A Letter from Jeff Hoeben, Executive Director
“See, I am going to do something new! Now it springs forth; Do you not perceive it?” – Isaiah 43.19
Sometimes, there is a small moment in our life that changes our path in a very profound and lasting way. Looking back, it is wonderful to see how God has everything masterfully planned out. Twenty years ago while at a young adult conference in Cleveland, Ohio I saw a Camp Gray water bottle. That led to a role as a CG missionary during the school year of 2003-2004. That fall, I met Rebecca, and we were married in the St.Francis of Assisi Chapel two years later. Rebecca, or Reba, as we call her around here, served as the Program Director from ‘05-’07. It was in 2008 that we took the reins from Phil DeLong as Co-Executive Directors.
The physical appearance of camp certainly changed during our time, but what hasn’t changed is camp’s foundation. Our bedrock bible verse, Luke 22:26, Rather let the greatest among you be as the youngest, the leader as the servant, rings true for so many who have called this place home. Our staff, campers, alumni, and benefactors have inspired us to serve this place, helping make it the tremendous gift that it is to so many. It truly has been a joy to pray, play, and work alongside so many awesome people.
It is a bittersweet moment for me to announce that the time has come for the Hoeben’s to move on to the next adventure as of May 1, 2023. God has blessed our 20 years here and he will no doubt continue to do so as we move forward.
We are filled with gratitude to God and our entire Camp Gray family. Our gratitude stretches from the small moments of laughter and camp songs to huge moments of dreaming big and life changing relationships that we’ve formed. We have so much to be thankful for.
Camp has shaped our family in innumerable ways. We pray that it will continue to shape the lives of many for years to come. May God continue to bless this place and all of you. Thank you for a beautiful 20 years and please pray for us as we move to the next adventure that the Lord has planned for us.
Peace,
Jeff, Rebecca, Andrew, Mary, and Josh
—
A Letter From Bishop Donald Hying
I felt a combination of gratitude, sadness and excitement for Jeff Hoeben, when he told me that he was stepping down as Executive Director of Camp Gray. In his decades of service, both he and his wife Rebecca have effectively served and grown the mission of providing a quality experience of Catholic summer camp for thousands of young people throughout our diocese, who have experienced the love and presence of Christ in the beauty of God’s nature. The construction of new buildings, such as the chapel, the gymnasium and the dining hall, the expansion of donor gifts, and the consistent joy, fun, formation and spirituality, which our beloved young people take away from their time at Camp Gray, are remarkable aspects of Jeff’s legacy. I join a whole host of people who wish Jeff blessings and prayers as he and his family step into the next chapter of their lives. Your legacy will always live at Camp Gray and in our hearts.
I am very grateful to Tim Chaptman, who has already served at Camp Gray for five years, in an effective leadership capacity, who will be stepping into Jeff’s role as Executive Director. Tim has a proven track-record of providing spiritual formation, organizational acumen and a joyful spirit to all who encounter him. We are blessed that Tim is both eager and willing to succeed Jeff in this transition, which promises to be relatively seamless, as he builds on the remarkable legacy which Jeff and Rebecca leaves us. We offer prayer and thanks to both Jeff and Tim, their wives and families, and the staff and supporters of our beloved Camp Gray.
God Bless,
Bishop Donald Hying
5th Bishop of the Diocese of Madison
