Big Turnout Expected for Camp Wingmann’s Winter CampJanuary 4, 2019 • Jeff Gardenour  • DIOCESAN FAMILY • EVENTS • REACHING OUT

PHOTO PROVIDED BY CAMP WINGMANN

The holidays may be over, but there’s still fun to be had at Camp Wingmann.

The spacious retreat located at 3404 Wingmann Road in Avon Park is readying for a big turnout this weekend for its annual winter camp. Held every January, the winter camp is open to middle school and high school youths in grades six through 12.

A total of 64 youth and 28 volunteers are expected for this year’s camp on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 4-6. “I think it’s going to be our best, yet,” said Father Bill Yates, director of Camp Wingmann. “The numbers are great. We’ve got a great program lined up. I’m looking forward to it.”

Yates said the winter camp is like a mid-year “thing” for youth, a way to get back into the swing of things spiritually as the second half of the 2018-19 school year gets underway. Camp Wingmann has a bevy of fun-filled activities sandwiched around prayer time and open discussions about living a Christian life.

After arriving Friday night, Jan. 4, and having dinner, campers will have a big day on Saturday, Jan. 5. Participants will have breakfast, attend chapel, listen to inspirational talks and then engage in activities such as Ga-ga ball and the ropes course.

On Saturday evening, campers will participate in stargazing with telescopes set up by Wingmann staff, and a bonfire with S’mores.  On Sunday, Jan. 5, campers will attend Holy Eucharist and then have lunch before heading home. Yates will serve as chaplain.

“We’ll have a lot of the usual outdoor activities,” Yates said. “There’ll be some fun competition, too.”

Etienne Ducette, a youth leader at Grace Bible Church in Sebring, will be one of the guest speakers at camp. Yates praised Ashley White, who served as assistant director at last year’s summer camps at Wingmann, for bringing back many of the same volunteers from last July and August.

“It’s all about getting kids to Christ,” Yates said, “getting them to know the Lord and getting them excited. You know, Wingmann is a fun place. What it all boils down to here is getting Jesus and the kids together; that’s what this program is all about.”

Registration for winter camp 2019 is closed, but youth are welcome to sign up for the upcoming summer camps at Wingmann. For more information, call Wingmann at 863-453-4800.