Camp Vandemere Director's Report

By Edwin Roman, Director

*This report was distributed at the Annual meeting of the Eastern Conference held at Croatan OFWBC on Thursday, March 12, 2026

Overview

The 2025 season marked a pivotal year of growth, renewal, and expanded ministry impact at Camp Vandemere. Throughout the summer season and beyond, intentional efforts were made to enhance guest safety, accessibility, comfort, and spiritual formation. These accomplishments reflect faithful stewardship and obedience to God’s calling.

“See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?” — Isaiah 43:19

Facility Improvements and Accessibility Enhancements

Significant facility improvements were completed during the 2025 season to ensure Camp Vandemere is safer, more accessible, and more comfortable for all guests.

A major milestone was the completion of the handicap cement accessibility project, improving mobility and access across key areas of the campus. We have now begun to accept special needs groups to attend Camp Vandemere. This reflects our commitment to welcoming all people and removing barriers where possible.

“Then the lame will leap like a deer.” — Isaiah 35:6

Additional improvements included:

• Plumbing infrastructure upgrades, contributing to safety and reliability

• New commodes and updated shower kits throughout the entire camp, enhancing cleanliness and comfort

• Installation of a new water grate and drainage system near the Chapel, redirecting water to the outer ditch by the road and preventing standing water around the Chapel, improving walkability and protection of the building, no more water entering the chapel when there is rainfall.

• Addition of handicap-designated and assigned parking near the Chapel, allowing safe wheelchair loading and unloading

These improvements demonstrate wise stewardship of the facilities entrusted to us.

“Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful.” — 1 Corinthians 4:2

Campus Signage and Wayfinding

To improve clarity, safety, and hospitality, Camp Vandemere installed new signage across the campus.

• A new front entrance sign with consistent logo, updated wording, contact number, and clear ownership identification of the Eastern Conference OFWB.

• A welcoming directional sign at the entrance identifying RV sites, bathhouse locations, fishing piers, the office, and parking areas

These signs help guests feel welcomed, informed, and oriented upon arrival.

“For God is not a God of confusion but of peace.” — 1 Corinthians 14:33

Attendance, Guest Growth, and Outreach

Camp Vandemere experienced meaningful growth throughout 2025.

• Guest stays increased by 46% from 2024 to 2025, reflecting improved facilities and growing trust in the camp’s mission

• Several new guests and groups were welcomed, expanding our reach and diversity

• Outreach meetings and advertising efforts extended the camp’s visibility into new communities. We are currently working towards partnering with the Mayor of Vandemere, in collaboration with the idea of building a strong God centered community. This will ensure us access to the town of Vandemere for our guests and Vice versa.

Online engagement grew substantially:

• Discoverability increased from 26% to 96% in Google searches

• Outreach through Facebook and Google advertising increased reach by approximately 70%

“Enlarge the place of your tent… do not hold back.” — Isaiah 54:2

Many guests shared testimonies of feeling the presence of the Lord while at camp, affirming the spiritual purpose of this ministry.

“Surely the presence of the Lord is in this place.” — Genesis 28:16

Digital Platforms and Communication

Camp Vandemere continued to strengthen communication through multiple platforms:

• A custom-built website, developed by the Executive Director, supporting guest scheduling

• Active engagement on the Facebook page

• Devotional videos created by the Executive Director and shared to encourage spiritual growth

These platforms extend ministry beyond the physical grounds of the camp.

“Go into all the world and preach the gospel.” — Mark 16:15

Discipleship and Leadership Development

In 2025, Camp Vandemere expanded its spiritual mission by launching:

An intensive leadership discipleship course implementing three steps to a solid life, Come to Jesus, Hear His sayings, Do them!

Reaching out to the surrounding communities that find themselves without youth leadership, falling deeper into sin just because they do not have the means to receive. The courses are offered free of charge to those willing to commit, reflecting a heart for equipping believers rather than profiting from them. An eight-week course is currently ongoing. ( See Director of Camp for more details)

“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations.” — Matthew 28:19“And the things you have heard me say… entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others.” — 2 Timothy 2:2

 

Creative Ministry, Branding, and Fundraising

Camp Vandemere secured rights to an original theme song, with lyrics written by the Executive Director. The song is available at campvandemere.net and reflects the heart and mission of the camp.

“Sing to the Lord a new song.” — Psalm 96:1

To support camp financial assistance (CFA), the camp introduced custom-made wax logo candles featuring a lighthouse design. Along with other great scented candles. Key chains, Cups and water Bottles and more; Proceeds help ensure any single Parent with more than one child. Attending summer camp would be out of reach for a single parent housing two or more kids. CFA was created for that purpose, so that all kids would gain access to Jesus Christ our Lord by joining other peers at Camp Vandemere.

“Let your light shine before others.” — Matthew 5:16

Additionally, Camp Vandemere now uses a consistent logo across:

• Shirts

• Memorabilia

• Keychains and branded items

This unity reflects clarity of identity and purpose.

“Write the vision; make it plain.” — Habakkuk 2:2

Looking Ahead to 2026

With increased participation from new youth groups and growing demand for quality faith-based camp experiences, Camp Vandemere anticipates continued growth into 2026. This season reflects a resurgence in camping ministry and alignment with God’s promises.

“Being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion.” — Philippians 1:6

My Conclusion

The 2025 season stands as a testimony to God’s faithfulness and the obedience of those serving at Camp Vandemere. Through improved accessibility, infrastructure upgrades, growing attendance, expanded outreach, discipleship initiatives, and creative fundraising, the camp continues to serve as a place of welcome, renewal, and spiritual encounter.

“Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain.” — Psalm 127:1