The leaves are beginning to change. The birds are gathering and making their way south. The days are getting shorter, and the rhythm of camp is shifting once again. Fall has a way of reminding us that change is not something to be afraid of. It is part of the rhythm of life, growth, and creation. This fall also marks nearly one year since I began serving as your Executive Director. What a year it has been!
This past year, we have truly worn love. We have strengthened the ministry of Camp Onomia by investing in our staff, our physical camp, our hospitality, and our programming. We have worked on the things that make camp a place where people can feel welcomed, safe, connected, and ready to encounter God in community and creation.
And now, because of that foundation, we get to begin looking outward. Our theme for this year is Imagine More.
When we take the time to build a strong foundation and go deeper into who we are and why this ministry matters, we create room to dream about what comes next. We can imagine more people finding a place at Camp Onomia. More welcome. More connection. More opportunities for people to discover their gifts and purpose. More ways for this ministry to reach beyond our property and into our communities and congregations.
This weekend, at our Quilt Auction, you joined us in that commitment. Every quilt donated, meal shared, paddle raised, ticket purchased, and story told is part of imagining more for Camp Onomia. You are helping us dream boldly about what God might continue to do through this place.
As I look toward my first full year as your Executive Director in October, I am incredibly grateful. Grateful for the people who have carried this ministry before us. Grateful for the staff, volunteers, congregations, donors, and campers who continue to show up. And grateful that we get to imagine what comes next together.
So as the seasons change, let us keep changing, growing, and dreaming, too.
Let us imagine more. More welcome. More connection. More faith. More community. More Camp Onomia.
And most of all, more of the life God is already dreaming alongside us.
With gratitude,
-Stephanie Engel, Executive Director
Quilt Auction Recap
What a weekend! The 2026 Quilt Auction was a wonderful celebration of the creativity, generosity, and community that make Camp Onomia special. From a record-breaking Bingo Night and our highest-ever overnight guest count to incredible quilts, growing Silent Auction baskets, a new Maker’s Market, and a delicious Bake Sale, there was so much to celebrate.
We’ve already surpassed $30,000 toward our $40,000 goal, and we’re not done yet!
Read the full story and find out how you can help us Imagine More.
Come away to Camp Onomia for a weekend of rest, connection, creativity, and renewal. Together with artist and spiritual director Michelle Walka, we’ll explore our sacred stories through art, contemplative prayer, laughter, meaningful conversation, and time in the beauty of creation.
No artistic experience or special skills are needed. This weekend is an invitation to slow down, take a breath, and simply be. Come as you are and make space to rest, create, connect, and dwell in love.
Friday at 5:00 PM through Sunday at 11:00 AM Full weekend, one-night, commuter, and single-room options are available.
Men’s Weekend Away
October 23–25, 2026
Speaker - Coming Soon!
Step away from the routine and into a weekend of fellowship, faith, outdoor time, and renewal. The Men’s Weekend Away is a chance to recharge, enjoy good conversation, spend time in creation, and reconnect with God and one another.
This year, our NEW Fall Volunteer Day happens to fall on Saturday of the Men’s Weekend. While there will be an opportunity for those who want to roll up their sleeves and help care for Camp, the Men's Weekend is not a work retreat! There will be options beyond the service project throughout Saturday, with time for relaxing, fellowship, games, faith and reflection, and simply enjoying the beauty of Camp Onomia.
Whether you spend part of the day lending a hand, taking a walk, playing a game, sitting with good conversation, or simply enjoying some quiet time, there will be space to renew body, mind, and spirit.
Come for the projects if you want to. Stay for the camaraderie, rest, and renewal.
Friday at 7:00 PM through Sunday at 11:00 AM Full weekend, one-night, commuter, and single-room options are available.
Camp Onomia is looking for Retreat Hosts—volunteers who help welcome retreat groups, make guests feel at home, and attend to their needs during their stay. Training is provided, and when lodging and meals are offered as part of the retreat, they are included for our hosts.
We’re also hiring for our kitchen team! If you enjoy serving others, working as part of a team, and helping create a welcoming camp experience, we’d love to hear from you.
Interested in either opportunity? Contact Stephanie at onomiaexec@gmail.com to learn more or get connected.
Camp Onomia is updating our fleet of watercraft, and that means some of our camp canoes are available for purchase! Canoes are priced at $150–$400, depending on condition. Interested in giving one a new home? Contact the Camp Office for availability and details.
Proceeds from the canoe sale will help us purchase paddleboards and kayaks, which are better suited to the current water levels and conditions on Shakopee Lake.
And don’t worry, canoe trips aren’t going away! Canoeing will continue to be part of Onomia programming. As water levels, wild ricing, and other conditions around camp continue to change, we’re also exploring opportunities to take canoe trips to other nearby waterways. We’re excited to keep getting people on the water, outside, and connected to Creation, just in some new ways!
