My Windermere Experience

2008-08-08T14:00:00.000-04:00

Janice Cox
Norfleet Baptist Church in Kansas City

My husband, Rev. Maurice Cox from the Norfleet Baptist Church, and I used to go with Sterling Acres Baptist Church in 1968 - 1969 at retreats at Windermere when we were dating. I can remember Maurice and I sitting on top of the deck outside the cafeteria and rocking in those rocking chairs, and looking at the lake – rocking and rocking and laughing and laughing. One of our first kisses we shared was walking back in the moonlight toward the Spring Valley big cabin!

We also would go down with Sterling Acres and Bill Denman was our youth leader – he tried to teach all the youth group how to water ski!!! Then after Maurice and I got married, we became great friends with John and Sandy Koehler, who we found out his PARENTS were the camp directors!!! So then we rented out cabins along with several other friends from First Baptist Church of Blue Springs and we all would go down every fall when the leaves were changing. When Maurice became a pastor, we would go to Windermere’s Fall Festivals with the Rockwood Baptist Church friends, and John and Willa Toon went with us as we had great times there with all our friends!!! Now John and Willa live down there on the grounds, ministering as they enjoy that beautiful scenery. Since Maurice has been pastor at Norfleet Baptist Church for the past 14 years, several times we came down for the July 4th Celebration with members of our congregation, and had about 45 people come one year. The last time we came, we had our sweet grandkids and stayed in the Lakeview Lodge. It was wonderful! Thanks for the notice about the 50 year celebration, we’ll see if we can make it.

My Windermere Experience

2008-08-07T14:00:00.000-04:00

Mara Lee Adams
Kansas City

Windermere will always have a special place in my heart. While in college, I joined the Baptist Student Union and we came on many a retreat to Windermere. Before we were married, my husband worked at Windermere one summer as part of his college classes to become an automotive technician. We spent our honeymoon at Windermere in August 1982. We have had family reunions there and we have brought our children there.

My Windermere Experience

2008-08-06T14:00:00.000-04:00

Willa Toon
Windermere Volunteer Coordinator

Having been a Missouri Baptist all my life, I have known about Windermere for years. My boys came to RA camp when they were young boys. When we moved here and they came to see us for the first time, both boys (boys to mom but now men) began to remember the time they came as a RA youth. They had a lot of fun pointing out the things they remembered.

Many years later my husband and I were working with single adults in our church, and at that time Windermere had a conference named Yesteryears. John and I brought our single adults to that conference year after year and then we brought young married couples and families. Upon our retirement, we inquired if Windermere could use volunteers. Foolish question. Could Windermere use volunteers? I say they can, as many as they can get. Frank Shock suggested we move here, and we did. It has been nine years and still loving it.

Talk about life changing. I had always lived in Independence, MO, carrying the mail for a living. I was moving to the woods, a whole new lifestyle. Let me tell you, it has been wonderful. It is good to see all the young people coming to conferences and seeing them sitting around studying the scripture and then seeing the baptisms in the lake. It really makes the change in my life worthwhile.

(To learn how you can become a Windermere volunteer, contact Willa at 573-346-5200, ext. 2677)

My Windermere Experience

2008-08-05T14:00:00.000-04:00

Rowena Mueller
First Baptist Church of Farmington

I would like to tell you of my first visit to Windermere. It was in 1959. I was the Director of YWA (Young Women Auxiliary) now known as Acteens. I was a member of the First Baptist Church of Lemay, in St. Louis County. There were 15 girls in our group and they were so excited to be going to their first retreat at Windermere. It would be a new experience for all of them. There were only about eight who were able to go on this first retreat. We took the wrong route that first trip and arrived very late that night. We were assigned to cottages (the first ones built), four to a room. Our two daughters stayed at those same cottages attending GA camp. It was a small distance to walk to the dining area and conference rooms, but we didn’t mind. To see the beautiful grounds and surroundings had the group excited and ready for swimming and boating, but we were informed that early morning devotions would be at 7:30 down by the lake. It was a rewarding experience that we attended every morning.

We truly enjoyed having the missionaries from different countries and learning greatly when attending the conferences from all the experienced leaders. One of our girls later became a missionary, and other girls became leaders in the local church. We truly enjoyed the good music and always the wonderful food! The girls were a lively group and full of fun, such as locking me out of my room each evening or putting balloons under my bed! I, as a leader, had to go along with their fun, that was part of the game!

The time has passed quickly over the years, and many beautiful changes have been made at Windermere. I am planning, once again, if it is God’s will, to return one more time to that beautiful place. May God bless the work at Windermere and congratulations on your 50 years!

My Windermere Experience

2008-05-01T14:00:00.000-04:00

Donald V. Wideman
Executive Director Emeritus, Missouri Baptist Convention

My memories of Windermere go back to 1960 when we visited Windermere for the first time. We were very impressed with the beauty of the place and wanted to go for a boat ride on the lake. One of my friends, a fellow pastor, offered to take us for a ride. Our first ride on the lake was in a small john boat with a trolling motor of less than one horsepower.

We had many visits after that and always left with good feelings and impressions. A most memorable event for me was when I attended one of the most spiritual conferences I have ever attended. In 1973 I discovered a lump on my body in the same area of the one that was the beginning of the cancer that resulted in my dad’s death. My family doctor removed it surgically and sent the tissue to the lab. Before the result came back, I went to Windermere for the conference with that concern on my mind and heart. God spoke to me through the messages and music and by His Spirit. I found a quiet spot and made a commitment to the Lord that changed my life and ministry. Thankfully, when I returned home I learned that the tissue was benign.

A great tragedy for us occurred in 1992 when our nephew, a Navy pilot, lost his life in a crash. Our family experienced deep grief and we all recognized the need and desire for the family to stay close to one another. We planned a family reunion at Windermere and my mother-in-law and all her descendants attended. It was great! We shared with one another, cried and laughed and had a family worship service. Everyone was delighted with Windermere and all the facilities and activities it provided. Our family met each year at Windermere for fifteen years. We have many wonderful memories and our family is closer to one another than ever.

It has given me much pleasure to witness God in action at Windermere. I have watched it grow and develop into the best conference assembly in the country. The ministries and programs have met the needs and desires of those who have attended. Thank God for Windermere!

Camp Windermere's Fan

2008-03-31T14:00:00.000-04:00

Brian Kaylor has written a column about the life-changing ministry of Windermere Baptist Conference Center. Here is part of what he wrote:

I am one of those whose life has been changed because of Windermere. I have many fond memories of RA camp and other events there. My walk with God grew during quiet times in the woods and my friendship with others began or improved as we enjoyed the water and other outdoors activities. I first felt the call to ministry around a campfire in the woods at Windermere. You could say that I am a fan of Windermere.

In addition to sharing some of his Windermere experiences, Kaylor defends Windermere against false attacks that have been made. Click here for the full piece.

My Windermere Experience

2008-02-21T14:00:00.001-05:00

Edna A. Speidel
St. Louis

I remember the first time I attended a conference at Windermere. It was the summer of 1959. Windermere was brand new to Missouri Baptists. Most of us didn't even know what it was. I was leading a Young Women's Auxiliary group at the time. I heard about the new "camp grounds" at the Lake of the Ozarks. I wanted to take my group of girls there. I didn't even know how to drive at the time and I had three small children of my own (all girls). I managed to find friends to take care of my three girls and another friend who was willing to drive us from Dexter, Mo. to Windermere. We were "loaded to the gills." I think there were five or six of us plus all our luggage, plus food in one car. I remember rounding the bend as we entered the Windermere grounds. We were astonished at the beauty and luxury of it all.

I returned to Wnderemere with young women or girls every year thereafter for about 20 years. My own daughters went to GA camp there many times and my oldest daughter worked there one summer while in high school. I had learned to drive when my youngest daughter was about three years old, so I then could take the girls myself. Sometime during those years, we moved to Cape Girardeau, and I still took girls to camp at Windermere, and would sometimes go to the WMU conferences myself.

The most memorable event I remember was one year, when we had a candlelight service out on the parking lot by the auditorium. Some missionaries spoke and then a candle was lighted and placed beside a globe on a raft and sent out into the waters as we all lit our candles and sang "So Send I You." That made a lasting impression on me. I have been active in missions organizations and activities ever since. Now my youngest daughter is a career missionary in the Media Center in the MAC region. I remember the night she was appointed was a definite highlight of my life. We sang "To God Be the Glory" at the close of the service and that is what I truly felt in my heart.

I can hardly believe it has been 50 years. CONGRATULATIONS WINDERMERE!!! May you continue to serve Him until He comes again!! God Bless!

My Windermere Experience

2007-12-06T14:00:00.000-05:00

Here are few short memories that have been submitted to Windermere Baptist Conference Center:

“My family used to vacation at Windermere in the 60’s. I have many fond childhood memories etched in my mind from Windemere. I remember one person named Fred that used to work on the dock. He helped me catch crappie when my dad was skiing. He must have left an impression on me since I was only 3-4 years old, 40 years ago. I visited with my family 3-4 years ago (first time I’ve been back since 1960’s) and we had a great time reminiscing.” —Steven Sharp

“Windermere gave me my first taste of living away from home back in the mid ‘60s when as a teen I spent one week each of 4 years at a Baptist Association camp. Friendships were made and Christian commitment was renewed. It was refreshing to return in the late ‘80s as a young United Methodist mother to a UMW weekend retreat. How wonderful it is to know Windermere has grown in size but still has the same atmosphere I fondly remember and can be used by all denominations.” —Joyce Sawford

“4-H has held a Youth Civic Leaders Summit at Windermere for two years straight. As the event organizer, I have found the Windermere staff to be very responsive, helpful, and just a joy to work with. Our youth and adult participants have repeatedly remarked about the positive experiences they’ve had at Windermere. The lodging for large groups is top-notch, the cafeteria meals are delectable, and the EDGE challenge course and other recreational options create an unforgettable experience for our participants. In the words of one young person, “This whole place rocked: I loved it!” For the event organizer, put it all together as a package, and life is good at Windermere!” —Steve Henness

My Windermere Experience

2007-10-15T14:00:00.000-04:00

Warren Livingston
Columbia, Missouri

I have been coming to Windermere since 1985. I have attended Baptist Men's Retreats, adult campcraft training, Challenger's Congress, and Royal Ambassador's Congress when they used to be held at Windermere. I have been helping lead Royal Ambassador Camp at Windermere since 1987. I have always looked forward to coming to Windermere with the Christian atmosphere of the staff and grounds provides.

Windermere has especially fond memories for me because it was there that my son Eric accepted Jesus Christ as his savior due to a Royal Ambassador Congress. Years later at a Royal Ambassador camp held at Windermere he commited his life to full time Christian service. He is currently serving in the Army with the 10th Mountain Unit of New York as a chaplain assistant.

I have seen so many boys make decisions at Windermere that will and have changed their lives forever. I am elated that Windermere exsists and has such a loving and caring staff and truly want to provide the best possible facility for Christian expericences.

My Windermere Experience

2007-09-13T14:00:00.000-04:00

Adam Brown
Vice-President, Amberg Entertainment, Inc. (http://www.ambergentertainment.com/)

I am 26 now, but I can still remember the Summer of ’92. I was in 6th grade and totally pumped about coming to camp as one of the ‘older’ boys. I was best friends with the pastor’s son, Josh, and, from the moment we got on the bus at the church, we couldn’t stop talking about all the cool stuff we would do at Windermere once we got there! We had been before and knew how much fun it was.

However, I was afraid my fun would be cut short, because, once the bus full of hyper, anxious kids unloaded by the cabins, Josh and I thought that playing a game of catch with our Wendy’s plastic cup was more fun than listening to the instructions being given by his dad. On one very well thrown pass, I backed up to catch it, and my foot discovered there was a parking curb behind me. Well, I didn’t catch the cup, but my wrist did make for quite the freak show after that. I had landed on my right wrist with enough force to pop it out completely out of the joint, at the growth plate. I was rushed to the hospital with my youth pastor, who kept me laughing most of the way with his descriptions of how I would play the camp games with only one arm. I returned hours later, after supper (I remember missing meatloaf—I was upset about that), and I was very down that I would now miss out on a great camp experience.

But, I didn’t. Not only was a plate of meatloaf waiting for me when I returned, but I ended up having one of the best weeks of my young life. I didn’t get to swim, but the counselors and staff did all they could to make sure I was having as much fun as everyone else. Ever since then, I have had nothing but good things to say about Windermere. I figure if a kid with a broken arm can have a blast there, anybody can!

P.S. That meatloaf was still some of the best I ever had!

Praise for Windermere Experience

2007-09-10T14:00:00.000-04:00

Below are some comments from recent visitors to Windermere Baptist Conference Center. If you have not been to Windermere recently, this is what you have been missing.

“The Windermere Experience is a time for me to be refreshed and renewed. I enjoy the beauty of the grounds and warm reception of the Windermere staff.”—Brenda Martin

“The most awesome place is the chapel. I feel the presence of the Lord while there. Thank you for that place and the work that went into developing that chapel.”—Kim Johnson

“It is an affordable, lovely place. It has a calming affect. A beautiful place to meditate.”—Phyllis Long

“I really enjoyed The Edge. It was my first experience zipping down a cable and it was a huge adrenaline rush. Adrenaline is also the way I would describe the night view of the moon shining down on the lake, a picture of God’s masterpiece.”—Tina Cozart

“God’s creation at its best! Wonderful service. Great people.”—Shere Jackson

“The serenity of the atmosphere manifests God’s peace which passeth all understanding.”—D. Smith

“This site is so beautiful. The people are so friendly and helpful.”—Karen Stevenson

“The staff of young folks are beautiful and well-mannered. Their parents should be very proud of them.”—Gwen Thomas

“A place to relax and renew your soul.”—Oletha Mays

“There is such a spirit of love, warmth, and peace. God truly moves in this place.”—Lisa Rembert

“The tranquility and peace in the atmosphere just set the tone for worship with God. It’s just amazing.”—Benedicta Ashton

“The entire atmosphere is wonderful. The friendliness, the lodging, the food and the Christian environment.”—Albertine Jennings

“When I come to Windermere I feel safe, happy and free. I get to meet so many people.”—Yolanda Martin

“The facilities were wonderful. Everything you need is available to you. Staffing is great!”—Joy Hopper

“It’s a place of rejoicing and praising the Lord.”—Margaret Good

“This was my first visit to Windermere. I especially enjoyed the praise service and the early morning service. It was so relaxing to be in a place without a TV and noise. I was truly blessed by my visit. The staff at Windermere was kind and helpful.”—Carrie Smith

“I enjoyed the fellowship and the motel accommodations were great. The entire staff was great.”—Shirley Terry

“Walking up to the church on top of the hill was beautiful and uplifting to my soul. The butterflies, the flowers, and trees brought joy to my heart. It felt good to be at home away from home. I learned to praise God at all time!”—Tecrette Champion

“Coming to Windermere has always been a blessing. The staff and facilities are fantastic. Of course, the location is peaceful. When I come, I’m refreshed and renewed. God’s presence is felt as I enter the grounds.”—Rita Deesley

“I love the serenity and beautiful landscaped grounds, surrounded with God’s nature of the trees, flowers, birds, and the calmness of the lake.”—Saundra Robinson

“Windermere—a sweet expression of God’s love and beauty.”—Margaret Neely

“Windermere has been a blessing in my life. I tell everyone I know what a wonderful place to be. I truly feel that the grounds are anointed. Praise the Lord!”—Barbara Thomas

I feel like family when I get here and it is just refreshing to see God work in individuals’ lives.”—Lalita Johnson

“The staff on the grounds are kind and helpful.”—Virgie Chatman

“I love coming to Windermere every year. I call it my watering hole. It has been a blessing every year and God meets us here at Windermere.”—Judy Turner

“I always enjoy coming. I always have a good feeling after my stay here. I will recommend it to all my friends.”—Myrtle Woods

“Praising God without the daily interruptions is such a wonderful experience. Getting away from the hustle and bustle of city life and being in such beautiful surroundings in nature is always a spiritual treat.”—Rose Montgomery

“I felt God’s presence all over the camp grounds every minute of the day I was here!”—Shonn Tolefree

“The love and fellowship was awesome! The food was excellent!”—Myrtle Graves

“I love the serenity of Windermere. It allows you peace and calmness to reflect on what is important in this life.”—Cleora Cushinberry

“The staff at Windermere are gracious, kind, loving, and friendly.”—Marva McCray

“The property is beautiful. The Lakeview Lodge is scenic and the accommodations are excellent. The food is good.”—Jacquelyn Alexander

Praise for Windermere Experience

2007-06-19T14:00:00.000-04:00

Here are some comments from individuals who attended the recent “Black Christian Singles Retreat” held at Windermere Baptist Conference Center.

“It is truly a blessing to attend this retreat. That staff and ministry leaders are genuine and full of the Holy Spirit. I thank God for allowing me and other Christians to attend this blessed event.”
—Eddie Blunkett (Louisville Kentucky)

“The prayer, praise and testimonies were wonderful. What a time we have when believers come together!”
—Francina McGee

“This was my first time to the singles conference and it truly blessed my soul beyond my expectations! God has truly been in this place and has worked through so many to touch and change lives.”
—Paulita Moore

“I had an awesome time. The magnitude of praise was overwhelmingly refreshing. Can’t wait for next year.”
—Danean Belton

“The event has been uplifting, spirit-filled and has given me the opportunity to meet other singles in ministry. I’ve learned so much more. I plan to return and recommend this beautiful and serene place to my church.”
—Roxanne Coates (Kansas City, Missouri)

“I experienced a spiritual uplifting. The fellowship, love, and support was awesome.”
—Christella Shepherd

“This is my 2nd year and I love it. I go home with lot of praise and thanksgiving.”
—Kay Tubbs

“Great worship. Great hospitality. Blessed atmosphere. Great fellowship with all.”
—Tresia Hassan (Kansas City, Kansas)

“I have enjoyed this retreat. I have gotten a closer walk with God.”
—Barbara Liddell (Milwaukee, Wisconsin)

“I’ve enjoyed hearing the preached word from the anointed pastor and ministers. They bring out the love of Jesus in word and thought. We want to return again and again to hear more and more of God’s grace and mercy.”
—Vernel Stone (Milwaukee, Wisconsin)

My Windermere Experience

2007-06-14T14:00:00.000-04:00

Cristina Kaylor
St. Paul, Minnesota

Imagine being a first grade girl (if you can guys) and you are at a retreat with your friends from church. You are away from home for the first time without your family. After going into the cabin for a minute you step outside to realize you’re all alone. Everyone else has left. You freeze. Now what? As you wander timidly, stifling tears, in search of a friendly face someone happens upon you. They take you into a large building to spend time with the missionaries who are there for the retreat. This sounds a little scary. They turn around to reveal kind faces, including one that you know as your Sunday School teacher. The weekend is saved and you not only have a great time but learn about missions and grow to love the conference center you are staying at.

This was one of my first Windermere memories. I went back so many times as a child and through high school that I can’t even begin to count them all. I saw bats in the cave, swam in the lake, played capture the flag, and was a part of Bible studies and worship services that helped me become the person I am today.

I have since been involved in missions myself locally, nationally and internationally. One year I had the priveledge to attend Girls On Mission conferences and be one of the missionary speakers that shared how important missions are with young girls. I have worked in the Lakeside Grill, Administrative Office and Catering at Windermere. Each time I worked a dinner I would end up serving people who knew me, my family, or a friend. Windermere is a place that brings people together in a community. I will always be grateful for every bat that scared me, every time I made it to the top of The Edge with the support of friends, and every time I took part in a sunrise Bible study in the chapel.

Windermere Experience Highlighted in KC Star

2007-03-14T14:00:00.000-04:00

The life-changing ministry of Windermere Baptist Conference Center was mentioned in Sunday’s Kansas City Star. The headline of the article read, “Church camp turned around a troubled childhood.” Here are a few highlights from the story about how a young teenager, Jerry Johnston, was saved at Windermere:

Johnston says he was a troubled and rebellious child who spent much of his time partying and doing drugs.

... “I was into pot and downers, and I was hospitalized twice. I was a 68-pound burnout on a liquid diet at one point.”

Things got so bad, Johnston said, that he considered committing suicide by swallowing valium.

... In June 1973, at the age of 14, Johnston went to Windermere Baptist Assembly camp near Roach in central Missouri.

“I never prayed so much in all my life,” he said.

... That night, June 21, 1973, Johnston said he invited Christ into his life.

“I went from a freak to a Christian,” he said.

Two months later, Johnston said, he dedicated his life to full-time ministry. He began spreading the gospel, starting a Bible study at his school and, according to his biography, speaking an average of 25 times a week to clubs and organizations through his high school years.

Amen! Johnston’s Windermere experience is similar to many others as he is just one of thousands whose lives have been forever changed by the ministry of Windermere. Last year, Johnston shared this story on James Dobson’s Focus on the Family radio show. Because of the ministry of Windermere and the faithful Missouri Baptists who have supported it, Johnston’s life was drastically changed and he has positively changed the lives of thousands more through his ministry work.

My Windermere Experience

2007-03-08T14:00:00.003-05:00

Lori Jo Jensen
Windermere Volunteer

Being at Windermere for me is a display of God’s amazing orchestrating of our lives. My call actually began when I was in high school at a conference similar to those held at Windermere. I felt the Holy Spirit urge me to dedicate my life to full-time Christian work. Although life took different turns, that calling deep in my heart never left.

I spent February and March of 2006 at Windermere, helping with a variety of volunteer projects. Windermere was even better than I had imagined! I found it to be a large facility with staff that treated me like family. The summer proved to be a time of deep fulfillment for me; and I am happy to say I am still here, loving it! One of the greatest blessings was hearing that God had sent me. When I prayed and said, “Here am I, send me,” God was arranging that there would be jobs I could do at Windermere, and they could use someone with my abilities.

The biggest reason I value being a part of Windermere is knowing that indirectly I am a missionary. Because of the work we do, people have become Christians and deepened their spiritual commitment. Because of Windermere, there are many who will spend eternity in heaven rather than hell. And the rippling effect of these lives changed goes on and on, as people who have been at Windermere go back and reach out to others in their families and communities with the gospel of Jesus Christ. How exciting to be a small part of that!

I also have found “ministry to the ministers” to be a way of serving and glorifying God. By that I mean spending time getting to know other staff members and summer employees, then loving them dearly and encouraging and praying for them. In return I have benefited from receiving love and encouragement.

I praise God for the sequence of events that led me to Windermere! I continue to offer myself in willingness to go where he leads, for as long as he wants me here. One of my prayers is that others would hear the call to come serve as volunteers at Windermere, in response to God’s orchestrating the tapestry of our lives.

My Windermere Experience

2006-11-16T14:00:00.000-05:00

Vernon Armitage
Senior Pastor, Pleasant Valley Baptist Church

For years now, our church has been experiencing Windermere Baptist Conference Center. It is a beautiful setting on the Lake of the Ozarks that provides an excellent retreat atmosphere. Each summer our youth group has a retreat at Windermere called Summerfest. It is an awesome experience with God! At the close of the week, we have a baptism service in the lake for those who received Christ. Parents are called, and they join us on the last day to be a part of the baptism service. It is an unforgettable experience. This next summer, we plan to have other churches join us in the students’ retreat. We look forward to sharing with others what God is doing in our lives through the retreat.

Around 15 years ago, we began a family camp at Windermere on Memorial Day weekend. It was always a low attendance weekend at church because people could hardly wait to get away for their first outing of the summer. So we decided to turn the weekend into a positive experience. As a result we made a down weekend a great weekend experience for our church. Many families have made unforgettable connections during the weekend. Our families love the relaxing time together in a safe environment. Our church family also grows closer together over the weekend. Because of the meaningful experiences our people have at Windermere, we have other groups in our church that go back for retreats and family vacations throughout the summer. The Conference Center has a variety of accommodations that fits nearly any group of any size.

Windermere continues to make wonderful improvements to the Conference Center. The new lodges make a perfect setting for a group retreat. It also is large enough for an entire church retreat. The cabins are just right for family vacations that provide great relaxation in the beauty of God’s creation. It also can provide a place of meaningful spiritual renewal. We are thrilled to have Windermere Baptist Conference Center available to our church and other churches in our state. We look forward to many more great experiences at the lake!

My Windermere Experience

2006-07-27T14:00:00.000-04:00

Rosemary Hoover
Windermere Board Member

As we pulled out of Windermere Cove, the little red and white aluminum run-about slid across the smooth water and turned left into the Big Niangua. Boat cushions and assorted life jackets lined the floor of the covered bow where our two small children would soon be fast asleep, heads resting on their own puffy orange “Mae West” flotation devices. Thus would begin a life-long love affair with Windermere for those two little sailors. Now grown with water-loving families of their own, they launched their own boats and two Sea-Doos at Briggs Landing last week.

Windermere is that kind of place! It gets in your blood and stays there. Year after year people from everywhere return to refresh their Windermere Experience. Not only is it the most beautiful camp of it’s kind, but it is a place where thousands of people have come to know the God who made it that way.

For 23 years my husband and I we were a part of the Maywood Baptist Church in Independence who considered Windermere “their place at the lake”. Our children grew up going to Windermere with the youth group. Our daughter’s first job was working in the snack shop as a summer staffer. For the past 24 years we’ve been a part of the First Baptist Raytown congregation who also sends bus loads of kids to Camp Windermere every year. Our grandkids go on those buses now.

Last week 70 of us spent five days at Windermere for the Hoover family reunion. We came from nine different states. It was our 31st annual get-together and we’ve never considered going anywhere else. The high-light this year was our sundown praise and prayer service at the prayer chapel on the hill. Our sweet nephew in a wheel chair, his body pale and gaunt from the ravages of cancer was in the middle of it. We sensed it was pivotal for our family and that it was probably his last with us. Thank God for that experience indelibly etched on the hearts of each of us from the youngest, age 1 to the oldest, age 74.

I have a friend who says when she dies, she’s going to Windermere. I think she’s close to right. Windermere is a piece of heaven for us. SEE YOU THERE!

My Windermere Experience

2006-04-20T14:00:00.000-04:00

Dan A. Bench
Interim Executive Director

My first contact with Windermere was in the summer of 1957. My sister, Nina Garnett, asked me and my wife, Sandra, to come to The Lake of the Ozarks to a place called Windermere. Dr. Earl Harding wanted our input as he evaluated this place with the idea of buying it to be used as a camp for Missouri Baptist. We were all very impressed. Now, 49 years later, Windermere continues to impress all who come.

During all of those years, my family has had a continuing contact. We lived in Des Moines, Iowa for 34 years and Iowa was considered an association of Missouri Baptist during that time. This relationship allowed Iowa Baptists to participate in all Windermere activities. We brought youth
groups, leadership groups, music groups, family groups and took many family vacations. Two of my children served as summer staffers.

After retiring in February of 1998, we moved to Four Seasons and quickly became involved with Windermere. About a year later, I accepted the position of Coordinator of Volunteers, working alongside of Willa Toon. I continued in this position until the Board of Trustees, in mid-November of last year, asked me to be the Interim Executive Director.

I, again, discovered how easy it is to get really neat jobs if you are willing to work for free. Since November, I have had a chance to experience the commitment of a very hard-working staff and the leadership of a very dedicated Board of Trustees who have continued to seek and follow God’s will even in the face of strong opposition.

The mission of Windermere has never changed and it remains to be: “As A Dedicated Christ-like Team We will Provide A Christian Setting In Which Life Changing Experiences May Occur For All Involved.” The Baptist and Christian history and heritage of Windermere continues and we need your help to keep it going.