Dan Kellander began work as new site director at Wesley Acres Camp on May 1. The Camping Ministry is pleased to introduce Dan Kellander as the site director at Wesley Acres Camp in ND.  Dan and his wife Laura have three young adult children and come to us from Minnesota. 

Photo: The Kellender family, back row left to right Laura and Dan. Front row left to right Knute, Sam and Emma.  Pets Abbi the dog and Max the cat. 

Dan “got hooked” on camping as a youth and couldn’t get enough of it.  He began serving in the camping ministry as a volunteer while still in high school and later served on staff.    Dan actually transferred to Mankato State University to pursue a Bachelor of Science degree in Parks, Recreation and Community Education, the closest thing he could find to a “camping” major.  For his senior project Dan worked with a camp to help it meet ACA (American Camping Association) accreditation standards.    

While working in camping individuals also began to notice Dan’s gifts for youth ministry and encouraged him to pursue that path.  Dan has served as youth pastor for over twenty years while continuing to encourage all youth, including his own children, to attend, serve and work at camp.  Both Dan and his wife Laura told me they always knew they would get back into full time camping ministry at some point in their lives.  “But when our family was ready there was no door open,” Dan said, “and when the door was open the timing didn’t feel right for our family”.    Dan and Laura both feel God has led them to Wesley Acres Camp and that the timing is now right for their family.   

Dan is excited to “hit the ground running”.  He has lots of ideas and energy and looks forward to getting to know the churches in the Dakotas and meeting the great people that call North and South Dakota home.   Please join the camping ministry in praying for Dan as he begins his ministry at Wesley Acres Camp and for their family during this transition.  And if you are in the area or passing through please make it a point to give Dan and Laura a call at Wesley Acres and stop in to welcome them and enjoy a cup of coffee.  They look forward to the opportunity to meet you and get better acquainted.