Crossways Camping Ministries 2012 Annual Meeting February 23, 2013 at 10:00 am Registration & Coffee at 9:30 am Trinity Lutheran Church 709 W Beckert Rd, New London, WI 54961 We gather each year not only to do the business of the Association, but also to celebrate Crossways Camping Ministries. We gather to celebrate the ministry and the mission by recognizing the work done by your Staff, your Board, your volunteers and your families. We will review the past year and look forward to the year to come. We will lift up the ministry of Crossways at Imago Dei Village, Pine Lake Camp, and Waypost Camp and the thousands who pass through these places each year. The Board of Directors and Staff wish to thank you for your commitment to Crossways and the support of your Camps. We look forward to celebrating with you! Crossways Camping Ministries Administrative Office, Appleton, WI 920-882-0023 [email protected]www.CrosswaysCamps.org
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Crossways Camping Ministries
2012 Annual Meeting
February 23, 2013 at 10:00 am Registration & Coffee at 9:30 am
Trinity Lutheran Church 709 W Beckert Rd, New London, WI 54961
We gather each year not only to do the business of the Association, but also to celebrate Crossways Camping Ministries. We gather to celebrate the ministry and the mission by recognizing the work done by your Staff, your Board, your volunteers and your families. We will review the past year and look forward to the year to come. We will lift up the ministry of Crossways at Imago Dei Village, Pine Lake Camp, and Waypost Camp and the thousands who pass through these places each year.
The Board of Directors and Staff wish to thank you for your commitment to Crossways and the support of your Camps. We look forward to celebrating with you!
Crossways Camping Ministries Administrative Office, Appleton, WI
Staff Members: Sara Damrow (staff liaison), Dara Stull, Dana Isaacson, erika page, Mike Henning, Rev John Meachen
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Church Relations Committee
The purpose of this team is the following:
1. Design and implement a plan for Crossways to congregation and congregation to Crossways communication.
2. Work with the Development Committee to coordinate direct contacts of representatives of Crossways in
communicating both the opportunities for greater participation by congregations in Crossways programs and
the need for financial support in order for programs to continue to address the needs of the church.
3. Review annual plans/calendar to market the programs of Crossways through newsletters, brochures and flyers,
parish mailings, video material, and camper recruitment programs.
4. Devise strategies for increasing the potential for partnership between Crossways and other ecumenical partners.
This team had two meetings in 2011 where we focused on the main goal to organize & implement church council visits
that would take place during the fall & winter of 2011. The purpose of these visits is to:
Express gratitude for their partnership with congregations from around Wisconsin who are part of the
Crossways association.
Thank them for their support (financial and camper participation, and if known, the staff from their
congregation who have been ministers in the program).
Share what's happening at camp through video & stories about camp.
Ask for their financial support through regular budgeted funds.
Encourage members to utilize the camps' programs to grow in faith and service.
Answer any questions they may have about our shared ministry.
This is the third year of our visiting and we are getting closer to our goal of visiting all our Crossways Church councils.
Our deep thanks go to Pr. Jim Gerth for his organizational skills and Pr. Dick Warber for his tireless phone calling, and
encouragement. We thank all the volunteers who have and are making council visits and we thank our congregations
for the wonderful receptions we have received.
Property & Facilities Committee
The Property Committee manages and plans for the care of the buildings, furnishings, equipment, and grounds of
Crossways. It serves as an advocate for the stewardship of the natural and physical resources and provides general
oversight of the 3 sites. In addition to the Property Committee, each of the sites has a Site Team, which manages the
daily and annual maintenance needs of its affiliated site, helping to complete inventories and annual reviews of facilities.
The Site Team provides information and feedback to the Property Committee. The Property Committee holds 3-4
meetings each year.
Through the strategic plan process in 2011 the Property Committee was charged with completing accurate inventories
of property, infrastructure, and equipment, and creating a list of expected property needs for the next 10 years. In
2011, each site completed an inventory of watercraft, vehicles, and buildings. In 2012, equipment and tools were
inventoried, and needed items were added to the Crossways Amazon Wishlist.
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In light of the new land purchase at Waypost in 2011, Ron Jones, was asked to do a timber cruise at Waypost and
provide insight into proper land management. Following the timber cruise, Ron made recommendations to the Property
Committee discussing active land management at all three sites. Per his recommendation, paperwork was submitted
and accepted putting 80 acres of land at Imago Dei Village and 40 acres of land at Waypost under MFL (Pine Lake Camp
is currently in MFL). This action will be a cost savings to Crossways in regards to taxes. In addition, trees have been
marked for anticipated logging at Waypost in the winter of 2013.
With the inventories complete and a new understanding of land management, the Site Teams prioritized a list of
projects and projected needs forecasting 1, 3, 5, and 10 years for each site. The Property Committee reviewed,
discussed, and evaluated the needs of each site and compiled a list of 13 Property Items for Crossways in 2013 in priority
order to include in the new Capital Budget established by the Finance Committee.
Brief Summary of Site Projects in 2012
Imago Dei Village
Siding of Birch Replaced
Chalet Deck Spindles Replaced
120 Road Filled with Gravel
Back doors of Duplexes Replaced/Eaves Troughs Added
Gas Line Disconnected to Cottage, Well Abandoned
Residence Well Abandoned and Water Connected to
Camp
Pine Lake Camp
New Roof on Ponderosa, Electric House, Little Egypt
Fireplace Insert in Scotch
Sunset Sing Benches Reconstructed
Waypost Camp
Cattails Quadplex – Interior & Exterior Complete
Chapel Wall Reconstructed
Railing to Parking Lot Installed
Electric and Booster Heater for Dishwasher
Replaced
Timber Cruise Underway
Property Committee Members: Len Place, Randy Cleveland, Bob Henning, Terry Schuett (Chairperson), Roger Thorpe,
Darrell Stetzer, Rob Abraham, Ron Jones. Staff Present: erika Page, Sara Damrow, Mike Henning, Dara Stull, Rev John
Meachen
Special Task Force & Committee Reports
Restructuring Task Force
The Restructuring Task Force met at the request of the Executive Director and the Board to finish the work of the
restructuring plan passed by the Board of Directors in 2011. Through their work a plan of restructuring was presented
and the Board gave approval for the Executive Director to implement the plan. This plan eliminated two full time
Program Director positions while creating Seasonal Program Directors at each site, Retreat Hosts and a strengthened
office operation.
Our thanks go to the Board members of the task force: Amanda Burke, Ellie Schmidtke, Ben Sheets, Frank Kauzlaurich,
Sue Brown and Steve Olson.
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Site Report – Waypost Camp
K oinonia. This Greek word translates to fellowship or shared participation in something common. Acts 2:42-47 reads “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the communion, to the breaking of bread and to prayer...All the believers were together and had everything in common…They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people.” Koinonia. Life in community with others.
O ut of the ordinary projects! Waypost was bustling in the Spring, as volunteers labored to prepare camp for the upcoming summer. The retaining wall outside of the chapel was given a facelift. With stairs cracking, and rocks crumbling, a group of volunteers came to the rescue, reshaping the wall & moving the stairs, creating an inviting and safe space for campers to gather during Tuck Shop. A group of volunteers from First English Lutheran Church, Wausau helped to welcome people to camp by funding and installing a railing for the staircase from the parking lot to the field. Forester and volunteer, Ron Jones conducted a timber cruise of the land at Waypost and marked trees, in an effort to actively manage the land and encourage tree growth. Logging will begin in the Winter of 2013. The largest undertaking in the Spring was the completion of the Cattails – a quadplex housing unit at Waypost. In the Fall of 2011, the exterior work to excavate, repair, and waterproof the exterior of the foundation was complete. In the spring, Stetzer Construction continued work by tearing out the concrete floor, installing drain tile to correct a moisture problem, installing insulation and drywall, and other finishing work. A tremendous outpouring of time and skills was also given by volunteers who helped with various stages of the process: hauling sand & cement, taping & mudding of drywall, installation of bunks, exterior grading & landscaping. Koinonia. God’s work, our hands.
I mmersed in retreat. Waypost continues to be a second home for groups who escape from a busy life at home to build group unity, quilt, scrapbook, and study God’s Word. Groups return year after year, and breathe a sigh of relief when they step out of their vehicles. Sunsets over Mission Lake, hikes in the woods, conversation around a warm fireplace, and delicious meals are highlights of each retreat experience. Koinonia. A gift from God.
N on-stop summer fun! Youth, adults, and families who came to live in community at Waypost this summer experienced a variety of programs. With a continued focus on Sustainability, Waypost campers continued to work in the Garden of Hope, turn over the compost piles, and make bread during 8 weeks of the summer. Koinonia. A week or weekend at camp full of activity, prayer, and Holy play in God’s Creation.
O utstanding staff! I was in awe of the 18 young adults and several alumni staff, who heard and responded to the call to serve in ministry at Waypost this summer. They were diverse, self-less, humble, compassionate, and gifted individuals who led camp activities with enthusiasm, taught God’s Word daily, and lifted up the joys and sorrows of campers in prayer! Koinonia. How we care for one another and the love we share with our brothers and sisters in Christ.
N eighbors from South Africa. This summer, the Madikwe Circuit in the Western Diocese of South Africa, the companion to the Wisconsin River Valley Conference in the East Central Synod of Wisconsin brought a group of 60+ individuals to Wisconsin. Several visitors from the group spent time at Waypost, which gave Waypost the opportunity to lift up and celebrate the blessing of our South African counselors and witness Christianity in a global context. Koinonia. Walking together side by side.
I nvitation to celebrate! In October, Waypost celebrated 70 years of life-changing ministry. It was a cold, blustery Autumn day, for a bike event, yet several brave souls took to the road for 15 or 32 miles of cycling. Koinonia. 70 years of faith formation at Waypost.
A nswering the call. So many volunteers – both groups and individuals have answered the call in 2012 to serve the ministry of Crossways and to share their gifts with Waypost. An outpouring of love and support is found in the shared labor during monthly volunteer days and annual Spring/Fall Work Days. Our year-round staff members continue to answer the call as well. Sandy Borth, Kristin Gueldenzopf, and Tiffany Totzke, our food service staff, prepare delicious, healthy meals with joy, and are always up for the challenge of incorporating vegetables from the Garden of Hope into meals at camp or trying new recipes. Steve Kosmer, Property Manager keeps us in good spirits with his gentle sense of humor and his attention to detail as he provides stewardship of the grounds and facilities at Waypost. I give thanks for the gifts and skills of these faithful servants. Koinonia. A community built on faith and a family formed by God.
KOINONIA The way in which the ministry of Crossways Camping Ministries and Waypost is lived out each and every day.
Join us in the breaking of bread, the praising of God, and the celebration of community in 2013!
Respectfully submitted, Sara Damrow, Director of Waypost Camp
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Site Report – Pine Lake Camp
This year was filled with all sorts of activity at Pine Lake Camp.
Property - We were blessed to have the Mini Mission Team from First English and Peace Lutheran churches come to Pine
Lake. Metal roofs were put on, cabinets for the kitchen and dining room were given and installed, Sunset Sing seating
was rebuilt and much was accomplished through their efforts, contributions and the hard work of all of our volunteers.
Summer Staff - We were blessed with a dedicated and talented summer staff once again this year. The heart and soul of
our summer program is our college age counseling staff.
Year Round Programs - We again provided creative programming for all ages and through all seasons. The Day Camp
program continues to be a strong part of Crossway’s ministry facilitated through Pine Lake.
Year Round Staff - We are so very thankful for the hard work and dedication of our Food Service Manager Janice
Robbins, our Property Manager Al Betz and our housekeeper Judy Kusch.
Our special thanks and appreciation go to erika Page and Dana Isaacson for all that they have done and shared at Pine
Lake during their years of service.
Site Report – Imago Dei Village
The seasons of 2012 have come and gone and we find ourselves marveling at the year of mission we had at Imago Dei
Village. This past year brought a transition that played out relatively smoothly thanks to the support of close friends of
Crossways, supportive board members, a committed site team, and a strong summer staff.
Retreat programs, both private and programmed, got off to a solid start then held strong through the year. In February
we opened our doors for our first programmed Scrapbooking retreat which was received very well, then in March we
celebrated a successful men’s retreat that put emphasis on doing service work at the site. Later that month we
welcomed 70 third through fifth graders for our Spring BYG, which up to that point was one of the largest youth retreats
we had seen at Village in quite some time. Strength in our youth retreats then shined through again in November when
we welcomed nearly 100 middle school students for a Jr. High Blast.
Despite the changes in full-time staffing that took place late in the Spring, our summer staff pulled off yet another
incredible summer of ministry. I am continually amazed at the energy and willingness of our summer staff to openly
share their passion of serving God with so many people. With the elimination of one week of confirmation camp our
remaining three weeks of confirmation programs were at full or nearly full capacity. Additionally our family programs
brought a significant amount of hustle and bustle as the family weekend brought in 23 families (we can hold 20), and the
week-long family program brought in 20 families. Piece Together, our program for families with children on the autism
spectrum, also went very smoothly and we are excited to see there is a core group of families who have formed strong
bonds through that program.
Both our summer and retreat programs at Village have taken on a service emphasis in the last couple years. This
emphasis has taught countless lessons to youth and adults on what it means to live out God’s mission in this world. Over
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the past year our campers have sent out 60 soup mix jars to Shawano area congregations (of multiple denominations)
for distribution to those who come in seeking food vouchers, built 24 bat houses which now hang throughout camp,
baked around 80 loaves of sweet breads which are distributed by the local domestic abuse shelter, braided hundreds of
prayer bracelets for children in South Africa, and baked thousands of dog treats for the humane society. Through the
work they do on site, our campers are able to make a large impact and share the love of warmth of God with others
both near and far.
When we set the summer 2012 calendar we purposely left one week open to be able to rent the site out for an outside
group to use. As a result, during Week 3 we welcomed a Young Muslims (an organization who supports young Muslim
men) group from Chicago. This week brought with it an incredible learning experience for the staff who remained on
site, along with the beautiful sounds of Salah filling the air.
On the facilities side of things, the buildings at Village are still going strong but some are starting to show some signs of
aging. All of the major projects that were done this year were to repair and restore things that were showing significant
signs of aging. The biggest project of those was the filling in of the entrance road to the 120. After years of campers
walking in and out of the trail, and camp vehicles going in and out of the property the road was beginning to be worn
down. We were able to fix this issue through filling in the road with gravel, which was made possible through a large
donation that was made early in the summer.
Other projects that happened at Village were the installation of new back doors and gutters for the duplexes, as years of
not having gutters had caused the doors to rot out. Additionally a new water pump was purchased and installed in to the
residence as the old one which was still connected to an individual well ceased to work. The well was properly
abandoned and the new pumped has been hooked in to the water system that runs through the rest of camp.
In the fall work was begun to remove the Cottage, which is the old building that sits next to the Welcome Center. This
building had been in the plans to remove for many years, however a leaky roof in an inconvenient spot has pushed the
necessity of that building’s removal to the forefront. Once the snow clears in 2013 the rest of the work will be
completed and that building should be gone by the beginning of the summer. It is the vision of the site team to fill in
that space with a perennial garden and gazebo.
The ministry that happens at Imago Dei Village would not be possible without dedicated people to carry out the mission.
We are incredibly grateful for our faithful volunteers, especially Don and Jeff Johnson, and the faithful men’s group from
Emmanuel, Seymour. Our year-round staff continue to bless all who enter through sharing each of their gifts and
passions. Mike Lechtermann diligently serves as our Property Manager to make sure all guests are welcomed to a
comforting and hospitable site, while Brenda Krause and Jen Rozga nourish our guests with their incredible foods. We
look back with thankful reflection for the work of Mike Henning, as his spirit of humor and lessons in energy efficiency
have left a lasting impact on this place.
2012 was a good year for Village. We look forward to continuing our momentum into 2013 so that we can truly fulfill the
mission of Crossways through building relationships and providing space for all to live out their identity as a child of God.
Respectfully submitted,
Dara Stull
Director, Imago Dei Village
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Imago Dei Village Land Sale Background
At the January 25 Board Meeting of Crossways Camping Ministries a motion was made and approved to bring the sale of
land to Ken Meinhardt the land owner adjacent to what is known as the Lion’s Point land at the extreme east boundary
of the camp boundary to a meeting of the association. The sale or purchase of property requires an affirmative vote at a
duly called meeting of the corporation.
The purpose of the sale is to allow the home owner the ability to add on to his existing home. He petitioned the
township and was denied a variance. His request is to purchase a strip of camp land which is 15’ wide totaling .93 acres
for $12,000. This price was determined by the appraised value of lakeshore property on Long Lake.
It was determined by the staff and site team that this sale of land would not impact program or any future property
issues with required setbacks or utility assessments. Mr. Meinhardt would make available his private boat landing for
camp use as there are no public landings on Long Lake.
The survey below shows Mr. Meinhardt’s existing property with old property line and proposed new property line
marked.
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Crossways Camping Ministries
ANNUAL MEETING February 18, 2012 – 10:00 a.m.
St. Mark Lutheran Church, Neenah, WI
MINUTES
1) Welcome – Steve Olson
2) Opening Devotions –Pr John Meachen – Crossways Executive Director – since all Crossways Program Staff are
busy with retreats or ill/injured, praises were sung about Crossways in the form of testimonials of the impact
our camping ministry has had on the lives of constituents.
3) Approval of the agenda – Steve Olson – Camp Songs will be camp stories camp songs to stories. Switch items 9
& 10 around so that the budget can be discussed immediately after the treasurer’s report. Motion to approve
the agenda by Len Place. Second by Don Johnson. Carried.
4) Secretary’s Report - Minutes of the Annual Meeting held on 2/9/2011 were approved as printed. Motion to
approve by Randy Cleveland. Second by Roger Thorpe. Motion carried. Temporary secretary was assigned for
today’s meeting due to the birth of Pr Ben Sheet’s daughter, Eliza Joy, born 2/13/2012.
5) President’s Report – Steve Olson - Highlights of 2011 include: Waypost land acquisition of 9.5 acres with no
debt incurred. Hired a new Executive Director – Pr John Meachen – thank you to the call committee of Art Loos,
Donna Ginzl-Hicks, Patty Filak, Rev Eric Jones, Rev Paul Mittermaier, Sharon Fox-Bogen and Steve Olson. Staff
achievement of “positive ministry outcomes” despite a difficult transition period. Reviewed Strategic Plan that
was developed at the April retreat @ Waypost.
6) Nominations Committee – Pr Frank Kauzlarich – There are 4 vacancies with 4 candidates. Donna Ginzl-Hicks –
Good Shepherd in Plover, Steve Olson – First English in Appleton, Pr Nancy Richmond – St John in Polar &
Arbutus in Antigo and Troy Taylor – Youth Director at First English & Peace in Oshkosh. Motion by Len Place to
close nominations & cast a unanimous ballot. Second by Kira James. Carried.
7) Treasurer’s report – Sue Brown – Presented Treasurer’s report using slides projected. Question from the floor
in regards to multiple figures for total debt being used in reports. Answer: one figure included line of credit
values.
8) Presentation and Adoption of the Budget for 2012 Fiscal year - Sue Brown – Presented proposed budget using
slides projected. Question as to how we intend to pay for the approx $75,000 budget deficit? Response that it
will need to come from increased giving and budget savings (reduced spending). Question as to the large
increase in special events? Response that much is hoped to come from the Golf Outing planned for August 2012.
Motion made by Blaine Aschenbrenner to accept the budget as presented. Second by Gary Konrad. Carried.
9) Report on Waypost Land Acquisition – Pr John Meachen - See page 11 of the written annual report outlining
activity. A gazebo and bluebird houses are already on the new land. The effort were a model of “how to do
things” – a need was clearly laid out and Waypost constituents were asked directly – the response is
documented. An issue remains of “what to do” with the leftover funds. Donors will have an option of receiving
their $ back or allowing us to re-direct the $ to a current need to be determined.
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10) Executive Director’s Report – Pr John Meachen - Power point presentation was shown that had been developed
by Kenzie Kauth & narrated by Pr John Meachen. One church demonstrating great support of Camp is Faith,
Valders that has challenge their congregation to raise $ in order to change Pr Jim Rasmus’ hair pink – need $800
total & our loose change resulted in over $3000. To summarize, Pr John has observed that we have amazing
people in this organization. We have a fear of the future. We will become THE model camp program in the
Midwest. We do not walk down this path alone.
11) Questions/Concerns/Suggestions at large
a) Have we considered a couple’s retreat?
b) Can we evaluate Day Camp programming and consider developing a component that we could sell to local
churches complete with training/support? For churches who would not necessarily use our staff but
would use our programming
c) Have we ever considered a retreat for families with members with developmental disabilities as well as an
experience for those family members with disabilities?
d) Explore expansion of mid-week offerings – elder hostel or (lir) learning in retirement as examples
e) Focus on local service work & don’t forget 5/5 work day at camps
f) Confirmation requirement for many churches to attend camp – all?
g) Have we considered a singles retreat?
h) Revive the “adopt a counselor” program
i) Develop “grant parents” to support camperships for all programs
j) Plan a “blitz build” weekend at all camps for major repairs
k) Bible Camp handout by Pr Jim Gerth promoting Church Relations Committee
l) Thank You & recognition to all Crossways constituents
Motion to adjourn made @ 11:45 by Roger Thorpe. Second by Carl Grisar. Carried.