Education United States Project #2955

At-Risk Youth Build Resiliencey in the Wilderness

by Camp Amnicon

Project Report | Jul 24, 2017
Summer is in Full Swing

By Jeff Barrow | Interim Executive Director

Dear Friend of Amnicon,

The long-awaited summer is now in full swing. I am so pleased with the staff that has come together this year. They are competent and capable. They are welcoming and warm. They are able to center themselves in others for the sake of the Gospel.

Because after all, good camps are always about the campers.

So far, we have had a wide variety of groups. One group included a friend of mine, a pastor in the Milwaukee area named Mark Jaramillo. I was surprised to learn that Mark has been bringing young people here for over fifteen years. He loves Amnicon and has seen the unique and wonderful programs we have to offer, the kind around which solid youth ministry is born. Many of the youth that came with Mark for a week on the Namekagon remarked on how their experiences taught them lessons about trust- trusting themselves and each other during the challenges they faced while on trail together.

This week it has been fun to have a returning group from Banyan, a Christian-based community center in the heart of Minneapolis. Some of the returning campers who were scared last summer are now eager to help the newer ones feel at home here. One girl shared how after a difficult experience on her first Amnicon trip, she came back prepared to “overtake the past,” trusting that she and her friends could handle whatever happened this year.

Because after all, good camps are always about helping people to grow.

In my short time here, I have also seen that Amnicon is a unique and wonderful place. We offer programs like Voyageur Canoeing on Lake Superior- trips that no one else offers, programs that change lives.

During this time of transition, the goal is not only to continue the programs that change lives, but also to build a ministry that can be sustained for another 50 years. For that to happen, we need your ongoing support.

Thank you for your ongoing support. Please join me today by making a gift to continue the vital ministry in this place.

Links:

Permalink

Jan 17, 2017
Tell Me a Story

By Dave Larsen | Board President

Enjoying some community time in the wilderness.

Tell me a story…

Dear Friend of Camp Amnicon,

As President of the Board of Directors this year – a year filled with ups and downs, challenges and celebrations – I continue to be amazed at how Amnicon keeps on bringing hope and healing to young people.

Year after year, canoe trip after canoe trip, young people experience the love of God in Christ and their lives are changed for the better.

When I asked the camp staff to tell me a story about what happens to young people when they are at Amnicon, the stories came. You see, each child is a story.

One story in particular stays with me because it sums up the story of many children.

Right from the first day of camp Pax was feisty and unhappy. Eventually we learned he was unhappy with himself. His sense of self-worth could not be any lower. And his life at home was painful.

After his canoe trip was over he made this comment: “I’m used to being yelled at, but the guides never yelled at me.” Maybe for the first time in his life people treated him as if they cared about him and loved him. His guide reported that when he hugged him good bye, Pax wouldn’t let go.

Hundreds of young people this summer experienced Christian community and had the opportunity to grow in their faith journey. Over the years, thousands of young people have benefited from Camp Amnicon.

2016 marks the 50^th anniversary of Amnicon. One of the best ways I know to honor these 50 years of ministry and service is to invest in moving Amnicon into the future.

You are part of the Amnicon story. Your generous support of this important work with young people means you are involved with their lives. Today your help is needed to keep Amnicon strong.

The annual fund keeps fees for a week of camp within reach for young people. Every young person who takes one of our trips benefits from your gift. Those who cannot afford to pay any fee are welcomed with open arms – because of you.

Will you consider giving a special gift to Amnicon today? Whatever you can give, be it $25, $50, $100 or $1,000 or more, will bring life-changing experiences to young people.

Thank you for your encouragement and financial support. By giving you will experience a great sense of satisfaction knowing you are helping young people grow up to lead full and meaningful lives.

Having fun swimming.

Learning how to build a fire with a staff member.

Links:

Permalink

Sep 26, 2016
Much More Capable Than Imagined

By Dave Larsen | Board President

A camper and their guide bonding

The people who come to Amnicon are changed because of you and your support. Youth and families alike experience real community and have an opportunity to be their true selves here. One of our at-risk groups who has been coming every year always has such life-changing experiences because of your support. They are a group from the inner city and do not have many opportunities to be surrounded by God’s creation. They truly embrace the opportunity to be real, be challenged, and be changed through their experiences here.

One of their adult leaders wrote the following about their experience on the Flambeau River:

“Thank you so much for supporting Camp Amnicon! Our Trip down the Flambeau River this week was amazing. At the beginning of the trip, everyone was afraid – of bugs, canoes, the rapids, and sleeping outdoors – but by the end of the week, were all paddling down the rapids with huge smiles on our faces. Camp really gave us an incredible opportunity to try new things and ourselves. We all learned that we are so much more capable than we ever imagined!”

Later, the adult leader went on to say “I think Amnicon is such a valuable experience for everyone – kids and adults alike.”

Because of your support, this group – and all of the groups that come to Amnicon – have the opportunity to learn that they are capable of things they never thought possible and are able to face their fears and grow as a community! Thank you so much for making it all possible!

Peace!

P.S. To hear more stories from campers and get all the updates from Camp, watch for our regular newsletter, Twitter, Instagram and Facebook updates—or stop by for coffee and let us thank you in person next time you’re in the Northwoods!

Paddling down a river.

Hanging out at a campsite

Paddling in whitewater rapids! Looks exciting!

Having a blast swimming!

Links:

Permalink

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 ›

About Project Reports

Project reports on GlobalGiving are posted directly to globalgiving.org by Project Leaders as they are completed, generally every 3-4 months. To protect the integrity of these documents, GlobalGiving does not alter them; therefore you may find some language or formatting issues.

If you donate to this project or have donated to this project, you can receive an email when this project posts a report. You can also subscribe for reports without donating.