People look forward to lots of different things, whether
it’s Christmas or a birthday or a visit from family and friends. At Nathanael
we’re anticipating many good things, too! Spring is our time of greatest
anticipation. There is a long list of things we begin looking forward to when
the days get a little longer and the sun a little warmer.
Camper registrations are arriving daily so we know there are
already dozens of boys (and dads) who are anticipating a great week at camp.
Hundreds more will sign up over the next few months. Soon more than 500 campers
will be ready and waiting; that’s a lot of anticipation going on.
And we love getting camp ready for them! We spend hundreds of
hours each spring “waking camp up” from it’s winter slumber. This year we’re
sprucing up the dining hall with all new windows, and new doors on the east
end. The dining hall will also get a new roof, and we’re adding a porch roof
along the south side of the building to provide some shade and shelter. Also
new this summer is our 9-hole disc golf course. The course was finished just in
time for MANCamp last September, so this will be its inaugural season.
Trail Biking Base Camp is the newest addition to our
adventure trips. Following some orientation and instruction at camp, these
campers will head out to some of Minnesota’s mountain biking areas, including
Cuyuna Country State Recreation area. Guys entering grades nine and up are
eligible.
We’re always on the edge of our seats wondering what this
year’s noncom team will look like. We’re in the midst of recruiting our summer
leadership team. We’re receiving applications from the high school guys who
will serve as new and returning noncoms. What unique personalities and
abilities will they bring, and how will those things contribute to Nathanael’s
ministry this summer? They’re going to make a huge impact on hundreds of boys,
so this recruiting process is vital.
We’re also assembling our program staff leadership team,
including the positions of Assistant Director, Program Director, Resource
Director, Waterfront Director, Maintenance Director and Quartermaster. In
addition to their specific areas of responsibility this group trains, coaches
and mentors the noncoms. So it’s important that they have a heart not only for
camp in general, but specifically for the development of high school aged young
men. As Director, I greatly look forward to sharing the leadership of camp with
this group every summer.
We’d love for you get in on the anticipation and excitement.
There are many ways you can connect with Nathanael and lend a hand. Spread the
word about camp to your friends, come and help on a work day, pray often for
Nathanael, or help provide the financial support we need to sustain this exciting
and impactful ministry. We’re always happy to connect with you about the
possibilities.