BGR 2025
2025 Black Granite Retreat | FREE EVENT
August 29th - September 1st, 2025
Come join people from around the world in prayer, worship and fellowship at this unique event. Speakers, campfires, activities, small groups and chuckwagon meals are only part of what you will experience at this Holy Spirit filled event. Held in the beautiful Black Hills of South Dakota, the Black Granite Retreat is free and open to all followers of Jesus or those who would like to learn more about Him.
If you are a follower of Jesus or want to learn more about Jesus, this is the place for you. People from numerous states and multiple congregations will be in attendance. This is a wonderful opportunity to connect with other members of the Body of Christ.
The Details are in the Works
Be sure to check back and we will update this page as more and more details are ironed out.
Registration is OPEN
Make a vacation out of it and join us in the Black Hills of South Dakota this Labor Day weekend!
This is a free event, but we ask that you please register so we know how many guest to prepare for.
Love Boldly
Event Schedule
Wednesday, August 27 – Friday, August 29
The BGR campsite and facilities will be open for attendees to set up their camp and enjoy informal fellowship around the campfires.
Friday, August 29
4:30 pm – Welcome and Prayer
5:00 pm – Potluck Dinner
6:00 pm – Worship by the BGR Worship Team
6:30 pm – Message by Reverend Elijah Leong, guest speaker from Singapore (see speaker info)
7:00 pm – Campfire Ministry
Saturday, August 30
8:00 am – Men’s, Women’s and Teen’s Campfire Prayer Circles (coffee, hot water, and baked goods available)
9:30 am – Opening Ceremony with Pat Baumann, BGR Co-Founder from Custer, SD and Message by Dennis Pumford, guest speaker from California (see speaker info)
11:00 am – Small Groups/Youth Nature Hike
12:30 pm – Break/Lunch (sandwiches and fruit available)
1:30 pm – Small Groups/Supervised Youth Games
3:00 pm – Reflection Time, Fellowship, Tomahawk, Songwriting Workshop
4:30 pm – Welcome and Prayer
5:00 pm – Potluck Dinner
6:00 pm – Worship by the BGR Youth Team
6:30 pm – Message by Elle Lovett, BGR Leader from Hot Springs, SD
7:00 pm – Campfire Ministry
Sunday, August 31st
8:00 am – Men’s, Women’s and Teens Campfire Prayer Circles (coffee, hot water, and baked goods available)
9:30 am – Worship
10:00 am – Communion led by Ginger Baumann, BGR Co-Founder from Custer, SD and Message by Gabe Ziolkowski, guest speaker from Custer, SD (see speaker info)
11:00 am – Break
11:30 am – Baptism Ceremony
12:30 pm – Break/Lunch (sandwiches & fruit available)
3:00 pm – Reflection Time, Fellowship, Tomahawk, Songwriting Workshop
4:30 pm – Welcome and Prayer
5:00 pm – Potluck Dinner
6:00 pm – Worship
6:30 pm – Message by Lee Taberner, guest speaker from Australia (see speaker info)
7:00 pm – Fire & Spirit Event with Lee and Peta Taberner
Monday, September 1st
8:00 am – Men’s, Women’s and Teen’s Campfire Prayer Circles (coffee, hot water, and baked goods available)
9:30 am – Carry On Ceremony led by Jonathan & Dori Lovett from Hot Springs, SD
11:00 am – Farewell
Monday, September 1 – Wednesday, September 3
The BGR campsite and facilities will be open for attendees to set up their camp and enjoy informal fellowship around the campfires.
Small Group Topics:
Flowing in Your Giftings
Led by: Jonathan and Dori Lovett from Hot Springs, SD
Is God my Fortress?
Led by: Justin and Jackie Dighans from Miles City, MT
Refuge of Holiness
For Young Adults 14-22
led by: Elle Lovett from Hot Springs, SD
Nature Hikes
Anthony and Traci Miles from Dayton, WY – Youth Nature Hikes
Toddler Care (3 years and Under)
Provided by Emma Miles during small groups and speaker events.
Register Today!
Please register for this year’s retreat:
This is a free event, but we ask that you please register so we know how many guest to prepare for.
Register Today!
Please register for this year’s retreat:
This is a free event, but we ask that you please register so we know how many guest to prepare for.
This Year's Speakers:
Reverend Elijah Leong
Reverend Elijah presently pastors a house church in Singapore (Jesus’ Disciples Baptist Community Church). In 2010, the Lord enabled him and his wife, Mabel Snow Jade, to start an orphanage in Hyderabad, India, as well as a church-planting ministry there. By God’s grace, they hope to start many more orphanages and house churches throughout India and many parts of the world before the Lord Jesus returns.
Reverend Elijah gives glory and praises to his beloved Savior Jesus Christ, who has done for him far abundantly beyond all he could ask or think, as declared in Ephesians 3:20.
Message: “My Fortress of Freedom”
How can I find freedom and pass it along to others? Freedom comes in many forms. God wants us to be free spiritually, mentally, emotionally and physically. Elijah shares part of his testimony and inspires us to take action.
Dennis Pumford
Dennis and Debbie live in Northern California on 20 acres off the grid. They retired from full-time pastoring in Casper, Wyoming. Dennis has specialized in Bible prophecy, and has written books on the subject. They established Reality Check Seminars and have held seminars across the country. Also, Dennis is a patriot, loves American history, and believes God raised up this country at the right time for a purpose. Debbie, a retired elementary school teacher, is a seamstress and loves making quilts. Her ministry is making quilts for people in need of encouragement. Dennis and Debbie have lived in 12 states and Canada.
Message: “Taking Refuge through Intimacy”
How can I find God’s purpose for my life? God wants one thing… a relationship with YOU! Dustin ministers on the power of the written Word, prayer and our connection with God.
Lee Taberner
Lee & Peta Taberner had a divine encounter with God in 1993 and were radically saved, delivered and set free from a life of drugs and crime. Going from rock bottom to running successful businesses, they then laid everything down to follow the call of God & stepped into full time ministry in 2012 when they founded Hope Ministries International. Now, fully credentialed Pastors in the Australian Christian Churches movement, Lee & Peta have a passion to see the church in love with Jesus, equipped, empowered & activated so that they can overflow His love to those around them.
As well as managing their own ministry which includes homeless programs, training schools, large tent outreaches, mission trips & more, Lee & Peta are the Queensland State Leaders for Fire Church Ministries in Queensland & the Senior Leaders at Fire Church Brisbane South, a church they pioneered & planted in 2023. Peta is an author.
Message: “Taking Refuge through Intimacy”
How can I find God’s purpose for my life? God wants one thing… a relationship with YOU! Dustin ministers on the power of the written Word, prayer and our connection with God.
Gabe Ziolkowski
Born in South Dakota as a PK (preacher’s kid), Gabe grew up in the church. But it was during college that God put a desire in Gabe’s heart for more of Him. So, shortly after graduating college, he attended Bethel’s School of Supernatural Ministry where he experienced many breakthroughs with the Lord. Bethel is also where he met his beautiful wife, Charity. They have now been married 13 years and have 3 wonderful boys. As a couple, their hearts are for the local church and for missions. The Lord has taken them to many countries around the world ministering His truth and the gospel. Gabe’s heart burns for all people to encounter God’s love for them and to experience His presence in a tangible way that changes their lives forever!
Message: “Taking Refuge through Intimacy”
How can I find God’s purpose for my life? God wants one thing… a relationship with YOU! Dustin ministers on the power of the written Word, prayer and our connection with God.
Patrick Baumann
While attending a Dough Stanton Ministries revival, Pat and his wife Ginger were baptized in the Holy Spirit. At that instant, their lives, goals and priorities changed forever. Since 2008, teaching, preaching and serving the Lord became their passion. Pat studied two years at Vineyard Institute and is now a licensed Pastor.
“We are honored to serve as God’s hands and His mouthpiece. Our prayer is that people see Him through us and that we always follow His lead.”
Message: “Horn of Salvation… PLUS”
Is God’s salvation message the only message we stand upon? Pat looks at salvation and other messages contained in the Bible. As His disciples in today’s world, we must use ALL of His truth.
Activities:
Tomahawk Throwing:
That’s right, try your hand at the ancient art of axe throwing with a tomahawk.
Hiking:
There are many hikes to choose from in Custer State park and the surrounding areas.
Bicycling:
Ride bikes on the Mikelson Trail. Bike rentals available in Hill City.
Bible Journaling
Learn fun techniques to bible journaling to make your reading run and engaging.
Camp Fires
Hangout and fellowship around one of the many fire rings.
Bicycling:
Ride bikes on the Mikelson Trail. Bike rentals available in Hill City.
Accomodation:
Country Livin’
• Bring your Tent or RV and camp on site in the valley (No Fee)
• Toilets Provided
• Hot Showers available nearby
or City Style
• Many motels available in Custer (only
9 miles away!) and Hill City.
Info and rules:
Upon entering the drive you will cross a cattle grate. Continue straight ahead past the hay shed on your right. Turn right to head down the hill into the valley.
From Custer:
Take 16 east about 3 miles, turn left on Medicine Mountain Rd., after about 3 miles turn left on Saginaw Rd., after about 3/4 of a mile you will continue straight onto Black Granite Rd, after about 1.3 miles you will turn left onto the property drive.
From Hill City:
Take 16 west. About 1.3 miles past Crazy Horse Memorial turn right on Medicine Mountain Rd., after about 3 miles turn left on Saginaw Rd., after about 3/4 of a mile you will continue straight onto Black Granite Rd, after about 1.3 miles you will turn left onto the property drive. You will see signs and balloons to direct your way.
There will be a registration table/attendant at the bridge as you enter the valley. Please stop to give your name and let us know you are here.
You will see orange ribbon identifying parking locations on property when you enter the valley. If you are camping, you can choose where to set up in the valley (outside of the roped off day use areas). Most campers/tents will be to the left of the flagpole. There will be an attendant at the registration table to direct you as well.
If you need potable water to fill your camper or while you are tent camping, there is access to a well at the top of the hill by the house at the RV site. Please make sure the pump handle is down when you are done filling containers.
There are trash cans around the fire rings are for daily retreat trash only. For your daily household trash, if you pack it in, please pack it out.
There will be tables set up for buffet style serving. You can bring your cash donations for the Chuckwagon Will Travel Ministry, side dish, or dessert to those tables and someone will be there to receive your contribution.
Dog Policy
You are welcome to bring well mannered companions that are comfortable staying on a leash.
- All pets are to remain on a leash at all times.
If your companion enjoys prolonged barking sessions, surprise visits to other camps or just running free, this retreat isn’t a good fit for them.
Horse and Livestock Policy
Grazing on our property is leased to others. Horses and livestock must remain off site.
We want everyone to enjoy their time on the ranch and remain safe. Please respect the following requests during your stay.
- Quiet hours are from 10pm to 7am
- NO generator use after 10pm or before 7am
- Keep dogs on leashes and clean up after them
- Fires are only permitted in the designated area.
- Children are free to roam and explore the property
Safety: Our property contains water (shallow pond/creek) and large rocks/cliffs. Guests, including children, are welcome to play and explore these areas. Play and explore at your own risk. We do not offer child supervision or life guards.
Find Us…
Drive 3 miles north of Custer on Highway 385 then turn west on Medicine Mountain Road
After 0.7 miles, stay right on Medicine Mountain Road
After 3.0 miles, turn left on Saginaw Road
After 0.6 miles, turn right on Black Granite Road
After 1.2 miles, turn left into 11703 Black Granite Road
Register Today!
Please register for this year’s retreat:
This is a free event, but we ask that you please register so we know how many guest to prepare for.