Meaningful Experiences: A Camp Mihaska Series – Part 4
“There is no greater gift you can give or receive than to honor your calling. It’s why you were born and how you most truly come alive.” - Oprah Winfrey
At The Salvation Army, we see camping as a unique opportunity to build the future leaders of tomorrow, and for those leaders to seek out a driving force in their lives, through Christ. Our staff and counselors pour everything they have into our campers over eight weeks each summer. And while the camp experience is not unique to the Midland Division, or The Salvation Army, which operates more than 50 residential summer camps and hundreds of day camps across the United States, we believe Mihaska is special.
Having been a sanctuary in the Midwest for nearly 80 years, Camp Mihaska is a place where people of all ages find purpose.
That’s exactly what happened to Zac Smith, who spent his childhood summers at Mihaska, and went on to work in mission and ministry at several Salvation Army camps across the country.
Living with Purpose
Zac Smith, Camp Operations Director at The Salvation Army Rappahannock Camp and Retreat Center (Potomac Division)
Camp Mihaska was a vital part of my life. My mother took me to my first camp experience, Pilgrimage, when I was several months old. I am now 42 and have never missed a summer being at a Salvation Army camp.
In my early years, I was camper and summer staff member at Camp Mihaska. Then I moved into full-time camp ministry at Camp Wonderland in Wisconsin for 17 years. Now, I run The Salvation Army’s Rappahannock Camp and Retreat Center in Virginia.
Reflecting on my time at Camp Mihaska, I realize just how deeply it shaped my growth. What began as many fun summer getaways turned into a transformative experience that continues to influence how I navigate the world today. Camp Mihaska wasn’t just a place for games and activities – it was a place that cultivated values and life skills that I carry with me into the ministry I do today.
One of the most powerful lessons I learned at Mihaska was the importance of community. Whether I was participating in cabin discussions, group activities, or worship services, I quickly understood the value of working together toward a common goal. The friendships I built at camp were rooted in shared faith and experiences, but they also taught me how to be supportive, understanding, and empathetic in my relationships. In adulthood, these early lessons in teamwork have helped me build strong, lasting connections with friends, colleagues and family. I’ve learned to recognize the importance of investing time and energy into relationships, even when life gets busy.
As a camper, the spiritual foundation I gained at Mihaska has been one of the most important elements in my adult life. Through daily devotions, chapel services, and campfire discussions, I developed a deeper understanding of my faith and how it could guide me in everyday decisions. I learned how to approach life with a mindset rooted in love, kindness and service to others. As I face uncertainties and pressures in my adult life, I continue to rely on the teachings of Christ, finding comfort and clarity in moments of doubt.
Mihaska helped me establish a personal relationship with God that has been an anchor throughout my life. One of the most profound aspects of being a staff member was the opportunity to grow spiritually and mentor others. As a role model for younger campers, I had the chance to share my faith, guide others through their own spiritual journeys, and reflect on my personal beliefs in a deeper way. Being a staff member reinforced the idea that leadership in the Christian context is not about authority, but about service, humility and love. These principles have helped me make more thoughtful decisions as an adult and provided a foundation for living a life of purpose and meaning.
Many years after I worked at Camp, I was at a random mall shopping in the middle of Illinois. As I was wondering around, I heard a voice calling out to me from behind. A young man, probably 18 or 19 years old, approached me and asked if I was Zac Smith. I said yes. He said to me – “Camp Mihaska, 1998. You saved my life. Thank You.” I had no idea what I had done for this man as a counselor 7 years prior. It was all God. We sometimes do not know the impact we made as it often happens behind the scenes.
At Camp, I had the privilege of meeting people from various backgrounds and walks of life. Mihaska brought together kids with different experiences, personalities and perspectives, and I learned to appreciate and celebrate those differences. Whether it was through shared meals or working together on group challenges, I discovered how to communicate with others from all walks of life in a way that fostered mutual respect. This lesson has proven invaluable now, where I strive to be open-minded and inclusive in my interactions with others, both personally and professionally.
Perhaps the most important lesson I learned was how to live with purpose and joy. The camp encouraged us to embrace every moment, whether it was a quiet walk through the woods, a lively game of capture the flag, or a deep conversation around the campfire. It showed me how to find joy in the little things, and how to live with a sense of gratitude and purpose, guided by faith. This mindset continues to shape the way I approach life as an adult, reminding me to appreciate the present, find joy in the everyday, and always seeking to serve others with love and kindness.
My experience at Camp was a pivotal part of my growth, equipping me with essential life skills and values that continue to influence my journey as an adult. The lessons of community, discipline, faith, resilience and inclusivity have all had a lasting impact on me. Mihaska wasn’t just a summer camp – it was a place that prepared me to live with purpose, faith, and love for the years ahead.
Parents and guardians can complete our interest form online, or submit an application in-person at one of our eight St. Louis area corps community centers.
Because children attend Camp Mihaska at low or no cost, The Salvation Army is dependent on the generosity of donors like you. The cost for lodging and meals for one camper, for one week, is $483. Make a transformational gift today.