Watch this video!

Have you ever seen the movie August Rush? As I listened to Wheaton College senior Jon Hitchcock play the guitar last night, I was reminded of the interesting and original guitar compositions featured in the movie. Jon is here with other Wheaton education students this week taking classes with Dr. Loomis and Dr. Barwegen. We (HoneyRock staff) have been enjoying spending time with them over meals, playing broomball, and at impromptu talent shows in the Bear's Den. 

Check out Jon's rendition of Amazing Grace on the guitar: 

What's in a name?

What do you think about when you see the letters "GPA"? Do you think... grade point average? So did I, in fact, before coming to HoneyRock. To most of the world, GPA stands for how you're doing academically, but at HoneyRock, it has stood for "Graduate Program Assistants."

Aha! Wait... what does that mean? Yes, we realized that even spelled out, "Graduate Program Assistant" doesn't really convey much more information than "GPA" would, and still requires an explanation. The GPA program (the Graduate Program Assistant... program), one of our flagship Grad programs, is getting a much-needed renaming. 

Starting with the class of 2010-2011, we are now calling it the Graduate Apprenticeship, and the participants are now called HoneyRock "GAs" for short. (That's Gee-Ays, not "gas," like what you get at the pump... ;) 

The GA program is part of our expanding opportunities for Grad studies. In the next few months, we will be unveiling a completely redesigned curiculuum for those interested in pursuing Grad studies in Leadership, Ministry, Outdoor Adventure Challenge, and Christian Formation at HoneyRock. 

For now, enjoy some pictures of our current GAs in training!

2:22 staff applications are coming in!!!

We're excited to see the enthusiasm and interest in our new program after meeting with several students on campus last week.  I have several new and returning staff applications.  It is most exciting to see the last summer's Advance Camp staff interest because it continues the care and ministry to youth coming back from Advance Camp and into 2:22!  I am really hoping for a level of ministry where a camper can have almost 3 years of involvement from one HoneyRock counselor.  AWESOME!

Most of our early applicants have at least one summer at HoneyRock and several years of ministry experience.   A few of the applicants are applying to be Resident Assistants at Wheaton.  I think this means an incredible platform of passion, excellence and experience to start from.  I am already imagining an incredible staff training time of sharing ideas, experiences and vision from everyone to improve on what has already started.

If you are interested in this program but still need more information or would like to talk about dates, finances or concerns, feel free to call or email.

Hope to hear from you soon!

rick.masters@wheaton.edu

maryelise@honeyrockcamp.org

715.479.7474 x206

"Round-Up" and snow at HoneyRock

Snow has descended upon us  here at HoneyRock which is a welcome sight as we are gearing up for a busy and exciting winter retreat season.  It's not enough snow for me to get out the ski wax and dream about being on the slopes, but it is enough to remind me that a new season is only a few weeks away.  

Around four hundred people came to "Round-Up" at Wheaton College on Saturday to enjoy over a thousand pieces of pizza, rock climbing, basketball, soccer, and connections with kids, parents and summer counselors.  I enjoyed seeing HoneyRock take place at Wheaton College in a gym, which is to say that some values are not dependent on place or time.  For example, I saw Rachel spend hours belaying young soon-to-be-climbers/campers up the rock wall and overheard summer staff laugh as they recounted their camp memories.  That was ministry happening naturally as a lifestyle.  Those opportunities are huge for former campers, parents and staff to remind each of us of who God is and what He has done at camp.  It also shows us that investments in peoples lives are eternally worth it.

We are so thankful for all of you who were able to attend and we hope to continue to serve you and enjoy God together.   

Rick Masters

On behalf of Wheaton and HoneyRock team.

Training Graduate Program Assistants

I see a “training” or “character building” program in Scripture that God is actively involved in.  For example, God placing people in solitude (David), under a teacher (Timothy), in difficulty (Joseph) to prepare them for the next phase of life, ministry, role or choices the person will make.   Now maybe it’s less of a program than I’ve stated but it’s interesting to see the following decisions and roles these people faced.  Similarly for us, we cannot (and maybe God will not) move us forward until we have these transitional, preparational experiences.  Some are more foundational then others. I believe the ultimate preparation is of the heart that centers our identity, strength, success and joy in God.

The Graduate Assistantship Program is one of those foundational experiences designed to give students this opportunity.  In nine months they will both study and experience first-hand the practice and theory of outdoor ministry while growing in the character it takes to serve and lead in it.  It’s an “all hands on deck” experience hosting and serving various groups or retreats involving setting up the programming for both the individual and the collective group to experience Jesus on many levels.  Meanwhile students also are discovering and facing their own gifts, fears as they serve in a community-based effort.  It’s a dynamic process that combines experience, evaluation, learning and encouragement as a means of “character formation” and preparation for what God may use them in next.  

I hope our time with students who leave our ministry have the foundations to make wise and holy choices; to love and fully engage themselves in Gods mission around the world at any level, difficulty or time in culture.  Becoming servants who will be actively engaging in other people’s lives not needing a desk, or title or role.  It has become who they are, or a lifestyle that has fully engaged in mission.  

We need your help!

According to Merriam-Webster online, one of the definitions of “excite” means to call to activity. I have in mind a plethora of activities that I feel properly demonstrate excitement. Some of these actions that come to my mind may include various amounts of frolicking with joy, loud vocal exclamations, and fireworks (if handy). This may not be the way you personally respond in excitement. However, I feel that a response we all have in common is to immediately tell those around us about the source of our enthusiasm.  I say all of this to ask each of you to partner in our enthusiasm about 2:22 and share with your acquaintances the news about the new program. Whether you are a high school student, college student, camper parent or faithful HoneyRock alumni, we need your help in communicating to others about 2:22. We are in the process of publishing student brochures but we feel that you all are our best advertising medium! So may your “call to activity” be to get the word out. We would also appreciate your prayers as counselors and students begin to consider making 2:22 part of their summer!

Thanks! Mary Elise Ducworth, for Team 2:22 

***Friday's post will be about the Graduate Program Program Preparation.