Northern Light Spring '25

In This Edition

Double Your Impact | Legacy Spotlight | Voices of Gratitude | Ways to Give

A Note from the Executive Director

Over the past month we have made the big transition from school year to summer. We had a wonderful opportunity in May to celebrate our graduating Vanguard Gap Year students as well as our graduate students who have earned their master’s degree in Outdoor Adventure Leadership. Many of these students are now working and serving as we prepare for the arrival of campers.

Also, through a very big team effort over the past 6+ months, we have recruited a wonderful group of college students to work and serve this summer. Given the number of campers coming (over 1,000!), we targeted 156 high-character student leaders, and we just recently filled the last position to get to 100% staffing! This includes the largest number of returning students which will be very helpful as we train and invest in this group. I’ve had the great pleasure of meeting with and speaking to these student leaders as they start training, and I am really impressed with the Christ-centered character of this team and their commitment to serve a bigger purpose than themselves.

Our summer staff theme is Psalm 95:6-7. “Come, let us worship and bow down. Let us kneel before the Lord our maker, for he is our God. We are the people he watches over, the flock under his care. If only you would listen to his voice today!

Please pray for our summer program teams, our activity staff, along with our Kitchen, Health Center, Guest Services, Site & Facilities, Media teams, etc., as they complete their training and preparation, and move into this very busy season, knowing they are the flock under his care. Please pray for the work that God has planned for them, being the hands and feet of Christ!

God Bless,
Matt Erickson, ‘95
Executive Director

Prayers for Summer 2025

Our summer staff will be rooted in Psalm 95, focused on worshipping the greatness of our God as the reigning King and our Good Shepherd.

First, you can pray for our staff. We pray that our staff teams will accept the invitation to "come, let us worship and bow down" as we seek to partner with the Spirit in fulfilling our vision of seeing generations alive in Christ.

Second, pray for our campers. As Matt mentioned, 1,000+ youth and young adults will be coming onto HoneyRock's grounds this summer, and while we are confident the Lord has blessed and set this space a part - we are still seeking His protection and expectant that His name will be known and worshiped this summer. While praying for our campers, please pray for camper's families and those who care for and send their campers to HoneyRock.

Finally, please pray for our 27 international Christian camping leaders serving with us this summer. Our international staff leaders have traveled from around the world to partner with us in ministry this summer, we are thankful for the ways they are already influencing HoneyRock's ministry!

Ashley Paige Kiley, Camp Programs Director

Summer Staff Openings!

With Summer ‘25 just around the corner we are still in need of a few more cabin leaders, kitchen staff, activity leaders, and a videographer.

Do you know any college-age or recent college-graduates seeking summer employment? If so, our team would love to connect with your recommendations or answer any questions a potential applicant may have before they apply.

Contact RJ Boyle at rj.boyle@wheaton.edu for more info, or share the link below!

Summer Staff

HoneyRock Online Merch Store!

Get a head start on summer with our new exclusive online store! We now have limited stock from the Beehive available for you to order online. From t-shirts and classic baseball hats to cozy hoodies, we have everything you need to start your summer in HoneyRock style.

Shop Here!

School Year Commissioning

10th Vanguard Cohort

Our 10th Vanguard cohort has come to a close, and it has been a year of adventure and growth! Vanguards traveled to Costa Rica, Chicago, and the Twin Cities (MN), had a full winter of outdoor engagement, finished their spring coursework, and made the most of their remaining time in the community. One characteristic of this year’s cohort that has stood out and impressed me was their engagement and desire to learn and grow through every aspect of the program. As a cohort, they embodied what we hope a full Vanguard year would look like!

Learn More about Vanguard

Outdoor and Adventure Leadership MA Class of '25

We have 14 Outdoor and Adventure Leadership MA graduates completing the program this spring. Three of our graduates are from the Emerging Leadership Program at SpringHill Camps, our partner ministry in Michigan and Indiana, and another is from our neighbor, Fort Wilderness. The remaining ten have been graduate assistants at HoneyRock, serving as leaders in Passage, Summer Camp Programs, and our School Year programs like Vanguard Gap Year and Retreat ministry. These incredible students plan to serve in churches, camps, and colleges across the United States and worldwide.

Learn More About Our Graduate Program

Cabin Rentals at HoneyRock: Your Summer Getaway

This summer rent one of our cozy waterfront guest cabins! Step away for a week of rest, revitalization, and quality time at HoneyRock! Each of our summer guest cabins gives you access to beautiful views of Long Lake and plenty of opportunities to explore HoneyRock's activities and the Northwoods with your friends and/or family.

Secure your rental for Summer 2025 now while limited spots remain.

Rent Your HoneyRock Cabin

Double Your Impact: Donor Match Update

In the last edition of the Northern Light , we announced that a very generous donor offered to match every gift-dollar for dollar- up to $100,000 until April 30th.

We are a month into the campaign and have already raised $xxxx of our $100,000 goal.

Together, we have an incredible opportunity to serve more campers while maintaining the high quality of our summer camp programs.

There are only 2.5 weeks left to Double Your Impact, so donate today!

Donate Here!

HoneyRock Northwoods Adventure 2025

Join us in the Northwoods for our yearly retreat for friends and alumni of Wheaton College and HoneyRock (ages 50+)!

Full Week Option: September 29 - October 4, 2025

Long Weekend Option: October 2 - 4, 2025

To learn more about Northwoods Adventure at HoneyRock, or to register for the retreat, please click the button below.

We hope to see you this fall!

Contact Us

HoneyRock Center for Leadership Development

8660 Honey Rock Rd.
Three Lakes, WI 54562

630.752.7474
honey.rock@wheaton.edu