While it may take a village to nurture a child, running a Bible camp truly takes an army of spirited volunteers ready to roll up their sleeves and dive into the joyous experience of faith-filled fun! Each volunteer brings their unique talents to the table.
As staff, we rely on volunteers in a multitude of ways and places. Whether it’s weekly support, assistance during events, or involvement in specific projects, these remarkable individuals are present both indoors and outdoors, helping us achieve our mission. From office tasks and kitchen duties to mowing lawns, cutting, stacking, and moving wood, as well as handling electrical work and cleaning, the range of activities they engage in is truly extensive. We are immensely grateful for each volunteer’s commitment and the diverse skills they bring to our team, making a significant impact in everything we do.
While the idea of volunteering may seem daunting at first, I urge you to take a moment to delve into the inspiring stories of those who have chosen to dedicate their free time to Sugar Creek. These remarkable individuals, like Dr. Ann Marty and the devoted duo Bob and Kathy Weeks, have found profound fulfillment and purpose in their service, enriching not only their lives but also the lives of many others in our community. Their experiences prove the power of giving back and the deep connections forged through acts of kindness.
Dr. Ann Marty
“I volunteer at Sugar Creek Bible Camp because it is one of my ‘happy places.’ I love being surrounded by the beauty of the valley and feeling grounded. It’s fun to see and feel God’s work. The enthusiasm of the counselors and campers is infectious. It brings me great joy to see relationships being built and faith being formed. It gives me hope for humankind.”
Dr. Ann Marty, Volunteer Summer Medical Staff, SCBC Board Member
Our oldest child first ventured to Sugar Creek 28 years ago. Our church in central Illinois was served by a Pastor who was from Boscobel and who had worked and met his wife at SCBC. At the time I questioned why we were transporting our church youth six hours north to attend a camp in Wisconsin when there were other Lutheran camps much closer.
The first year when our son Michael returned from camp on fire with his faith the answer became clear. Sugar Creek changes lives. Michael at age 9 came home wanting to learn to play guitar, something he viewed as a prerequisite to serving as a counselor himself someday. All three of our children, Michael, Philip, and Leah attended camp through high school and ultimately worked on staff. Philip met his wife, Anna, there and they were married in the field in front of the Manna Center. Many of their best friendships were formed at camp. Philip and Anna settled in the Viroqua area. When I retired it was time to move north from Illinois. Today we love living just 25 minutes from camp. I love thinking about our three grandsons going to Sugar Creek when they are old enough.
Most of my camp ministry has involved utilizing my training as a physician – stocking the nurse’s station, some staff education, and my special week of serving as the camp doctor each summer. Distributing daily medicines, putting band-aids on blisters, comforting homesick campers, and attending to physical and emotional needs as they arise occupy my days in that role.
I am also starting my fourth year of serving on the SCBC Board of Directors. Involvement at that level has allowed me to become more deeply involved in all aspects of camp operations. This is a volunteer post that keeps giving back and helps me expand as a person. Involvement with Sugar Creek continues to enrich my faith and life just as it did for my kids for years. Everyone has something they can contribute to SCBC and we would love to explore how you can become an active participant in the Sugar Creek ministries.
Bob & Kathy Weeks
Our two daughters attended Sugar Creek for confirmation camp. They both became counselors during college. During those years we were at Sugar Creek several times. I felt that I could feel the Spirit at work when I was there. I remember thinking that when I retire I would like to volunteer at Sugar Creek. So, as it happened when we retired we moved to La Crosse. I quickly started coming to Sugar Creek on Tuesdays.
Eventually I started doing a lot of the mowing. I saw that the flower gardens needed weeding. I talked Kathy into coming down and caring for the flowers.
“We both saw how Sugar Creek changed our daughter’s faith and over the years I have seen the positive effect it has had on a lot of the youth attending camp. The Spirit is still at work here.”
Bob & Kathy Weeks, Year Round Volunteers
Are you ready to make a difference and be part of something life-changing? At Sugar Creek Bible Camp, our volunteers are the heartbeat of our mission, helping create a space where faith, community, and adventure come alive. Whether you’re caring for campers, supporting our programs, or lending a helping hand behind the scenes, your unique gifts make an incredible impact.
Join us today and experience the joy of serving, just like the volunteers you’ve read about. Visit Volunteer to learn more and sign up. Together, we can share God’s love and create unforgettable moments that last a lifetime!”
his article is part of the Why Sugar Creek campaign. Share your Why Sugar Creek story by emailing office@sgrcreek.org or calling (608) 734-3113!
