Our Leadership

Pat Petkau, Executive Director

Pat was appointed executive director of Forest Springs in January of 1998. He had served as camp director since 1989. Pat is responsible for long-range planning and giving direction to the board of directors. Pat served as a summer counselor in 1984. He later completed the year-long LTD program and joined the missionary staff.

"Christian camping has the unique ability to give people a break from their normal lifestyles, and allows for spiritual, physical, social, and emotional enrichment in a natural, more relaxed environment. Our desire is that your time at Forest Springs would be just that - enriching, relaxing, and refreshing."

Pat is from British Columbia, Canada. He has bachelor's degrees in religious education and biblical studies from Prairie Bible College in Three Hills, Alberta, Canada. He completed a master's degree in educational ministries at Wheaton College in Wheaton, Illinois. He has been married to Karen since 1987, and they have three grown children and three grandchildren.

Board of Directors

The Forest Springs Ministries' board of directors oversees the policies that govern each of the ministries' four sites and provides guidance to the individual sites' leadership.

Our Locations

Forest Springs Ministries is a family of Christian camping and retreat facilities in Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.

Forest Springs Camp & Conference Center

Westboro, WI

Forest Springs Camp & Conference Center is surrounded by acre after acre of majestic forest along the rustic glacial ridge of northern Wisconsin. From this awe-inspiring location, the staff of Forest Springs faithfully serves thousands of people yearly from all over the United States. The 570 acres provide a rich combination of natural beauty, modern conveniences, and activities that help campers gain a fresh focus on the important relationships that are part of their lives.

Oak Forest Retreat & Conference Center

Frederic, WI

Oak Forest Retreat & Conference Center is at the center of Wisconsin’s 2,800-acre Straight Lake State Park. The facility provides a 19,500-square-foot lodge, designed to comfortably facilitate gatherings of up to 150 people. Overnight lodging accommodates up to 100 people, with plans to expand. As our guests, you can expect service that is personal, genuine, and professional.

Cedar Bay Camp & Retreat Center

Cedarville, MI

Cedar Bay Camp & Retreat Center, located on the shores of Lake Huron in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, offers a variety of events aimed at helping families, adults, and students make memories, grow relationships, and experience spiritual growth. This majestic setting provides a variety of recreational opportunities and housing options to meet many different needs and preferences.

Wood Lake Camp & Retreat Center

Grantsburg, WI

Wood Lake Camp & Retreat Center, located in western Wisconsin, will begin offering programs for youth and families in 2023. The ministry site’s mission is to see lives transformed by the power of Jesus Christ, through intentional relationships, creative fun, and staff who use the Word of God in the beauty of God's creation.