It is an exciting week as we welcome Phil Bargfrede as the Program Coordinator at Lake Okoboji United Methodist Camp and Retreat Center (LOUMC).
Phil, and his wife Theresa, are moving to Spirit Lake from Grimes, Iowa where Phil served as the Children’s Director at Grimes United Methodist Church for ten years. Phil was also a member of the Iowa Board of Camps, a volunteer-based team working to better Iowa UMC Camping Ministries.
Phil is passionate about youth ministry because, “…it is not just a place of games, songs, crafts, and fun, but places of personal growth and faith development.”
Phil and Theresa have been married nearly seven years and both grew up attending church camps, Phil at Okoboji and Theresa at Golden Valley. They met at Wesley Woods Camp and Retreat Center when they served on Summer Staff together for several years.
As you can tell, camping ministry has played a significant role in both of their lives. When asked what he was most excited about at LOUMC, Phil shared, “I am thrilled to be a part of the camp that impacted my faith as a youth. It is an honor to be a part of its legacy and ministry.”
Phil can’t wait to meet all the families, campers, guests and camp supporters this summer and we can’t wait for you to meet him.
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