By Chase Grissiner, Maintenance/Program Assistant
This year was great in many ways. From leading school groups, hosting retreat guests, doing a little bit of everything in the summer, and even shoveling some snow this year already. I grew in many aspects of camp this year. From leading activities, leading others, maintenance skills, and in my faith. This year was filled with friendships, challenges, joy and accomplishments.
By Kelsey Kirby, Office Manager
I am grateful. What a blessing it has been to work at Gretna Glen, this year and for the past 8 years.
When I came to work on the Summer Staff team at Gretna Glen as a fresh high school graduate, I did not quite know what I had signed up for. I had never attended summer camp as a child, but I assumed it would be a fun summer job. I was right about the fun, but what I had not anticipated was just how meaningful this “job” would be. Can you call work that has so much purpose a job? My three summers on Summer Staff challenged me in new ways, but what stood out the most to me was how fulfilling they were. After graduating college, I pursued some other jobs. What became immediately evident was that I was missing the purpose and community of working at Gretna Glen. I was fortunate to find myself back on the staff team eight years ago. Each year, I am so grateful for this place and for the community of campers, families, volunteers, staff and guests. What a gift it is to work in this space where people can gather together and experience Christian community.
By Luke Volmert, Program Manager
When I moved here in late March from Illinois, I was commonly met with the question, “why did you choose to move to PA?”, often asked with a hint of surprise. Experience in the camping world, the excitement of a new beginning, and the people seemed kind, I would say. But now, more than eight months later, the better question to ask is why I choose to stay. This year has been full of learning, adventure, and challenges. Gretna Glen has given me fulfilling work in a loving environment that impacts so many people. In the spring, I was learning everything I could while preparing for the summer and helping to carry out our outdoor education program. Over the summer, I got to know our amazing staff team and helped give campers an unforgettable time at camp. Some highlights from this summer: practicing my Spanish with international counselors and Latino Camp staff; trying to keep cool as I pulled a stuck hook out of a fish’s mouth for the first time while a camper is watching; playing and singing the Gretna Glen song at All Camp Closing; going on trips with our Youth Blast programs; and watching the turtles sunbathe in our lake every day. This fall, I experienced the highly anticipated Gretna Gritty and even got to live like Pat Sajak by running Wheel of Fortune during our Autumn Leaves Senior Day. Coming from another camp, it’s been fun learning Gretna Glen’s unique systems and traditions — and incredibly meaningful to see the songs and games I brought along become loved here too. I can’t believe it has already been over eight months since starting at Gretna Glen, and I can’t wait to see what 2026 has in store for me at Gretna Glen!
By Rachel Fray, Hospitality Manager
As I reflect back over the year 2025, a word that has continually been a theme is the word “belong”. At camp, we create spaces for people to gather in fellowship in hopes for life-long transformation as they go back into the world. One of my favorite parts about camp is that it’s a place where everyone belongs. This year-like every year-we’ve welcomed people of all ages: from babies up to senior citizens. A lot of times when I say I work at Gretna Glen, people know that I spend time with kids. What they don’t always know is the deep and meaningful conversations we share with people of all ages. Some of my favorite moments happen early in the mornings before most are awake, when one or two guests come down for coffee. I love to pause and listen to their stories as they prepare themselves their morning coffee or tea. It is truly such an honor to be able to prepare spaces and meals for everyone to belong together in community. We pray that we create a space for people to belong and feel cared for in God’s Place Apart. And that as they leave this place that they continue to be transformed into the best version of themselves and go impact the world. As we anticipate 2026, I hope that you will come enjoy some time at Gretna Glen. You belong here.
By Dan Kirby, Operations Director
Looking back on 2025 I am so thankful for all of the people that have joined us here at Gretna Glen. Whether it is for one day, or multiple weeks, it has been a year of helping people to connect with each other and God through nature here at Gretna Glen. I’m reminded when watching young people encourage one another across our new treehouse bridge or seeing campers rally around someone who just needs a buddy. These moments always bring me back to how important our work is. I think God wants us all to worry more about being loving to one another, and less about what each other need to change about themselves. Time spent together in community gives us that lesson again, and again. Looking back, my word for 2025 would be community.
By Apryl Miller, Executive Director
2025 was such a beautiful year of ministry at Gretna Glen. With each passing year, I find myself seeing more clearly the incredible gifts in the people I’m blessed to serve alongside—our year-round team, our summer staff, our guest group leaders, and our dedicated volunteers. Camp community is truly something unique, and even after all these years, I continue to believe deeply that what we do here makes a meaningful difference in the homes, schools, communities, and lives of everyone who experiences Gretna Glen. This year was no exception, and somehow my appreciation for this ministry grew even deeper.
On a personal note, this year was FULL of joy for our family. Chris and I moved “around the corner” from Gretna Glen, just a half mile from camp. We feel so grateful to be close while still having our own space. Our family also grew in a big way: by the end of the year we will have welcomed three new grandbabies, bringing us to five grandchildren age three and under. Watching our three adult children grow their own families has been one of the greatest joys of my life.
As I look ahead to 2026, I’m excited for all that God has in store. I hope to continue investing deeply in my family while also leading Gretna Glen forward in the mission God has placed before us. I look forward to seeing you around Gretna Glen in 2026.
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