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.
For the Allen family, Camp Arcadia is so much more than a vacation spot—it feels like home. Now, five generations in, this tradition is their place to recharge, catch up with lifelong friends, and grow closer to God.
Kathy Beumer Allen’s connection to Camp Arcadia spans over five decades, a legacy that began in the 1940s when her grandparents first traveled to Camp from St. Louis with their two sons. Kathy’s own Camp journey started at age 13, and she has cherished every summer since.
The daily softball games, Sinners vs. Saints at Camp Arcadia, were some of Kathy’s favorite childhood memories. She remembers sitting in the stands with her grandparents, mom, and siblings, cheering for her dad as he took the field. It was a time of togetherness, connecting all three generations. “Those are some really great memories,” Kathy reminisces. “I can still hear all the chatter.”
For her, Camp Arcadia is a place of connection. “You immediately feel like you belong,” she shares, “whether you’ve been here for 50 years or just two.” It is a rare place where the “protective layers” of daily life fall away, creating space for authentic connection and deep, genuine conversations.
Kathy’s daughter, Mackenzie (Allen) Carpenter, has spent every summer of her life at Camp Arcadia. This year, the tradition came full circle as she introduced her young son, Bryce, to his very first summer at Camp. Having experienced Arcadia as a child, teen, staffer, and now as a parent, Mackenzie’s perspective has changed, but her love for the place remains constant. “For every stage of life, there is something to get excited about,” she shares, noting how Camp’s inviting spirit beckons families back year after year.
As a child, Mackenzie loved competing in the Camp tournaments. She recently discovered her box of Camp ribbons, which reminded her of those intense 3-on-3 Basketball Tournaments she played alongside her dad and brother.
Mackenzie has also made many lifelong friends from her experience attending Teen Weeks and being on staff for two summers. Time spent with Camp friends gave her many fun adventures, including an unforgettable kayaking trip to the North Bluff. She recalls, “It was a spontaneous adventure that I would not have been able to do by myself, but having the camaraderie and support of friends made it possible and very memorable.”
Kathy’s connection to the Camp community deepened during her time on the Program staff for End of Season. One of her most daring moments was calling a square dance—an experience she describes as one of the bravest things she has ever done.
Kathy also loved playing the “Human Slingshot” game, where she and the kids would stretch a massive spandex band to its limit before flying across to the other side. For her, this moment of play perfectly captured the spirit of Arcadia. “What makes Camp special is that sense of abandon,” she reflects. “You can be who you want to be; it’s a place where you can have fun and be silly.”
Beyond the activities, Kathy treasures the lifelong friendships she has made at Camp Arcadia. Throughout the year, a simple text to her Arcadia friends provides an instant connection back to the place she loves. Yet, she knows that nothing compares to the experience of being there in person—those unhurried hours gathered on the porch, where deep conversations become memories that stay with her long after the summer ends.
For both Kathy and Mackenzie, Camp is primarily a place to grow in their faith. They look forward to learning from the speakers each year. “The caliber of the Dean’s program is phenomenal,” shares Kathy. “It fills your mind with new ways to appreciate how much Jesus loves us.”
Mackenzie finds peace in a memory she has from Teen Week. In moments of stress, she returns in her mind to the Arcadia shoreline. For her, being reminded of the beauty of God’s creation brings her a sense of calm.
For the Allen family, returning to Camp every summer is a homecoming. From the moment they step onto the sidewalk in front of the Inn, they are at ease and are their most authentic selves. They arrive ready to immerse themselves in this close-knit Christian community and create new memories with the next generation of campers.
Begin or continue your family tradition of attending Camp Arcadia by registering for a retreat in 2026.
