Camp Talk
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
One of the most magical parts of camp doesn’t take place in the challenge course or in a cave or in a corcl boat. Actually, one of the best, most transformative parts of camp takes place around the dinner table. Sunday night, when all the campers gather for their first meal together, the dining hall... read more
Prepare for the Future. Work at Summer Camp.
Not only is the college application process becoming more competitive and strenuous, but so is the job search once students leave college. So how can you ensure that you are most prepared for success in the workforce? Work at summer camp. It might sound like just a fun summer, but there are so many reasons... read more
One of the best parts of camp is the traditions. You can count on gathering together around the campfire on Sunday night to worship in community. You can count on meals in the dining hall or cooked over the fire, but always shared together as a group so that you have a place at the... read more
How to Stay Connected to Camp After Camp is Ended
Summer camp is such a special part of a child’s life. During their six days at camp, they make so many memories, meet so many friends, and learn so many new things. When parents come to pick them up on the final day, it is a bittersweet moment. Of course, campers are happy to see... 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?
