At-Risk Youth Build Resiliencey in the Wilderness

Dear Friend,

You are the heart of Camp Amnicon. You hear us say this all the time; and I hope you know that it’s true. You are, quite literally, the vital life force of this ministry.  

Because of you, Amnicon is known as a camp that follows Jesus’ call to serve the poor, the down-trodden, and the outcast, by providing wilderness experiences to all, regardless of ability to pay. Campership is what we’re about here at Amnicon. I hope that you feel proud of your camp in the Northwoods, and that you feel a sense of ownership for the empowering ministry that goes on here.

Amnicon’s very identity is dependent upon your generosity, and you haven’t let us down yet. Since 1966, we’ve never had to turn a camper away because of inability to pay. With your help—and only with your help—Amnicon can continue that proud legacy in summer 2014.

This year, we have the ambitious goal of providing $25,000 in campership funds to kids and families who would otherwise never make it to camp. That’s a big number—but it’s not just a number.

I want to tell you about a few of the many children who are hoping for the opportunity to come to camp this summer—the children who you can impact directly by giving to the Campership Campaign. They are what is at stake in your choice to give.

This summer, a group of young men from the foster care system will paddle and portage the Sylvania wilderness with their guides. I talked to Gretchen, their social worker, to learn more. These boys have experienced horrifying abuse and neglect. That long-term trauma, Gretchen says, has a negative impact on “everything they do, including their ability to be in a social setting with other kids.” And yet, when it comes to Amnicon trips, she says “they get completely invested, are very well behaved, and become completely different kids. These are the boys who need campership this year.” For these young men, camp isn’t just a fun vacation—it’s a lifeline. “It’s way more than one week.” says Gretchen. “It’s huge for these kids.”

Later in the summer, a racially diverse group of kids from the St. Olaf Lutheran Church in inner-city Minneapolis will be paddling the sparkling waters of the Namekagon River. These kids are part of a year-round peer mentorship program at the church, and Pastor Dale tells me that their yearly Amnicon trip is an important part of the program’s impact. “It’s a part of bonding—a special kind of bonding that comes from being in the wilderness. To resolve childhood trauma they need a time away, in close proximity to a group; it’s a place to work that out.” But money is always an issue for the group from St. Olaf. Pastor Dale says “These kids just don’t have any money. People don’t understand that.” The garage sales and work days they hold can only pay for a small portion of the fees. They need you to pick up the rest of the tab.  

Scripture tells us to “bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2). Today, I am asking you, in Christian fellowship, to ‘bear the burden’ of these precious children of God.

Yes, $25,000 is a big number; but together, as followers of Christ and supporters of Camp Amnicon, we can provide campership funds for every single camper in need. It costs $400 to bring one child to camp.   Now is the time to prayerfully consider how you much you can give to bear their burdens. For kids who have so little, any amount will help.

Please join me in prayer: for every child we will serve together this summer, and for all the friends and supporters of Camp Amnicon who commit to bearing their burdens.

In Christ,

Alana Butler

Executive Director—and proud supporter of the Campership Campaign

P.S. Thank you again for making campership who we are at Camp Amnicon!   I look forward to sharing with you in this summer’s ministry. Please give today!

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