Dogwood Acres Announces it's new 2009 Summer Camp Director!!!

 Kevin Veldhuisen is currently finishing the third of a four year Master of Divinity degree at the University of Dubuque Theological Seminary with the hope of being called to a fulltime camp director position upon graduation in May, 2010.  He is married to Anne Veldhuisen who is also seeking a Masters of Divinity degree and will also be graduating in May, 2010.  Kevin has a degree in Vocal Music Education from Augustana College in Sioux Falls, SD, and spent six years as an administrator at Augustana within the Camps and Conferences Office as their Technical and Logistical Manager and Conference Coordinator.

Kevin's interests include hiking, mountain biking, and all the other fun activites one experiences in the outdoors, however, his favorite activity outdoors is playing ultimate frisbee.  Kevin is currently working at a locally owned music store in Dubuque, IA and cherishes every time he is able to provide a household with a new musical instrument.

Most importantly, Kevin was able to develop his own personal faith at a camp in SW Minnesota and continues to grow in his faith each day he spends time with God outdoors.  There is no greater place or experience in which one is able to discern their call to have a deeper walk with Christ than at a camp or retreat.  Jesus regularly left the crowds of people to be alone with God in the wilderness, and with Christ as our example, we too are called to leave our hectic everyday lives, to unplug ourselves from society and just "be" with God in the wilderness.

Through God's creation we can see that various species of plants and animals can survive on their own, but together with the right combination of other plants and animals, they thrive. At a camp we are able to use this knowledge, and instead of talking about algae and fungus, we can insert humans and our connection with God. Without God, we survive, but with God, we thrive! That is what camping ministry is all about, thriving with God within God's creation.

Join us this Summer and experience this wonderful connection with God in the wilderness, and as a community of faithful believers, we can thrive together as we worship and celebrate our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.