A whole year! 365 days of growing, laughing, learning, and walking together in ministry.
A year ago, I knew I had come to the right place when my family and I were lovingly wrapped in gifted quilts as we began this new chapter at Camp Onomia. I took those quilts as a promise: that God would wrap us in a community that would support us, cheer us on, challenge us, and walk alongside us.
And what a gift this year has been.
Tonight, our staff will gather for a partner ministry’s German Dinner, just as we did on my very first day at Camp Onomia a year ago. This new tradition has become a reminder of God’s abundance: not simply the gift of good food, but the gift of being connected to one another and to all the saints gathered around God’s table. It reminds us that God was preparing the way, walking with us through this year, and already leading us toward what comes next.
When I think about this year, I think about the people who have made this ministry possible: our staff, board, volunteers, congregations, donors, ministry partners, families, campers, and countless people who have shared their time, gifts, prayers, and dreams. I am incredibly fortunate to serve alongside you.
Together, we are continuing to live into Camp Onomia’s calling through Christ, Community, and Creation. We are caring for this place, creating spaces where people encounter Christ, and building a community where people know they belong.
And this newsletter is filled with seven BIG announcements. They are signs of the work God has been preparing, the community God has gathered, and the places we believe God is leading us next.
I am so grateful to be part of this story.
Here’s to year two. Let’s imagine more.
With gratitude,
-Deacon Stephanie Engel, Executive Director
Our current Camp Onomia mugs have a problem: they’re too small! We’ve watched guests (and staff!) finish an entire cup of coffee while standing in line, only to turn around and refill it. Clearly, we need a bigger mug.
So we’re ordering new Camp Onomia mugs for the Kitchen and Retreat Center, and you can help! For $30, you’ll receive a Camp Onomia mug AND help purchase mugs for our guests to use at camp. Mugs can be picked up at Camp Onomia. Shipping is available for an additional cost.
Don’t need another Onomia mug? You can also donate the full $30 to our mug fund and help us stock the Kitchen and Retreat Center without taking a mug home.
Pictured is a mock-up. The final product may differ. Ready to fill your cup? Place your order by November 10, 2026.
We’re Trying Something New: An Online Quilt Auction!
We’re taking the Quilt Auction online! This October, more than 10 special quilted items will be available to bid on from wherever you are. The auction opens October 15 and runs through October 30, with items shipped directly to you!
There’s an extra-special story behind some of these pieces: they’ve already supported Camp Onomia once through a previous Quilt Auction purchase, and now they have the chance to bless camp all over again! We love the idea of these quilts continuing their journey of generosity.
All items have been carefully stored in pet-free, smoke-free homes and are in like-new condition.
We’re excited to share that Camp Onomia has been named an ELCA Youth Ministry Co-Op!
The Formation Co-Op is built around listening, learning, experimenting, and sharing what we discover. Our staff will receive training and resources to grow further as a youth ministry and faith formation hub, while connecting with others across the ELCA who are asking how we can nurture lifelong faith in young people.
This connects beautifully with our new Onomia on the Road initiative, where we’re bringing Camp Onomia into congregations and creating opportunities to listen, learn, and build relationships beyond our camp property. We’re excited to keep asking together: What do young people need from the church today, and how can Camp Onomia help?
We’re grateful for this opportunity to keep learning, growing, and imagining more together. We’ll share more about what this means for Camp Onomia as we begin this new chapter!
More Deanne at Camp Onomia!
You’ve seen her friendly face, heard her welcoming voice, and probably talked with her when you’ve called or visited Camp Onomia over the past year. Deanne Kampa is expanding her role to FIVE DAYS A WEEK!
This is exciting news for Camp Onomia. Having Deanne with us more consistently will strengthen our office operations, guest services, and rental group experience as we continue to grow our ministry with groups and guests at camp.
And there’s a perfect way to help us celebrate this next step: join Deanne’s Retreat Host Team! Our Retreat Hosts help welcome groups, provide a warm Camp Onomia experience, and make sure guests feel cared for from the moment they arrive. Want to be part of the team? Email camponomia@gmail.com or call 320-532-3767; we’d love to have you!
Congratulations, Deanne! We’re so grateful for the warmth, care, and welcome you bring to Camp Onomia.
Know Someone Who Should Spend Their Summer at Camp?
We’re hiring our 2027 Summer Staff Team, and we’d love your help spreading the word!
Do you know a young adult who would thrive at Camp Onomia? Someone who loves being outside, enjoys working with kids, wants to grow in their faith, or is looking for a summer filled with meaningful work, good friends, and plenty of fun?
Tell them about Camp Onomia! Our summer staff help create the life-changing experiences that happen here every summer, while building skills, relationships, and memories of their own.
Know someone who should be part of the team? Send them our way and encourage them to apply!
Something new is coming to Camp Onomia this January for young adults ages 19–35.
Stories Worth Telling will be a retreat for slowing down, listening deeply, making meaning of the stories we carry, and discovering how those stories connect with faith, community, and what comes next.
This retreat is being intentionally designed to be accessible financially, welcoming regardless of where you are in your faith journey, and spacious enough for you to come as you are. You don't need to have your next step figured out. You don't need a polished story. You simply need to bring yourself and a willingness to listen.
Come gather around the fire. Come make space for your story. Come hear the stories of others.
Stories Worth Telling | January 15-17, 2027 | Camp Onomia
More details coming soon.
Stitched Together: Give to the Max 2026
This November, Camp Onomia is participating in Give to the Max, Minnesota’s statewide giving celebration! Early Giving begins November 1, leading up to the big day on Thursday, November 19. Gifts made throughout the Early Giving period give us chances to win additional prize grants, so you don’t have to wait until November 19 to make a difference.
This year’s Give to the Max theme, “Minnesota Stitched Together,” feels especially fitting for Camp Onomia. We know the power of being stitched together: campers and counselors, congregations and ministry partners, generations of people, and all of us connected through this place we love.
Your gift will help fuel Onomia’s core ministry through Facilities, Hospitality, and Programming, strengthening the place and the people who make life-changing experiences possible.
And on November 19, your gift will have an extra opportunity to make an impact through a matching grant sponsored by Camp Onomia’s Executive Director and Board of Directors.
Stay tuned! We’ll be sharing more about our Give to the Max goals, how your gift will make a difference, and ways you can be part of this season of giving.
Together, we are stitched into something bigger.
Wow, that was a lot of announcements! And we’re not done yet.
We’ve been imagining more for Camp Onomia, and we can’t wait to share what’s coming next.
☀️ Summer 2027 Schedule releases November 1 🌲 Registration opens December 1
And this summer? New programs. New discounts. New opportunities. All designed to make space for every age, every stage, and every community.
Whether you’re a longtime Onomia family, a first-time camper, a congregation looking for a new way to gather, or someone who simply wants to experience camp in a different way, there’s something coming for you.
