Going to camp as a little girl changed Jeanie Dobney’s life and set her young mind on a future career.
“I fell in love with camp ministry,” said Jeanie, now territorial camping and outdoor ministries director for the Central Territory. “I grew up knowing what I wanted to do. I wanted to give that experience back to other kids.
“There were so many big moments in my life that happened at camp,” Jeanie continued. “Every summer I looked forward to it. Climbing the rock wall, going on scavenger hunts… the pool. And there is just something about walking back from a campfire, listening to frogs and crickets, seeing the stars and hearing kids laugh.”
It was a kindergarten friend who invited Jeanie to attend sunbeams. Following her lead, Jeanie’s brothers joined the adventure corps. Before long, the whole family was attending the Royal Oak, Mich., Corps.
Jeanie majored in outdoor education at Central Michigan University, hoping it would open more doors in the public sector. “I wanted to see the public mindset and to reach more communities for the outdoors. You see God’s fingerprints everywhere you look. Creation speaks for itself,” Jeanie said.
She began her current role in April 2022. A few of her duties include working with organizations to help build a training system for camp leaders, ensuring camp programs meet safety standards, and working with leaders to help them pursue outdoor activities for their corps and communities.
“I am there to make sure we are helping kids and adults connect with the outdoors and connect with God in a new way,” Jeanie said.
With greatly reduced cost and scholarships, Salvation Army camps enable those with limited means to participate and especially provide the opportunity for healthy outdoor experiences. They allow people from all walks of life to learn and grow from one another.
“Our campers get to experience the waterfront, the pool, archery, high ropes challenge courses, nature hikes, pontoon rides and so much more. Having a chance to go and sleep under the stars is huge for some kids,” Jeanie said.
“Every chance we get we want to ask, ‘What does this show you about God’s love?’ It’s building a relationship from the first moment that camper is in our care to let them know they are safe, they are loved and they belong….We train our staff to be intentional with every interaction,” Jeanie said.
Children can change dramatically while attending camp, Jeanie noted.
“We have seen campers who, when they first get off the bus, are in total shock and shy in a foreign environment. By the time they get back on the bus they are different kids. They don’t want to go home. They have friends they were able to connect with, and they can see a love from God they don’t want to let go of. And we let them know they don’t have to let go of that. God is still with them wherever they go.”
