Matthew Skinner has completed his 2nd year as Woodland Challenge Director but he is not a newcomer to Pioneer.   His faith in God has been the foundation of his life and his desire is to see young people take hold of that same faith in Jesus Christ.  Matthew records a few thoughts for us.

"I can't remember a summer that didn't start with the anticipation of driving to camp. When I was a boy I was packed into the back of the station wagon, now I do the packing and my boys are in the back, but when Diana and I hit the road the result is still the same; leaving the noise, the lights, the electronics, and the laziness behind - heading north, and trading them for the feeling of grass on my bare feet, the rush of playing sports instead of watching them, and the cool Muskoka breeze that guarantees a good night sleep. To this day one of my favourite moments is that first deep breath I take when I step out of the car after finally arriving, before anyone else knows I'm there. It's full of the sweet smell of creation, and the promise of a few weeks unlike any other.

After 16 years of taking that first breath in the parking lot of Boys Camp, this summer I will be enjoying it just down the lake at Woodland Challenge.

I think this summer will be the same for us in many ways. After working at Boys Camp as Waterfront staff, a Section Head, Program Director, and Assistant Director, signing up for a new program and stepping away from my familiar camp experience fills me with both excitement and nervousness. It is the same feeling I had as a Woodland Challenge camper in 1993. That was the summer that I met my best friends, learned to listen for God, realized that 10 days in the woods isn't long enough, and decided I would always come back to Pioneer.

These days I'm teaching Latin and Greek Mythology in Toronto, reading stories to my boys Elliot (5) Judah (2) and daughter Allegra, coaching the school archery team, and trying to swim as much as I can. This time of year is good, but inevitably when Diana catches me day dreaming and asks what I'm thinking about, the answer is, "Driving - getting in the car, stopping at Weber's, then straight on to Port Sydney".

Come join us at WC this summer - It is going to be a blast."

                                                                                            -Matthew Skinner

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