Camp Mennoscah Association

“Membership shall be all persons attending western district conference churches and the kansas churches of south central mennonite conference, and others who uphold the purpose of the association.”

“The members above the age of 18 who are present at the annual membership meeting may cast a ballot on any vote called for at the meeting.”

“A copy of this return has been e-mailed to all board members and a hard copy is available in the camp directors office.”

“The executive committee, consisting of the president, vice president, secretary and treasurer, conducted a performance evaluation of the executive director and provided that review, along with documentation of salary structures at other camps, to the full board for final determination of compensation. The most recent comparability data used is from 2014.”

“All documents of the board are kept and made available to the public in the camp directors office.”

“Description of organization mission: we create a place of renewal and relationship building for people of all ages. We maintain a christian camping program which upholds the core beliefs of mennonite church usa to be followers of jesus christ and a community of healing and hope. We work to offer examples of living christian lives in everyday ways and to utilize our natural environment to enhance the camp experience. We focus these efforts on summer youth camps, retreats for families and friends, and guest groups. Summer youth camps: camp mennoscah offers eight weeks of summer youth camps to youth in grades 3 to 12. These summer youth camps are structured to provide opportunities for building community, intergenerational mentoring, faith development, and self-discovery. In 2024, 403 youth campers were served. The camp schedule is created to focus on a campers personal interactions with others. This includes discussions as a cabin, small group activities, and sessions with the whole camp. Staff is also available for one-on-one conversations. Activities range from bible study and campfire worship to nature, crafts, and active recreation. A concentration on interacting with others with the goal of making new friends helps to build a broader, stronger community. A bridge is created not only between campers of the same age, but also intergenerationally with staff. As new relationships with campers and staff are built, understanding and tolerance of others is promoted. Another vital part of the camp experience is the modeling of an everyday christian lifestyle by staff. Through their actions and manner of communication, staff show campers what it means to live as a follower of jesus and how being a christian can be fun. Summer camp staff range in age from college-age counselors to retired volunteers. They fill positions of youth leadership, cooks, nurses, counselors, program directors, and maintenance volunteers. Campers are with staff throughout the day. They are mentored and taught by the multi-generational staff in numerous activities, both structured and unstructured. Watching how these adults understand and exemplify their faith is a primary component to the faith development of the campers. Growth in the different areas of summer youth camps is strengthened through the removal of electronic distractions. Without cell phones, laptops, and the internet, more time is spent in person-to-person collaboration and in nature. Nature has the potential to calm and clarify a persons thoughts, providing a visually silent landscape instead of an ever-changing screen. Regaining their focus allows a camper to concentrate on the stories and biblical teachings shared and the relationships being established. Similarily, studies indicate that movement of the body is correlated to improved cognition. Being without electronic devices, campers are encouraged to play, not to remain stationary. Some campers choose to make crafts or draw and others play four-square or frisbee. All these activities stimulate the mind and help campers make connections between what they are learning, their own lives, and others. Campers return home renewed and with a greater understanding of themselves. Retreats: just as the summer camps offer space for youth to renew themselves, the different retreats at camp mennoscah allow for adults to spend time away from their everyday responsibilities. The retirees relaxation retreat, mental health spiritual retreat, scrapbook and crafts retreats, and work & play camp provide space for community building, faith & fellowship, and renewal. In 2024, 32 attendees were welcomed into a time of rejuvenation in the midst of creation. Daily activities are designed to specifically fit the purpose of each retreat. Some retreats offer sessions to expand ones knowledge. Others spend time volunteering in service or intentionally allocate time to get to know other attendees. Presenters and attendees come from a widespread area, extending the retr”