STAFF RAISING SUPPORT

WHAT IS OUR BACKGROUND? 

Dennis and Caitlin, along with their children (Garrett, Connor, and Eden), are thrilled to be serving together at Forest Springs, where God has brought them on an incredible journey. Dennis was born and raised in Zambia as a missionary kid (with British and Dutch parents). He can’t remember a time when he didn’t expect to be serving in full-time ministry, and as such went to Moody Bible Institute (Spokane). During his time there he met Caitlin, and God began to direct them to camp ministry. At first they began to fundraise and train to serve as camp directors in South Africa, but through various small but definitive steps God redirected them to Forest Springs. With schooling in camp ministry, years of work in custodial leadership, and a love for hospitality, he’s thrilled to see those pieces come together in his role as the camp’s Housekeeping Director. Caitlin was raised in Iowa in a large and multicultural family. Having worked as summer staff at a camp in Iowa for most of her teen years and attended the same camp for most of her life, camp ministry is near and dear to her heart. Between family life, camp life, and ministry in the community, she is loving how God is using her to bless the Forest Springs family as well as her own. 

WHAT ARE OUR AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY? 

Dennis and Caitlin love putting their skills to use in ministry at Forest Springs. As the Housekeeping Director, Dennis is responsible for the cleanliness and presentation of all living areas of camp, along with his team. These areas include lodge rooms, cabins, dining hall, bathrooms, meeting spaces, and even several outdoor areas. This role allows Dennis opportunities to train, disciple, mentor, and encourage the young staff at camp year-round, pointing them toward Jesus and developing healthy servant-hearted worldviews. Dennis is also a lifeguard, on the first aid team, and heading up camp’s bicycle rental program. 

Whenever Caitlin’s not caring for their children or finding joy in supporting and helping Dennis, she has enjoyed filling shifts in the coffee shop, café, climbing tower, kitchen, and even driving the shuttle van. She and Dennis regularly host young staff in their home. Offsite, she is actively involved in the church, youth group, local choir, and she’s also pursuing opportunities in the local school. 

WHAT IS MY BACKGROUND? 

After living in Mexico for 11 years as a missionary kid, I came to Forest Springs for a gap-year program called Trailhead. I found out about the program from a staff member who came to Mexico on a mission trip. Much of that time was spent thinking about what was ahead and how God could use my talents for his Kingdom. For the next few summers I continued to work at Forest Springs as the A/V technician. I really grew in my relationship with God and in my skills at running sound. What I loved about this job was that I could take part in sharing the Gospel by allowing the camp speaker to be heard clearly. In between the times at camp, I worked at Taylor University in Indiana where I oversaw students and facilitated chapel times. My time there grew me professionally as an A/V tech and I learned so much. I enjoyed my time there, but I always felt God calling me back to Forest Springs. God provided an opportunity to work at Forest Springs in the new role of Program A/V Specialist. I made the decision to move back to Wisconsin where this new adventure began. 

WHAT IS MY AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY? 

As the Program A/V Specialist, it has been a privilege to set up, maintain, and oversee the use of our Audio/ Visual equipment and work with guest groups to make sure that their meeting spaces are set up according to their A/V needs. Other responsibilities include: running the soundboard, making projection slides, and helping out in practical ways at the climbing tower, ski hill, and many other areas as needed. It is a unique position in that I work both in a supporting role and on the frontlines. Part of the Kingdom work that I get to do is engage with guests as a ski instructor and create a distraction free environment during sessions, so that our guests can experience God.