At the Heart of Camp
By Allison Vitale, Program Director
Summer Camp is like nothing else. At camp, you are surrounded by the most encouraging counselors, an intentional Christian community, and the beautiful outdoors that constantly reveal God’s amazing character. Plus, studies show that the confidence and resilience gained at camp stays with campers throughout the entire year.
Camp is my happy place! I am so excited to step into this new role as Program Director for Grace Outside where I can resource, organize, and grow the existing retreat and camp programs while developing new experiences going forward. My mission is that every person would have an unforgettable and life-changing camp experience.
Allison Vitale and Winter Blast attendees enjoy inside fun at Wesley Woods.
Though I grew up in Indianapolis, I have called Michigan home since marrying my college sweetheart, a native Michigander. We are parents to three teenagers, and my family enjoys exploring, hiking, biking, and camping all over our beautiful state, especially the Upper Peninsula. I come from a background of serving children and youth in Christian ministry.
I love the vision of Grace Outside — to invite everyone, without exception, to experience the love of Jesus outside of everyday life. Summer Camp and retreats provide a beautiful setting for this extraordinary opportunity.
At the heart of all Grace Outside programs is intentional time set apart to receive God’s love in new and unexpected ways through community, fun, and experiencing nature.
At the heart of all Grace Outside programs is intentional time set apart to receive God’s love in new and unexpected ways through community, fun, and experiencing nature. Grace Outside Summer Camps are a place where every young person belongs and is accepted, which is to say they are shown grace and learn how to share that grace with others. Grace Outside truly creates love inside.
Canoeing is just one of many activities campers enjoy at Wesley Woods. Learning new skills and connecting with nature help campers grow in confidence and resiliency.
This summer’s camp theme, “Linked by Love,” is about God’s love and how we are all linked by it. This message ties beautifully to the heart of Grace Outside. All our programming seeks to give time and space for the building of community based on love, inclusion, hope and forgiveness. This love flows from God and empowers us to love others!
My hope is that many new families will give camp a chance because I do believe that God exists outside of any walls, fears, and human ideas that can be a barrier to faith. How awesome it is that at camp we can step out of our comfort zone and know that God will meet us there!
That’s why I’m so excited to jump start summer and invite you to Wesley Woods for Family Fun Day on Sunday, April 28, 2024 2-5 pm. This free event introduces your family and friends to the amazing experiences at camp. Enjoy archery, games, arts and crafts, BBQ picnic, and camp tours. So invite some friends and get ready for some fun. I can’t wait to meet you soon! Your RSVP is not required, but helps us plan. Learn more
