With joy, we announce that the Waycross Board of Directors has voted unanimously to appoint Sara Gunter as the next executive director of Waycross Camp and Conference Center.

Sara brings twelve years of service in youth and camp ministries in three Episcopal dioceses, most recently as the Canon for Youth and Family Ministries for the Diocese of Spokane and the executive director of Camp Cross. The camp, a ministry of the diocese, is a summer facility accessible only by boat on Lake Coeur d'Alene. In that role, she coordinated youth programming and events for the diocese, managed the budget, program, staffing and facilities of Camp Cross, and helped develop strategic planning and fundraising efforts for the camp and diocese. 

Before Spokane, Sara was acting executive director and program director at St. Dorothy’s Rest Camp and Retreat, near Santa Rosa, California. There she managed staff, year-round programming, AmeriCorps volunteers, and American Camp Association accreditation, among other responsibilities. She also worked with local land management and funding agencies to develop a forest management plan. Before her ministry work, she held positions in sales, customer service, and office management. She has a B.A. in communications from Calvin College. 

Sara grew up in California and went to high school outside of Chicago. She has Hoosier roots and is eager to move back to the midwest to be closer to her family. Her dog Bear and cats Luna and Neville will be joining her at Waycross, and in her spare time Sara enjoys reading, writing, and hiking. 

“I am excited to join the Waycross team as Executive Director,” Sara said. “I look forward to getting to know the Waycross community, the Diocese of Indianapolis, and the southern Indiana area. Together we will invite people to experience this beautiful, special place to encounter the wonder and love of God through creation, be nourished through good food, and find rest and community through Christian hospitality.” 

Sara’s passion for and understanding of camp and retreat ministry shines. Building teams and relationships is a key strength of hers, and people who have worked with Sara describe her as an inclusive and empowering leader. 

Waycross desires to be a “thin space,” where the presence of God in nature is most powerful — a place where positive connections are made that lead to a more just and peaceful world. And many who visit Waycross describe it as a safe and welcoming place away from the distractions of the world. We believe Sara is the right person to help more people experience this feeling by guiding Waycross to be more inclusive, more accessible, and more sustainable. 

We are thrilled for Sara to start in November as we endeavor together to realize our vision. Welcome, Sara!