“I love seeing campers overcome their fears and do things that thought they could not do, like climbing to the top of Storm Mountain.” The words of Sean Binder who has been named the new director of Storm Mountain Center. Binder will take over in September 2017 when Scott Jensen, retires after 17 years of service.

“Scott has done so much for the camping program and for Storm Mountain. I have difficult shoes to fill.  I look forward to continuing the great ministry that is happening at Storm Mountain,” said Binder.

Binder was selected from a field of applicants after a regional search was conducted according to Keith Shew, director of camp and retreat ministries for the Dakotas-Minnesota area.  Binder was named director this past week by a five-member selection team.

 “We are overjoyed to welcome Sean as the Director at Storm Mountain Center,” said Shew. “Sean has been a loyal member of the camping family. He has served in numerous capacities at each of the camps. He has a great understanding of the camping ministry and a desire to give back.”

As a youth, Binder attended several camps as a member of Spearfish UMC. In the last few years, he has served as interim director at Wesley Acres and Lake Poinsett.  He also has been the dean of several camps, a camp counselor and even the cook.

“Sean is well known throughout the Dakotas Conference as a trustworthy, hardworking leader who really cares about everyone,” stated Shew.

Continuing the legacy that has been started by Jensen is one of the goals that Binder has for his new position. He also hopes to guide Storm Mountain Center to successful accreditation with the American Camping Association (ACA) and partner with churches throughout the conference that have been integral to the success of the camp.

A farewell recognition will be held on September 10 for Scott Jensen at Storm Mountain Center.