These dedicated, year-round staff members lead seasonal staff and volunteers to make SON-Life Camp & Retreat Center a vibrant ministry.
Laura Glas
Executive Director
Tel: (269) 792-2081
Fax: (269) 792-4422
Laura started at SON-Life Camp as a camper in 1998. She started on Staff as a CIT(Counselor in Training), she had multiple roles from Counselor to Kitchen Assistant to Program Director. She has volunteered at camp for many years, and in 2022 she became our Executive Director!
Laura has stated for years that camp is her happy place. She says that camp is a place where you can solely focus on God without the distractions of the outside world. She says that it is a unique experience that she wishes every kid could have.
"The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble, He cares for those who trust in Him"
Nahum 1:7
Ben Bartels
Director of Ministries
Tel: (269) 792-2081
Ben has been on Year-Round staff as Director of Ministries since January 2020, shortly after graduation from Cornerstone University. Before that, Ben was on summer staff as a Senior Counselor in 2016-2018, and later as Overnight Camp Program Director in 2019. He has has grown up going to Scout camps, but SON-Life holds a special place in his heart.
Ben loves geocaching, reading fantastic books, playing fun board games, playing the guitar, and exploring new places outside! Ben drinks a lot of coffee and tea and really really loves people!
"Call to Me and I will answer you and tell you great and mighty things which you do not know."
Jeremiah 33:3
Kate Kuehn
Office Administrator
Tel: (269) 792-2081
Fax: (269) 792-4422
Kate started in the office in January of 2023.
Les Lynema
Maintenance and Facilities
Les joined our team in the Spring of 2018. We are glad to have him and his expertise on site.
Rena Lynema
Housekeeping
Rena joined our team in the Spring of 2022.
Board of Directors
SON-Life Camp & Retreat Center is owned and operated by Christian Camping Ministries Inc., a non-profit, inter-denominational, Michigan Corporation comprised of area representatives who serve as a Board of Directors. The Board is made up of 6-12 members from all different churches and denominations. Financial support is received from churches, corporations, and individual donors who are united in their concern for impacting people with the life-changing message of Jesus Christ through this camping ministry.
Betty Verburg President
Caledonia CRC
Steve Oetman Vice President
Wayland CRC
Josh Dehaan Treasurer
Wayland CRC
Harvey Leep Secretary
Martin Reformed Church
Doug Schreur
Third Coast
Dennis DeVries
Moline CRC