Kirk & Trudi Weaver

A Story Featuring Summer HoneyRock Pastors

By HoneyRock Center for Leadership Development

June 23^rd, 2022

Keep an eye out for upcoming stories featuring our summer pastors over the next month! As HoneyRock continues to grow in year-round programming, we hope to partner with pastors who are willing to volunteer in both the summer and the school year months. Interested in serving HoneyRock in this way? Email leah.wolf@wheaton.edu.

Who is a HoneyRock Pastor?

"HoneyRock pastors volunteer their time to serve all members of the HoneyRock community. They offer pastoral support for our staff members and campers alike. Throughout the summer, pastors guide our summer community through vocational training and necessary discipleship, equipping those to serve at HoneyRock & the greater mission of the church."

Ashley Paige Kiley, Camp Programs Director

Kirk '78 & Trudi (Beck) Weaver

During the first three weeks of staff training, Kirk Weaver and his wife Trudi joined us for summer preparations. Together and independently they facilitated a variety of daily rhythms and trainings, from devotionals to church services to one-on-ones. We've been blessed by their presence and partnership at the beginning of this summer season!

On returning to HoneyRock this summer, Kirk reflected on his past experiences and shared...

"I first heard about HoneyRock through a concert my parents attended at Wheaton. They picked up a brochure about summer programs and the next thing I knew I was a camper. I was a part of all the wilderness programs both as a participant and a leader. I then worked in the kitchen for several summers. I'm honored to serve on the advisory board. This summer is our third year being here as camp pastors."

We asked Kirk & Trudi a few questions about their time here and this is what they had to say...

What made you want to serve as a volunteer in this position?

K: I love reading and sharing the Word of God. I love HoneyRock. I love being around college-age students. My friend Eric, who lives in Rhinelander, mentioned a HoneyRock “camp pastor” preaching at their church. I didn’t realize there was such a position. When I asked Rob, [Honeyrock's Executive Director] about the position he felt it would be a good match between summer staff needs and my areas of interest.

What brought you back to HoneyRock again this year?

K: 1) We were invited to volunteer and partner with HoneyRock. 2) We love reconnecting with students from previous years and making new friends. 3) We love learning about the faith perspective of young adults.

Kirk leads a staff devotional on the Beatitudes in the "Devo Circle" next to the outdoor rock wall.

Why do you think the role of camp pastor is so important during summers at HoneyRock?

K: Students need someone independent, not in their chain of command, with whom they can share concerns and questions. Students come to HoneyRock with the same challenges and issues they had back at school or at home. This is also a transitional time in their lives when they start questioning what they have learned and can experience anxiety about an unknown future. As a camp pastor I want to help them grow and be successful during their summer at HoneyRock.

What is your favorite part of pastoring the summer community at HoneyRock?

K: Two things come to mind:

Meal Time: It's a chance to be engaging in unscripted conversations and moving between tables so we can meet new people at every meal.
Mental Health Trainings. This is our third year serving as camp pastors. When Ashley [Camp Programs Director] learned that Trudi was a trained and practicing therapist she invited her to lead several trainings with the students. She does trainings on mental health issues including issues campers bring with them and how to avoid burnout as a staff person. Both of us meet with students one-on-one while at HoneyRock. Kirk meets with a few of the men on summer staff and many of the female students tend to want to meet one-on-one, they are drawn to Trudi as a resource.

Trudi leads a summer staff training session on Responsive Ministry and Listening Skills in the chapel.

We are so grateful for Kirk and Trudi's ministry to us over the past three weeks. Their service to HoneyRock's staff and students has been such a blessing and exemplifies Christ's love to us all. Thank you Kirk and Trudi, come back again!