REEDSBURG — There is a new executive director at Camp Gray.
Jeff Hoeben, longtime leader, has stepped down and Tim Chaptman, former camp director, has stepped up to be executive director.
Both had positive commentary on the transition.
Hoeben said, “Camp is in such a great place right now. We have had such a tremendous network of supporters. This is our 70th year and it is amazing to see where this place has come since Msgr. Francis Gray first began with his dream of providing a place for kids to get away from the city of Baraboo and commune with God in His creation.
He added that “This place has been such a part of Tim’s life too. He has the passion that it takes to continue to move this place forward. Along with his wife, Lauren, they will continue to open their home and the larger camp home to all who encounter this holy ground. I can’t wait to watch Camp continue to flourish.”
Chaptman was equally excited by the opportunity to serve in this new way.
“The mission of Camp Gray has been a driving force in bringing me to where I am today,” he said.
“I rediscovered my Catholic faith here as a camper, met my wife working on summer staff in college, and now I’m blessed to be raising my children here. Having the opportunity to foster encounters with our Lord and establish authentic relationships away from the distractions of the world is incredibly important for kids.”
Chaptman added that “Within the mission of the Church, summer camp and retreat ministry has a unique and powerful place in bringing people closer to Christ. The community that is formed with our staff and campers centered on Christ is life-changing and stands in stark contrast to everyday life. I consider it a privilege to be called to work for such an important and beautiful mission.”
Looking back
Both looked back fondly on the years they have spent at Camp Gray.
Chaptman said, “Being around the youth of the Church, both through our seasonal staff and campers, allows me to see great hope for the future of the Church. There are so many great people who have inspired me with their deep faith and joy.”
He added that “When I look back at the time that I have spent at Camp Gray so far, I am most proud of the conversions of heart that I got to witness. From fourth graders coming to really understand the true presence in the Eucharist, to parent chaperones on retreats returning to Confession for the first time in years, those stories always stick with me.”
Hoeben was similarly moved, saying “I distinctly remember the day we interviewed, the daily reading was Ephesians 4:1. ‘I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling to which you have received.’ This role truly has been a calling. The Lord called and we answered.”
“I am constantly amazed by the faith of those staff around me,” Hoeben continued. “Some of my happiest memories include seeing former staff return home after a long time away. They feel so at home here and it is always a joy to laugh and relive memories of days gone by.
“I love singing camp songs, training my Voyageur staff in canoes on the Flambeau River and in kayaks on Lake Superior,” Hoeben recalled.
“I love praise and worship music during staff training. There is so much energy when the summer staff all gather together in mid-May every year. The joy is infectious. I love talking with parents on check-in day and hearing about how much they even look forward to being here for an hour on a summer day. I love to hear the stories of peace and joy that they feel at this place. Lastly, raising my kids here and seeing them interact with a whole bunch of really great Catholic young adults has been very formative for my three kids.”
Times of change and gratitude
Chaptman’s attitude as he transitions into the role is one of profound gratitude: “I’m very grateful for my time working with Jeff Hoeben. He has been a good friend and teacher during my time here. Stepping into the executive director role will be much easier because of all the time we’ve had together. I’m very grateful to Bishop Hying for his faith and trust in me and for his continued support of Camp Gray.”
Hoeben is also grateful, both for the time he spent at Camp Gray and for the new opportunities that now arise.
“I have not really had a ‘normal’ summer for more than 25 years, since I was driving a tour bus before this in Alaska, so I look forward to hanging out with my kids enjoying a good picnic during a fantastic Wisconsin summer.”
Meanwhile, Camp Gray looks forward to many more years of fruitful encounters with God under Chaptman’s leadership.