We are excited to announce the Rob Elliott, known as Lurch around Camp, is stepping in to Chair our Board of Directors. Rob is well known to Camp’s leadership team and board are we are honoured to have him take on this responsibility. Rob has a long history at Camp and is familiar to many in our community. Recently you may have seen him at work parties, flipping burgers on a Sunday afternoon or delivering camper luggage on a golf cart. Behind the scenes, Rob has served on our Board of Directors since 2019. We asked him to share some of his story and how God has Mini-Yo-We to shape him over the years. Here is what he had to say!
Camp Mini-Yo-We, has played a significant and formative role in my life over many years. My relationship with the camp has evolved through nearly every level of involvement—participant, staff member, leadership, supporter, and now board member. This long-term engagement has shaped my faith, leadership skills, family life, and commitment to Christian ministry through camping. My life verse is Isaiah 40:30,31 which says, “Even youths grow tired and weary and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”. Here is some of my story and how God has used Camp Mini-Yo-We in my life.
Early Years as a Camper
My journey with Camp Mini-Yo-We began as a camper. During these early years, I experienced firsthand the camp’s mission of sharing Christian values in a supportive, adventurous, and community-centered environment. These foundational experiences created a deep sense of belonging and set the stage for my continued involvement. The friendships, spiritual growth, and positive role models I encountered as a camper left a lasting impression and inspired me to return in a serving capacity.
Entry into Service: Enterprise and Support Roles
Following my time as a camper, I returned to camp as part of the enterprise program (JOP’s at the time), working primarily washing dishes. This role introduced me to the operational side of camp life and taught me the importance of service, teamwork, and diligence in behind-the-scenes work. It also reinforced the idea that every role at camp—no matter how visible or invisible—contributes to the overall mission and experience of the campers.
Growth into Leadership: Cabin Leader and Section Head
From enterprise work, I progressed into frontline leadership roles as a cabin leader. In this position, I was responsible for the daily care, safety, and spiritual mentorship of campers. This role developed my skills in leadership, communication, conflict resolution, and discipleship.
I later served as a section head, where my responsibilities expanded to include oversight of multiple cabin leaders and a section of campers. This position required a higher level of organizational leadership, staff support, and decision-making, as well as collaboration with senior leadership. It further strengthened my ability to lead teams while maintaining the camp’s spiritual and operational standards.
Teen Camp & Sail Camp Director
One of the most significant leadership roles I held was Teens and Sail Camp director. In this capacity, I was responsible for program development, staff supervision, safety management, and ensuring a high-quality experience for campers participating in the senior campers programs. This role combined technical oversight with pastoral leadership and required careful planning, risk management, and mentorship of both campers and staff.
Operations and Maintenance: Back Shop and Special Projects
In addition to program leadership, I also worked in the back shop of camp, contributing to maintenance operations in the kitchen and assisting with special projects across the property. This work provided a deeper understanding of the physical infrastructure required to support camp operations and highlighted the importance of stewardship of resources, facilities. Being involved in these projects allowed me to support camp sustainability in practical and tangible ways.
Personal and Family Impact
Camp Mini-Yo-We has also had a profound impact on my personal life. I met my wife Lydia at camp, and together we have continued to be part of the Mini-Yo-We community. Over the years, our family has enjoyed being involved in camp life, relationships, and traditions. It has been cool for me to watch the next generation continue to be involved with the ministry, our daughter Bryanna (Haka) has helped with the nursing on site and has run the 10 day Northwoods canoe trip for a number of years.
Ongoing Commitment and Board Involvement
Today, my relationship with Camp Mini-Yo-We continues through serving behind the scenes as well as board involvement. This role allows me to contribute strategically to the camp’s future, drawing on decades of firsthand experience across programs, operations, and leadership levels. My board service reflects a long-term commitment to the mission and vision of Camp Mini-Yo-We and a desire to help ensure its continued impact on future generations.
Conclusion
My years at Camp Mini-Yo-We represent a full-circle journey—from camper to staff, from leader to supporter, and now to board member. Few individuals have the opportunity to experience an organization from so many perspectives. This breadth of involvement has given me a deep appreciation for the camp’s mission, people, and ministry, and it continues to shape my life, faith, and service today.