There is a special kind of magic that happens the moment you step into the Craft Shop at Camp Arcadia. Your senses are delighted by the aromas of the candle scents, the bright colors of beautifully organized art supplies, and the friendly hum of conversation. Better yet, there are well-trained staffers eager to help you or your child find that perfect art project. Much more than just a workspace, the Craft Shop is a place to slow down, enjoy the company of others, and discover the joy of the creative process.
The whimsy and wonder of this artistic space are a testament to the tireless dedication of Kris Park, who has served as the part-time, year-round Craft Shop Director for the last 16 years. During this time, Kris has been the visionary force behind the shop’s success. Through her deep passion for Camp and creative expertise, she has transformed the Craft Shop with several improvements and provided continuity from season to season.
Kris’s connection to Camp Arcadia began in 2001, with a friend’s invitation to attend a Women’s Retreat. What started as a single weekend soon grew into a family tradition, with the Parks becoming regulars at Family Weeks and Kris eventually joining the End of Season staff. In 2010, she took a leap of faith, moving into the staff quarters with her children to serve as the Craft Shop Director.
Kris spent two full summers working directly with guests, an experience that gave her a front-row seat to the shop’s daily rhythm and its logistical hurdles. She still laughs when she remembers her “great idea” to offer screen printing; while the project was a hit, its location in “The Cave”—the lower level that formerly served as the Nature Center—meant she spent the summer running up and down the stairs to keep up with demand.
Based on these experiences, Kris partnered with Camp staff and volunteers to make major improvements to the space’s design and functionality.
This transformation included:
- A New “Home Base”: Installing a central island to give staff a dedicated hub for assisting guests.
- Strategic Storage: Adding custom counters and cabinets to keep supplies organized and accessible.
- Expanding the Footprint: Making space on the lower level for woodworking, rock polishing, and other crafts.
- Improved Flow: Reorienting the staircase to create a safer, more natural connection between the two floors.
By turning her early challenges into intentional design choices, Kris elevated the entire guest experience.
“Kris has taken our craft shop to the next level,” says Executive Director Chip May. “I am inspired by her dedication to Camp’s ministry. She has created an incredibly organized space that is inviting, no matter your skill level or age.”
Kris’s eye for design was shaped long before she arrived at Arcadia. Growing up with an artist mother, she was learning the delicate craft of stained glass by the age of nine. She also worked for several years with the middle and high school theater departments in the Ann Arbor area overseeing set design, stage dressing, and props.
Over the seasons, she has introduced so many new crafts to the Camp community. Kris considers herself a jewelry fanatic, finds stained glass projects relaxing, and is fascinated by woodworking.
Beyond the logistics of ordering supplies and organizing the space, Kris’s favorite part of her role is preparing the Summer Staff. She dedicates several weeks to training them and remains a sounding board for them throughout the summer. By offering a supportive space to problem-solve, she helps these college-aged staffers grow in confidence as they navigate the fast-paced energy of a busy season.
Shelly Gallo, Assistant Director, shares about Kris’s impact:
“Beyond her incredible organization, Kris’s true gift is the generous time she pours into her staff. By prioritizing their training and development, she ensures a standard of excellence while creating room for their own personal growth. Her passion for the Craft Shop is a lasting gift to the Camp Arcadia community.”
Addie Richard, a former staffer, echoes this sentiment:
“The amount of work Kris does in preparation for the season is incredible! Her passion for the Craft Shop is amazing, and I felt honored that she entrusted me with it during the past two summers. Even from afar, she was always responsive and ready to support us.”
In addition to her leadership of the staff, Kris has carefully cultivated an environment that prioritizes relationship-building. Every detail of the shop—from the intentional layout of the tables to the shared workspaces—is designed to draw people together in conversation while they create.
Jennifer Powell, Family Week guest and volunteer, describes this unique atmosphere perfectly:
“Kris’s lasting legacy lies in her ability to help people engage with their God-given natural creativity while building deep, meaningful connections. She creates the space for authentic relationships during the crafting process.”
For Kris, the Craft Shop is a place where faith and friendship intersect. “I see God working all the time in the Craft Shop,” she reflects. “People who start as strangers find common ground in their life experiences; they craft, they talk, and they leave as friends.”
We give thanks to God for Kris Park and the incredible energy she pours into the Arcadia experience. We can’t wait to see you in the Craft Shop this summer—ready to connect, create, and find your own joy in the making.
What’s New for 2026
Kris spends her off-season researching trends in home decor and fashion to ensure the shop stays current. This summer, guests can look forward to the classics, plus these new additions:
- Candle Dipping & Decoupage: Forming your homemade candles one layer at a time
- Kiln Class (Freeze & Fuse): Creating glass pendants, paperweights, and ornaments.
- Embellishing & Bedazzling: Adding flair to clothing, frames, and canvases.
- Shell Jewelry: Handcrafting unique accessories from nature.
