Executive Director Search

Camp Nathanael Family,

On behalf of the Board of Directors, I’m writing to share an important update about leadership at Camp Nathanael.

After much prayer and thoughtful planning, Mark Watkins has let us know of his intent that the summer of 2026 will be his final one as our Executive Director. We have been so blessed by his leadership these past 15 years and are sad to see him go, but we’re also so excited for Mark and his wife Karen as they take the next step in their journey. Their intent is to finish this summer of 2026 strong and then step away later in the year. Mark and his teams of leaders over many years have done so much for camp, and we couldn’t be more thankful for them! We also thank Mark for working with us to prepare a thoughtful and smooth leadership transition.

And so, with this announcement we are formally launching our search process for the next Executive Director. We believe God is already at work in the life and heart of the man who will join us as Executive Director, and we’re trusting God's timing to bring that man to begin our transition and to be ready to take full responsibility later this year.

You can help us! We are relying on you as a supporter of Camp Nathanael to help us spread the word of our search. Would you read the enclosed job description and prayerfully consider passing this along to someone you know? It may be someone that is already fully employed. It might be somebody in a job transition. It could be somebody who just retired at a noticeably early age. Or maybe it is somebody that you would least expect available… but would be available ‘all of a sudden’ just because of this position at Camp Nathanael!

We are excited for what God will do in the coming months and years at camp. In 2027, we will celebrate Camp Nathanael’s completion of 65 years of ministry. Just 19 miles outside of Hinckley, Minnesota, via Highway 48: The buildings, the cabins, Hocker, the trails, canteen, the fire rings, Monday Night Cookout, the horse pasture, Lake Wilbur… oh, the stories they could tell—the stories of how God used those places, and that He would choose to be known and revealed through Nathanael’s staff, noncoms, and volunteers. Those people happened because of strong leaders like Mark Watkins and the Directors before him, and those people will continue to happen because of the man that God guides to be our new Director. What an exciting time!

We appreciate your assistance, prayer, and support. We will keep you updated and are available to answer any questions. In closing, please:

1. Share this news with those who may be interested in the role. View the job description at this link and share the link: