Summer at Elkanah is amazing!! We have the privilege of being the hands and feet of Jesus in an incredible place as campers are drawn into the presence of the Most High God. He shows campers that they are His children, and He desires a unique relationship with them. The amazing staff God brought to camp this summer battled through sickness, exhaustion, and the threat of a wildfire to provide an amazing opportunity for campers to take a step on their journey with Christ. Many campers committed their lives to Jesus for the first time, and others experienced a step of growth in their relationship as God revealed new truths to them. In the end, campers and staffers grew in their relationship with Christ and the calling he has on their life.

It is always our desire to see, not only campers, but staffers grow in their relationship with Christ. One staff member put it this way on their season review, “God taught me so much about what it looks like to serve others; He made me have no choice but to trust Him and then proved Himself to be so faithful. I feel much stronger in my ability to live my faith out.” Thank you for your prayerful support as we come alongside the staff and campers to become more Christlike through the amazing grace of our Lord and the work he does at Elkanah.

As we transition to the “off” season, the preparation for next summer begins. Pray for our rental and church family camp schedule as it is full, with all weekends booked through October. We look forward to seeing some of you during those weekends! We will add a full outdoor school schedule this fall. When we think about all the “off” season work, our hearts are always looking to prepare and improve Elkanah for the summer camp season.

Vehicle Maintenance Facility Construction

A look at the project list for this fall:

Progress continues on the vehicle maintenance facility. Our goal is to have this structure “dried in” by fall so we can use it this winter to protect our equipment.
A third side was added to the rock-climbing tower. We plan to improve the existing sides with weather-resistant decking material for the climbing surface and new camper-friendly holds.
The slip-n-slide will see upgrades to the stairs and an observation deck to improve camper safety.

We are moving into the fundraising stage for our chapel addition project. We have funding to begin this project. Currently, we have enough funds to start the concrete foundation work and to move the logs from the old bathroom to the chapel. Still, we will need more funding for the trusses, roof, exterior log refinishing, interior finishes, and A/V upgrades. Please pray that God will provide the resources needed to complete this project.

We will celebrate Camp Elkanah’s 70th anniversary in November. Mark your calendars for a celebration at Elkanah, Saturday, November 7th! We are currently seeking photos and stories to share at our celebration. If you have a story or a photo you would like to share, please email elkanah@campelkanah.com

We are humbled by the generosity of Christ through His people. Thank you for your prayerful support as we continue to look to God for His vision for Elkanah as we steward His camp into the future, so more campers can change their lives for Christ through time spent at Elkanah.

In Christ for Elkanah,

Joe (Mister Sir)

Summer ‘26

The blessing of spring