When 4th-grader Mark Duncan first pulled into the gravel drive at Johnsonburg, he was the last to arrive. 

He was clutching a brand-new blue internal frame backpack—a gift from his parents—but he only made it to camp because of a different kind of gift.

His local church (Old First in Newark) believed in camp so much that they sponsored the tuition for any first-time camper. Mark’s mom asked if he wanted to go, and Mark said "Yes."

That one "yes" started a journey that has spanned decades. 

It began with kind counselors named PeeWee and Maynard singing to cure his homesickness that first week of camp. 

It continued with Mark continuously singing his favorite song (Blindman) in the back of his parents’ Volkswagen. 

The journey grew into a 16-year-old Mark finding his work ethic in the camp kitchen. It was there that a supervisor gave him a wake-up call about his "lack of enthusiasm," lighting a fire in Mark that eventually led him to steward that very kitchen with pride at age 18.

But the heart of the Johnsonburg experience isn't just about songs or meals; it’s about the people who meet you where you are.

Mark remembers the profound impact of mentor and executive director Howard Miller, who shifted Johnsonburg's culture toward a deep, intentional philosophy of presence. 

"It was about honoring the presence of the person sitting before you, meeting them in the moment, and meeting them where they are."

That philosophy is the "secret sauce" of Johnsonburg. 

It’s what allowed Mark, as a high school lineman, to run a 6:18 mile while belting out camp songs. 

It’s what prompted Mark, as a young adult to apply for the program director job at Johnsonburg and later serve as the youngest Board of Trustees member.  

When Mark came back to camp full time years later, he remembers Howard mentioning a capital campaign for $1.2 million. He had no idea what Howard was talking about. 

Mark asked, “You are going to ask people to give you money for camp?”

 It was at that moment that Mark knew what he wanted to do with his life. 

He knew he wanted to tell the story of camp- his story- so others could have the same experience. He knew he wanted to fundraise to make a difference. 

That “secret sauce”- honoring the person you are with- is what gave Mark the courage. to pursue a career in fundraising.

Today, Mark coaches non-profit leaders who make a difference. All because he said Yes! to camp.

Elise