Author: Cliff Cunningham

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President

“… for he acknowledges my name”

“Because he loves me,” says the LORD, “I will rescue him;
I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.

“He will call on me, and I will answer him;
I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him.

With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation.”
—  Psalm. 91: 14-16

During this time as we isolate and hover at home, the Psalms have been my go-to comfy chair. This morning as I read Psalm 91, so many camper faces came to mind; And it dawned on me, isn’t this exactly what we are trying to instill into campers’ minds those few precious days spent on the hill?

God will rescue. God will protect. God will answer. God will deliver. God will honor.

If we can just pull back the curtain for them to understand just how true this is, then our mission will be complete. We will have done what we could to show them how to live in times of good and bad.

Camp family, I know there is much uncertainty right now. I’m sure thoughts of Wisconsin Christian Youth Camp and how this crisis will affect the camp this summer have crossed more than a few minds.

Rest assured, the camp board has spent time discussing and praying about what’s to come. The simple answer is, we don’t know. You don’t know. Only God knows.

But, I want to assure you whatever happens this summer, we as a camp family will prevail. We have a calling and we will not take our eyes off of our mission.

Let’s pray together for our campers and our camp in the days ahead.

Let’s acknowledge the name of God and let’s wait on His prompting.

—

Deb Cleveland
President, WCYC Board of Directors

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Uncategorized

T-Shirt Design Contest

Calling all artists!

For the WCYC Youth Camp Sessions, for summer 2020, we are holding a t-shirt design contest!

Every summer, we distribute a themed t-shirt to all campers and staff. The same design is used throughout all sessions. The t-shirt typically displays some imagery, or an inspirational message. It lends a sense of community for the whole of WCYC, and serves as a marker in time.

This year, we are looking for input… for fresh ideas… for clever designs.

Submit your t-shirt design by sending an email with your name, contact info, and submitted image to [email protected]

(You should receive a confirmation email, to confirm receipt.)

Thanks, and good luck!

Entries will be received until Saturday morning, 6am, May 2. The decision will be made, and the winner notified immediately.

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Uncategorized

Introducing our new Operations Manager

Introducing WCYC’s New Operations Manager

To all campers, parents, and friends of WCYC:

We are excited to introduce our new Operations Manager, Patrick Crowe!

Patrick will be starting his new position with camp during this winter off-season, preparing to hit the ground running in the Spring, to ensure the grounds and facilities are ready for Summer Camp 2019.

Patrick is a professional carpenter, framer and site manager. He has worked on both residential and large-facility locations. He also has experience with most aspects of a construction site, including plumbing, electrical, concrete, foundation and the use of heavy machinery. All of this skill and knowledge will be invaluable as he helps WCYC keep its 20+ buildings, and 450 acres clean, operational and safe.

Patrick is married to Kailey (formerly Betts). These two are wonderful, dedicated, serious-yet-fun people, who are eager to bring their talents, and their love for Jesus into this new responsibility.

The two actually met through camp. They were both campers in their youth. Before he was old enough to be a camper, Patrick accompanied his mom, who had volunteered for several years as a nurse. Kailey and her family have been deeply involved with camp for several years. Kailey’s mother, Adrienne Betts, currently serves as WCYC’s Kitchen Manager. (And she is wonderful!) And, Kailey’s father, Bill Betts, is a general contractor, and has been indispensable this past summer and fall helping WCYC through the last summer session, and preparing camp for the winter.

After getting married in April of 2017, Patrick and Kailey moved to Oshkosh, Wisconsin. There, as a new young couple, they were heavily involved in their local congregation. One of their favorite ministries was serving as joint leaders of the youth group.

For both of them, WCYC served as an integral foundation for their spiritual awakening and development. The summer camp sessions provided a Godly space… beautiful scenery, Bible studies with peers, mentors, fun & games, devotionals, memories… and life-long friendships. Across several summers, as they transitioned from campers to adults, they both showed their love for camp by severing at multiple camp sessions in several staff and leadership roles.

In other words… Patrick & Kailey know camp. They love camp. WCYC is truly blessed to have such a capable, passionate couple taking on this ministry which we all love so much.

Please, join us in a prayer of thanksgiving, that God has brought these two servant-leaders to us. And, pray for Patrick and Kailey, as they transition their lives over to Black River Falls, and as they begin this new chapter of their marriage, their lives, and their personal spiritual journeys.

 

 

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Uncategorized

Madison 24-Hr Youth Rally

Madison 24-Hr Youth Rally, Nov 17-18

For students 7th grade and up.

Saturday, November 17
Start at 12pm
Mandrake Road Church of Christ, in Madison, WI (click for map)
Ends at 12pm on Sunday, November 18

What you need to know:

  • Games, camp fire, devo time & singing, snacks, meals, and a service project
  • We are sleeping at the church building.
    • There are no showers. (You’ll be fine.)
  • We will have some outdoor activities. Bring warm play clothes.
  • Meals and snacks provided.
    • Please, don’t bring your own food, unless for dietary needs.
  • What to bring:
    • sleeping bag & pillow
    • tooth brush
    • Bible
    • outdoor clothes
  • Must RSVP

Spread the word!

(Also, if you are an adult, and would be willing to help us chaperone, please, let us know.)

 

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Uncategorized

WCYC Operations Manager Job Description

WCYC Operations Manager Job Description

Wisconsin Christian Youth Camp is seeking an individual to fill the position of Operations Manager. Responsibilities include operational and maintenance duties. Successful applicants will have strong people and communication skills, and handyman abilities. This unique opportunity is part-time. Compensation includes private housing and utilities, and off-season flexibility for outside employment or personal interests. More details are available at http://www.wcyc.org/operations-manager-application/ or via email at [email protected].

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Uncategorized

The Johnsons are moving on…

The Johnsons are moving on:

 In February 2015, Brandt and Jennifer Johnson (and daughter Tatiana and son Benaiah) joined team WCYC. During these three years, Wisconsin Christian Youth Camp has been richly blessed by their service, energy, commitment, creativity and love.
 
But, as scripture informs us, there is a time and a season for everything. Brandt has accepted a new position as the Maintenance Superintendent at a home for disabled adults and children in Bemidji, Minnesota. His last day with WCYC will be July 16. This new position is a great opportunity for Brandt, and will allow them to be much closer to extended family. Jennifer’s mother was recently diagnosed with advanced cancer. So they will be closer to her family through this trying time. It was a difficult decision, but God made it very clear that they should be in Bemidji with their family.
 
As always happens with this position, the Johnsons’ legacy will live on for years to come at WCYC:
– Brandt and his family created and erected the sign out front of the Great Hall.
– They installed a new roof on the residence’s garage and the Great Hall.
– They fixed the chimney on the Great Hall.
– They installed the new stonework on the front of the fireplace in the Great Hall.
– They put new siding on the bell tower.
– They remodeled the Staff Bathrooms.
– They installed new fountains on the Bath House.
– They installed all our new paper towel dispensers.
 
In addition to these bigger, high-profile projects, they spent countless hours maintaining walking paths, picking up deadfall, cleaning cabins, repairing benches at fire circles, interfacing with state and county officials, consulting on numerous projects, managing the hunting season property use, clearing snow, repairing drainage structures, installing kitchen equipment, answering phones, contributing to the FB page, and on and on. Such is the role of WCYC’s Operations Manager.
 
For all of these efforts — big and little — Wisconsin Christian Youth Camp offers the Johnsons our heartfelt “thank you”, and we wish them boundless success and blessings in the next chapters of Life.

Categories
C

WCYC Work Day

WCYC Work Day

Saturday, May 7, 2016, 8a to 4p(?)

Lunch provided if you RSVP to [email protected]

Come be part of the solution!!!GaryB and a saw

WCYC is 450 acres of wild, natural Wisconsin forest. As such, Nature is constantly trying to reclaim our campground.

Plant growth, erosion, humidity, animals, and the elements… all take their toll on our buildings, our roads, our campfire sites, our walking paths. A lot of effort is required every year just maintaining what we have.

Add to that a lengthy wish-list of improvements that will make WCYC even more awesome, and we have a situation requiring a LOT of effort from good folks just like you. Come! Help ensure WCYC is preserved and improved for generations to come.

Work Day #3 May 5th2012 043 (reduced)Bring a friend, or a van-load of friends. And, bring your toolbox, some garden gear, and a pair of stout working gloves… and, wear clothes that can tolerate a little dirt.

Not only will you be aiding WCYC in continuing its mission to spread the Gospel… but, you will make friends, and deepen your ties to the family at WCYC.

Lunch is always provided. So, please, let us know if you are coming.

To RSVP for the Work Day — or for more details — contact the WCYC front office at [email protected], or (715) 284-2979.

Categories
B

WCYC Youth Rally

WCYC Spring Youth Rally

April 15 thru 17, 2016

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WCYC is partnering with York College (again) to host our Spring Youth Rally, from April 15 thru April 17. Register today!

This two-night rally is an awesome opportunity to hang with fellow Christians… to laugh, sing, play, pray… and worship our Awesome God.

The theme is “Faith LARGER Than Life”. All youth, grades 6 through 12, are welcome!

All meals and accommodations are included in the $25 registration fee. And, for an extra $5, you can get your very own t-shirt. Yes! That’s right: Your very own t-shirt.

We can’t wait to see you there!

Register

To register online, click here.

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Click, to Download

Schedule of events: click here – Youth Rally Schedule

To register by mail: click here – Youth Rally Registration Form
(Mail the completed form, along with your registration fee, to the address shown on the form.)

Flyer/Poster: click here – Youth Rally Flyer
Please, print, post and help us get the word out!

 

Categories
A

WCYC Annual Meeting 2015 – in review

Annual Meeting 2015 – in review

The WCYC Annual Meeting (2015) was held on October 17. It was a beautiful day, and a pleasant gathering of 70 or so WCYC members. Thank you, to the Oakhaven Church (Oshkosh) for hosting.

During the meeting, the members were presented with reports from our four camp session directors, and the chairs of the four primary Board of Directors committees. This has been another active, challenging and rewarding year.

Two new board members were elected, to fill two vacancies. Please, welcome Nate Cleveland and John Beske, and thank them for their willingness to serve. Also, we enjoyed the re-election of four sitting Board members: Gary Byram, Rob Daniel, Jim Coehoorn and Fernando Diaz.

We also voted on a number of proposed amendments to the By-Laws. All proposed amendments were adopted. These amendments included allowing women to now serve on the Board of Directors, allowing Board members to meet via remote tele-conferencing, and giving the Board flexibility on how to conduct future membership-wide votes.

After the Annual Meeting, we took time as a family to collectively recognize and honor the extended (and prolific) family of Gary and Deb Cleveland. WCYC is – and continues to be – blessed by the devoted labor, love and prayers of God-fearing families like the Clevelands. Thank you to this fine family, and to all who make WCYC great.

Clevelands honored

Oakhaven Church took their hosting to another level, after the Annual Meeting, by holding a fund-raising meal, and organizing a number of fund-raising services and products for sale. We raised over $1600 from that one day! What a great group of believers we have here! (If you missed that chance, you can make your tax-free donation to WCYC now! For a mailing address, go here.)

As we roll into the New Year, please, continue to pray that God will bless the hundreds of youth who are touched by WCYC, and deliver the service-minded volunteers to make it happen.