Meaningful Experiences: A Camp Mihaska Series – Part 7
For almost 80 years, Camp Mihaska has brought faith into the lives of many. The environment camp creates allows for connection with God and community. Rick White, an officer’s child, former camper and counselor, remembers attending camp with his sisters.
An Anchor for Faith
Rick White, Former Camper (1974) and Counselor (1975-1977)
My parents Leonard and Evelyn White were Salvation Army Officers, and with my five siblings, we are a family of eight. We moved from Joliet, Illinois, to Jefferson City, Missouri, between my junior and senior year of high school in the summer of 1974. That summer was my first visit to Camp Mihaska.
I became an immediate fan of the meadows, lakes, hillside cabins, “Mountain Top” and natural spring. The next three summers I was blessed with the opportunity to work on staff. Despite being a "messed up" college kid, I recall God's Spirit starting to work on me in 1976.
Through big moves and big life experiences, Camp Mihaska and its leadership became my anchor. I even drove from Traverse City, Michigan, during the summer of 1977 to join the staff once more and reconnect with that feeling of comfortable guidance. I didn't comprehend it at the time, but now I realize God was patiently drawing me closer to Him.
I ultimately served 22 ½ years as a U.S. Marine and continue to support the military as a Logistics Analyst today. I married a beautiful Salvationist from Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, in 1984. Nancy and I both played in the New Bern Corps Band for over 20 years. I served as the assistant band master, and Nancy was a Social Case Manager for The Salvation Army, serving a three-county area. We had a family, traveled the world and now reside (semi-retired) in rural, Southeastern North Carolina.
Looking back, I can see where God has consistently protected and guided my family for the purpose of His will — all because I began to recognize Jesus through Camp Mihaska.
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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.