Camp Mardela in Denton has a new administrator, a young Brethren woman whose recent humanitarian trip around the world adds to her qualifications for the position.

Jennifer Summy, a Harrisburg, PA native and graduate of Lebanon Valley College in Pennsylvania, began her new position on January 1 . She replaces Gieta Gresh, who had held the position since 2005.

Summy said in a phone interview that she sees her new position as an opportunity to continue a ministry she nurtured while on a year-long mission to 12 countries throughout the world referred to as the World Race. Included in her previous experience was being a camp counselor and bank teller. At Lebanon Valley, she earned a degree in Music Business. She is currently working on completing a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from Mount Vernon Nazarene University. She also has extensive experience in leading music and theater group, as well as advanced Spanish-speaking abilities.

“I had heard from some friends I know from this area that Camp Mardela was looking for an administrator. I looked into the position and the more I found out about it, the more it sounded like somewhere I could continue what I had started; somewhere where I could reach out to children and make a difference in their lives and in them finding their own way in their religious awakening; somewhere I could continue my own ministry,” she said. “Once I got here, I realized what a beautiful place this is; the natural surrounding is so peaceful.”

During her recently-completed year-long mission, Summy visited the following countries, each one for a month: Colombia, Ecuador and Peru in South America; India and Nepal in Asia; Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya and Ethiopia in Africa; and finally, she traveled to Romania, Portugal and Spain in Europe.

‘’The biggest thing I learned is the incredible diversity of human beings. Even in our group of 40 people from the United States, there were people who had come from different cultures and everyday lives. It was really amazing to see the different cultures.”

Summy raised the funds needed for her trip herself by calling on churches, business and friends near where she lived, as well as where she attended college.

“I had to raise my own money in order to go on this trip. I feel it should benefit me when it comes to raising money for Camp Mardela,” said Summy.

She attended and later worked at Camp Swatara in Bethel, PA for seven summers, three as a camper and four as a counselor.
“I have a lot of fond memories of camp,” said Summy. “My favorite thing was experiencing the sacred camp fire. That’s what I remember most about camp, those moments of deep spiritual connection and being in communion with other people at the camp. I was at a young age and it was very powerful in my faith.

“Brethren churches run deep in my family,” she said. “Both my parents, Tim and Felecia Summy, grew up in the Brethren church. In fact, they met at camp (Swatara).”

During her brief time at Camp Mardela so far, Summy has learned about the camp and its mission, its plans for the coming year and what areas need to be improved or expanded.

“I have been kept busy in many ways. I have tried to visit the local Brethren churches, which has been made more difficult because of the CoVid-19 virus. Plus, I have been working with the Thursday morning group in cleaning up the church grounds in preparation for the coming season. I have noticed how much energy and excitement comes from the people I have met regarding the camp’s future. I am hoping that we will soon begin seeing more people enjoying camp this year and in the future after having to close in 2020, and I am taking a lot of time to plan out how to make that possible.”

Summy said that as a girl she enjoyed summer camp; a joy she continued to experience as a counselor in her teen years. Church camp helped to enable her to spiritually grow and establish some relationships she still holds dear.

“A week at camp is a powerful catalyst in the faith of children and youth and I am passionate about making the most of that experience for all parties involved,” she said.“Every step of my spiritual journey has come from the growth and relationships at camp. I believe that God works in mighty ways when we meet him in the heart of His creation. I know from personal experience that camp can be a powerful and uplifting experience.”

Summy said one of her biggest tasks will be continuing to make strategic plans for the camp’s 75th Anniversary celebration, “Celebrating 75 Years: Serving the Future”, coming up in 2023.

Since its founding in 1948, Camp Mardela has been serving children and youth summer campers and year-round rental groups. Major annual events include the camp auction each spring and camp supper in the fall.

Camp Mardela is located on 125 acres adjacent to Martinak State Park in Denton. For more information on Camp Mardela, contact campmardela@gmail.com or call 410-479-2861.