As we look toward GivingTuesday tomorrow, we are excited to be sharing some more stories that remind us why our camps matter. This ministry thrives because so many people choose to invest in it.Here is a story from our Managing Director at Stayner, Kathleen DenBok.

Stayner Camp is Still Changing Lives – 100 Years And Counting!

Despite the wild weather swings of 2025—when we were snowed on, rained on, and sunned on, sometimes all in the same weekend—I continue to love and lead Stayner Camp with my whole heart. As Managing Director, I got to witness thousands of guests laughing, worshiping, and making memories, all while our team served over 5,000 scoops of ice cream and flipped more than 3,000 burgers with joyful determination. Whether we were soaked from the rain or dripping with sweat, we kept showing up with the same simple goal: that every person who stepped onto this campground would encounter the life-changing love of Jesus. And honestly? That’s why I’m still here—because there’s nothing quite like watching God move in a place where both the ice cream and the grace flow freely.

We had a gentleman walk onto the campground on Oasis Day because his barber mentioned the free concert that night. He had recently lost his wife and was feeling lonely and lost. He continued to return each day during the first week of Family Camp. During the Long Weekend, our speaker presented the gospel clearly, and when the congregation was asked if anyone would like to receive Christ, both of his hands shot into the air.

Later that evening, while Tim Loveday was laying out the events for the next day, he mentioned that we had a baptism planned and that anyone who wanted to be baptized could speak to him. The gentleman went straight to Tim to ask if baptism was for him too. That Sunday morning he was baptized! He continued to attend services right until the end of Family Camp and is now being mentored by one of our local pastors.

Stories like this are why we give. God continues to use Stayner and Mishewah as places of healing, hope, and new beginnings.

Kathleen denBok

After the busyness and consumerism of Black Friday and Cyber Monday, we invite you to consider giving back to ECM to help keep our camps thriving. Your support makes it possible for people of all ages to meet Jesus, to find community, and to experience the kind of life-changing moments we get the privilege to see each summer for the last 100 years!

Thank you for helping create spaces where lives are changed!