The 15th Annual Ness Lake Bible Camp Polar Bear Dip is around the corner…
Starting at 2:30 on New Year’s Day, brave souls will take to the water to raise money to send underprivileged kids to camp.
“If a pastor, a business leader, a popular/unpopular figure say that they’ll go in the water for a certain amount of money, it’s great! We’ve seen them raise up to $4000 on their own,” says Program Director Dave Horton.
It’s an ideal challenge for someone who can’t turn down a dare, but over the years, all kinds of people have turned up.
“It’s more than just churches! Apparently it works for curing hangovers, there are people who have just been doing it since it started, we’ve got people going in with their friends cheering them on, around 60-70 people in the water.”
Horton has taken part in every dip since its inception, and says there’s no easy way to enter the frigid waters.
“It’s like getting hit by an icy freight train.”
But it’s all for a good cause.
“Every kid deserves to go to camp and we have always strived to make camp accessible for all. One way we do that is by paying for part of the fees for families that are not financially in a place to afford to send their kids.”
Last year’s event raised more than $7000, and local polar bears have been upping the ante every year.
“We’ve seen some terrible costumes,” laughs Horton. “We’ve seen the Borat uni-thong thing… That was quite a piece of work. People with the group costumes are always the best! Last year we had Thing 1 and Thing 2, one guy painted himself head to toe in green and went as the Hulk.”
As usual, there will be prizes for best costumes, spectators are encouraged, and everyone will be treated to hot chocolate and cinnamon buns!
For those looking to take the icy dunk, check in is at 2:00 on January 1st in the Welcome Center (log building in parking lot).
At 2:30 there will be a short meeting in the gym to judge costumes and talk about safety, with free Polar Bear Dip T-shirts for first 40 Participants.
Since 2000, NLBC has experienced a 73% growth in summer camp attendance.