Camp Okoboji Welcomes New Executive Director!
Adam Hengeveld began in April 2024 as the new Executive Director of Camp Okoboji, following the retirement of Kirk Warnke who served Camp for the last six years.
“I am humbled by this opportunity to serve as the next Executive Director of Camp Okoboji. I look forward to building on the great work that Kirk has done over the last six years. The word I keep using to describe how I feel is ‘surreal.’ I’ve dreamt about becoming the Executive Director for Camp for over 15 years,” said Hengeveld
Adam grew up in Hartley, Iowa, attending St. Paul’s Lutheran Church. He attended Camp Okoboji as a youth, counseled during the summers in high school, and worked on the summer staff while in college. He attended Concordia University, Nebraska and graduated in 2009 with a degree in secondary education and social sciences.
Adam’s first call was to Zion Lutheran Church and School in Dallas, Texas. There he taught 6-8 History and Religion for three years. He then took a job back at Concordia Nebraska working with donors and alumni, eventually serving as the Alumni Director.
After three years, his wife, Beth, received a call back to Dallas to another Lutheran School. Adam has since served at nonprofits and universities in the Dallas-Fort Worth area working in fundraising. During that time, he also obtained a Masters in Nonprofit Administration in 2018.
“I’m so excited to serve Camp and all who consider it a special place in their lives, whether a regular in the family ministry cabins, a youth camp attendee, or anyone else that regularly attends events here,” Adam said.
Adam shared, “I look forward to taking the first year or so to ‘take it all in.’ There will be much to learn and I’m thankful for a great team to work with. The mission of camp is personally meaningful to me, as it has always been a sanctuary to me, like a second home, where I was connected to God and His creation each day. It is my hope and prayer that we continue to give guests the opportunity to be refreshed in body and spirit. I’m so grateful for all of the support that individuals, congregations, and Iowa District West-LCMS provides to youth campers and to Camp.”
Adam and Beth have three children. Charlotte is 11, Edy is 9, and Henry is 6.