Let's Meet: Michelle Nikolai

Name: Michelle (Pauly) Nikolai
Nickname: Shellman
Current Occupation: Stay at Home Mom
Current Location: Port Washington, WI

Family: I'm the oldest of 5 kids (3 brothers and 1 sister). I'm married to my wonderful husband, Tim, and we have two kids, Caleb (5) and Sonya (2).

Interests/Hobbies: Nature walks with the family, reading, blogging, plunking around on my guitar, painting, doing crafts, Spanish, attempting to sing, baking, playing sports, and the list goes on.

How did you learn about Camp Grow?: I attended Ripon College so I wasn't too far from camp. The first time I visited was when our Campus Christian Fellowship group spent the night at Brim Grow Lodge for our 30-Hour Famine event. It wasn't until two summers later that I applied for open positions at Camp Grow.

Camp Grow Position: Kitchen Staff 2005 -- making delicious and nutritious meals for campers (Go ahead, you can laugh).

What are your favorite camp memories?: The entire kitchen staff (all three of us) decided to take out a canoe on Spring Lake one morning. The wind was so strong on the way back that we got back late and almost didn't get lunch ready in time. Other memories include dressing up all gangster to sing "Baby Got Book" with my roommate for one of the Talent Nights and playing Nerts at night with the Clarks.

In what way(s) has camp impacted your life?: Camp was a huge impact on helping me find my identity. It gave me self confidence and independence. The people I worked with were very supportive and encouraging. Throughout the summer, I constantly learned that I needed to rely on God more during difficult situations. I wouldn't be the person I am today if it weren't for Camp Grow.

How do you stay connected with Camp Grow?: Well, I took a bit of a break after working at camp for a summer, but have stayed in touch with the Ethingtons. Recently, I've been able to participate in two camp work weekends and am hoping to make it for the Harvest Moon family camp this year.

Any last words?: Camp Grow has an amazing ministry and I'm just blessed to be a one of the small puzzle pieces in God's big picture.

---------------------------------------------------

If you'd like to contribute your story or any memories to the Camp Grow blog,
just email campgrowministries@gmail.com.
It can be this question and answer format or whatever your preference is.
We'd love to hear more about your experiences with camp!