The storm blew through Wisconsin on Wednesday and destroyed the Camp Wakonda Youth Division tent, which had to be relocated to the Nature Center. Photo from Zach Payne

June 16, 2022

A bumpy start to the summer season

As strong, isolated storms blew through the Great Lakes area this week, so too did a few bumps in the road for our summer programs.

The storm blew through Wisconsin on Wednesday and destroyed the Camp Wakonda Youth Division tent, which had to be relocated to the Nature Center.

In addition to the storm creating havoc on the Wisconsin camp meeting season, several summer camp staff from Timber Ridge Camp and Camp Wakonda have tested positive for Covid-19 or are under quarantine. Due to this unfortunate circumstance, Timber Ridge made the decision to cancel blind camp, originally planned for June 19-26.

While Camp Wakonda has not announced any changes to their summer schedule, Covid-19 positive staff, including Wisconsin Youth Director Zack Payne, are bunkering down as they wait for a negative test result.

“Though we've had trials, I’m keeping my eyes focused on Jesus. Hundreds of decisions will be made for Christ at Camp Wakonda this summer. That is why we do this, that is why we are here,” says Payne. “Satan can make all the fuss he wants…he knows his time is short. To God be the glory, to Christ the victory, and may the Holy Spirit give us power to move forward in ministry this summer.”

While circumstances and the storm may have put an initial damper on the start of the summer season, it hasn't diminished the smiles on everyone's faces. We invite you to pray for those attending camp meetings, camp staff, and campers this summer as they have fun and grow with God.

Katie Fellows is the Lake Union Assistant Communication Specialist