Get To Know Otyokwah

2/19/2018

Can We Trust You?

Who are you? (the Camp Director)

Hello! My name is Mark Dubler and I have been a leader, host, and participant in camps and retreats for over twenty-five years and hold an M.A. in Educational Ministries from Wheaton College. I have worked at several camps and been the director of Camp Otyokwah since 2006. During my time here we've made incredible improvements to the camp facilities and programs. One of my biggest joys in ministry is teaching/training/encouraging others and watching them succeed.

I have been married to Renee for almost 25 years and have two children in college. I enjoy watching sports, swimming, sailing, skiing, and playing board games with my family. If you want to hear my hands down favorite international travel destination - Please ask!

Why do you do what you do? Why are you passionate about camp?

I want kids to have a deepening relationship with Jesus.

Our job as parents is to prepare kids for life when they get older. This means helping them to develop to be the best they can be – mentally, physically, emotionally, and most importantly, spiritually. Camp offers a great opportunity for a child/youth to start or deepen their relationship with Jesus.
Years ago, my wife and I led middle school ministry at our church. We worked with kids year-round on a weekly basis, but I always noticed how much God would move in their lives while at camp and on retreats. There is something about being in community away from the distractions of everyday life where it is easier to hear God.

I also want kids to have fun.

At camp we get to be goofy, act out silly skits, play outlandish games, and participate in activities you don’t get to at home. Even as the director, there are times at camp that I watch a skit and laugh so hard my sides hurt. Laughing and having fun is good for all of us.

I want kids to be surrounded by the beauty of His creation.

I grew up on the edge of town – fields and woods were available right across the street from where I lived. My friends and I spent hours and hours playing, exploring, and creating. It was a wonderful time together away from the busyness and stresses of life and experiencing the great outdoors. I find being in God’s creation still moves me today.

What is your hope for each camper?

My hope for each camper is that they have a great time at camp and know they are loved by the God of the universe and those around them. My kids were fortunate to grow up at camp and benefit from being around other older Christians that they could look up to. A lot of that has influenced who they are today as they continue to discover how God has wired them and the direction He wants them to go. My desire is each camper would be impacted that way as well.

Why does this camp exist?

We want to help parents with the spiritual development of their children by facilitating life-changing experiences that encourage young people to personally grow and have fun while connecting with God, staff, and friends.

In what place (or time of the day) do people most feel the essence of your camp?

Evening worship is where people feel the essence of Camp Otyokwah. After a fun day of activities and games, kids settle in and worship together hearing from God’s word. Most times that happens on Vesper Hill, a high point in the middle of camp, where campers experience worship in the quiet of God’s creation where they can see for miles. Many, many people have accepted Christ as Lord at Vesper Hill and some have even experienced a call to ministry.

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