Thank You John Jass

Dear Arcadians,

I am writing to let you know that John Jass, Camp Arcadia’s caretaker for the last 21 years, has resigned and will be leaving Camp Arcadia’s staff in the next few months. John and his family made the decision to move this summer to Traverse City, where he will be seeking new employment. He will serve as caretaker until the end of the 2015 season or until he finds a new job. We will start the process of finding John’s replacement soon. 

John, as camp’s second longest serving caretaker, has done much to improve Camp’s facilities and grounds. He was project manager for the refurbishing of all of Camp’s buildings, making sure they met guests’ needs and still kept the “camp feel” that we have come to love. He also has refurbished and reorganized all of Camp’s grounds and outdoor recreational spaces.  Literally everywhere you look at Camp you see John’s handiwork.  Having grown up coming to Camp, his love and devotion to Camp is evident in all of his work here.

John has made improvements and created systems that have taken Camp from a crisis situation to a stable foundation. In the 1990’s when John started he spent most of his time just making sure Camp’s buildings and systems were kept running smoothly. Now, after years of investment in our facilities, John leaves camp with efficient systems and a stable, well cared for infrastructure. 

Franco Marano, the assistant caretaker, will continue to serve Camp Arcadia and will fill in any gaps in the transition. Franco has been with Camp for the past two years and has been learning a lot from John. I give thanks to God that Franco is ready and prepared to help with the transition.

Join me in giving thanks to God for John’s service at Camp Arcadia. Camp Arcadia is stronger because of John’s efforts as caretaker. While he will be dearly missed, I am excited for John’s next chapter. 

In the coming weeks you will hear more about our job search for a new caretaker (facilities director). If you know of someone who might be interested, please direct him or her to me at chip@camp-arcadia.com.

In the meantime, please take the opportunity to add your thanks to ours for John’s service. If you would like to express your appreciation to John, please email your thoughts (and pictures, if you would like) to Camp at camp-arcadia@camp-arcadia.com or mail them to Camp Arcadia, PO Box 229, Arcadia, MI 49613.

Please keep John, his family, and Camp in your prayers as we all make the transition. 

Sincerely, 

Chip May, Executive Director

Here is a letter from John … 

Dear Camp Arcadia Guests,

After 20 years of living and working in Arcadia, Amy and I have decided to make a life change- and so we will be moving the family to Traverse City this summer, and then come the end of the camp season I will begin a second career.  A change of this magnitude is simultaneously happy and sad, scary and exciting, yet we are looking forward to this challenge and to starting a new phase of our lives.

I have been fortunate to have spent my career at Camp during a time of unprecedented growth and change. Gone are the days of running out of hot water for showers, and salmon has replaced casserole, yet camp still retains its essential core- that of providing a setting where people of all ages can renew their whole being, surrounded by the beauty of God’s creation and in fellowship with others.  It has been both a blessing and an honor to be involved in that transformation.

I’d like to thank everyone in the camp family for the support, guidance, and encouragement you provided me during my time here.  My life has been greatly enriched by the kindness and generosity so many of you have shown. I will always be grateful for the many friends I have made along the way and the wonderful memories I will take with me.