Students Discover Identity and Belonging at Camp Wingmann

Each summer morning at Camp Wingmann this year, students gathered in All Angels Chapel for Morning Prayer, a quiet moment before full days of worship, group discussions and classic camp fun. From ropes courses and lake time to late-night cabin conversations, campers built community, deepened their faith and dug into this year’s theme: “Unidentified.”

The theme addressed a universal struggle: knowing who we really are. Whether it’s pressure to perform, fit in or meet expectations, many youth carry a quiet sense of being unseen or unsure of their value. Throughout the week, students explored what it means to find their identity not in achievements or relationships, but in the love and grace of Jesus Christ.

Campers reflected on Ezekiel 36:26a: “I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you,” a reminder that identity isn’t earned, but received.

Each chapel talk, small group discussion, program lesson and time of prayer pointed students back to this truth: that through Jesus, God takes what’s broken and gives us something new. A new heart. A new spirit. A new identity that isn’t based on what we do, but to whom we belong.

Campers were given space to engage their faith honestly – not just by listening, but by asking hard questions and wrestling with the answers. During the daily program, students gathered for focused teaching on the “Unidentified” theme and participated in small-group discussions in which they explored what it means to find their identity as human beings created in the image of a loving God.

The questions they asked were honest and deep. Many wondered how to live for Jesus while under constant pressure to compromise. Others spoke of feeling as though they weren’t enough or didn’t belong. When given space to process, they leaned in.

This hunger for truth wasn’t limited to program time. Camp Wingmann Director Joshua “J.J.” Joseph believes the entire camp experience contributes to what the kids take away.

“At camp, kids get the chance to step away from the labels the world puts on them and discover who God calls them to be – their true identity,” he said. “Whether they’re conquering fears on the ropes course, trying new activities or embracing new spaces, they learn to trust God and gain confidence in who they are.

“Living in cabins and creating new friendships teaches them they don’t have to fit in to belong,” Joseph continued. “Through chapel, programs and devotionals, campers are invited to pause, reflect and hear God’s voice in a setting that is safe, fun and deeply supportive.”

The Rev. Tom Phillips, rector of Holy Trinity, Melbourne, served as one of the chaplains for Camp St. Mark (the high school week), alongside the Rev. Mark Lafler, rector of St. Edward’s, Mount Dora. The week was a meaningful experience for Phillips as not only a first-time chaplain, but also as a parent, attending alongside his son, a first-time camper.

“My son and I had a great week,” Phillips said. “There is a sweet spirit at Wingmann that you sense from the moment you arrive. It’s the product of dedicated and heartfelt leadership, both past and present. It was also obvious that the campers loved every minute of it.”

For him, one of the most striking moments came not during games or mealtimes but worship. “I’ve never seen kids get so excited about Morning Prayer and Compline!” he said.

Phillips’ words echoed what many leaders noticed throughout the week: Students weren’t just showing up. They were fully engaged, bringing their questions, their faith and their whole selves into the experience.

This summer, students from across the Episcopal Diocese of Central Florida and beyond were given more than just a break from routine. They were offered space to encounter God, form lasting friendships and grow deeper in their faith. Through strong teaching, intentional worship and a supportive community, youth were reminded that they’re not alone in the challenges they face and that their identity is firmly rooted in Christ.

“We love seeing campers walk away with a deeper sense of who they are in Christ and the freedom to live that out in their everyday lives,” Joseph said.

Camp Wingmann remains a vital ministry for developing the next generation of faithful leaders. It’s a place where kids can ask honest questions, explore their calling and grow in their walk with Christ.

Plans are already underway for Winter Camp and Summer Camp 2026, and the leadership team remains committed to creating spaces where young people feel seen, supported and spiritually equipped. To learn more about upcoming programs or how to support this ministry, visit campwingmann.org.