We hope you enjoy the Together Series, where we are sharing stories and videos from this past summer about how Camp brings people together within generations through play, service, and faith.
This summer marked a beautiful new chapter in the Roskam family’s Arcadia story. Thirty-five family members gathered at Camp to introduce a brand-new generation to the traditions they love. For the Roskams, Camp Arcadia remains a cornerstone for strengthening extended family bonds—a place where connection, fun, and faith always come first.
The legacy started in 1999, when Steve Roskam first heard about Camp Arcadia through his pastor. After reading an article about the Camp, Steve faxed it to his four siblings and parents to see if they were interested. The response was unanimous: within two days, the whole family was officially on board.
Once at Camp, the entire family fell in love with it in just one day. With sixteen children under the age of eight in tow, the Roskams were immediately struck by how perfectly the faith-centered programming and activities catered to their growing crew. By the time the sun set on day one, next year’s trip was already being planned.
Steve’s brother, Peter explains “One of the greatest gifts of Camp is that it removes the burden of hosting. With meals and activities provided, you’re free to simply enjoy one another. I’ll never forget watching my parents revel in the presence of their grandchildren in such a beautiful setting—there’s truly nothing like it.” Steve adds, “And the fact that your children are surrounded by young Staff members who love Jesus. Where else do you get that?”
Steve and Peter fondly recall afternoons where their children and their cousins were inseparable—splashing in the lake, digging in the sand, and ending every day with a trip to the Trading Post for ice cream. From those quiet afternoons in the sun to the thrill of playing Capture the Flag to the silliness of participating in the Camper Talent Show, these are the moments that have stayed with the family for decades.
With the Roskam family spread across the country, their annual trips to Arcadia became the glue that held them together. Reflecting on those early summers, Steve explains, “Those formative years meant the world to our family, and we want to continue it with this new generation.”
Although life’s busy seasons kept Peter’s family away for a time after those first five years, the memories never faded. The next generation of Roskams decided it was time to return. The momentum started at a family wedding, where Frankie and her cousin John spent the evening reminiscing about summers at Camp. When Frankie floated the idea of heading back to Arcadia, John didn’t hesitate for a moment: “I’d go back in a second.”
And they did. The cousins returned, bringing their spouses and children back to the special place that shaped their own childhoods. It was a beautiful sight to watch the newest little Campers toddling across the Patio, already beginning to build their own lifelong memories—especially with nine of them under the age of five.
Peter was delighted to see his kids take charge of this reunion. “It is such a joy to see another generation picking up the torch,” he explains. “They wanted their own kids to grow up together, just as they had.”
Beyond their deep family ties, the Roskams cherish the spiritual anchor that Camp Arcadia provides. They continue to find inspiration in the Dean’s Program, leaning into the insights of its speakers to strengthen their faith. In Peter’s words, having Jesus at the center of their time at Arcadia is what truly brings them together: “that’s basically as good as it gets.”
