Camp Wingmann is a place where kids of all ages can experience Christ in a fresh, yet old and familiar way. From its sheer beauty to the lively worship of the Camp Wingmann band to the meaningful cabin times with counselors, Camp Wingmann is a powerful place to come to know and grow in Christ. It is every bit the old-Florida Christian campground with sunrises over Trout Lake and majestic oaks that shade its rustic buildings. But it is also alive with the newness, freshness, and energy of today’s youth.
What defines the ministry of Camp Wingmann is our core event: the summer-camp program. This ministry to kids is rooted in the skills and gifts of our counselors and volunteers. Our counselors are mostly college-age young adults who have either grown up attending camp sessions or experienced youth ministry in similar settings. God uses them to lead our programs and worship. The camp provides an encouraging environment where they can identify and develop their leadership skills while sharing their faith in Christ with one another and with our campers. Through the camp activities, daily worship, and programs they direct, our counselors are what make the camp experience the best it can be.
Our volunteers include certified nurses, program leaders, and chaplains. Every summer-camp session has a certified nurse on-site. Program leaders are lay leaders from churches in the diocese who lead a daily, one-hour, educational activity time. Our chaplains are priests and deacons from around the diocese who come to lead worship and give spiritual direction when needed. I started with Camp Wingmann as a summer-camp chaplain, and during that time, my passion for the camp began.
Though summer camp is our core event, we host other important youth events as well. One is our winter-camp program, a weekend version of summer camp. Others include diocesan events such as New Beginnings, a middle school renewal weekend; and Happening, a weekend camp for high school youth led by high school youth. Happening is a Cursillo-type weekend during which students learn about the love of Christ while also experiencing it. We currently are working to bring Happening back onto the schedule.
What does the future hold for Camp Wingmann? We are in the planning stage of a major renovation project for Yates Hall (formally known as the Mess Hall). Yates is one of our largest buildings, second only to the lodge, and upon completion will become our recreation center. It will be better suited for our general assemblies, classes, and gatherings. The renovations will include working bathrooms (I know—amazing, right?), updated audio-visual equipment, and a real stage.
So how can you become part of this work? I have visited many churches in the diocese and am planning to visit more. I love talking about Christ and what He is doing at Camp Wingmann. But the response I often hear is: “We don’t have a lot of kids to send to camp.”
Maybe not, but there is still plenty you can do to support our mission and ministry. We work hard to keep our tuition costs down. We rely heavily on monthly donations; in fact, donations provide up to 60 percent of our income. Would you consider sharing in this ministry by becoming a partner with us? We need your financial support and prayers now more than ever. Partnering is as easy as going to http://www.campwingmann.org and clicking on the blue “Donation” button.
Camp Wingmann is more—much more—than just a beautiful place in an old-Florida setting. It is a safe, fun place for kids of all ages to meet Christ and grow in Him. God bless you, and thank you for your love and support.
Train children in the right way, and when old, they will not stray. (Proverbs 22:6, NRSV)
Rev. Deke Miller is a graduate of Trinity Episcopal School for Ministry. He was ordained in 2007. He has served as assistant Rector and Academy Chaplain at St. Andrew’s in Fort Pierce, Rector of St. Paul’s in New Smyrna Beach and is currently the Priest and Director of Camp Wingmann.