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HoneyRock Girls' Camp

Pioneering a Place for Women in Leadership

By HoneyRock Center for Leadership Development

September 2^nd, 2022

Retreat & Reunion

This September at HoneyRock, we were excited to host the first Girl's Camp Retreat & Reunion. The purpose of the retreat and reunion was to bring together the alumnae community of campers, staff, and leaders who were involved in Girl's Camp from the 1960s to the 1980s. The hope in gathering together was to create time and space to share stories of God’s faithfulness, giving opportunity to testify how God has worked in your life and through HoneyRock over the years.

If you want to begin reconnecting, you can join the Facebook group! The 2022 Girls Camp Retreat & Reunion was led by Debbie Willson Bradley, Carol Eckkelman Marshall, Carol Morgan, Carol McEwing "Q" Harding, Jennifer Good, Jill King Alexander, Lisa Maxwell Ryken, and Kathy "Kate" Maxwell Mackey.

"This reunion is a chance to reflect on the privilege we all had to spend those summers learning and growing together. And it’s a chance to renew relationships that have impacted us and, of course, to have fun together again." -- Carol Morgan

"We had a lot of fun together in Girl’s Camp at Honey Rock. But so many of those women have not been back in 30+ years. I would like to be able to hear how God has worked in their lives since they were last at HoneyRock and I would like to thank so many of those women who were on staff and made HoneyRock such a delightful place during those years." -- Lisa Maxwell Ryken

The HoneyRock Girl's Camp Retreat & Reunion took place September 22, through September 25, 2022 at HoneyRock. More info is provided at the end of the story.

The retreat and reunion was thoroughly enjoyed by all in attendance and HoneyRock looks forward to more opportunities to connect this alumnae community!

PIONEERING A PLACE FOR LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT

Since its first sessions of summer camp in 1951, HoneyRock has always had a place for women in its ministry but those places, positions, and opportunities looked slightly different than they do now. Ultimately, the purpose of HoneyRock has been (and still is) to be an experiential leadership laboratory for all, especially emerging adults and youth.

Rob Ribbe PhD. (Executive Director) explains that "women have always had roles of leadership at HoneyRock and those roles have led to many breakthroughs for the organization". Rob points out the important hand women have had in HoneyRock's history, particularly the women involved early on with Girls Camp, "many of those women were pioneering early leadership opportunities for other women".

Rob elaborates on the more recent history of women at HoneyRock, "In my 30 years here, there have been four women in charge of the Summer Leadership School (SLS). By contrast, in the early years, there was separate programming for men and women (the P.E. department at Wheaton, SLS at HoneyRock, etc.). In 1991 we combined men and women’s programming at HoneyRock, to provide the same programmatic experiences across the board for all of our campers and staff. In the last 30 years I’ve [Rob] been here, we’ve had male leadership over SLS for 13 out of those 30 years. All that to say, since we’ve combined programs, women have been significant in leading programming and ministry at HoneyRock. Today, in our graduate programs specifically, our percentages of women and men are sitting around 60% women and 40% men. This coming year, our graduate classes will be comprised of approximately 70% women."

"It was evident... the Christian camp was an unexcelled environment for teaching and discipling young lives. One could envision the educational potential of a camp environment" as a place for a leadership development and spiritual formation, "HoneyRock was to be a different approach from the traditional residential camp".

-- Harve Chrouser, 1990

“This was a day like no other Monday in camp history...”

Thirty girls and their counselors were the beginning of the fulfillment of a dream that would grow beyond our expectations...

"Peg Lovik's counselors were keyed to a high pitch, ready to meet HoneyRock's first campers under Wheaton College's leadership. Engineers had worked hard to make the tent-covered platforms homelike, but at best they were only partially water- and mosquito-proof... About 4:30pm, the arrival celebration began with the sound of the bus horn as it rolled down the hill into camp, Bob Whitaker at the wheel, with thirty screaming girls aboard. The counselors lost no time rounding up their cabin groups and heading for their tents.

Camp had started. This event established what HoneyRock is all about - counselors discipling campers. That first meal in the dining hall was a thrilling sight. Thirty girls and their counselors were the beginning of the fulfillment of a dream that would grow beyond our expectations" (Chrouser & Chrouser, p 21, 1990).

"They proved to be a hardy lot..."

In A Place Apart Harvey "Harve" & Dorothy "Dot" Chrouser (1990) reflect on the early days of Girl's Camp amidst HoneyRock's conception as a camp: "On June 14, 1951 a caravan of students, staff, and crew made up the beachhead to occupy and operate the camp. That first contingent of women interns were the "original pioneers" of HoneyRock Leadership School. They proved to be a hardy lot, equal to any task and their names go down in [HoneyRock] history: Joyce Giles, Kenny Harper, Jan Kastein, Nona Lawson, Carrie Muntz, Florence Sawyer, Mary Varland, Jane Watson, Julie Weaver, Bede Weirick, Peg Lovick (Director), and Dot Chrouser (Assistant)."

It wasn't until decades later, when all camper and staff programs would become co-ed, that both male and female campers would all the same opportunities and experiences.

CANOEING CANADA

"In 1967 the first Girls' Canadian Trip took place with Jean Anderson and Dot Chrouser as leaders accompanied by Coach Chrouser. Patsy Elsen and twin sister, Sylvia, were involved at HoneyRock from 1959 to 1973 in a variety of ways and roles. Patsy shared some memories of the first Girls' Canadian trip (Chrouser & Chrouser, p 199, 1990).

The "Canadian" was the ultimate challenge. In time, we girls were finally able to participate. We had a week of training. I don't remember much of what went on that week, but I do know that one of our activities was to become able to portage a canoe alone. By the end of the week, I think every one of us was able to do this.

-- Patsy Elsen

THE VOICES OF HONEYROCK WOMEN

As followers of Christ, we know and have seen what the Lord can do through places and experiences like HoneyRock. He also encourages us and moves us to share the stories, to testify to His goodness and His movement throughout our lifetime.

In that spirit and of the upcoming Girls Camp Retreat & Reunion, we reached out to small handful of the women who were involved with Girls Camp in the past, and some of whom are helping organize the upcoming Girls Camp Retreat: Carol Morgan, Carol McEwing "Q" Harding, Debbie Willson Bradley, Jennifer King Soderquist, and Lisa Maxwell Ryken.

Their responses offer fun and meaningful reflections, testimonies, and lessons learned through their lived experiences of Girls Camp at HoneyRock. As you read, take time to consider these same questions and take encouragement in the work the Lord has done through HoneyRock over the years.

How and why were you involved with Girls' Camp?

Carol Morgan: "My first experience at HoneyRock was in 1965 as a counselor, following my sophomore year at Wheaton College." Carol was a first-time counselor in 1965 and returned as a Unit Leader the following summers. Carol reflects, “In 1969, after Shirely Knauf stepped down, Coach Chrouser invited me to be the Girl’s Camp Director”. Carol served as the Girl’s Camp Director from 1969-1977, she was also the first Director of Wheaton College's women Vanguards (1975).

Carol McEwing “Q” Harding's experiences of growing up at camp and working at HoneyRock cultivated her relationship with Christ and her understanding of how camp impacts a person’s life. Q remembers, “Carol Morgan, Girl’s Camp Director, called me in the spring of 1969 to see if I was interested in coming on staff of Girl’s Camp. I immediately said yes – I didn’t even have to think about it!” Q served at HoneyRock for a few seasons, returning later in 1984 to co-lead a counselor training backpacking trip with Linda Petrie Gulbransen.

Debbie Willson Bradley: "I was there 1970-1980 and again in ‘82 and ’83. Girl’s camp had two 2-week sessions. My parents worked at HoneyRock during the summer, so I was there the whole summer, but girls camp was the best part. I was 8 years old my first summer and continued through all the programs - regular camp, Explorers, Junior Counselor in Training (JCIT) and Junior Counselor (JC). In college I counseled and helped with staff training one summer."

Jennifer King Soderquist initially came to HoneyRock as a camper, noting “as a competitive athlete, I loved the sports”. It wasn’t until after her freshman year at Wheaton College that she came up as a student to study and help plan Girls Camp. Jennifer recalls realizing during the planning process, "it was not just for college requirements, but it was investment into the lives of young campers”. Two years later Jennifer returned as waterfront staff, continuing to return for the next five years. “I don’t think I really looked at any other job possibility, I really loved working with other adventuresome followers of Jesus, in a camp stetting, being challenged by 24/7 work, hard work, combined with lots of laughter, deep times with Jesus, and being outside.”

Lisa Maxwell Ryken started as a camper when she was nine years old, working her way through most (if not all) the consecutive camper programs. Lisa reflects, "My story is really a family story. I am the youngest of three girls. We grew up in Colorado, but our parents sent us to HoneyRock every year." Lisa's father played football at Wheaton for Coach Harve Chrouser. Lisa elaborates, "In 1951 Harve took guys from the football team up to build the trip locker, the first Wheaton College building built on the new HoneyRock property." For Lisa and her two older sisters (*Judi & **Kate), summers at Honey Rock were an expected part of life, "which grew us and enriched us - I met one of my best friends (Barb Miller Nussbaum ’88) in a cabin our first year at camp and, although we did not see each other for 50 weeks of the year, we remain friends to this day."

* Judith "Judi" Maxwell Greig ('77; HoneyRock 1966-1974) was a part of the first group of students who ran day camp in 1975 with Dr. Harold Harper. ** Kathy "Kate" Maxwell Mackey (’82; HoneyRock camper 1970-1972, 1974-1978; Assistant Counselor 1980; 1982-1983 Summer Staff) also went through the the full progression of HoneyRock girls programming at the time.

What was significant about your time in Girls' Camp?

Carol Morgan recalls feeling incredibly responsible and privileged, to be entrusted with leadership as a young director. "I took it more seriously than anything I had done up to that point in my life. Coach Chrouser's belief in me and trust in our Girl's Camp Senior Staff, his willingness to let us "learn by doing", be creative and make mistakes, it all had a great influence on me, building my self-confidence and leadership skills."

Carol McEwing “Q” Harding shares that working with Girls Camp developed her holistically. "HoneyRock gave me the opportunity to further develop my ability to teach... Working with campers of every age and temperament gave the rich experience of observing physical and mental developmental stages that I could apply to my teaching assignments during the school year." Q continues to explain the cumulative and holistic impact that working at HoneyRock had on her life. She explains that her experiences at HoneyRock "led to a better ability to manage classes, a better understanding of the proper use of authority, a better understanding of how to express care and concern for others, a better ways to organize groups, a better methods of supervision, and many more concepts to apply in the future."

Debbie Willson Bradley captures the multifaceted Girls Camp experience in major two buckets 1.) Community and 2.) Location.

1.) Community: "I had friends from all over - California, Texas, the Chicago suburbs, central Illinois. Meeting my future freshman roommate at Wheaton when we were in the same cabin. The consistency of the staff was a huge factor to the success of girl’s camp. Carol Morgan, Q, Cindy Kline, Mary Wetzel, Penny Nickel and so many more - my counselors had a big impact on my spiritual growth."

2.) Location: "Being in a beautiful part of God's creation, surrounded by staff and counselors that loved Jesus - it doesn't get much better than that."

"I believe that HoneyRock is one platform from which I was pushed and encouraged and challenged to be the woman that God was calling me to be - not in spite of being a woman, but because I am a woman."

-- Jennifer King Soderquist

Jennifer King Soderquist recalls observing how committed the leadership staff were to "... loving Jesus, loving people, and making tough decisions. There was a real desire to see college students grow in their gifts, there was kindness in confrontation, there was patience in tiredness - it was servant leadership not just modeled, but lived."

Jennifer explained how she would watch and learn from the staff that worked with her as the Women’s Leadership School Director (1985). "Every summer has it challenges, and as Director, I obviously was privy to most of them that summer. But the staff with which God gifted me, was just awesome. We had never laughed so much in the midst of momentary challenge!"

"I am still impacted by one particular lesson from the summer of 1985, as the Women’s Leadership Director. My desire was to see growth and to impact these young college women. But, if I didn’t see that growth happen, well, it is not for me to see, but for God to be honored when that growth does take place."

Lisa Maxwell Ryken: "I had a significant conversation with Patty Bullmore when I was about 15 or 16. I was struggling with doubting God because I could not feel Him near me. Sitting at a table near the Staff Cabin, Patty reminded me about the passage in Joshua 1 where God told Joshua that He would not leave him or forsake him. Then she asked me if I knew what a rainbow signified. I said "God promised he would not flood the earth again". Patty asked , “Has God ever flooded the earth again?”. When I admitted, "No, God has never flooded the earth again", Patty drove her point home, “Well, then, do you think that you can trust that God will never leave you or forsake you?” It was a simple conversation and I doubt that Patty remembers it. But it has stuck with me all these years."

What influence has Girls' Camp had on your life up to this point?

Debbie: "I would say some of my greatest growth as a Christian came through things I learned at Honey Rock. It created a solid foundation for my faith."

Jennifer: "As a head volleyball coach for college athletes for 30 years, I believe there is significant impact on my coaching/mentoring that is related to the leadership challenges, lessons, and opportunities that occurred at HoneyRock." Jennifer pointed out that working in the camp setting requires a person to make real-time decisions, "there is a real sense of working through situations without panic and leading in the midst of challenge".

Lisa: "I learned that there is nothing better than a shower after two weeks on the trail. I learned that it is possible to choose your attitude and that having an attitude of joy and gratitude makes any aspect of camp—but most of all being out on the trail—better. I am a more confident, resilient, and joyful person because of the interactions with people and experiences I had at HoneyRock. I learned most of my problem-solving skills and my ability to work with others, both of which have been crucial to my life as a mother."

Do you have a specific story that encapsulates what Girls' Camp was like?

Carol shares that her years at HoneyRock were full with "many adventures, laughs and meaningful times together." She finds herself often recalling "the early morning and late night staff meetings, working together, solving problems, planning for the day and supporting each other. I especially loved the creative sessions, writing musicals and dreaming up crazy Special Days."

Q elaborates on the power of "being in a place where I know I was loved and accepted, that was huge for me". Q reflects on a particular memory from her summer days as a Unit Leader, "One year near the end of the camp season, the seven counselors of Unit 2 that I had led, told me they wanted to talk to me. We sat in a circle near the lake, and they told me how much they appreciated me. They gave me a stained glass piece that one of the counselors had made. I remember thinking that I could never say I wasn’t loved by someone outside of my family again—they convinced me they loved me. I still have that stained glass." Q shared an additional memory, one that attests to the good natured humor of HoneyRock staff... "I’m not wired as a morning person. I remember a verse someone hung on my door in the staff cabin: “A loud and cheerful greeting early in the morning will be taken as a curse” (Proverbs 27:14).

Debbie shares that singing and skits in "The Hogan" are a fond and regular memory, "When I was a counselor, Penny Nickel had us doing Austrian skiing exercises at the break of dawn in The Hogan."

Debbie reflects on a hallmark HoneyRock experience, that of spending time in the woods on trip (an overnight), "Overnights: we hated them but we loved them afterwards. I can still remember when I was in Cabin 5 and we were camping on Cranberry Island and it had been raining. The sun came out and we all started singing Here Comes the Sun. Another time, we were on an overnight in a storm and Mary Wetzel canoed across the lake from Gypsy Villa to save us!"

What was it like to be a woman in leadership at a time when it was less common?

Carol: "I find it interesting to be looking back now, in 2022, on the 50 year anniversary of Title IX . . ."(Carol notes that the Girls Camp Senior Staff were all involved at their various colleges, schools, and jobs in encouraging the changes that needed to come for women.)

"On one hand, as Girl’s Camp Director, I was given an amazing amount of freedom in hiring staff, planning all activities, programs and schedules. And I believe we earned the support and respect of the men. On the other hand, it was clear that the Boy’s Camp and Wheaton College men would have more resources and first shot especially at any Adventure programs ie. Canadians, Explorers and College Vanguards. Eventually we were able to push for changes and equality. Mary Wetzel and Penny Nickel Hagaman were especially helpful in making our case - to Coach Chrouser’s credit, we were heard."

Q: "We just did what came naturally and what was needed at the time. I don’t remember thinking that it was uncommon."

"Given the responsibility to lead in this setting was a great opportunity, leading small groups of campers and staff in various settings increased my confidence in my leadership ability. I applied that in my future teaching, coaching, and higher ed leadership positions (Career Director at Huntington University and Assoc. Dean of Residence Life at Moody)."

Jennifer: "Growing female leaders was not by happenstance, it was planned and practiced. I did not experience “you can’t do this", or “this is not your place”. What I heard was “yes, you can”, “thank you", and “let’s go". In all of us working together (men and women) there was this integrating attitude of needing each other."

"We were empowered to be creative, do things not done before; it was about learning to lead, trust, and working together. I believe that HoneyRock is one platform from which I was pushed and encouraged and challenged to be the woman that God was calling me to be -- not in spite of being a woman, but because I am a woman."

Lisa: "I only realized how outside the norm it was when I was looking at some historical records from the original *Vanguard program (previously High Road, now called Passage). It was only a few years before I started as a camper that they approved a *Vanguard program for women. I can say that I am very grateful for those women like Dot Chrouser, Carol Morgan, Penny Nickel Hagaman, Lin Peterson, Patty Bullmore, Jennifer King, and others who modeled leadership and made it seem normal. Those women opened the possibilities for what women could do and how God uses women to teach and train other."

* The name "Vanguard" was retired for several years but has now been repurposed and resurrected. It now serves as the name for Wheaton College's Vanguard Gap Year Program at HoneyRock.

Learn More About Vanguard Gap Year

What advice would you impart to the next generation of emerging female leaders?

Camaraderie, not competition, is the hallmark of female leaders, and not just emerging leaders, but for all women who follow Jesus.

-- Jennifer King Soderquist

"I am impressed with what I see and read about the current opportunities and the female leadership at HoneyRock. There seems to be no limit to the level of responsibility women can hold now. As far as any wisdom I might impart, I would say it’s all about the relationships."

-- Carol Morgan

What advice would you impart to today's HoneyRock staff and students?

"Do not underestimate their value, even in very small things. The short word of encouragement, correction, or guidance to a camper may make all the difference to that child. The campers look up to you and will remember you long after camp is over."

-- Lisa Maxwell Ryken

"Look for opportunities! They may be small in responsibility or impact (seemingly), but they can add to your development in unexpected ways. Be willing to try something out of your comfort zone, you may find new skills or loves."

-- Carol McEwing "Q" Harding

What’s the value of attending or working at camp?

Carol: "Camp really is a place where we do change and grow. When placed in this new community, we are challenged to build relationships, make decisions, face fears and unknowns, learn new skills and hopefully witness the love of Jesus exemplified in the lives and relationships of the staff."

Q: "Being away from the trappings of our culture—tv, screens, apps, news, media— time away and in new settings can be of great use to the Lord. Meeting new people, trying new skills, learning new concepts can stretch a person and add quality to their lives and influence their future. Attending camp can dramatically change a person’s life as it did mine."

Debbie: "The community, the beautiful surroundings, the time apart from the crazy world, it truly is a place apart."

Jennifer: "You have to work with people, this is not a one-person show, you get to work with other people."

Lisa: "The relationships that you make and the life lessons that you learn or have reinforced are beyond any monetary value. And because HoneyRock is Christ-centered, the value is kingdom-oriented value."

"The value of camp is inestimable..."

-- Lisa Maxwell Ryken

Girls' Camp Retreat & Reunion

The first Girls' Camp Reunion & Retreat was September 22-25, 2022 at HoneyRock.

Goals for the 2022 Girls' Camp Retreat & Reunion were:

Reconnect women’s staff, counselors, and campers
Share stories of God’s faithfulness, of how he worked in and through HoneyRock and the years since then.
Pray for and partner with HoneyRock
Encourage one another in our walk with Christ
Create an opportunity to get back to HoneyRock!

"I am eager to learn what God is teaching us all, and to thank Him for our participation in His Kingdom!" -- Jennifer King Soderquist

Couldn't attend but still want to reconnect?

Join the Facebook Group!

If you weren't able to join us this year, subscribe to the Northern Light (quarterly newsletter from HoneyRock) to keep an eye on future events!