January is seen as a fresh start for many, and at HoneyRock we hit the ground running as Vanguards, Graduate Assistants, and Fellows returned from Christmas break to begin their second semester. | Photo: Betsy Oda
It's time to tube!
January and February brought us the rich opportunity to host church, family, and school groups. This past winter, we had our first opportunity to host the Field School from Chicago (some students pictured here). Hosting our guest groups fills us with a sense of joy and refreshment; each of them brings a little extra warmth in the midst of a chilly Northwoods winter. | Photo: Joseph Thar
At the end of February and the beginning of March, Vanguards and Vanguard Staff traveled to Canton, Mississippi, and San José, Costa Rica, for their cross-cultural immersion trips. Both trips are oriented around partnering with a long-term or permanent ministry that has invested in the local community. | Photo: Rachel Nichwitz
In March, as the days started to lengthen with the Vernal Equinox (the first day of Spring), sap in Sugar Maple trees began to run from the roots up into the branches as the trees prepared to generate a new set of leaves. The HoneyRock community eventually enjoys the benefits of their hard work in the form of sweet, fresh Maple syrup. | Photo: Laura Sattler
As the snow slowly began to melt, spring was still feeling far off. Vanguards, Fellows, and Grad students enjoyed a Winter Formal (dinner and dancing). Vanguards started this tradition in the Spring of 2021, having missed out on their high school prom due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and it has now become an annual HoneyRock school year community event! | Photo: Betsy Oda
In April, we started to see signs of spring, and we began to prepare for the end of another school year season. Pictured here, Vanguards in the Equestrian Track planned, practiced, and demonstrated a drill performance for the HoneyRock community at the end of the year. | Photo: Betsy Oda
In April our 8th cohort of Vanguard Gap Year students celebrated the end of their gap year, Fellows prepared to depart and wrap up their year of mentoring Vanguards, and Graduate Assistants began to either look ahead to summer or make their move into life after graduate school. | Photo: Laura Sattler
At the beginning of May, students and graduate assistants in the M.A. in Outdoor & Adventure Leadership (OAL) program celebrate the completion of their courses. | Photo: Laura Sattler
May also brought about the excitement of Wheaton in the Northwoods (WIN). The energy that Wheaton students bring to their WIN courses is rejuvenating and gives way to the long-awaited springtime! | Photo: Kristen Baurain
In late May and early June, we harvested timber from a sizable portion of our property between Black Bear Cabin and Main Camp. Harvesting timber is an essential task within proper and healthy forest management, making way for diverse but native foliage to grow in this forest home. | Photo: Kristen Baurain
Summer 2023 brought us our largest and most diverse group of International Summer Staff! With individuals coming to HoneyRock from 10+ countries, we felt immensely blessed by each of these staff members and the way God worked through each of them this summer. | Photo: Kristen Baurain
June brought about the completion of our renovated Sports Complex, refreshed and ready for target sport activities in summer/fall and as a tubing hill in the winter! | Photo: Kristen Baurain
Best way to enjoy a sunset? From a canoe on Long Lake.
During the summer, scenes like this around the lagoon and bridge become a familiar and comforting sight. | Photo: Kristen Baurain
Does everyone have a water bottle? Did you grab a ground tarp? Who has the stove? Did someone pack those granola bars? Wait, where are we?
A little Red Squirrel looks to lend a hand in double-checking gear before heading out on trip... Maybe he can help get campers and staff to their camp site. | Photo: Kristen Baurain
July at HoneyRock means summer is in full swing. Soaking in those perfect Northwoods summer days and singing praises to the Lord - it's what we're here for, and the joy is contagious! | Photo: Sophie Killeen
In late July, Adam Pratt (HoneyRock camper father) ran from Wheaton College in Wheaton, Illinois to HoneyRock in Three Lakes, Wisconsin. Raising funds for every mile he ran to support HoneyRock's wilderness programs and trip gear. | Photo: Rebekah Greer
Summer at HoneyRock brings a constant hum to the community and campus; days are full of new experiences and thoughtful routines, worship is grounding and vibrant, and things can feel busy. Yet we are always making time to slow down, setting aside space each day to see God's creativity in the stillness. | Photo: Kristen Baurain
No matter the fish, catching your first one is kind of a big deal! | Photo: Rebekah Greer
August brought about the end of summer camp, and our staff celebrated the end of an intensive and rewarding season of ministry together with a time of worship (and, of course, there was a pretty sweet bonfire on Ski Hill). | Photo: Laura Sattler
In September we welcomed our 9th cohort of Vanguard Gap Year students. Pictured here, they are prepared to set out on their 6-day backpacking trip along the North Country Trail in Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. | Photo: Charlie Goeke
October is one of the most colorful months of the year at HoneyRock, and the School Year is in full swing. Vanguards, Fellows, and Graduate Assistants are often out and about, exploring Wisconsin's finest outdoor climbing spots, getting to know the Northwoods community, or hitting the road to recruit summer staff. | Photo: Christina Basara
November culminated in Vanguard Thanksgiving, a three-day retreat that Vanguards plan and host their families for the holiday weekend. Hours of planning and preparation went into this event, and the food never disappoints! | Photo: Betsy Oda
In December, the HoneyRock community of Professional Staff, Graduate Assistants, Fellows, and Vanguards closed out the semester (and the year) with a Christmas party, complete with good food, warm drinks, a white elephant gift exchange, and a gingerbread house building competition. | Photo: Laura Sattler
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