NBI was founded with the goal of establishing young people in their faith and giving them a chance to live it out through practical ministry experience, all while building friendships to last a lifetime.
This spring, we’re offering former students an opportunity to reconnect with their classmates back where it all started here at Silver Birch Ranch. It’s a time for NBI Alumni to reminisce and immerse themselves in camp life once again, and have a chance to meet students across years of our program’s history.
Look forward to a weekend of fellowship, teaching (by our very own professors), and activities run by current NBI students on our beautiful Northwoods campus!
Retreat Speakers
Dave Wager
Dave Wager has been involved with Silver Birch Ranch since 1968 and continues to serve as our President of the Trustee Board, teacher, and friend of all who visit. With decades of experience in ministry, Dave has been a leader, teacher, and mentor to thousands through his work at Silver Birch Ranch. His passion for equipping believers extends beyond the camp, as he has taught at conferences, colleges, churches, and business worldwide.
An award-winning author with Grace Acres Press, Dave has dedicated his life to communicating the truths of Scripture in a simple, energetic, and challenging way. His voice is familiar on Christian radio, where he engages listeners with thought-provoking insights on faith and culture. Dave and his wife, Linda, have been married for over 45 years, and have two adult children, and continue to serve faithfully in their calling to spread the gospel.
Steve Sanford
Steve taught at NBI from its beginning in 1999 until he retired in 2025. He taught Old and New Testament Survey, Apologetics, and Personal Development Seminar. He is currently the Teaching Pastor at Antigo Community Church. He and Becky have been married for 43 years. Together they have three married children and 12 grandchildren.
Rich Hess
Rich, along with his wife Margie and their children Josh and Jaci, served for over 30 years at SBR/NBI. Rich was the Dean of Students and Professor for the Missions/Evangelism and Hermeneutics courses. He is most remembered for how he served together with the students, his heart for the lost, his red paint and loincloth, and his homework assignments.
Jeremy Lundgren
Jeremy Lundgren is the current President of Nicolet Bible Institute. He is happily married to Kaci, and they have three children—Samuel, Evan, and Annie. He holds a PhD in theology from Wheaton College, where he teaches as adjunct faculty. For over twenty-five years he has served in a variety of ministry settings, including churches, youth ministry, international student ministry, and as a missionary in Kazakhstan. He is grateful to be at NBI, where he can teach young people about the wonders of God, encourage them to follow Christ, and, with the help of Kaci, offer them generous portions of hospitality and fellowship.
Seminar Speaker
Ethan Keller
Ethan serves as Dean of Students at NBI, where he has worked since 2023, and teaches Old and New Testament Surveys. He holds an MA in Biblical Literature from Alliance University and previously served as a youth pastor in Minnesota. Ethan is married to Moriah, and they have three young children, with a fourth on the way! Outside of work, you’ll most likely find him playing with his imaginative kids or with his nose in a book, coffee in hand.
Retreat Worship Leader
Aaron Kulas
Aaron Kulas was an NBI student in 2024, and served the following year as the Guy’s RA. Aaron is currently a worship leader and youth leader at Springbrook Church in Antigo. He has a heart for people and enjoys serving anyone he meets. He enjoys sports of all kinds, square dancing, and jamming on the guitar! Aaron is excited to use the gifts that God has given him to further the Kingdom.
Registration Information
Retreat Fees
Per Individual: $125
Per Married Couple with Private Housing: $300
Per Married Couple Housed with Other Couples: $250
Non-Refundable Deposit: $25 (Included in Retreat Fee)
Early Registration Discount:
$15/Person (Register online by Friday, January 15)
$10/Person (Register Online by Friday, April 23)
Meals, Housing and Activities included in Registration
Tentative Schedule
Friday:
3:00-6:00 - Check-In / Settle In
6:00 - Dinner
7:30 - Chapel Session
8:30 - Sign Ups for Saturday
8:45-10:30 - Free Time / Canteen / Wagon Rides
Saturday:
7:00 - Coffee Bar Open
8:00 - Chapel Session
9:00 - Breakfast / Buckboard
11:00 - Free Time / Zip-Line / Horseback Riding / Airsoft / Trap Shooting / Pontoon
12:00 - Lunch
1:00 - Seminar in the Chapel (With Ethan Keller)
1:15-5:00 - Free Time / Activities
2:00-4:00 - Canteen / Speed Volleyball Tournament
4:30 - Hayride Tour of Camp
5:30 - Dinner
7:30 - Chapel Session
9:00-11:00 - Free Time / Canteen / Hayrides / Optional Group Campfire Night
Sunday:
8:30 - Chapel Session
9:30 - Breakfast / Buckboard
11:00 - Departure :(