Camp Wingmann’s annual Winter Camp retreat for elementary, middle and high school students went “beyond our expectations,” said camp director Joshua “J.J.” Joseph. The retreat, which convened the first weekend of January in Avon Park, Florida, included 20 students and 25 staff engaging in a variety of activities such as rock climbing, games, recreation and spiritual reflection.

Originally, 45 students registered for the weekend, but putting strict COVID protocols in place pulled that number down a bit. Those protocols included vaccination or a negative PCR test before the beginning of camp. In addition, all activities were held outdoors, but any indoor activities required campers and staff to be masked. Joseph said the guidelines were vital in making sure “everyone had confidence in being safe and having fun.”

Joseph said he was very pleased with the turnout, even with the protocols, pointing to some of the positive responses from those who were able to attend.

“The reason we do what we do is to connect kids with God,” he said. “Kids said this is the most impactful winter camp they’ve ever been to. They enjoyed the more intimate nature.”

New for this year was a renovated building being used for the first time.

“That was the first test run, and it worked beautifully because it provided a space for kids to worship and grow,” Joseph said. “They enjoyed being in that space.”

Now in his third year of directing the winter retreat, Joseph has seen firsthand how those moments in a camp setting can change a life. He’s a big believer in the ministry.

“There’s no greater time or space to be than at camp,” he said. “We did the math and realized that the counselors in a weeklong camp session spend more time with the youth than youth leaders in an entire year. So, we get to pour so much more into them. It has a greater focus on their ministry and connection to Christ. I don’t think people recognize that.”

Camp Wingmann’s office manager Christin Hill started out as a camper attending the Winter Camp retreat and enjoys seeing it continue to grow and develop. Joseph didn’t grow up in the camping ministry, but when he joined the staff, he loved it so much that he “wondered why I didn’t have this my whole life,” he said. Then he recognized the effect it was having on the kids.

“There’s a difference in a kid going to camp than one who hasn’t,” he said. “It gives them a sense of community and slowing down their life, something that sticks with them for years to come, all the way to adulthood. The relationships they make at camp stretch far beyond even school friends.”

Illustrating that point, Joseph spoke of a baby shower he attended before the winter retreat where he quickly noticed that 90% of those coming to celebrate had met through the camping ministry.

“The most meaningful relationships in their lives were their camp friends,” he said.