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SPRING NEWSLETTER
- aliciamorandesigns
- Apr 30
- 6 min read
A NOTE FROM JOSH
Greetings Lakeview Family,
Thank you for taking the time to see what is happening at Lakeview. God has been busy and we are excited to see what the future holds as well. As mentioned in our Lakeview Plan Video we believe the time is now and are working to make Lakeview your Spiritual Home for years to come. As we move forward, we will continue to prayerfully examine our Lakeview Plan and adjust it as needed to best accommodate you, create new opportunities, and attract new groups to these Holy grounds.
2024 was a year filled with many blessings at Lakeview. We finished the year with a budget surplus that is providing necessary funds to make renovations around the camp and address some longtime deferred maintenance needs.
In 2025, we celebrate hosting United Methodist and Global Methodist Summer Camps, the continuation of our relationship with Texas A&M’s Fish Camp, and the strengthening of both longtime and new relationships with our families and organizations.
We are excited for the return of Family Camp and are blessed to offer a scholarship to attending families, helping make it an affordable weekend of worship, fellowship and fun. This also brings the return of a favorite camp worship leader and we will make that announcement soon.
You will learn about the closure of our Peace Chapel. This is a major priority for us and we will start a major capital campaign to help with the expense of this project. Support of Lakeview through grants and private donations are key in our ability to move forward. Please be in prayer about how you can join in helping take Lakeview to the next level. You will hear more about the future in our next newsletter.
I encourage you to visit Iheartlakeview.org. Our Make an Impact page has several ways for you to join us in ministry. I look forward to working more with you.
Blessings in Christ,
EVENTS AND HAPPENINGS
ROOTED: FAMILY CAMP 2025
Lakeview Family Camp is back, and this is the year you don’t want to miss. From July 4-6, 2025, families will gather for a weekend filled with faith, adventure, and connection, all set against the beautiful backdrop of Lakeview.
This year’s theme, Rooted (Colossians 2:6-7), is all about growing deeper—in faith, in family, and in the moments that matter. Experience the thrill of quad ziplines, the energy of a silent disco, the fun of a family fishing tournament, and the joy of a 4th of July celebration complete with fireworks, fun activities, and delicious food. Whether you’re returning to a place that feels like home or experiencing Family Camp for the first time, this is your chance to step away from the noise and reconnect.
Registration is now open, and spots are limited. Don’t wait—make this the summer your family will always remember. Scholarships are available for a limited time! Find out more and register here.
JOYFUL NOISE: MID-WINTER HIGHLIGHTS
Mid-Winter was a weekend packed with adventure, worship, and unforgettable moments as we came together to make a Joyful Noise! We celebrated the first birthday of the Quad Ziplines, took on the High Ropes Challenge, danced the night away at Silent Disco, and faced off in Neon Dodgeball. Brave souls took the Polar Plunge, while others tested their aim in Target Sports. We wrapped up each day with s’mores by the fire, games, and powerful worship—a perfect mix of fun and faith.
We’re already planning for next year and looking forward to seeing this tradition continue to grow! Make plans to attend—you won’t want to miss what’s coming next!
Relive the best moments and check out the gallery here.
CELEBRATING ONE YEAR OF QUAD ZIPLINES!
This year at Mid-Winter, we celebrated one year of high-flying adventure on Lakeview’s Quad Ziplines! Since their debut, campers and guests have soared through the treetops, racing side by side and making unforgettable memories.
Over the past year, the Quad Ziplines have become a favorite activity, offering the perfect mix of thrill, challenge, and breathtaking views. Whether it’s the rush of speed, the friendly competition, or the feeling of conquering new heights, the excitement never gets old. As we look ahead to another incredible year, we can’t wait to see more campers take on the challenge. If you haven’t experienced the Quad Ziplines yet, your next chance is coming soon at Family Camp! Or, book them for your next retreat, camp, or team building event.
NOW OPEN: THE BARBER ADVENTURE CENTER
A new era of adventure has begun at Lakeview! The Barber Adventure Center is officially open, providing an exciting new space designed to enhance our Quad Ziplines and future Adventure Park experiences with restrooms, a covered pavilion for outdoor gatherings, and storage space for all of our adventure equipment. This incredible addition wouldn’t have been possible without the generosity and vision of our donors, whose support has helped create a place where thrill and faith come together. Whether launching from the zipline platform or gearing up for future challenges, this space will be the heart of countless adventures for years to come.
We are excited to see campers, families, and groups experience all that the Barber Adventure Center has to offer. Thank you to everyone who played a part in making this dream a reality!
FACILITY UPDATES
PEACE CHAPEL
As you know, aging buildings often require renovation or even reconstruction. Such is the case for our Beautiful Peace Chapel. After 62 years of providing space for worship and other events, the chapel is in need of major attention and we have been forced to discontinue using it. Our Building Committee is currently working to develop a plan for the chapel. When we have a definite path forward, we will notify you as well as provide an opportunity for you to support the project.
HOTEL-STYLE LODGING UPDATES
We’re making comfort and convenience even better in our hotel-style rooms! New bedside lamps with built-in outlets and USB ports are being added to make device charging easier, while matching desk and dressing table lamps will bring a cohesive, updated look. Plus, fresh wall art in Family Life Center rooms and Fair Village cabins will create a more welcoming, home-away-from-home atmosphere for all our guests.
COOL DOWN AT SPARLING CAFETERIA
We’re excited to share that Sparling Cafeteria has received an important upgrade—brand new AC units! These updates ensure a more comfortable dining experience for all of our guests, even during the hottest Texas summers. Whether you’re gathering for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, you’ll enjoy great food in a cool, welcoming environment. Another step forward in making Lakeview more inviting and enjoyable for every group we serve!
MEET THE TEAM
Lenise Shaw, New Assistant Food Service Director!
Lenise Shaw’s journey to Lakeview is one rooted in service, passion, and plenty of good food. A lifelong East Texan, Lenise grew up just a few miles down the road—often riding horses through the very grounds she now helps nourish and serve. With 30 years of experience in the food industry, she’s led kitchens, catered events, run a concession trailer, and even served as a Food Service Captain for the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, overseeing meals for over 3,400 inmates a day.
But what drives Lenise isn’t just the food—it’s the people. A self-proclaimed workaholic with a heart for youth ministry, she’s served on Tres Dias and Vida Nueva weekends and says some of her happiest moments have been watching God work through her while cooking for youth retreats.
Now at Lakeview, she’s excited to step into a role where she can be a servant leader, learning the front side of food service while empowering her team and letting God’s light shine through her work.
When she’s not in the kitchen, you’ll find her spending time with her kids and grandkids, working in the yard, or enjoying concerts with close friends. We’re so grateful to have Lenise’s experience, energy, and heart on our team—help us give her a warm welcome to Lakeview!
MISSION OPPORTUNITIES
You can help our efforts to make upgrades around Lakeview. We have numerous volunteer opportunities for you, your family, your church or community groups. Many of our facilities still need a fresh coat of paint. If you have a gift for getting paint on the correct surface we can use your help. We also have plans for Adirondack chairs and benches. These make a great addition to Lakeview and are a wonderful group project. As always, we also have trail work, tree trimming, and landscaping projects that need regular attention.
SHARE YOUR LAKEVIEW STORY!
We love hearing how Lakeview has impacted your life, and now it’s easier than ever to share your experience! You can now submit testimonials and feedback directly through our website, helping us spread the word and invite even more people to fall in love with Lakeview.
If you feel comfortable, we greatly appreciate video testimonials—your stories bring Lakeview to life in a way that words alone cannot. Whether it’s a favorite memory, a life-changing moment, or what keeps bringing you back, your voice can inspire future campers, families, and guests.
Thank you for being part of the Lakeview family—we can’t wait to hear from you!
