After the past two years of minimal operation, the four United Methodist camps in the Pacific Northwest Conference are back on track in 2022 with a regular array of summer programs. However, the challenges are many, and some changes occurred at Camp Indianola as we were gearing up for summer camp. One of these changes is the departure of Colin Cushman, director of Camp Indianola. After 2 1/2 years of guiding Indianola through the challenges of COVID, Colin made the difficult decision that it was time to pursue other ministry directions. This, coupled with a severe staff shortage and our high expectations for the quality and safety of our camp operation, required the cancellation of Indianola summer programs in July.
Under Colin’s leadership, new programs, projects, and improvements have been undertaken; new adult retreats and youth programs (such as adventure camp) were implemented, a new outpost campsite was built, the renovation of Madrona cabin (formerly Chak Chak) was started, four new RV spaces to accommodate NOMADS are being built, among other projects. We are grateful to Colin for his service and for leading Indianola during a very challenging time.
We are pleased to announce that Pete Simpson, former director of Indianola (1992-2013) and Twinlow (1986-1992), has come aboard to serve as interim director. Pete and his family still live locally in the town of Indianola. After having recently retired from school teaching, Pete was available and has hit the ground running to facilitate the remainder of the summer season. In addition, many volunteers and former program deans have stepped forward to help this season. Paul Vahey and Peter Fraser, in particular, deserve a special shout-out for organizing volunteers and helping facilitate the remaining programs at Indianola this summer.
Was that supposed to be 1992-2013? Pete was at Indianola way more than a year.
Thanks, Austin. Good catch.
Welcome back Re-Pete!