Boat-in Worship at Camp Wapo: A Tradition of Fun, Faith, and Fellowship
Looking for a unique way to connect with others through a worship experience this summer?
Join us for Boat-In Worship at Camp Wapo! Every Sunday from May 25 – August 31 at 9:20am, we gather lakeside for a casual, outdoor worship experience that’s open to everyone.
While this event is affectionally called “Boat-In Worship” (and yes, we have plenty of space for boats to dock), most folks actually arrive by car! Whether you roll up by boat, bike, foot, or car, everyone is welcome to join for worship and fellowship.
This long-standing tradition has been a favorite for our staff, our lake neighbors and the Amery community, but it’s grown to include anyone looking for a welcoming place to worship outdoors. The vibe is casual – so just show up, grab a cup of coffee (and a treat or two!), and settle into the provided seating – or bring your own lawn chair if you’d like.
We serve communion most Sundays and we also collect an offering to help support the vibrant ministry and camper scholarship program here at Camp Wapo.
If you’re new to Boat-In Worship or have questions, feel free to call the camp office 715-268-8434 or email campwapo@campwapo.org. While at camp look for someone with a staff name tag – our team is always happy to help.
Join us this summer, in fellowship and community, and the beauty of God’s creation at Boat-In Worship. We look forward to seeing you at Camp Wapo!
*On rainy Sunday mornings, worship will be moved indoors. Watch for signs when you enter camp or check Facebook or Instagram for updates.
Camp Impact Report
The latest edition of the Camp Impact Report is here! It includes several highlights from the past year and exciting new directions for 2025!
In 2024, Camp Wapo, Ox Lake, and Wilderness Canoe Base welcomed over 11,000 campers and guests to experience innovative programs, special events and retreats, while building faith and community with others.
In 2025 we’re setting bold new goals to deepen faith, forge stronger community bonds, and pursue even more awesome adventures. Curious about the numbers, the stories, and what’s next? Click here to discover how your support is shaping the future of our camps. We can’t do this important work without you!
The Lasting Impact of Camp
As the warm days of summer give way to the crisp air of fall, the memories of camp remain fresh and alive in the hearts of the young people who experienced it. Camp isn’t just a week of fun – it’s a sacred place where lives are transformed, friendships are forged, and faith is deepened. We’d like to share a few reflections from our campers this summer that reveal the powerful work of God in their lives:
One camper shared, “I learned about God and made new friends who share the same love for Christ as I do.” This simple reflection speaks volumes. Camp is a place where young people feel like they truly belong – a place where faith is experienced in genuine and powerful ways.
Another camper said, “It builds a good sense of community and is really fun!” These words capture the heart of camp. It’s more than just a break from routine; it’s a place where youth can grow in their faith while forming deep, lasting connections with others.
For many campers, the time spent at camp goes beyond a fun week away from home. It’s a time to discover independence and explore their faith on their own terms. One camper reflected, “I’m learning to be more independent while spending a lot of time with God and learning what God’s love means for me.” What a privilege it is to witness these young people encountering God in such personal and transformative ways!
At camp, we meet each camper where they are on their faith journey. Whether they are just beginning to explore their relationship with God or seeking to deepen it, camp provides a space to pause, reflect, and grow. These experiences are shaping future leaders – young people who will carry their love for God and community into the future, grounded in faith and ready to serve.
None of this would be possible without the support of our camp community. Because of your generosity, we are able to create these sacred, grace-filled spaces where faith, fun, and friendships flourish.
As we look to the future, we invite you to consider making a financial gift to support this life-changing ministry. Your gift ensures that more young people will have the opportunity to experience camp, regardless of financial circumstances. With your support, we can continue to provide scholarships, reach more youth, and ensure that every camper leaves with a heart full of faith, a strong sense of community, and memories that last a lifetime.
Thank you for believing in the power of camp to transform lives. Together, we are raising up a generation of faithful leaders who will continue to grow in God’s love.
Gratefully,
Heather Eggert
Executive Director
Reflections of Summer 2024
I have a habit of walking through our sites and offering up prayers for safety, fellowship, fun, worship, gratitude and wisdom. This past week, I took a quick prayer wander through Wapo and had quite a journey while encountering:
- A table full of diligent artisans making beautiful friendship bracelets at the art shop. While twisting their threads, they eagerly shared all their camp highlights so far! (Counselors, games, worship, campfire and slushies were at the top!)
- A boy named Jacob who had wandered down to the soccer field alone – he seemed to be a little upset. After chatting with him, I learned that he is an introvert and prefers his relationships with the gamers he meets on-line, rather than people he meets up with in real time. After a good conversation, we strategized together a spot for him to hang out during free time that felt comfortable to him.
- A couple of avid fishing fans who were at Wapo for the first time and couldn’t believe how much fun they were having. The boys will be in 9th grade next year, and they were already curious about how old they had to be to come and work at camp!
- I turned a corner and bumped into two pastors who were at camp picking up their granddaughter from a One Day program. They were filled with JOY about the opportunities and good work that Wapo, WCB and Ox enable!
- I ran into a camper I know that has been a camper for 6 years. Her parents met at Wapo back in the 90’s. Generations of campers!
- At the beach, I met a camper who could NOT stop talking about how much fun he was having on the inflatable in the swim area. Harrowing stories of how he scaled it, and rocked it, and helped his buddy do the same! As he was drying off, he said “the beach is the best thing to do in the afternoon, but my favorite thing of all is morning worship”
- I stopped by to visit with 3 girls who were putting all their creative energies into tie-dying their socks with…… MUD. How fun!
- I touched base with 3 counselors who were confidently walking alongside multiple campers who were having some sadness/issues to work through. I witnessed caring and compassion and patience.
Later that evening, campfire started out rockin’ with campers shouting out the song lyrics and dancing with all their might. As the skit and lesson turned towards some slower and thoughtful songs, I watched a group of 7th and 8th grade boys wrap their arms around one another while swaying and gently singing along. And do you know who was in the middle of that group? Jacob…. The self-proclaimed introvert who didn’t really enjoy spending time with others. What a privilege to see the work of the Holy Spirit move and groove and take root in our lives.
Our summer theme is “Always” and based on 1 Thess: 5:16-22 “Be cheerful no matter what; pray all the time; thank God no matter what happens. This is the way God wants you who belong to Christ Jesus to live. Don’t suppress the Spirit and don’t stifle those who have a word from the Master.” (from The Message). This verse is such a beautiful backdrop to all we witness at our sites.
Recently I received this message from a Wilderness camper parent:
“Our daughter attended last week’s BWCA trip. We are blown away with how capable she suddenly seems, how much knowledge she gained, and how great of a time she had. She learned so much about herself and has gained so much confidence. She had so many stories to tell and such a cool way about her after her BWCA trip. She was excited going into the trip, but we were a little unsure what she would think of it all once she got there! Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts, for taking these girls on this amazing adventure and for taking such good care of them all. Your leadership made this trip an experience of a lifetime for our daughter. She can’t wait to do it again next year”.
What an incredible blessing it is to be walking alongside these campers and families that spend time at our sites as well as the young adults that answered the call to work at camp this summer. We rejoice in the faithful presence of God who remains in the center of it all. Continually nurturing, growing and blessing our efforts, working it all for good.
Join me in celebrating all the camp experiences at Camp Wapo, Ox Lake and Wilderness Canoe Base with your gift of support. Your bold and faithful gift supports this meaningful ministry that is forming people of faith and building hope for the future.
Gratefully,
Heather Eggert
Executive Director