It was Saturday night at teen camp—a sometimes stressful night for a camp director. A night when much is happening, emotions run high and quiet comes slowly. As I worked on the evening details I wondered, "Did anything of significance really happen this week? Were lives changed? Did anyone get to know Jesus better? Is camp really worth it?" And yet, as I wondered, God was working.

Not far away, eight teen guys sat quietly in the forest, their minds whirling. Not with plans of pranks and daring, but with questions—Does God really care? Jesus is coming soon, am I ready? I feel God is talking to me, what do I do? Over the next hour, their counselor listened to their questions, prayed for guidance, and led them to the One who holds the answers to our deepest questions. In an evening of business and stress, God came again and through a still small voice in the forest reached out and touched lives.

Camp Wakonda is a place where campers of all ages can feel safe to explore, to experience, and to share. Each week campers this past summer heard the call of our theme song:

You belong to a family,

You belong to a home,

Where the pain of broken vows and broken hearts is never known.

You belong to a Father who still loves you when you’re wrong

And in His strong, and all-forgiving arms—

You belong.

Whether you come to camp for the first time or have been coming for several years, excitement is in store for you. Experience horseback riding, swimming, ceramics, and a dozen other exciting activities. Each day is full of activities, capped off with a special evening campfire program. Plus, it is a time for making new friends, getting close to camp staff, and to Jesus.

Not only is camp for kids, but it is for the entire family. In fact, Family Camp is our fastest-growing camp. One Family Camp father recently commented, “There were so many smiles and so much to smile about, and all at a very reasonable cost to us.” Plan your vacation and come to camp with your whole family.

This summer our theme is “Treasure Island.” If you want to discover true treasure, come; spend a week this summer at Camp Wakonda.

For more information, check out our website: www.wakonda.org; or call (608) 241-5235 and ask for Aileen.

Mike Edge is the Wisconsin Conference youth director.

Camp Wakonda Dates

Blind Camp: July 2–9

Junior Camp: July 9–16 (Ages 8–10)

Tween Camp: July 16–23 (Ages 10–12)

Teen Camp: July 23–30 (Ages 13–16)

Family Camp: July 30–Aug. 6 (All ages)