STAFF SPOTLIGHT: EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT
Name: Ardie Swanson
Position at camp: Executive Assistant
For how long: 3 years
Why did you come to camp?
You’ve maybe heard a version of this phrase … “God loves you and Herb has a
wonderful plan for your life.” God does work in unique ways by giving me the
opportunity to move and work here 3 years ago. I was a city resident for all of my life,
surprised that God would call me to the camp I had attended as a kid, served on the
board, and grown to love. This adventure has been an interesting journey of learning a
new job and adapting to small town life. I’m so grateful for God’s sweet presence
guiding and confirming my steps in this adventure. If you’re given an out-of-the-box God
opportunity, I’d recommended going for it. Your life won’t be the same.
What do you like most about your job?
I love the culture of working with camp staff. There is always some crazy activity
happening in the program office resulting in strange sounds, smells, or debris. I no
longer worry about smelling something burning. It’s normal. Our variety of ages, skills,
and experiences are readily welcomed as we work and learn together on projects.
Laughter is heard every day. Co-workers have given me numerous opportunities to
experience non-city life, some more extreme than others. I’m impressed with how staff
love and care for each other and those in the community. Most importantly, I love
working alongside others who have a heart for the churches and campers God sends our
way.
What have you learned from being at camp?
To be flexible. The activities and accomplishments at the end of a day look very different
than what I had planned. Camp life is one of variety and interruptions. For example,
while quietly working at my desk recently, I was encouraged to go observe what interns
are doing in the back office. Another animal was trapped and did I want to help skin it.
NO! An interruption may be a guest visiting after not setting foot on site for years. It is
so exciting to hear their camp experiences, give them a tour of camp, and tell them
stories of how camp has changed kids’ lives. Then back in the office to address my
planned tasks for the day.
What are some fun facts or unique things about you?
-I jumped out of a perfectly good plane several years ago.
-I’ve never had a speeding ticket.
-I’ve never shot any animal and intend to keep this fact. Co-workers keep encouraging
me to take up the sport of hunting, even providing me the tools.
Hobbies/Interests:
Golfing, biking, hiking, snow shoeing, boating, quilting, reading, music, coffee.
Dream vehicle?
When living in the city, I once dreamed of having a wardrobe of cars: a Mini-Cooper for
grocery errands, a Lincoln for going to the orchestra, a convertible for warm summer
drives, and a beat up old truck for hauling stuff. Now living in the country, I’m told I
need a one ton Ford F350, 7.3 diesel dually truck. I don’t know what all that means. I
just want something big where I would win when I hit the next deer.
