Ancient Faith, Fresh Features Merge at Camp Wingmann

BY GLENN HAGER

Coming Up at CAMP WINGMANN:

Winter Camp for grades 3-12, Jan. 7-9, 2022 For more information, visit: campwingmann.org.

So many people who have experienced Camp Wingmann refer to it as a “thin place” where they catch a glimpse beyond the veil that separates the earthly from the divine.

This year the camp, which boasts a new ropes course and water slide, is up to date in every way a youth camp should be. Yet the ancient faith the campers have discovered and rediscovered there for nearly a hundred years remains the same belief in the same Jesus.

“This year we served over 200 kids in five weeks of camp,” said Director Joshua “J.J.” Joseph. “They were especially appreciative and ‘hungry for camp’ this season.”

“The tone for the year was set in week one,” he added. “A 16-year-old camper who was struggling and wavering in his faith rediscovered who God is and how he loved him as he was. At camp, he also discovered ‘his people’ and asked to be baptized. A staff member also decided to affirm her faith through baptism. That is how the Holy Spirit led from the beginning. Of course, there was a big celebration.”

Some interesting things also happened 30 feet in the air. “The new ropes course had a much deeper effect on the kids than anticipated,” Joseph said. “Being suspended that high in the air and letting go to swing over to a trapeze bar several feet away is an anxious moment, even with redundant safety gear. That simple action became a metaphor for overcoming fears, such as bullying, difficulties at home, mental health issues and so on. The kids often referred to the meaningfulness of this simple exercise.”

“It’s the people who make camp,” Joseph explained. “This year we had three outstanding assistant directors: Lauren Forgey, Andrea Ambert and Jordan Vines.” He met with the group every week, beginning in February. Some meetings were virtual, but each one involved an assignment. The meetings culminated with three days of on-site training.

“A lot of things are lost in today’s modern world that are revived at camp, including a connection with nature, the ability to socialize face-to-face and the formation of real community,” Joseph said. “These are the things that make us human, and these are the places where God shows up. Camp is a safe place where kids can be real and where the superficial things fall away as lifelong relationships are formed in the process. Our goal is to help kids become respectful, productive, spiritual people who shine the light of Christ everywhere.”

And there are still more reasons Camp Wingmann is special. “It looks like a camp from a movie set, only more beautiful,” Johnson said. “It began in 1928 and moved to its present location in 1939. All that time, people have been praying that it would be used by God. That’s what makes it special – thousands upon thousands of prayers.”