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. Before that, Ben was on summer staff as a Senior Counselor in 2016, 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 grew up as a camper and camping at SON-Life Camp for many years. Camp has always had a special place in her heart. She has a passion for camp ministry and has been involved with camp ministry since 2015.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

“Rejoice always,  pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

Nikki joined our team in the Spring of 2025. Nikki has been coming to camp since 2016 and joined summer staff in 2020. She has served in multiple roles including cabin leader, day camp program director, and overnight program director.

Nikki loves camp because it has always been a place where she can really connect with God and nature, and she has a heart for children. Nikki also enjoys going to the beach, hanging out with friends, and playing games.

2 Corinthians 12:9

“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness”

Les Lynema

Maintenance and Facilities

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