Anticipation

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.