November 26, 2007

Dear Friends of Camp Magruder,

    I am very excited to have been selected to serve as the new director at Camp Magruder.  My first exposure to organized camping was through the Boy Scouts of America.  I enjoyed Scouting and achieved the rank of Eagle Scout.  I attended Purdue University and earned my Bachelor of Science degree in Recreation Resource Administration.  Each summer during college I guided Scouts on backpacking expeditions across the Sangre de Christo Mountains as a Ranger at Philmont Scout Ranch in northern New Mexico.  From there, I went on to help others benefit from similar experiences by serving as an executive with the BSA and then as director of a private non-profit boy’s camp in Maine.
   I met my wonderful wife, Melinda, while attending a church singles group in Gig Harbor, WA.  Melinda is an elementary school teacher who also has served as a camp staffer during college.  She attended Pacific Lutheran University and earned her Master’s Degree at the University of Puget Sound.     
    While in Gig Harbor, Melinda and I were called to lead a small group ministry for young couples without kids.  It wasn’t long before the group became known as “young couples with kids.”  We now have three children, Sean (10), Seth (8), and Kara (5).  All of us are excited to be returning to the Northwest where we can be closer to old friends as well as family members who live in Salem and Seattle.  I will transition into the role of director in January, and my family will join me following the end of the school year.
    Throughout my career, I have worked to help people grow toward becoming their best selves.  I love camp.  Thirty years of camp staff experience including seventeen years as a director at a variety of camps are testament to that passion. 
   Just a few weeks ago, I was invited to spend a weekend at Camp Magruder as a director candidate.  The day-long interview afforded me the opportunity to meet and visit with a number of wonderful volunteers and staff.  I found myself becoming more excited about the potential of serving at Camp Magruder as I met with each new person.  I was thrilled upon my return home to receive a call from Lisa Jean Hoefner offering me this opportunity for service.
   I am looking forward to being your host during your next visit to camp. Where else can one breathe in the sweetness of fresh salt air…walk among the pines in the morning mist…glimpse shore birds gathering on a freshening breeze…enjoy true Christian hospitality and the fellowship of friends…watch the campfire glowing orange against the thickening dark…and at the end of a long day, hear the rhythm of the surf crashing upon the beach under a sky flashing with stars?  Who can say that in such an atmosphere a person’s mind is not reached, their heart not stirred, or their faith not strengthened?  Working together, we will continue to strive to further enhance the experiences of those who come to enjoy a time of relaxation, fellowship, discovery, and renewal at this special place on the Oregon coast.

Sincerely,

Steve Rumage
Director