The Great Commandment

Dear Winnataska Parents,

As Camp Winnataska’s new Executive Director, I am humbled to lead this incredible community that has shaped so many people for over a century. Camp Winnataska offers campers a place not only to have fun, but to grow in ways that stay with them for a lifetime. Central to this growth is the “Four-Fold Life”—mental, physical, social, and spiritual development—a principle that we embrace at camp.

At Camp Winnataska, we believe no one is too young (or too old) to develop in all of these ways. Children are encouraged to grow mentally by trying new things and solving problems independently, building resilience and confidence. Physically, camp life strengthens their bodies as they hike, swim, and tackle adventures in nature. Socially, living in a close-knit community teaches them cooperation, empathy, and the joy of true friendships. Spiritually, we guide them to explore their faith and values in a loving and supportive environment.

This model follows The Great Commandment that Jesus teaches in Mark 12: 30-31: “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ The second is this, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” At Winnataska, these words come to life as campers experience holistic growth while loving God, themselves, and one another.

As a parent, I know how vital independence is to a child’s development. At camp, children manage their daily responsibilities, make decisions, and discover their capabilities—all without direct adult intervention. In his book Camp, Michael Eisner, former CEO of Disney, beautifully summed up the transformative power of camp when he said, “Camp is about growing, taking a little bit of a leap of faith into the unknown, and finding out what you're really capable of.” By nurturing independence, resilience, and a deep sense of belonging, we help children develop into confident, well-rounded individuals. I look forward to continuing this legacy and partnering with all of you in this meaningful work.

Faithfully,
Elin
Executive Director, Camp Winnataska