Mission Statement FAQ - Camp Manito-wish YMCA Summer Camp

How does Camp’s Mission statement inform our programming?

Camp’s mission statement was informed by the scripture reading of Luke 2:52. “And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and Man.” This helped to establish the four corners of the Manito-wish square to create the foundation of our programming and form Camp’s current mission statement: To enrich the character and leadership development of each person who has a Manito-wish Experience by challenging them to grow in wisdom, in stature, in favor with God and one another.”

We believe that a balance of the four following growth areas, through our value based programming, is critical to the Manito-wish experience.

Growing in Wisdom

Our programming fosters the ability to think critically such that participants grow more comfortable with who they are in order to “Show up” authentically in life.

Growing in Stature

Our programming fosters improvement of body and physical skills which make for pride and confidence in being.

Growing in Favor with God

Our programming fosters growth in participant’s exploration of what God means to them.

What Does This Look Like at Camp?

Chapel at Camp Manito-wish YMCA

Chapel is a time to gather as a camp community to reflect while sitting amongst the pines. Chapel is held Sunday at the Wones Pinewoods Chapel. The Camp Director, Program Directors and/or Sectionals all come together to guide and lead the chapel service. Our chapel service does not have a specific religious affiliation, but rather offers us all a moment to gather and reflect together. People of all backgrounds are welcome. The framework includes a passage, singing, a reflective message and lasts approximately an hour. All summer camp campers will wear a white shirt and staff their staff shirts to Chapel.

Closing Ceremony (“Square Ceremony”/“Vespers”)

Our closing ceremony occurs the last night of each camp session. The closing ceremony is referred to as the Square Ceremony during Boys camp and Vespers during Girls camp. These ceremonies are an opportunity for the entire Camp community to assemble in the Nash Lodge dining hall. Each ceremony offers a time for reflection about their growth in wisdom, stature, in favor with God, and everyone while at Camp Manito-wish. The ceremony lasts about 90 minutes.

Graces at Camp

Grace is a moment to center yourself prior to each meal while standing behind your chair in our Nash Lodge dining hall. Graces, are sung or a Password, a passage to self-reflect upon are sung or read. While participation in the graces is not a requirement, a moment of silent reflection, while standing behind your chair, is encouraged. The staff member leading the grace or password periodically throughout the session provides a full explanation of this tradition.

Commissioning Ceremony of the Staff

The Commissioning Ceremony is the process of officially bringing to a close the staff training for all seasonal staff. The commissioning is held on the opening day of Boys and Girls Camp and is a ceremony to inspire our staff for the upcoming session! Each member of the training team-Operations Director, Camp Director, and applicable Program Directors participate in the commissioning with words of wisdom, inspiration, and celebration. The ceremony includes a song, time for reflection, and a message of inspiration. In prior commissioning ceremonies, the words of prayer have been time for self-reflection: utilizing a moment of silence, eyes closed at comfort level, and may include a scripture reading. The commissioning is concluded by individual silent reflection, sitting somewhere on the waterfront, and then transitioning to Nash Lodge for lunch. The total time of the commissioning ceremony is approximately 30 minutes.