It was the last full day of summer and a camper asked me a question that caught me completely off guard. It was Youth Camp (ages 15-18) and on the last full day we do a giant outdoor banquet complete with elaborate decorations, a huge setup, and an incredible meal. It’s a memorable night that takes ALL our staff to make it possible.
The setup was well underway – staff were giving their all to make it as special as possible. A camper came up to me and asked, “Why are you doing this?”
I was confused. How could she not know? Could she not see? Then I realized it was my privilege to answer – I got to connect the dots as to what was behind it all. I told her we wanted a celebration of our time together and every camper to know how special they are, how we love each one, how we want them to know how much God loves them.
I think she saw everything through a different lens from then on.
God is constantly going all out to show how much he loves us and wants us to follow him…but so many miss it.
Why? Our world specializes in pointing people AWAY from God…making him irrelevant. Camp Qwanoes? Our mission is bringing people right TO God – especially children and youth and helping connect the dots as to what life is REALLY all about. This summer we’re going to make sure his love and truth is known and experienced by everyone.
Campers will discover how valued they are, how loved they are…all in the midst of amazing adventures and fun. Camp is an ideal place for faith to come alive, to put faith into action, to make a difference, to grow as a leader, to gain positive life-skills and friendships…and to discover and experience life the way God intends it to be.
Qwanoes is the combined effort and passion of hundreds who share this same vision to reach children and youth.
Last summer a counselor shared, “A girl came to me crying – she told me some horrible things that go on in her home. Her dad promises to visit and never does. Her mom and Dad always fight. She’s so broken. She’s considered running away – she’s thought of suicide. She’s 11. This week she discovered God’s love and she’s decided to follow Him.”
We see God change so many lives like this at camp each summer. Last summer we welcomed over 4,200 campers – it was our largest nine-week summer ever! – and we’re hoping for even more this summer.
Camp is an unsurpassed opportunity in our current times to reach children and youth with the Gospel. And it takes many to make it possible.
There are so many ways you can be involved and make a difference!
• Join the summer staff team for a week or two or the entire summer! Whether it’s on a kitchen or dish team, maintenance, activities, cabin counselor, nurse, doctor, driver, builder, admin, music…there is a role for all ages!
• Invite a child or youth to come as a camper.
• Give to help families who need help to send their child to camp.
• For high school students, join a summer leadership program and watch your faith go deeper and come alive!
• Bring your family to a Family Retreat or the Family Work Weekend or come to our “60th Anniversary Open House” on June 6!
Qwanoes summer 2026. Something is happening. Let’s give it everything we’ve got. Love so strong – life so alive. And everyone’s invited!
Submitted by Scott Bayley
Camp Qwanoes Executive Director
Press Release
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