but it is complemented by nearby popular attractions in Green Lake, Ripon, Princeton, and Berlin.
Room to grow
During one of many conferences and events scheduled throughout the year at GLCC, there would be even less motivation to leave. Programming from GLCC and other groups keeps things buzzing year round. With over 60,000 feet of meeting space, the opportunities are unbounded.
“Over 400 groups meet annually, including private events and family reunions,” said Triller. “We’re ecumenical – welcoming all Christians to come. We’re no longer owned by the ABA so we’re not promoting any one denomination. Our mission is to provide a special Christian environment … to produce more and stronger disciples.”
The summer months see some of the most popular events, which, according to Triller, are Quest Youth Conference in June and July; Holy Spirit Renewal Conference in June; Great Escape Youth Conference in July; and Northern Pines Family Camp in July and August.
Other events focus on leadership, music, writing, senior adults, and ministry to prostitutes.
With all that goes on around GLCC, the focus is to bring all who come on campus into a closer walk with God. Whether by engaging with other believers and family, by exploring a piece of Christian history, or by refreshing spiritually in the seclusion of nature, GLCC offers a setting for recreation and personal restoration. 
On an early June evening, light sparkles off the lake into the large windows of a lakefront rental home decorated with simple country elegance. It is one option among 5 hotels, 2 dorms, 14 rental houses, 25 cabins, or 78 camping sites to satisfy any budget. Dinner is served buffet-style at Bauer Dining Hall, where guests can purchase meal plans for the duration of their stay.
At GLCC, every need is met, for a perfectly peaceful stay.
Learn more at glcc.org or 920-294-3323.
