the wilds newsletter: spring 2013

Spring 2013 Volume 32 Number 1Transcontinental Transylvania Transformation Transoceanic Transition

2 newsletter spring 2013

The Wilds Christian Association, Inc. is an independent, nondenominational, nonprofit, 501(c)(3) organization created for the purpose of operating Christian camps and conference centers. We are fundamental in our beliefs, Bible-centered in our philosophy, and evangelistic in our outreach.

The Wilds Christian Association, Inc. presently operates a Christian camp and conference center in the Blue Ridge Mountains of western North Carolina that is open year-round. The camp has a carefully selected and trained staff and averages over 20,000 campers per year. In 2009 The Wilds of New England began ministry at our campsite in Deering, New Hampshire. In this peaceful, rural setting we experienced good growth in attendance at our summer camps as well as in our limited fall schedule programs. We anticipate a continuing steady growth and expansion of the ministry at this New England location.

In addition to providing a God-honoring music publication service as an integral part of our ministry, The Wilds Christian Association, Inc. has also established the CampsAbroad program to assist others in the formation and operation of Christian camp ministries around the world.

The Wilds Christian Association, Inc. publishes The Wilds NewsLetter. Change of address information and comments should be sent to:

The Wilds Christian Association, IncPO Box 509 • Taylors, SC 29687-0009Phone: (864) 268-4760Fax: (864) 292-0743E-mail: [email protected]

Visit our website at www.wilds.org or visit The Wilds Online Store at www.wilds.org/store.Editor: Ken CollierGraphic Designer: Craig Stouffer

Publications Coordinator: Vickie EbnerSpring 2013 • Volume 32 • Number 1© 2013 The Wilds Christian Association, Inc. All rights reserved.

The Wilds and CampsAbroad are registered trademarks of The Wilds Christian Association, Inc.

North Carolina Campsite:

The Wilds 1000 Wilds Ridge RoadBrevard, NC 28712-7273Phone: (828) 884-7811Fax: (828) 862-4813

New England Campsite:

The Wilds of New England1181 Deering Center RoadDeering, NH 03244-6529Phone/Fax: (603) 529-0001

This NewsLetter theme is not even a word itself, but is a prefix we use on other words that might make a difference. Inside this edition we want to explore the “trans” words that we hope you will find informational, encouraging, and especially prayer-worthy!

Transcontinental (“across the continent”)

Inside you’ll read a report and see a few photos of the movements of The Wilds Ministry Team, our brand new group of staff members traveling to encourage and serve local churches and Christian schools all across the country!

Transylvania(“across the woods”)

We’re not talking spookiness. We’re talking about the county you are in when you visit The Wilds in North Carolina—Transylvania County! The county name comes from two words: “trans,” of course, meaning “across” and “Sylvan” meaning "woods." Transylvania is a place of rare beauty and we want to tell about it. How could a place not be beautiful when it has God’s creation and beauty wall-to-wall—from one end to the other! Transylvania county—well-named!

Transformation (“a change into someone or something completely different”)

This is what The Wilds and its ministries were born for—a spiritual change from the old nature to live in the new! It’s not just the campers whom God sees fit to totally remodel spiritually, but it’s as much or more the staff members and supporters who change for God’s glory. Inside we want to tell you how God is graciously doing this!

Transoceanic(“across the oceans”)

Through the ministry of CampsAbroad, God is allowing missionaries and nationals to grasp the potential of how to use the immensely valuable tool of camping among their own people—transoceanic! Inside this issue Matt Collier, Director of CampsAbroad, will report on an aspect of how we seek to transfer training to nationals and missionaries for use in their own camps.

Transition (“a change in place, state or stage”)

God has made it such that everyone and everything but Himself changes. We all transition from place to place and stage to stage continually. That’s not bad since that is God’s plan. The question is how to transition in the future to preserve the best of what The Wilds is and has been through the years. Inside are some of our thoughts and actions towards God-pleasing goals. Thank you for allowing us to transmit a few thoughts your way.

by Ken CollierPresident • The Wilds

Brevard, North CarolinaInside this Issue:

newsletter www.wilds.org 3

Summer 2013 Teen Scripture Memory Passages (North Carolina and New England will memorize the same passages.)

God honors those who resolve to obey HimDaniel 1:8-9 But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself. Now God had brought Daniel into favor and tender love with the prince of the eunuchs.

God’s wisdom is greater than all othersDaniel 2:20-23 Daniel answered and said, Blessed be the name of God for ever and ever: for wisdom and might are His: And He changeth the times and the seasons: He removeth kings, and setteth up kings: He giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding: He revealeth the deep and secret things: He knoweth what is in the darkness, and the light dwelleth with Him. I thank Thee, and praise Thee, O Thou God of my fathers, who hast given me wisdom and might, and hast made known unto me now what we desired of Thee: for Thou hast now made known unto us the king’s matter.

God has power to deliver those who obey HimDaniel 3:16-18, 28 Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, answered and said to the king, O Nebuchadnezzar, we are not careful to answer thee in this matter. If it be so, our God Whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us out of Thine hand, O king. But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up. Then Nebuchadnezzar spake, and said, Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, Who hath sent His angel, and delivered His servants that trusted in Him, and have changed the king’s word, and yielded their bodies, that they might not serve nor worship any god, except their own God.

God alone deserves gloryDaniel 4:34-35 And at the end of the days I Nebuchadnezzar lifted up mine eyes unto heaven, and mine understanding returned unto me, and I blessed the most High, and I praised and honored Him that liveth for ever, whose dominion is an everlasting dominion, and His kingdom is from generation to generation: and all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing: and He doeth according to His will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay His hand, or say unto Him, What doest thou?

God is worthy of our faithfulnessDaniel 6:3-4, 10 Then this Daniel was preferred above the presidents and princes, because an excellent spirit was in him; and the king thought to set him over the whole realm. Then the presidents and princes sought to find occasion against Daniel concerning the kingdom; but they could find none occasion nor fault; forasmuch as he was faithful, neither was there any error or fault found in him. Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime.

God has power over all thingsDaniel 6:26-27 I make a decree, That in every dominion of my kingdom men tremble and fear before the God of Daniel: for He is the living God, and stedfast for ever, and His kingdom that which shall not be destroyed, and His dominion shall be even unto the end. He delivereth and rescueth, and He worketh signs and wonders in heaven and in earth, Who hath delivered Daniel from the power of the lions.


So you’ve been to The Wilds, eh? Well, the fact that you are reading this article in our NewsLetter at least makes it very likely that you have visited The Wilds North Carolina campsite at one time or another. What I would like to do is let you know that there is much more to TRANSylvania County than The Wilds. Maybe the next time you come to camp, you need to add a few days to your visit and enjoy other attractions the Brevard area offers. After all, tourism is the leading industry of our county. At the time of this

writing, the county has 29,334 residents. It’s already bigger than you thought, isn’t it? My wife, Wendy, and I are transplanted Yankees (she, of Michigan and I, of Ohio), and we love to call this area home. Our car just naturally takes a turn onto unfamiliar roads so our family has explored a great deal of the county. I’m sure that our kids, Alyssa and Austin, can tell you lots of stories about how dad got lost on some of these side trips, but I assure you that I always (kind of) knew where I was going (men have this universal ability).

While we consider The Wilds the ‘crown jewel’ of this area (sure, we’re biased), the name, Tran (across)-sylvania (woods) pretty well describes the landscape—heavily forested and, because of that, home to around 20 youth camps! The highest point in the county is Chestnut Knob at a towering 6,025 feet above sea level. This area was

settled in 1861 about the time that the states of the north and south began their not-so-civil war. The area is commonly referred to by its nickname “The Land of Waterfalls” since it is home to over 250 waterfalls, many of which don’t require one to be an avid hiker to enjoy. If the 4 waterfalls on the campsite aren’t enough for you, there are others open to the public that are bonified ‘must-

sees.’ Looking Glass Falls is one of these. It is located in the Pisgah Forest, which is north of town and can be viewed right from the highway. Rather than heading toward town on your way home, if you leave the camp via Rt. 64 and head west, you will turn your steering wheel back and forth as quickly as the road dictates (and your passengers stomachs will allow) for about 10 miles, and hang a left on Rt. 281. Drive until you see the signs for Whitewater Falls, a national recreation area and home to the highest waterfalls east of the Mississippi at a total

cascading fall of 411 feet! Be sure to pick-up lunch before you visit these sites as these areas are all ‘picnic-friendly.’ Sure, there are many other waterfalls in the area (ask Dan Brooks as his list and access is legendary), but these two are our family favorites—very accessible and of the more ‘signature’ and stunning variety.

If you have had enough of waterfalls and would like to get wet, try legendary Sliding Rock. It too (same as Looking Glass Falls) is located in Pisgah National Forest on the Davidson River, and is, according to USA Today, “one of the best swimming holes in America.” Sliding down that long, unbroken, super-slippery rock will take your breath away and give you the memory of a lifetime…and possibly a heart attack and hypothermia. Tubing down that same Davidson River may be the slower and safer way to enjoy the same beautiful valley.

TransylvaniaCounty

by Gary WilliamsBusiness Director • The Wilds

Brevard, North Carolina


Tubing rental businesses abound near the river. On your way up there, don’t forget Dolly’s Ice Cream stand located at the entrance to the forest. Dolly’s even has an ice cream sundae named after each of the county’s youth camps including The Wilds!

A new tourist favorite is Gorges State Park. The park has been very recently developed with a new $4 million visitor center dedicated this past spring. The park lies in the Jocassee Gorges area, and in a recent special edition of National Geographic, this basin area was recognized as (and I quote) one of “50 of the world’s last great places—destinations of a lifetime.” While The Wilds shares its longest property boundary with the park, the black bears, wild boar, raccoons, wild turkey and other forms of wildlife don’t bother with boundary lines—we share the boundary and the wildlife. Because of the unique area of tropical climate in this same gorges region, some species of flowers and plants are only found in this area of the world, making it another ‘must see’ area for tens of thousands of visitors annually.

Brevard may be a small town, but it boasts world class attractions. The Brevard Music Center operates for 7 weeks during the summer. The camp draws prodigies from around the world, and the director is the renowned Keith Lockhart, conductor of the Boston Pops Orchestra. Daily and evening concerts draw large audiences. Mountain biking in the Brevard area beckons riders from around the country. Professional cycling events are hosted, and the area was recently featured in Bike Magazine. The Brevard College cycling team has captured the national collegiate cycling championship 2 of the last 3 years. For hiking or biking, the 10,400 acres of the Dupont State Forest are without equal. Access to the Blue Ridge Parkway and Appalachian Trails are nearby as well. If you are on the Parkway, stop for lunch or dinner at the Pisgah Inn. The view is breath-taking and the food is as good as it gets (we recommend the

rainbow trout). So, you like to catch the fish yourself? Miles of wild and stocked trout streams criss-cross the county and guide services are available.

Pisgah National Forest’s Cradle of Forestry introduces visitors to the history of logging and gives kid-friendly opportunities for hands-on nature learning experiences. The Visitor’s Center has an extensive collection of preserved wildlife native to this area. One of those native four-legged attractions to Brevard is a large population of white squirrels. Brevard is 1 of only 7 cities in the United States to have white squirrels, not to be confused with the albino squirrel. Their appearance is completely unique, and it can be fun and quite easy to locate them around town! Of course, every other store, realty company, and radio station is named for them as well.

If you haven’t had enough of the outdoors at camp, kayaking and horseback riding are fun ways to experience the beautiful mountains, lakes, and rivers of Transylvania County. Tent or trailer camping can also be

an incredible way to see things from a new perspective. It has proven to be a great getaway for our family to spend time together making memories.

Would you like to visit “America’s largest home” and a true national treasure? Stop ‘next door’ in Buncombe County and visit The Biltmore House and Gardens. The house covers 4 acres, has 250 rooms, 43 bathrooms, 65 fireplaces, 3 kitchens, and 175,000 square feet of living space!

OK, I agree this was a whirlwind tour, and we barely touched the surface of the things to do in the area. We still hope your visit around here starts or ends with a spiritually refreshing visit to The Wilds. You just might want to consider extending your stay or, as Dr. Hay says, “Take your time going, but hurry back!”


August 30th came before we knew it, and The Wilds Ministry Team loaded up to head out across the States. After many months of planning, we were excited to get on the road. Bigballs? Check. Sound equipment for a gym or large ball field? Check. A portion of the General Store? Check. We even managed to bring a bit of luggage (appreciated by the ladies in the group). With all this packed tightly in our 15 passenger van, we were set to go well beyond the concept of a typical ministry team.

In September we headed through Kentucky trying out our first “Day of Camp” and then up to Indiana for our first Harvest Rally (full day of games, skits, activities, and preaching for teens) with Brent and Mandy Olsen. We worked hard setting up the giant tents, volleyball nets, and inflatables the day before. Some of us even figured out the difference between hay and straw, crucial information when headed to the barn for a bale or two—or maybe twenty! Saturday Harvest Rallies were always a blessing. Our team was able to be a part of the services by providing special music and occasionally leading the singing. The “camps and colleges tent” had a steady stream of visitors, enabling us to greet old friends and inform

new friends about camp with our display of informational brochures and resources from the General Store.

The first several weekends of the fall were busy with the Harvest Rallies in Indiana, Illinois, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, and Virginia. We even got surprised by an early season snow storm in West Virginia! In between rallies, we generally visited 2 churches each Sunday, a church on Wednesday, and 3 or 4 schools during the week. We were privileged to host a “Day of Camp” at several of the schools. We ran the students through an active, high energy day just as it might happen at The Wilds. We really grew to love the “Day of Camp” concept—busy, but very rewarding!

As the fall continued, we were able to work with a host church on the weekends and conduct a “Day of Camp” for that particular youth group as well as any sister churches’ teens in the area. We spent Saturdays with the teens hoping to impact their lives through teaching from God’s Word, playing crazy games, and, of course, eating pizza. Watching The Wilds camp philosophy at work was amazing! We observed teens who came shy and reserved, but once we rolled out the 4’ Bigball and began playing games, we’d see the light come on in their eyes and the barriers begin to break down. It is unbelievable the instant camaraderie you can have with someone by hitting a Bigball over a net together!

We took our cue from the robins and headed to the deep South for the winter. The sheer number of people that the 6 of us have been able to meet in over 150 different church ministries throughout this year is mind boggling, and we can definitely say that we hope to see them at camp this summer and maybe even next fall when we begin our travels over again.

by Matt Collier Director • CampsAbroadBrevard, North Carolina

by Shawn AlexanderThe Wilds • Brevard, North Carolina

The Wilds Ministry TeamTranscontinental


I recently sold a car. On Craigslist. Oh, I’ve used the web-based service to buy and sell stuff like ladders, chairs, electronics, and even a bunk bed, but never anything as significant as a Toyota Camry! I have to admit that I was rather tentative about it at first, especially since North Carolina tends to be picky about things like title transfers and notary signatures. And there is always the sobering combination of dealing directly with total strangers and money. But it still seemed like our best option. So I took a deep breath and listed the car. It sold in less than 24 hours. The only hitch was being forced to cut off the license plate because the screws had rusted solid (thank you, Transylvania County Rainforest). We even made some new friends in the process!

I only wish transferring the ownership of a camp was that easy: sign here, notarize there, mangle license plate, and exchange payment for keys and title. But it’s not. In fact, it can get really messy. And it takes years, not days. Cross-cultural church planters have wrestled with this issue for centuries: what is the most effective way to “nationalize” a church? How do I keep the local people from forming an unhealthy reliance on foreign funds and foreign leadership? How do I know when the national leaders are ready to take over? These are questions that deserve serious consideration because the answers will have far-reaching impact. CampsAbroad faces challenges mirroring those of a church planter, but with a few significant differences.

Most importantly, a camp is not a church—it is a service organization to churches. After establishing a church or group of churches, a foreign missionary will sometimes look to camping as an effective way to continue encouraging and equipping those churches without directly leading the church. This is similar to a missionary teaching in a Bible college, strengthening the church while not directly leading it. We try to give the missionary everything he will need to succeed as a camp

director. He has the option of staffing the camps with local believers, but he also may choose to lead the camp personally for a long period of time. This can be a great stabilizing blessing to the local churches.

In recent years though, we’ve seen an uptick in the number of nationals contacting us directly about establishing their own camps. We love to help local leaders reach their own people! Because of cultural differences, transfer of ownership in these scenarios can be more laborious, but the results are incredibly rewarding. In either case, our goal is the same: we want them to own that camp! Not in the sense of having the title to a piece of property, but rather that churches and staff would say with conviction, “This is our camp!” That’s why we do our best to phase CampsAbroad out of the picture in two or three years. We want them to make their own decisions and develop their own way of doing things.

As I think back over the camps we have assisted in the past, there have been many successful transfers. The baton has been passed, and the camp is flourishing under steady, local leadership to this day. Only God deserves the credit for those. But I also can think of some baton drops—a looming danger in any transition. Assigning blame is not important; learning from those experiences is important, because the more we learn from the past, the more effective we will become in transferring ownership in the future. The CampsAbroad staff stands in need of your prayers for both our current and future camp partnerships. Unlike transferring ownership of a car, there are no set rules about transferring a camp—every situation differs dramatically. But one thing doesn’t change: without God’s help, all our efforts will be in vain!

by Matt Collier Director • CampsAbroadBrevard, North Carolina

Transferring Ownership


My high school coach was a stickler for “transition basketball” on the court. The entire team, as the nature of team sports is, had to be prepared to transition from offense to defense and back again in what seemed like a split second—which was still too slow for the coach. Transition in sports must take place immediately and effectively or the team is in trouble. In the work of the ministry, transition may not happen suddenly or immediately, but it must happen purposefully and prayerfully for a ministry to remain effective. When transitions are made at The Wilds, as in any other ministry, the glory of God must be the foremost consideration.

A few years ago, by strong encouragement of our Board of Directors, we began work on plans to solidify our ministry with a plan for the orderly transition of generational leadership at The Wilds. Our goals were three-fold:

• to prepare and elevate a middle and younger generation to leadership

• to continue to honor and bless an older generation who have given so much in sacrifice to this ministry

• to give a new generation the opportunity and responsibility to reach their own generation in much the same way as we have been given the opportunity to impact our generation

Notable transitions are happening at The Wilds!After much prayer, patience, thoughtful discussion, and healthy portions of the grace of God and hard work, transitions are taking place. We desire that many people, old and young, will be freely used of God through this transition and that the ministry of The Wilds will even surpass the way it has already been used of God in the future. We feel like we are family, and although transition is hard, present and very near-future transitions at The Wilds include the following:

Transitionsby Ken CollierPresident • The WildsBrevard, North Carolina


Beginning this summer, David & Jennifer Willis (Accounting Manager & Cool Beans Coffee Shoppe Manager) will begin full-time deputation for a new ministry in Spain. This is quite the transition for them and their 4 children, all of whom were born and reared here at The Wilds. We will greatly miss this faithful family, but are delighted to be a part of God’s Great Commission by rejoicing with and supporting them in their calling! Trevor Allen will be taking David Willis’ place in the financial office at the NC campsite. (See Staff News on page 14 for more details about Trevor Allen and his family.)

After a wonderful ministry at The Wilds that spanned 37 years, Dave and Karen Cleary will be leaving The Wilds sometime after “finishing their course” this summer. Dave, who has been at camp working with vehicle maintenance and, frankly, everything else under the sun, and Karen who has been the cornerstone of the Health Service Department are “Mr. and Mrs. Faithful-Available.” Because of their involvement with the health and well-being of not only

multiplied thousands of campers, but also a large staff, they hardly know what a full night’s sleep is like. We have looked to them for common sense, wisdom, and a “word of comfort from God’s Word” in times of great need and great trial. They have sacrificed so much for the ministry of Christ at The Wilds. They will be greatly missed. Cherie Meals who has been on The Wilds full-time staff with her husband, Tim, since 1999 will assume management of the Health Service Department.

Beginning in June of this year, after 30-plus years, Cal Mair will no longer be in the kitchen (Galley) at The Wilds! What? This is a transition of epic proportions around here! Several generations of campers have known only Cal’s leadership in the Food Service Manager’s position. In the transition, Cal moves right across the parking lot, succeeding Jennifer Willis as manager of the ever-popular Cool Beans Coffee Shoppe! Cal moves from one service apron to another, and we’re delighted that he, along with his wife, Flo, will continue to be very active in the ministry of The Wilds, (though maybe not as active at 3:30-4:00 a.m., which was the norm for over 30 years!) Cal will also, in time, begin an exciting new staff alumni ministry—communicating with former staff members who desire to connect once again to this ministry.

So, who will be the mastermind in the Galley from whence all of that delicious food is produced? We are privileged to have Matt Tracy taking on that three-crisis-a-day responsibility of Food Service Manager. Happiness at camp starts in the kitchen and Dining Hall, and God has blessed us to have a capable man like Matt to step in for Cal. Matt was both a camper and staff member at The Wilds of the Rockies before


coming east to help us at The Wilds in North Carolina. Matt has been serving in the kitchen for 12 years and has served as the Head Cook for the last 5 years. He and his wife, Heather, former camper, counselor, Office Manager, and present administrative assistant to the president, are always in the middle of anything active at camp—always willing and faithful to help. Both Matt and Heather bring with them a great love for people and for God’s ministry! The Tracys have 3 wonderful children and another on the way!

…and yet another very impacting transition!

Matt Herbster will become the third Director in the 44-year history of The Wilds ministry. It is both a pleasure and an honor to pass the baton to one who has been instrumental in the ongoing ministry of The Wilds for years. Matt was a loyal camper and summer staff member, a program staff member for 16 years including the Program Director in North Carolina for the past 8 years, succeeding Rand Hummel in that position. Rand, of course, has been used of the Lord as current Director of The Wilds of New England. Matt is a man of strong conviction and great compassion for campers at The Wilds. He delights to interact and disciple summer staff members. Matt is an excellent preacher, musician, and vocalist and serves the Lord using those gifts with great impact here at camp. Most you know that in May 2012, Julie, Matt’s wife of 18 years, was diagnosed with cancer. As ordained by her loving, heavenly Father, Julie went to be with Christ on March 25th of this year. As excited as we are about the transition that will place Matt in this significant position, we do not want anything to take away from his concentration on settling the children into a very new and different routine. The transition

date was originally planned to be September 2nd of this year, but the actual transfer may be delayed to a future date as utmost attention will be given to the needs of the family.

On September 2nd, Joe Fant will assume the title of Interim Program Director in anticipation of Matt’s position change from Program Director to Director. Joe & Becky Fant (and daughter Karis) arrived to add their gifts to program and music in the fall of 2012. Both are long-time campers and summer staff members at The Wilds. Joe is a pastor’s son from a family of former and present staff members, and Becky was born and reared at The Wilds, being the daughter of Tom and Regina Farrell who were staff members here for 17 years. They bring not only giftedness but also a refreshing, delightful spirit. Joe served as the youth pastor at Colonial Hills Baptist Church in Indianapolis, Indiana, prior to coming to the program staff at The Wilds.

"Thank You" to all of the hundreds and hundreds of campers, friends, and staff members who made Matt and Julie’s burden your burden. Great numbers of friends from far and near have given their prayer support for Julie, Matt, and their 5 delightful children (ranging in age from 7 to 14 years). We appreciate your continued prayer for the family. Pray for Matt as he shoulders his family responsibilities which, as you can imagine, are extensive. We are asking for the Lord’s wisdom in determining right timing as to his being the next Director of The Wilds. He will assume the position as focused on eternity as a man can get.

At whatever point Matt takes the helm, I will have the privilege of continuing to be the President of The Wilds Christian Association, Inc., which maintains the accountability for the ministries of The Wilds in North Carolina, The Wilds of New England, and the international outreach of The Wilds, CampsAbroad. With the possibility of having only the sole position as President, there are so many good things I delight to tackle. It is amazing to serve with all of the staff members and friends who surround The Wilds with love and concern. I frequently tell people at the close of a camp, “Being at The Wilds is really not fair. Not only do I work with the most wonderful people in the world, but the most wonderful people in the world come here as campers.” What a grand privilege—even when transition brings changes! Please pray that God will be glorified and faithful servants will be honored. To God be the Glory.


The concept of “transformation” is not hard to understand. It has been used by the fantasy world to “transform” geeky guys into Superheroes. “Optimus Prime” is a prime example of a Transformer, who, as a brave, compassionate leader of the Autobots, “transforms” himself from a mighty robot to a tractor trailer truck. The science world illustrates “transformation” with the change of a measly maggot to a magnificent monarch butterfly through a process called metamorphosis (which by the way, is taken from the Greek word metamorphóõ used to translate the word "transformed" in Romans 12).

Nearly 45 years ago God used Dr. Ken Hay and his pioneer staff to transform 1,000 acres of North Carolina wilderness into what we now know as The Wilds Christian Camp. Five years ago God orchestrated another transformation of a 225-year-old New England farm into what is now called The Wilds of New England. Both campsites are beautiful examples of the spirit of excellence that honors God. But even their transformations pale in comparison with the transforming work God has done in the lives of literally tens of thousands of campers over the years.

Since the inception of The Wilds, our primary goal has been to encourage both the staff and the campers to change to Christlikeness. Knowing the depravity and selfishness of our own hearts, we will readily admit that any Christlike characteristic evident in our lives is a direct result of God’s enabling grace and His transforming power. What has God used in your life to change or transform you?

If you want to prove that God’s will is good and acceptable and perfect, don’t be conformed to

the world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. As God’s Spirit controls your life, you are being transformed into Christ’s likeness with ever-increasing glory. If you refuse to faint or quit amidst life’s struggles, God will see that your inward man (what you really are) is changed and renewed day after day. As you put off the old ungodly self, and God renews your mind through His Word, He works in you to create a new, holy, righteous man. As you study God’s Word, you will see your mind renewed in the knowledge of Jesus Christ. God’s purpose for you is that you are conformed

to the image of His Son, Jesus Christ. God knows how to transform our lives. (Romans 12:2; 2 Corinthians 3:18, 4:16; Ephesians 4:22-24; Colossians 3:10; Romans 8:29-30)

Many teens desire to grow in Christlikeness. Most parents and grandparents long to

see their children and grandchildren grow and mature to be more like Christ. What better way than to spend a week of camp at The Wilds or The Wilds of New England this summer?

When you come to camp, I cannot promise that you will become a Superhero, bring peace to the world as the leader of the Autobots, or change in your appearance from a “maggot to a Monarch” in one week’s time, but I can promise that, as you saturate your heart with the Word of God and accept God’s enabling grace, you can be “transformed” to become more like Jesus Christ.

That’s what God wants.

by Rand HummelDirector • The Wilds of New EnglandDeering, New Hampshire

Transformation


by Dick Reid Vice President • The Wilds

Taylors, South Carolina

One major transition has recently taken place at The Wilds, and many of you were a part of it. No, this transition did not involve people, but rather some old, very used but well-maintained equipment. The 2 double-stacked ovens and 1 double-stacked combi oven (combination convection oven and steamer) in The Wilds kitchen have been retired from service. They served beyond their life

expectancy cooking up good food for at least a quarter of a million campers.

Early last year, our Food Service Director, Cal Mair, let us know that all 3 double-stacked ovens, 2 of which were over 20 years old, were wearing out and would need to be replaced. After diligent research of various models and options followed by competitive bidding, we discovered the cost to replace the 3 ovens averaged $29,000 each. Cal also recommended that we plan to purchase a generator for the kitchen so that food service would not be totally interrupted for our campers during our periodic power outages. The estimated cost for a good-sized generator was at least $15,000.

With an estimated cost to meet the need totaling $102,000, and with just two fundraising banquets planned for the fall (in Greenville, South Carolina), we decided to focus on raising the funds for 2 of the 3 double-stacked combi ovens (planning to nurse the other one along as best we could). We also entertained thoughts of making do with a much smaller generator. God had other plans.

At our banquets Ken Collier gave a brief ministry report and then introduced Cal to present the need. Cal shared his salvation testimony of how he came to know the Lord while stationed in Japan, serving as a cook in the US Navy and finding God’s will for his life at The Wilds—literally!

Transition KitchenIn the


This is how God worked at the banquet:

• We received a challenge matching gift of $40,000

• Donations at the two banquets totaled $55,000

• A large (bigger than we even dreamed for), barely used generator was donated

• An individual called at year-end and asked to donate the remaining $7,000 needed

We were hopeful for 2 double-stacked ovens and a small generator. God, through His people, provided a single and 2 double-stacked combi ovens, a large generator, and the needed funds to install them. Our staff—and especially the kitchen staff—is very encouraged. These dependable replacements will allow us to maintain the quantity and quality of our food in order to fill the stomachs of our campers and reach their hearts for Christ. I TRUST that this blessing for The Wilds kitchen (equipment) transition has also encouraged you.

Coming SoonJune 2013

prod master:sales order:acct mgr:artist:bus. rel.:contact:ofa date:

BE OUR GODMatt & Christy Taylor

Many times in Scripture, God says, I will be your God and

you will be My people. That is incredible truth from our

Creator Who desires a personal relationship with each

of us! Created to bring glory to God, man has become

separated from God through sin. So God sent His Son, Jesus,

the “holy, spotless Lamb of God” to bear the punishment

for our sin and restore our broken relationship with God

through faith in Christ’s finished work.

This recording confidently affirms that He alone is God and

He deserves to reign supreme in our hearts. Even as He

calls us to “be His people,” we cry out for Him to rule in our

hearts and Be Our God forever!

Many times in Scripture God says, I will be your God andyou will be My people. That is incredible truth from our Creator Who desires a personal relationship with each of us! Created to bring glory to God, man has become separated from God through sin. So God

sent His Son, Jesus, the “holy, spotless Lamb of God” to bear the punishment for our sin and restore our broken relationship with God through faith in Christ’s finished work. Be Our God is a recording that confidently affirms He alone is God, and He deserves to reign supreme in our hearts. Even as He calls us to “be His people,” we cry out for Him to rule in our hearts and Be Our God forever!TWS1353 .............................................$1395

Lion-like leaders are not extinct, but they are on the endangered species list. The importance of character, integrity, and spiritual courage cannot be overestimated. How did Daniel do it? From age 15 to age 85 he refused to be blended into the world in which he was forced to live. His life was threatened by proud Nebuchadnezzar, mocked by wicked Belshazzar, and sentenced

to death in a lions’ den by King Darius. Through all of this he never lost his integrity. Daniel was a man who lived with lion-like character, and we can do the same.Daniel—Living with Lion-Like Character by Rand Hummel is a 6-week Bible Study for teens.TWB121 ...............................................$695


Careers:Jamie (’99) and Amber [Ray] Lundquist (’00-’02) live in Mio, Michigan, where Jamie is the assistant pastor at Mio Baptist Church. They have 2 sons and a daughter.

Kevin and Debbie [Smith] Maness (’76) live in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Kevin is a Captain of a fire department and Debbie is a substitute teacher at Wesleyan Christian Academy.

Tim (’00,’01,’02) and Allyson [Fulmer] Nelson (’00,’01,’02) live in Kansas City, Missouri, where Tim is the administrator at Tri-City Christian School. They have 3 daughters.

Weddings:Jennifer Fortney (’04,’05) and Joey Hoelscher (’05), 7/14/12.

Amberley Cox (’07) and Ben Lamphere (’06,’07,’08,’09,’10), 7/14/12.

Anna Niarchos (’10) and Matt Reid (’05,’07,’08-’10), 7/14/12.

Karis Lundvall (’12) and Noah Smith (’06,’07,’08,’09,’10,’11,’12), 8/25/12.

Kate Babcock (’07,’08-’09,’10) and Jeremy Sipes, 9/2/12.

Emily Cheadle (’07,’08,’09) and Cameron Pollock, 12/15/12.

Alisha Shaffer (’01,’02,’03) and Steven Holmes, 12/29/12.

Births:Joel and Megan [McAdams] Albright (’99-’05), Brenden Joel, 6/24/10 and Annie Reagan, 10/15/12.

David and Amy [Branigan] Basinger (’99,’00,’02,’03), Darcey Quinn, 2/12/12.

Jeremy (’05,’06) and Joy [Waldschmidt] Tyler (’06,’07,’09), Avery Tyler, 5/28/12.

Ben (’96,’00,’01) and Wendy [Branigan] Russell (’96,’97,’99,’00,’01-’05), Cade Benjamin, 11/17/12.

Chris (’99,’00,’01,’03,’04,’05,’06-'11) and Laura [Weathers] Lynch (’03,’04,’05,’08-’11), Patrick William, 11/26/12.

Former Staff, help keep us updated on your career moves, marriage, and children! Send announcements to:

The Wilds, Where Are They Now?PO Box 509Taylors, SC 29687-0009or e-mail [email protected].

Staff News:Trevor and Jamie Allen joined our staff in March. Trevor supervises the accounting department and supports the accounting needs for all of our offices. Trevor has served on our summer staff in New England and Jamie has served on our summer staff in both North Carolina and New England. They welcomed Brooklyn Annabelle to their family on February 19, 2013. She weighed 7 pounds 12 ounces, and was 20 inches long.

Matt and Kelly Collier are happy to announce the arrival of their son, Levi Joseph. He was born December 17, 2012, weighed 7 pounds 11 ounces and was 20 inches long. Levi is welcomed home by big brothers, Gabe and Jeriah.

Nathanael Gorsline, son of Doug and Sonja Gorsline, married Krista Henager on October 20, 2012. Nathanael has served 5 summers and Krista has served 3 summers on our North Carolina summer staff. They are currently living in Taylors, South Carolina, where Nathanael is working for Burket Contractors, Inc., a lawn service company, and Krista is employed by Hope Reach as a Lead Therapist for children with autism.

Meghan Leach joined the North Carolina office staff on May 14, 2012, as the program secretary. She has now transitioned to the role of office manager in North Carolina. Originally from Des Moines, Iowa, Meghan has bachelor and masters degrees from Bob Jones University

in Music Education and is working on a masters in Biblical Counseling.

Amy Ledbetter joined the Greenville office staff on January 15, 2013. She will be handling summer registrations. Amy was part of our seasonal staff for 2 years and our summer staff for 2 summers in North Carolina. Amy graduated from Bob Jones University with a degree in Women’s Ministries.

Matt and Christy Taylor are happy to announce the arrival of their son, Ian Matthew. He was born December 14, 2012, weighed 7 pounds 11 ounces, and was 23 inches long. Ian is welcomed home by big brothers, Braden and Bryce.


LivingMemorias

Memorial gifts received as of March 20, 2013

HENRY ABBOTT Given by: The Class of 1955 La Grange High School, La Grange, NC Mr. & Mrs. Holton Harrison • Mr. & Mrs. Wynn Odom Mr. & Mrs. Rick Stoner

ROLAND ABRAMS Given by: Wayne Amspacher

KATHERINE M. ANDREWS Given by: Mr. & Mrs. Ken Hall

MARION ASHE Given by: Mr. & Mrs. Jerry Sprout

ISABELLE FAITH BACHMAN Given by: An Anonymous Donor

JEWELL BETSILL Given by: Margaret Betsill Tutton

OWEN BLACKWOOD Given by: Rev. & Mrs. Alan Blackwood

ROMAN BRUNSON Given by: Mr. & Mrs. Allen Brunson Mr. & Mrs. William Buchanan

DEFOREST CHALKER Given by: Mr. & Mrs. Jerry Sprout

MARY CHANDLER Given by: Mr. & Mrs. Robert Donovan

RUTH ANN CUNNINGHAM Given by: Mr. and Mrs. Gary Williams

THURLO DEJARNETT Given by: Rev. & Mrs. William Willis

JEAN DITTO Given by: Mr. & Mrs. Jerry Sprout

WILLIAM C. FULTON Given by: Mr. & Mrs. John Burtner • Mr. & Mrs. Tom Butts The Riley Cowan Family • Patricia Csizmadia

Dr. & Mrs. Ron DeGarmo • Mrs. Elizabeth Gardner Mr. & Mrs. Don Gorsline • Mr. & Mrs. Don Hershberger Mr. & Mrs. Kenneth Kennedy • Mr. & Mrs. Jim McAdams New Hope Baptist Church, Mauldin, SC Dr. & Mrs. Edward Panosian • The Wilmer Vollnogle Family

CLYDE HACKWORTH Given by: Mr. & Mrs. Jerry Sprout

JAMES H. HUGHES Given by: Ismael Gullon

MICHAEL MCCASKILL Given by: Janice Kelly-Reid

DOROTHY MUNCIE Given by: Mr. & Mrs. Robert Donovan

LUCAS ROBERT NICHOLS Given by: Mr. & Mrs. John Byers

DEBORAH ANN ROBBINS Given by: Mr. & Mrs. Steve López

EVIE ROBINSON Given by: Mr. & Mrs. Ernest Matthews

SAM SEIDMAN Given by: Mr. & Mrs. Jerry Sprout

ROBERT SIMMONS Given by: Mr. & Mrs. Rick Stoner

DIXIE ROSE SMITH Given by: Mr. & Mrs. Ellis Keels

DAVE WENGER Given by: Mr. & Mrs. Rick Stoner

MRS. ODELLE WILSON Given by: Mr. & Mrs. Rick Stoner

GIFTS GIVEN IN HONOR OF:

DR. WILLIAM BROWN, JR. Given by: Lou Ann Newsom

DR. & MRS. KEN COLLIER ANDDR. & MRS. KEN HAY Given by: An Anonymous Donor

Honor a loved one or friend with a Living Memorial gift to The Wilds.In Memory Of:Rev./Dr./Mr./Mrs./Miss _______________________________________________________________________

Please send card to:Rev./Dr./Mr./Mrs./Miss _______________________________________________________________________

Address ________________________________________________________________________________

City __________________________________________________ State _________ Zip ________________

Given by:Rev./Dr./Mr./Mrs./Miss _______________________________________________________________________

Address ________________________________________________________________________________

City __________________________________________________ State _________ Zip ________________

Phone _________________________________________________________________________________

The Wilds Living Memorials • PO Box 509 • Taylors, SC 29687-0009

AItems received:Blood pressure Monitor with AC Adapter • 9 Music Stands 4 Hand Pruners • 4 Shovels • Jack Stand • Tire Changer Pressure Washer Wand Extension • 2 Cordless DrillsGFIC Line Cord • Pallet Jack • Hydraulic Lift Table CartElectric Staple GunNeeds:

Commercial Food Processor - $500 OneTouch Glucometer Test Strips (50) - $50 Rescue Backboard and Headblocks - $250 Safety Traffic Vests (3) - $30 each Headlamps (4) - $30 each Radio Chest Harnesses (3) - $35 each Monochrome Network Laser Printer - $1,000

NItems received:3 Mats for Building • Generator • Framing GunFinishing Gun • 2-100’ Air Hoses • Laminator • PickaxeNeeds:

Mattresses (40) - $125 each Violin or Viola Pickups (3) - $150 each Playground Balls (40) - $5 each Program Referee Shirts (14) - $12 each Funtime Costume Shirts (16) - $12 each Basketballs (4) - $20 each

I want to help A or N

Enclosed is a gift toward the cost of the indicated need.

Rev./Dr.Mr./Mrs./Miss _____________________________________

Address _________________________________________

City _______________________ State ____ Zip _________

Mail to: The Wilds • PO Box 509 • Taylors, SC 29687-0009

Needs CornerThe

NON-PROFIT ORG.U.S. POSTAGE

PAIDGREENVILLE, SCPERMIT NO. 687

Spring 2013

PO Box 509Taylors, SC 29687-0009

Address Service Requested

People respond to emergencies in several different ways. Some get flustered to the point of

worthlessness. Some are cool, collected and confident while others just melt into a puddle of

water. Regardless of the way you handle physical emergencies, God wants you to handle spiritual

emergencies with a cool, collected confidence even when life seems recklessly out of control.

The difference is that the confidence is in God’s character and not our abilities. To help us trust

Him, God wrote us a book filled with information about His character. Ken and Mardi Collier

have selected 23 of His attributes from His book with several key verses about each of these

attributes. When unavoidable crisis comes, this Emergency Pack can quickly bring our hearts

and minds back to assured confidence in our God. So if you or someone you know is struggling

with difficulty or crisis, the Emergency Pack can be the perfect connection back to trusting God.

For more information or to place an order, visit our website at www.wilds.org/store or call (864) 268-4760.

A

the wilds newsletter: spring 2013

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