01/02/2025
Dear Trout Friends and Converge North Central,
I love Trout Lake Camps. I rededicated my life to Christ here and it’s in my blood. But it’s time for a new opportunity. I’m both saddened and super excited to announce I’m stepping down as the Executive Director of Trout Lake Camps and will be taking on a new role as the Vice President of Financial Stewardship and Donor Care for Converge North Central.
For those who don’t know, Trout is part of Converge, so I’m not going far. Let me explain a few details about this transition and the shift in responsibilities for myself and others.
New Opportunities for Kingdom Impact
I love helping people make great decisions. That’s been a big part of my work at Trout for 20 years. Over the last six to nine months, God has created a new opportunity to use the gifts and skills he has given me. I’ve helped roll out financial stewardship programs for Converge North Central that radically impact the local church, pastors, congregations, Trout Lake Camps, and Converge’s regional ministry.
Grants from the Lilly Foundation will be transformational for our region and have allowed for this shift. I want to help local churches, couples, and individuals make smart, strategic decisions about money. These choices can create ministry legacy and make an eternal difference. This is how Trout started in the first place, and it’s an opportunity to multiply that kind of generational impact.
The door has opened to step into this role and it seems like the right time to take a step of faith and focus on this initiative.
What Does That Mean for Trout?
May 31, 2025 will be my last day as Executive Director at Trout. Over the next five months I will gradually step back from day-to-day management of Trout. We have an incredible team and they already do much of the work. The team will be lead by James Rock, who has provided decades of solid leadership, and who will become Executive Director of Trout on February 1. We’ll partner together during this time so that the transition is smooth.
Until a new Regional President is voted in, I will continue as interim Regional President for Converge North Central, so again, I’m not going far or leaving Trout as CNC/TLC are the same team. My new VP role will include plenty of cross-over with Trout as people lean into estate planning and maximize giving potential—with Trout being one of the beneficiaries of their generosity.
Stepping Back From Trout—That’s Hard
In October I celebrated 20 years at Trout Lake Camps. I have cherished every moment with campers, volunteers, and staff. The mission of reaching the next generation for Jesus will always be close to my heart.
When my wife and I first walked from the boat docks to the courtyard, we prayed that our first-day excitement for God’s ministry would be the same as the last day we served at camp. Without a doubt, that is 100% true. Our passion for Trout’s mission has never wavered, and we feel blessed to play a small role in Trout’s 80-year history.
Thank You
From greeting parents on opening day, to fundraising, to pulling campers on the banana boat, I wouldn’t exchange this experience for anything. When I hear the words—Trout Lake Camps—there is something deep within me that will always be joyful because of what Jesus does each year in the lives of kids and teens. Thank you for this opportunity.
What makes all of this and Trout so special is the relationships. Our leadership team and staff are extremely gifted in managing and driving Trout's mission and vision forward. I’m thrilled because they are talented, energetic, hard-working, creative, Christ-centered, theologically sound, and have strong team chemistry. Our meetings include care, prayer, laughter, and lots of sharing about our lives and families.
Trout is in great hands. The ministry foundation is financially, spiritually and relationally strong. The direction is clear and there are even better days ahead.
As this chapter for my wife and I closes, it has been an absolute honor to serve in this role and may Jesus continue to pour out his blessing on Trout. May many kids and teens come to Jesus—all for his glory.
On behalf of Christ and campers,
Wick
