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Northern Light Spring '25

In This Edition 

 

Note from Executive Director| Summer Camp Theme & Prayer | Online Merch Store | End of The School Year | Cabin Rentals | Double Your Impact Update | Upcoming Events

A Note from the Executive Director

While each of our programs has its season, one thing we do year-round at HoneyRock is recruit. It’s essential to our work and mission as we seek to foster the development of whole and effective people for Christ. 

As we approach the end of our school year and prepare to graduate our current class of Vanguard Gap Year students and Grad students, we are in parallel diligently recruiting for: 

For the summer, we are recruiting and interviewing for 160 summer staff positions, including students from Wheaton College, other Christian Colleges, and international student leaders who are a wonderful addition to our culture. 

As we ramp up for summer, please pray that God provides the right students and staff who are ready to grow, work and serve. 

Thank you and God Bless!  
Matt Erickson, ‘95  
Executive Director 


Prayers for Summer 2025 

This summer at HoneyRock, our staff theme will be rooted in Revelation 21:3-7, focusing on the hope we have in the risen Christ and the confidence we can have as we journey through today that He is “making all things new.” As you pray for us this summer:

First, you can pray for our staff. Please pray for us as we finish hiring staff. If you have any recommendations for potential candidates, please see the box on the right for more information. Pray for our staff as they transition into the summer season that the Lord would prepare their hearts for the work he has set before them as we seek to partner with the Spirit in fulfilling our vision of seeing generations alive in Christ.

Second, pray for our campers. This summer will be our largest camper summer to date, and while we are confident the Lord has blessed and set this space apart, we are still seeking His protection and expectant that His name will be known and worshiped this summer. While praying for our campers, please pray for their families and those who care for them. 

Finally, pray for our international Christian camping leaders. Our international staff leaders will be traveling from around the world to partner with us in ministry this summer; please pray for the Lord to continue to make a way for their arrival and journey mercies for each of them.

Ashley Paige Kiley, Camp Programs Director

AP-Kiley

A group of summer staff being excited by Zacco

Summer Staff Openings!

We are still looking for a few more cabin leaders, kitchen unit leaders, activity leaders, and a videographer. 

Do you know anyone college-age or recently graduated seeking summer employment? If so, our team would love to connect with your recommendations!

Contact RJ Boyle at rj.boyle@wheaton.edu for more info, or share the link below! 

A group of Summer Staff wearing HoneyRock shirts
HoneyRock Online Merch Store!

Get a head start on summer with our new online store! From t-shirts and classic baseball hats to cozy hoodies, we have everything you need to start your summer in HoneyRock style. 

Use code SPRINGNL25 for a 10% discount on your order! This exclusive discount code for Northern Light readers is only available until May 1st!

Upcoming School Year Graduation

10th Vanguard Cohort 

Our 10th Vanguard Gap Year cohort is coming to a close, and it has been a year of adventure and growth! Gap Year Students traveled to Costa Rica, Chicago, and the Twin Cities (MN), had a full winter of outdoor engagement, finished their spring coursework, and made the most of their remaining time in the community. One characteristic of this year’s cohort that has stood out and impressed us was their engagement and desire to learn and grow through every aspect of the program. 

Group of Gap Year students in Costa Rica

Graduate Class of '25 

We have 14 Outdoor and Adventure Leadership M.A. graduates completing the program this spring. Three of our graduates are from the Emerging Leadership Program at SpringHill Camps, our partner ministry in Michigan and Indiana, and another is from our neighbor, Fort Wilderness. The remaining ten have been graduate assistants at HoneyRock, serving as leaders in Passage, Summer Camp Programs, and our School Year programs like Vanguard Gap Year and Retreat ministry. These incredible students plan to serve in churches, camps, and colleges across the United States and worldwide.  

A group of students outside holding an OAL flag

Canoe on the lake Northwoods HoneyRock Wheaton College
Cabin Rentals at HoneyRock: Your Summer Getaway

This summer, rent one of our cozy waterfront guest cabins! When you stay in our guest cabins, not only do you have access to our hiking trails and can canoe along Long Lake, but you also get the full HoneyRock experience, including a traditional Wrangler Dinner on Wednesdays.

Are you coming for Family Day? Why not come up early and let us host you for the week?

Double Your Impact: Donor Match Update

In the last edition of the Northern Light, we announced that a very generous donor offered to match every gift – dollar for dollar – up to $100,000 until April 30th. 

We are one month into the campaign, and thanks to our amazing HoneyRock community, we have raised $60,280, which is over halfway to our goal! If you haven’t donated yet, please consider helping us reach our goal and support the vision of seeing generations alive in Christ!

Together, we have an incredible opportunity to serve more campers while maintaining the high quality of our summer camp programs.


overhead photo of honeyrock in the fall
HoneyRock Northwoods Adventure 2025

Join us in the Northwoods for our yearly retreat for friends and alumni of Wheaton College and HoneyRock (ages 50+)!

Full Week Option: September 29 - October 4, 2025 

Long Weekend Option: October 2 - 4, 2025

To learn more about Northwoods Adventure at HoneyRock, or to register for the retreat, please click the button below.

We hope to see you this fall!

A group of camper families gathered in a living room

HoneyRock Regional Event | Madison

Join us for our next event in Madison, WI on Thursday, May 8. If you’re in southern Wisconsin, please  RSVP to let us know if you can make it.  We look forward to seeing you at an upcoming HoneyRock event!  

We Want to Come to Your City

Can’t make it to the Madison Event? We'll come to you! If you provide the venue, we’ll bring the HoneyRock updates and opportunities for camper family networking and fellowship. If you’re interested in hosting, email honeyrock.partners@wheaton.edu