Volunteer Story - Stan
"My Home Away from Home" - Stan
My first experience with Camp of the Woods was in 1995. Our home church was looking to send a team on a short-term mission project. With help from C.S.I. (Christian Service International) I led a team to this beautiful camp. If I remember correctly, we helped build the “Bears” cabin on that trip. The camaraderie we had with the wonderful staff made for such an enjoyable time that we all wanted to return.
I remember that on another trip we helped finish the shell of the new office building. Of course, it wasn’t long before that building needed drywall, so one snowy week in February I brought another fun team, a talented bunch of guys that knew how to install drywall, drink coffee, and play in the snow (in that order!)
God blesses every team that my wife, Cindy, and I bring. Everyone has unique gifts and abilities that always seem to match the needs of the camp. I am always amazed at the beauty of creation at latitude 50, but what brings me back is the loving staff and the call to serve, to “lighten the load” in any way I can. I am a bit of a gearhead, so I tend to gravitate to the shop and turn wrenches. But there is always a way to smile and serve, wherever your talents may lie. You just have to give God the wheel and let Him steer!
Since 1965 the work of training and discipling young lives has been led by incredibly gifted and caring staff. God’s guiding hand upon Camp of the Woods is palpable. The entire staff loves the Lord, and have become family to us. It is always a joy to visit with campers and volunteers too!
