The Presbytery of Chicago (PCUSA)…announced last fall that selling its “most valuable asset” was among options being weighed to repay an $11-million loan due Aug. 31.

Private talks continue regarding sale of the Presbyterian Camps south of Saugatuck’s (Michigan) Oval Beach, but this summer’s camp programs will be held, its current owner says.

The Presbytery of Chicago, which has run the 130 acres it owns alongside Lake Michigan as a Christian camp and retreat center since 1921, announced last fall that selling its “most valuable asset” was among options being weighed to repay an $11-million loan due Aug. 31.

Representatives of Lake-shore Christian Camping, an Illinois nonprofit which wants to buy the land and expand its use as a ministry, met Feb. 20 and 23 with Presbytery Reformation Task Force members hoping to reach agreement for a letter of intent, but didn’t.

Task force members informed the LCC they were still reviewing options. “As of today (March 11), no agreement has been reached with any party,” presbytery executive presbyter Robert Reynolds said.

The Presbytery did approve this summer’s camping season and hiring staff for it Feb. 20. But who will run future operations remains unclear.

The task force lists reaching a camping covenant with the LCC as among three options for the land at 631 Perryman St., which boasts three swimming beaches on Lake Michigan, 23 cabins and four platform tents that can accommodate more than 160 people.

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