10/10/2026
Dear SLC community…
6 years of directing, 11 years on staff, 24+ years of being shaped by this ministry. How does one conclude their time in a place like this? One never does because it will forever be woven into who they are. However, there comes a moment when one chapter ends so that the next may begin. As I step down as Director, I wish to share a few words of gratitude and reflection.
It was a true honour, gift, and joy to lead SLC’s ministry for the past six years. From navigating the unchartered times of our 2021 COVID year, to seeing camp through the rebuilding of staff leadership alongside a new generation of campers and families, this journey has been unlike any other that grows you in unimaginable ways. I am so grateful to Silver Lake for allowing me to hold this position and help shape this camp.
Thank you, SLC Committee (+ our wide community of supporters), for all the ways you carry this ministry, tirelessly investing and working behind the scenes, and for your personal support and encouragement along the way.
Thank you to all the staff (+ volunteers, Junior Leaders, and LIDs) who I had the gift of working and learning alongside. Camp doesn’t run with one person. It takes a community of uniquely talented individuals who choose to say yes and give their all. You inspired me every day and truly made me a better person and leader.
To our families who I had the blessing of getting to know, thank you for believing in this camp and being a part of the extended family. I will miss our many parking lot pick-up and drop-off conversations.
Finally, to all our campers, you are the highlight and reason for camp’s being! I will miss spending my summers with you: jumping off the diving dock together, being dramatic in Sponge Wars, playing ridiculous characters in Session, interviewing you during theme night shenanigans, competing alongside you in Canoe Wars, belting out silly campfire songs, racing you in pudding eating competitions, playing grounders on the playground, having conversations during tuck time, going all out to Adanac worship songs, spotting wildlife, visiting all your Campout spots … at the heart of it, being goofy and real together.
It’s been such a privilege to be a part of your stories, especially seeing many of you go from camper to staff. Keep shining, keep being you, keep showing up, and don’t let that silliness, freedom, and joy that you experience at camp stay at camp! Keep sharing all that goodness and your true selves with the world! And never forget how loved you are.
Silver Lake Camp was the place where I came to know the invitational, transformational, loving, joy-filled, liberating heart of Christ, embodied in SLC’s living, breathing community. I would not be the person I am today if not for SLC. I will forever cherish my time here.
With love and deep gratitude for this opportunity, and blessings for the continued journey of bringing Jesus’ heart to life, putting campers first, and planting life – world – changing seeds, one relationship at a time…
💖 Emily Cowley
Your Outgoing Director
