Covenant Harbor Director Honored at Farewell

LAKE GENEVA, WI (July 25, 2001) - Pete Heintzelman, who directed Covenant Harbor Bible Camp for 22 years, was honored for his service by more than 200 people at an event honoring the Heintzelman family last Sunday.

Heintzelman resigned the camp executive director's position effective August 31 to become a trust officer with Covenant Trust Company, with offices in Chicago.

Even a surprise thunderstorm could not diminish the heartfelt expressions of gratitude to Heintzelman for his leadership, or the standing ovation he and his wife, Pat, received as the Board of Directors of Harbor Point Ministries presented them with a gift.

Central Conference Superintendent Herbert M. Freedholm presented the Heintzelmans with a plaque acknowledging their sacrificial service. The camp's chaplain, Karen Hinz, thanked Heintzelman on behalf of the staff for his leadership. Larry Anderson, president of the foundation for Covenant Harbor, recalled how Heintzelman had stayed the course during the camp's most difficult days. Others expressed thanks for Heintzelman's friendship, commitment and integrity.

Heintzelman began at the camp in 1979 as director. He was named executive director in 1991. During his tenure, the Geneva Bay Centre adult conference facility was constructed, the camp dramatically expanded its program offerings and summer youth camp enrollments rose from 700 campers in the early 1980s to 1,900 campers this summer.

"During my first year as director," Heintzelman recalled, "we did $38,000 worth of rental business from September to May. Today, that is a good week for us."

In acknowledging the gifts and remarks, Heintzelman said, "This has been a wonderful place and we have had a wonderful life here. It's been an incredible opportunity and blessing."

Dave Auker, formerly Covenant Harbor's director of development, has been named interim executive director. Auker will assume his new responsibilities September 1. The board has established a search committee to seek Heintzelman's successor.

(Editor's note: Beth Fredrickson is editor for the Central Conference Covenanter.)

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