What an amazing summer! We give thanks to God for the rest and renewal He brought to over a thousand people at Arcadia through our exceptional staff. Here are five (of the many) of the things I’ll remember about this summer.
1. The Bond of the Summer Staff
Camp Arcadia’s summer staff are always crucial to carrying out Camp’s mission and this summer was no exception. Having made significant changes to how we train, develop and lead our 40 college-aged staff members, we were excited to see if they would work and gain traction with the staff. (To learn more about our staff development model see our article: Leaning into Leadership: Rethinking the Staff Experience)
I am happy to report that our changes to the leadership model were effective. We spent more time in the first few weeks providing opportunities for the staff to build stronger friendship bonds. A highlight was the all-staff overnight camping trip which really brought the staff together and started the summer on a strong note. (To read more about this trip check out our article: Together in Nature: Staff Camp Out at the Platte River.) We also spent more time in small groups processing their experience giving them time to reflect and make meaning out of their service.
I was inspired and encouraged by our staff this season. They cared deeply about their mission to serve the guests at Camp, making sure they did their work with excellence. But what set them apart was how well they cared for each other.
Program Director Stephanie Jass commented during one of our summer staff meetings that if they wanted to know what healthy, Christ-centered friendships looked like, they should look at the relationships they had formed this summer—that this was the gold standard for relationships. I couldn’t agree more. I give thanks to God for our summer staff and their selfless service this summer.
2. The Launch of the Spirit of Arcadia: Growing Together Campaign
Each week this summer Sarah Olson, Development Director, and I celebrated with the Arcadia family the public launching of the Spirit of Arcadia Growing Together Campaign with the Stories & Sketches event where stories were shared of Camp’s impact from guests. It was a reminder of how God has used Camp Arcadia across generations to bring people together and them closer to their Savior.
There were so many awesome stories of how families first were introduced to Camp. One such story came from Greg and Beth Bram. They shared that a fellow church member, Bob Beumer, convinced them to attend Camp by filling out the registration form for them, paying their registration deposit, and basically telling them they just had to go. Greg and Beth have been coming ever since, bringing new people to Camp, just like Bob did, and helping widen the Arcadia family! Arcadia, like the Good News, is always best when shared!
It was also heartening to have such a positive response to the project’s details, as well as how everyone could participate through prayer, sharing the campaign with others, and making a financial contribution to the campaign through a one-time gift or a three-year pledge.
We are blessed to report that we have $4.45M pledged toward the $5M goal. I continue to be overwhelmed by the generosity of the Camp Arcadia family, “to the glory of God both now and to the day of eternity (2 Peter 3:18).”
Work is starting after Labor Day with the Oak Lodge being erected soon and the foundations for the Inn Elevator and Inn South Addition being prepared in the coming weeks. (Look for lots of pictures soon.) Also, this fall there will be a mailing to the Camp Arcadia family with the Spirit of Arcadia Campaign’s details along with a donation/pledge card for everyone. I hope you can help us reach our goal of having the full $5 million pledged by the end of 2026.
3. Inspiration from the Dean's Program
This summer reminded me that one of the best parts of my job is participating in the Dean’s Program. Each morning, once the sound system is dialed in, I make my way to the front row—a habit I picked up a few years ago when I realized how much better I focus from up front.
As the person who chooses the Deans, I am there, of course, to evaluate how they are doing, but much more than that I am there to learn and to be a part of an important conversation that we as a Camp community are having that week.
It inspires me to see guests dedicate part of their vacation to sitting in lectures—listening, learning, and engaging with one another around the Good News of Jesus. It is a truly special way for our community to gather in Christ and experience renewal of both mind and spirit.
God has truly blessed Camp Arcadia with such amazing men and women who bring God’s Word to bear on our life. I learned about everything from Exodus to Acts, the History of Christianity in America to Christian Hospitality. We had professors, authors, teachers, pastors and poets share about God’s grace and what it means for our lives today.
A special highlight this season was dedicating a new podium in the Assembly in memory of Rev. Dr. Paul Maier, who faithfully served as a Dean at Camp Arcadia for 61 years. His long-standing ministry was a gift to Camp, and honoring his legacy in this way was a privilege.
If you’d like to dive deeper into these sessions, I encourage you to check out Camp’s two podcasts: The Arcadiacast (2026 Season launching Oct 1), which features recordings of our summer Dean Program lectures, and Campfire Conversations (new episodes out now!), where I sit down with each Dean to discuss their topic in more depth.
4. The Power of Teen Weeks
Our two teen weeks in June—Alpha (for rising 8th–10th graders) and Omega (for rising 10th–12th graders and recent high school graduates)—are highlights of every summer. Attending these weeks in the late 1980s was my first introduction to Camp, and because they were so fundamental to my faith, they will always hold a special place in my heart.
In a rapidly changing world where adolescence feels increasingly complex and burdensome, these weeks are more vital than ever. They give teens a chance to disconnect from technology and simply be kids again—reminding them that, first and foremost, they are children of God, loved unconditionally by their Savior, Jesus. That is the true core of their identity. There is nothing better than watching them laugh, build new friendships, and experience a faith community that embraces them no matter what.
We are blessed with extraordinary leadership for these weeks. Trevor Kunze brought incredible energy as our new dean for the Alpha Retreat, supported by the steady hand of senior counselor Kristin Hardy. Meanwhile, Pastor Matt Popovits, Tanner Olson, and Brian McKenna returned to lead Omega Week, speaking directly into the daily realities of teens’ lives while drawing them closer to Jesus. Both weeks were anchored by our wonderful team of new and returning counselors, who serve as the frontline ministers of our teen program.
What God does during these weeks cannot be underestimated. If you have a teen in your life please check out these retreats.Your teen is navigating so much right now, and they are doing an incredible job handling the rush of daily life. Giving them the gift of a brief pause—a week completely free from competition and pressure—is one of the most loving investments you can make in their well-being. It is 100% okay to step away from sports practices and camps for just a moment; those fields and teams will be waiting with open arms whenever they return. This week gives teens a rare opportunity to slow down, recharge their spirit, and reconnect with the simple, joyful things that matter most.
5. Families Served by Camp's Ministry
Reflecting on this past summer, I am continually reminded of what a gift the Camp Arcadia experience is—especially for first-time families. During Family Week 9, we were thrilled to welcome many new families with young children. Though everything was brand new to them, they jumped right in, embracing every Camp tradition with enthusiasm.
Leading the mountain biking trip during that last week was a highlight for me. While I’ve biked this trail hundreds of times, experiencing it with first-timers was memorable. One family brought their three kids—all under ten—and they loved every minute. Hearing the kids squeal with delight at every dip and hill along the three-mile trail was pure joy. To them, it was as thrilling as riding a roller coaster.
As a parent of three young adults, I know how precious it is to have unhurried time to simply enjoy your children. At the end of the week, I love watching families gather around the baptismal font during the closing worship service. To see family members making the sign of the cross with water on each other’s foreheads, followed by quiet embraces, puts the entire Arcadia experience in perspective as the sun sets behind the Chapel on the Beach cross.
We have so much to give God thanks for: our staff, the families and teens we are privileged to serve, our wonderful deans, and the strong support for Camp’s future through the Spirit of Arcadia: Growing Together campaign. To God be the glory!
2 Responses
Chip, thanks for the great review of activities at RKD this past summer. We also enjoyed Luther Hostel with the two great deans and their presentations. I can’t wait to listen to podcasts especially of my 2 favorites, Just and Brusek. When I was there in May working with Franco I could already begin to feel the closeness of the staff and am so glad they had a great summer. As you well know, Kitty and I have donated to camp every year since returning to MIchigan in 2019. Howeve, this year we will be making a pledge to the new campaign and look forward to the improvements.
I am also pleased that 4 of my friends from St. John will be joining me for the Men’s retreat in October – 3 of the 4 are first timers. Blessings to you and Sarah and your family. See you 10/2
Arcadia is such a blessing!!🙏🙏