Camp Shalom: Celebrating 50 years and new leadership

Camp Shalom is thrilled to announce that Noah Scantland has joined the organization as its new Executive Director, beginning in early January. Noah, originally from Tennessee and new to Camp Shalom, brings passion and expertise shaped by his experiences at summer camp to his role, particularly regarding camp’s vital importance in faith formation.

“The selection team spent a lot of time thinking about what Camp Shalom needs in an executive director. I realize what we would have said 20 years ago when I was a staff member might not be what it needs now. So I went up to camp this summer and asked every staff member what they wanted to see in an executive director and we used those answers to guide us through the search and interview process,” said Zach Ebener, St. Paul member and Camp Shalom board member. “What we heard again and again is Camp Shalom is a place where you can be yourself. The craziest, wackiest version of yourself, while expressing your faith, and there is no judgement. Noah feels comfortable in that space and will really help everyone continue to create that carefree environment within camp. Noah has built his career toward being an executive director of a camp. He’s going to do a great job sheperding this ministry into this next generation.”

This milestone summer marks Camp Shalom’s 50th anniversary—five decades of transforming young lives through safe, restorative relationships and faith-building experiences. The camp, born out of St. Paul, welcomes children from diverse backgrounds, having practiced ecumenical ministry for 30 years.

Exciting infrastructure improvements enhance the 2026 summer experience. A new two-story staff house is on track for completion before summer, providing much-needed rest space for counselors during camp sessions and retreat space in the off-season. The building also serves as an additional storm shelter. Additionally, the program center is being reconfigured to create a centralized health center in the hub of camp activities.

Summer camp registration is now underway. Camp Shalom is a Christian camp, founded by the St. Paul congregation, which offers outdoor experiences in faith community for children, entering grade two through high school youth. Visit campshalomia.org.