What an amazing start to summer this year has been! While our onsite programs are just ramping up, we've already been traveling across Minnesota with our Offsite Day Camps.
These camps are a vital expression of our ministry. They strengthen our partnerships with congregations and communities while giving our summer staff opportunities to grow as leaders in a variety of settings. With seven Offsite Day Camps this summer, we are conservatively anticipating serving more than 250 campers through this program alone.
The impact of our summer ministry extends far beyond the numbers. Parents have shared that their campers are returning home with greater independence, increased confidence, and a deeper interest in their faith.
As we begin planning for Summer 2027 (yes, really, a draft is already in the works!), we're excited to build on everything we've learned this season. The feedback we've received, the relationships we've strengthened, and the experiences we've gained will help us continue providing meaningful, Christ-centered experiences for even more young people.
Thank you for your continued support during this season of rebuilding. Your partnership is making a lasting difference in the lives of campers, families, congregations, and communities.
-Stephanie Engel, Executive Director
Your Ministry in Action
Not every camp experience is perfect, and that's okay. Sometimes it takes another try.
One camper had a difficult experience at Camp Onomia last summer. Things just didn't click the way we had hoped. This year, he returned with some understandable nerves and the loving encouragement of his family to give camp another chance.
He decided to try something new by signing up for Art Camp, and little by little, he found his place. There were still some challenging moments throughout the week, but with the support of our staff and fellow campers, he grew in confidence every day.
By the end of the week, he surprised even himself. Standing proudly with his cabin for a group photo, he smiled and said, "These are my new best friends!"
Those are the moments that matter most.
Yes, the art projects were incredible. (And yes, an impressive amount of orange chicken was eaten!) But the real work of camp happens in moments like these, when a camper discovers they belong, gains confidence, builds friendships, and leaves with a deeper understanding of who they are, whose they are, and how capable they truly are.
That's the ministry happening every day at Camp Onomia.
For more moments like these throughout the summer, follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
Please join us as we celebrate the retirement of our longtime Kitchen Manager, Anna, and give thanks for her years of faithful service, dedication, and
care for the Camp Onomia community.
Sunday, July 26
Welcome begins at 5:00 p.m.
Dinner served at 5:30 p.m.
Please RSVP to the Camp Office by July 15.
320-532-3767 or reply to this email.
We hope you'll join us as we honor Anna and celebrate her many
years of ministry and service.
Your Gift Then. Their Growth Now.
"Your donations 15 years ago gave me the chance to be a camp counselor."
Those simple words from Camp Onomia Board Member and former summer staff member Katie Anderson remind us that the impact of camp doesn't end when summer is over.
As a counselor years ago, Katie discovered confidence, leadership, and a deeper faith that continue to shape her life today. She still carries gratitude for the donors who invested in her, making it possible for her to serve and grow through Camp Onomia.
Today, that same story is unfolding for another generation.
When Melody and Camrynn signed up to serve on summer staff, they were excited for the adventure ahead. Friends who share a love for the outdoors and their faith, they knew camp would be a place where they could grow while helping others do the same.
"We both really enjoy being outside and wanted to share our love of God with others," they said.
Now, several weeks into the summer, they are discovering just how transformational camp can be.
"It's so fun, but we're learning so much!" they shared.
For Camrynn, coming to camp was a leap of faith.
"I was so nervous about coming here. I never was a camper before, so I didn't know what it would look like. But it's been a good experience. We're meeting people from different backgrounds who we never would have met if we weren't at Onomia."
Every day, Melody and Camrynn lead games, help with crafts, build relationships, solve problems, encourage homesick campers, and share God's love in countless small moments. In the process, they are becoming stronger leaders, growing in confidence, and discovering gifts they will carry with them long after summer ends.
That is exactly what your generosity makes possible.
When you support Camp Onomia, you aren't simply funding a week of camp. You are investing in young leaders who, in turn, create life-changing experiences for hundreds of campers. The confidence Katie gained 15 years ago is now taking root in Melody and Camrynn. One generation's investment becomes the next generation's opportunity.
This summer, our goal is to raise $10,000 to cover two weeks of summer staff salaries and training, ensuring these young adults continue receiving the support, mentorship, and leadership development that make Camp Onomia so impactful.
Your gift makes a difference:
$50 helps strengthen one camper's experience through meaningful activities, friendships, and faith formation.
$150 helps ensure a child can fully participate in a week of camp, regardless of financial circumstances.
$400 covers one week of salary for a Camp Onomia summer staff member, equipping them to mentor campers and create a community where every child knows they belong.
Thank you for making stories like Katie's—and Melody and Camrynn's—possible. Your generosity creates ripples of faith, confidence, and leadership that continue for years, even decades.
On the last day of camp, campers enjoy a hearty brunch before heading home. Since families are on the road before lunch, we wanted to send them off with something special.
This year, we introduced Camp Onomia Snack Mix, a small treat for campers (and siblings!) to enjoy on the ride home. It’s a simple way to carry a bit of camp joy into the journey back.
While campers pick up their snack mix, parents and guardians receive something just as meaningful: a new take-home resource designed to support faith beyond camp. This handout includes:
Ways to continue growing in faith at home
Conversation starters to help families talk about camp experiences
Invitations to stay connected to faith life at Camp Onomia
Practical reminders for supporting campers as they transition home
It’s a small but intentional moment at the end of the week, nourishing both body and spirit as families leave camp.
We’re excited to see this tradition grow as another way Camp Onomia extends beyond our lakeshore and into everyday life at home.
Camp Onomia Walk-A-Thon Updates!
Our 55 Miles for 55 Days Walk-A-Thon is off to an amazing start!
Thanks to the incredible support of the Camp Onomia community, we've already raised more than $2,450 to help campers discover who they are in Christ, Community, and Creation.
The excitement has reached far beyond Minnesota. We have walkers participating from across the country, and even around the world! One participant recently checked in while walking in Paris, France. Together, participants have already logged more than 680 miles, with even more walkers tracking their progress independently.
🏃 Top Walkers
🥇 Steve Martin – 150 miles 🥈 Karthik Kripapuri – 79 miles 🥉 Katie Anderson – 67 miles
💙 Top Fundraising Teams
🥇 Year-Round Staff Team – $1,067.70 🥈 Team Brandell – $550 🥉 Team Martin – $300
Every mile walked, every dollar raised, and every word of encouragement helps make Camp Onomia's ministry possible. Thank you to everyone who is walking, fundraising, donating, and cheering others on. Together, we are creating opportunities for campers to experience belonging, grow in faith, and discover the love of Christ.
There's still plenty of time to join us, every step makes a difference!
