Camp Blog
We live in a very connected world. Can you remember a time before email, text messaging, and social media allowed us to receive news instantaneously? When I (Stacie) was 15, I got a pen pal. We used to write each other actual letters that we would send across the country to each other. I remember […] read more
What Do We Do When the Lights Go Out?
It’s probably safe to say that 2020 can be summed up in one word: chaos. The Coronavirus Pandemic turned the world upside down as people retreated to their homes, schools closed, businesses shut down, and travel was halted. New phrases like “social distancing” and “shelter in place” were added to everyone’s vernacular. The economic impact […] read more
Thank You to the Summer Camp Counselors
Summer staff sit together around a campfire. They have just spent two weeks training and preparing for summer camp. That means everything from learning how to make friendship bracelets out of string, cleaning program equipment and spaces, practicing lifeguard rescues, and singing hours and hours of campfire songs. They are weary but excited. The first […] read more
We’ve noticed an interesting trend at camp the last few years. More and more kids are showing up at the health center complaining of these strange, itchy, red bumps. It is the first time in their life that they have encountered a mosquito bite. It’s a new phenomenon for them that inspires alarm and is […] read more
What Happens When Our Plans Are Lost?
Some people are planners. I know that I certainly am. I like to feel prepared and in control. I plan and prep my meals. I make to do lists. I have a budget and weekly schedules I rely on. In some respects, being a planner makes me a good camp director. I have plans and […] read more
Summer Staff: Where Are They Now?
Jake O'Connor grew up at Camp Wyoming. He attended camp for 11 years as a camper and never missed a summer. After he completed LIT in 2010, he worked on staff for the first time in 2011 as a Dish Staff Member. He was also known that year as the "Honorary Night Owls Counselor." It was always his favorite camp program growing up, and he frequently spent his nights with the Night Owls as a staff member. Jake worked as a counselor in 2012 and 2013 and was an LIT Counselor in 2015. That summer, Jake had the honor of receiving his camp staff in celebration of his 15th summer at Camp Wyoming. He returned for another summer on staff in 2016 as the Summer Program Director. He's continued to volunteer and stay heavily involved in camp ever since.
After working at camp, Jake completed a year-long internship with Heartland Camp in Parkville, MO to get more experience in ministry. He then returned to Iowa where he accepted his current job as the Director of Christian Education for Bettendorf Presbyterian Church. He has loved serving with that church for the past 3 years.
Last summer, Jake married Dawn, a fellow staff member at camp. He's thankful for Camp Wyoming for many reasons, but one of the main ones is because it's the place where he met his wife! What are your favorite memories of Jake?
