We have spent over 25 years preparing the campus and growing into the community God desired us to become. I do not believe I had the patience to take all these years to prepare at the beginning of this journey. But God has been patient with me as a man, leader, and visionary to let me learn and grow into what He wanted in this time. He has brought many people along the path to teach me, stretch me, mold me and help me grow. He has provided tests to show my progress. He grew our family to become the next links in this chain of service for Him.

I can remember an early day the first year in 1996, where my father and I were remodeling the cabin that would become his home. We had a long, long, hot day of tearing down walls, pulling out old insulation, and readying the ground to pour a concrete foundation addition. We sat on the porch of the small home where we all lived together for those first few years, my Mom, Dad, Karol, and I, and little Annissa, who was only six months old. We had a conversation that we have had, many, many times after…. about how no one will ever know how much work it was when it all gets done! We decided that day,  and every day since, that building this new thing God asked us to, was going to be hard, but we would do it because He wanted it done.

Our theme for the upcoming year of 2022 is “New”! A new campus, a new beginning, new life, and a new understanding of how God’s plan can be trusted, 100%. We take the theme of “New” from 2nd Corinthians 5:17. Where it says that when we love Jesus, we become new, the old is gone, and the new has come. So we ask for your prayer as we endeavor to kick off this new thing and all that God will do in it in 2022 and far beyond!

After one of our Camp Daniel residents started dating, we got a closer look into navigating dating while having a disability. Their relationship mainly consisted of speaking on the phone and seeing each other when they happened to be at the same social functions. They desired to see each other more and have a deeper relationship but didn’t have the proper resources to do so on their own. After a few months, they asked Evan and me for help as they wanted to go on a real date! So Evan and I stepped into the situation and helped them plan. Later that week, we went mini-golfing and then out to dinner. The four of us had an excellent evening.  We helped with things like transportation, navigating the golf course, understanding the restaurant menu, and handling money. But we also helped by discussing the ins and outs of relationships like opening doors, paying for meals, how to speak to each other, and more. This date was eye-opening and launched us into diving deeper into understanding dating while having a disability. 

Due to things like laws and cultural norms, people with disabilities have to navigate relationships very differently. Because of laws, marriage, in the typical sense, is often not a possibility. Cultural norms make things like transportation and visiting each other difficult. We have also found that pop culture, movies, and TV, have created an unrealistic view of love and dating. 

Overall there is little education and a lack of opportunity and support, making it difficult for people with disabilities to have loving, healthy relationships.  We want to offer support to those who desire fulfilling and successful relationships. So starting in January, we are launching a NEW program, Camp Daniel Date Nights! These will be monthly group date opportunities for people with disabilities who are in relationships. This new program is to help our campers navigate relationships with support along the way. We will teach the basics, like how to act on a date, to more complex topics. We want to be able to offer fun date opportunities but also to have the opportunity for personal growth. Eventually, we want these date nights to accumulate to a weekend couples retreat. We are excited about the new program and look forward to seeing what it turns into! More information will be available on our website and social media in January of 2022.

NEW ITEMS! This holiday season, give the gift of happiness while supporting Camp Daniel! Find the perfect gift for the camp enthusiast in your life & while you’re there, treat yourself! Check out the cozy new items we’ve added to The Trading Post!

All proceeds go towards furthering Camp Daniel’s mission. Your purchase has purpose. Some items are of limited supply, so shop today! Merry Christmas!

Click the button below to see what’s new! 

http://shop.campdaniel.org/

Through your kindness & generosity we can change lives. 

Camp Daniel is a 501(c)-3 non-profit organization. All gifts are tax deductible. Donations may be made by check, PayPal, or bank electronic transfer.  

Mail gifts to: Camp Daniel W10541 Army Ln, Athelstane, WI 54104    

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