Joel Abenth, Director of Donor Engagement

I am a semi amateur wood worker and wood carver.  I say semi amateur because I feel like after the amount of money and time I have spent on tools and how to books, there must be some part of my hobby that should be professional by this point.  But I certainly still feel like I have a long way to go.  In all my years of trying to find the best tools, methods, and workspace set ups, I have finally realized what was right in front of me all the time.  I just need to sharpen my tools and carve, every day, week or month.  I just need practice.   

Giving to camp can be like that.  Sometimes we get caught up in all the decision making and options around how to give, when to give, what to give, and how much to give.  This just numbs us into thinking that it’s too difficult, it’s too much to deal with now.  It feels like we can never be a “big” giver or we think “I’ll just wait until the end of the year and see what happens”.  It can be hard to realize that starting right now and making it a regular part of your month is probably the easiest thing.   

Becoming a monthly donor to camp is a perfect way to practice your craft of giving.  Maybe getting started can seem daunting, but it shouldn’t be.  You are already someone who cares about camp.  My guess is that you know a camp song or two (Ill pause here so you can try to remember the words). You have already spent some time learning about monthly giving (you are still reading this so that means something, right?)  So…the perfect time to start is right now.   

When I started carving wood, I started simple.  I started whittling at the end of a stick.  I just wanted to know how the knife felt in my hand.  After a few tries, I started to get some shapes cut and then tried to copy those shapes in other types of wood.  Eventually, I fell in love with Chip Carving.  Each little cut, each shape was put together to form an amazing design. Little bits add up!  Everything, I made turned into a gift for someone.  Some were Christmas gifts; some went to the camp auction.  I have kept a few.   

And that’s really it, isn’t it.  Each $5 monthly gift is so much more than just one chip.  Every month, what seems like a small effort becomes part of a much greater gift.  

When I had practiced enough that I felt good about my skill, I started working my chip carving into a greater plan.  I built a bent shaft canoe paddle that incorporated multiple kinds of wood and a explored whole different approach to wood working (that’s another story).  Then, I planned out a pattern into the face of the paddle.  I called it “Martin Luther’s Compass Rose”.  Each little chip became a design that was incorporated into a bigger plan.    Just like monthly giving can become part of a bigger plan of generosity and support, my paddle plan ended up bringing in some good dollars at an auction.  The camp received more than $1000 and the paddle is now being used up in the BWCAW by a retired doctor who loves camp.   

It all started with one chip and practice.   

Whether you are practicing the perfect end cut, trying for consistent free throws, or trying to master an instrument (I say start with a G chord on the guitar at the campfire) or giving to camp, it is important to keep at it.  Monthly giving to the place and ministry that you love is a perfect way to keep at it.  It is so easy.  And every gift, every month, adds up to something amazing.   

Thank you for helping to create the life changing programs and support the amazingly dedicated staff at Camp Wapo, Ox Lake and Wilderness Canoe Base.   

If practice makes perfect, you are perfectly awesome!  

Joel Abenth
Director of Donor Engagement