Nathan Vaughn is a philosopher. Well, almost a philosopher. He did win a philosophy award in college, once. He’s also a published historian, a University of Wyoming graduate, and a huge fan of the Philadelphia Phillies. But, more than anything, Nathan is a Pecometh guy. Like many staff members, he started working here during his college years. “I was just a freshman at the University of Delaware who needed a job,” he remembers. “My mom suggested I apply to Pecometh because she knew Jack Shitama, who was the executive director at the time.” After an interview with the Camp Programs Coordinator, Nathan was ready to start work as a camp counselor.
Nathan had previously worked as a camp counselor at another camp, but it was at Pecometh that he developed a passion for camp ministry.
“I really appreciated the tradition of the Riverside program and its reach to campers over decades of ministry,” Nathan shared. “I appreciated the unique spiritual development opportunities of Leaps of Faith and Late Night with Jesus. I appreciated the pure fun of Splashdown!”
When applications opened the next year, it was barely a question–Nathan was returning to camp. When his parents asked why he wasn’t pursuing an internship, he was clear. “I wanted to spend my time doing the most ethical thing I can do, and ministering to kids seemed like the most ethical option.” Spoken like a true philosopher!
When he was a counselor, no program stirred Nathan’s interest more than LEAD. At that time called Director’s Leadership Week. LEAD is a program for youth interested in developing leadership skills for service in their church or community. Over one week, campers engage in sessions with local leaders, learning to harness their skills while enjoying the fun activities of camp.
“LEAD is in some ways a distillation of the benefits of camp ministry. Campers come to enjoy their time here, but they also come to develop skills that can be used in their daily lives. We’re in the business of God-inspired, life-changing experiences. LEAD shows the life-changing potential of a week at camp.”
Nathan was a counselor in the program for three straight years. He acknowledges that counselors should not pick favorites, but it is safe to say that LEAD is a program of great importance to him.
Over the years, Nathan rose from counselor to leadership team member, a position in which he oversaw Pecometh’s Riverside programming. After a detour to the Rocky Mountains to get his master’s degree, Nathan returned to Pecometh in 2023 to oversee all our programming.
He sees enormous potential in Pecometh’s programs. “We are blessed with so many human and natural resources. We know we can serve hundreds of campers every summer. The future of Pecometh’s ministry is bright.”
Of course, as it does for so many, Pecometh has given back to Nathan at least as much as he has given to it. “For a large portion of my young adult life, Pecometh has been my primary place of Christian meaning. I haven’t always felt accepted in churches, but I knew I could always come to Pecometh to experience the peace that so many experience here.”
Pecometh has given Nathan lifelong friends, a constant community that cares for him, and a sense of purpose.
He’s a Pecometh guy.