In 1978, two North Dakota women had a vision to provide and outdoor-experience Bible camp to Catholic children in north-central North Dakota. Trinity Bible Camp has been in operation for 45 years and is still going strong.
On March 14, Catholic Charities North Dakota honored the founders of Trinity Bible Camp. Annette Mears and Dorothy Gustafson, with the 2023 Caritas Award. The award is given annually to persons or organizations in recognition of outstanding service and love for humanity.
According to the Catholic Charities award program, “The vision of Annette and Dorothy was to create a Catholic summer camp that ministers to the hearts, minds and spirits of children in many capacities. By following the will and direction of the Father, Annette and Dorothy have dedicated their lives to building and providing a faith-filled camping experience to Catholic children of North Dakota and children from neighboring states.”
Annette and Dorothy are both parishioners of St. Joachim Church in Rolla.