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    YES! Actually no… Well, probably, kind of?

    Maybe I can explain. I’d say yes, because we hear stories about it happening all the time.

    But no, because transformation is not something I can control. I’m the Program Director, but I can’t just add “life change” to an open slot in Wednesday's afternoon schedule. I can’t deliver that, so I don’t want to promise it. But that does not stop it from happening.

    Our goal as a program team is to simply “set the table” – helping to create a space where God can do His thing.

    So yeah, you are going to have a blast with your kids – which according to Parents magazine will have long-lasting impact on their happiness. Woo Hoo!

    But around here, you will see so much more happening that has a long-lasting impact!

    People slowing down, away from distractions and routines, to be still and listen. Spouses taking advantage of the times their littles are cared for in ClubCove, to connect with each other (uninterrupted!) at a heart level, for the first time in forever. Teenagers finding like-minded friends, who will continue to encourage them throughout the year. The Holy Spirit using the words of a speaker to challenge, encourage, illuminate, and meet us right where we are. Conversations with new friends, with enough “me too!" moments to let us know we are not walking alone. Sunrises, sunsets, and beautiful views of the river in between, just to remind us who’s got the whole world in His hands…

    Here’s what one family camper said on their evaluation last summer, that kind of sums it up:

    “This is why we come; to breathe God in as a family, and a personal level also. Fellowship with other believers on that same journey. The speaker helped bring this into perspective, as the staff helped create the atmosphere.”

    So we don’t make life change happen - but we have a front row seat to watch God using His Word, His creation, and community to cause people to look more like Jesus. And we like it! Why not come grab a seat next to us, and see what happens?

    Family Camp

    Nate Ransil
    Nate joined the Program department at Sandy Cove in 2003, and transitioned to director of that team in 2014. Nate graduated from Houghton College with a double major in Communication and Outdoor Recreation (yes, it is a thing) and got to know his wife Evelyn while co-leading backpacking trips for at-risk youth. Hopefully not as at-risk are their two sons, Caleb and TJ, who have spent all their summers at Sandy Cove, Camp Sandy Cove, and The MARSH! Nate enjoys being outside, being inside, being handy, the beach, snowboarding, roller coasters, training aardvarks, bodybuilding, contributing to quantum theory, and making up fanciful, if not entirely accurate, biographical details.
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