We all need to take time every once in a while to reset and refresh, and it’s no different for our children and youth. That’s exactly what happened for many from across the diocese over the first weekend in January at Winter Camp at Camp Wingmann. The camp provided students the opportunity to get away from everything and gain some fresh perspective before they returned to school and all the typical routines that come after the holiday break.

Many grew closer to Christ, made new friends and felt challenged to take their experience back into the world and tell others more about God. In addition, Camp Wingmann has campers put their technology away so they can fully immerse themselves in the experience, enhancing their ability to connect with God and each other.

The theme for this year’s Winter Camp was “So Much More,” based on Ephesians 3:20-21, which says, “Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.”

“So Much More [introduced] campers to the God who is at once massive in scale and intimately personal,” said Camp Wingmann Director Joshua “JJ” Joseph. “Our hope [was] that everyone [would] be captured by the grandeur of God and his love for them and motivated by his perfect plan for their lives.”

Camp Wingmann is a place where campers can gather and learn about Jesus,” said Jolie Menendez, a camper from 2011-19 and now a two-time counselor. “The disconnect from technology and seclusion from major cities gives a grounded experience where one can truly meditate on the Word of God. Campers have the opportunity to dive deep into their faith along with others their age.”

“Camp Wingman genuinely has such a profound impact on the kids,” said Emily St. Pierre, a camper since summer 2017 who had her first experience as a counselor at Winter Camp this year. “Throughout the weekend, I watched these girls go from strangers to true sisters in Christ. On Sunday we had Eucharist, and the girls were asked what they could take away from this weekend. So many of them said that they had made a new friend.”

But the camp experience is about much more than making friends. Campers take the experience home with them too. St. Pierre said, “One camper specifically mentioned that the weekend had helped them learn that they want to tell more people about Jesus and be a light.”

Winter Camp at Wingmann offered a great way for young people, campers and counselors alike, to start the new year on the right foot, setting a great tone for the upcoming Summer Camps in June and July.

In 2023, Camp Wingmann will host four Summer Camps, including the usual one-week camps for each age level: elementary, middle school and high school students. This year, the camp is adding a two-week program for all ages.

“A longer camp experience offers greater social, emotional, cognitive and character benefits,” Joseph said. “You can think of it like the sun and rain with flowers – a little definitely helps, but more in the right proportions is better. Camp Wingmann aims to be that nurturing environment where children can flourish and bloom.

“Two-week sessions offer a slower pace, deeper connections and richer memories,” he added.

This year’s Summer Camp offerings include:

• June 4-9, Camp St. Mark, incoming grades 9-12
• June 11-16, Camp St. Barnabas, incoming grades 6-8
• June 18-23, Camp St. Mary, incoming grades 3-5
• June 26-July 6, Camp St. John, all ages (two-week session)

For more information about Summer Camp dates and rates, check out campwingmann.org.