By Nancy Nelson, Development Director

Warm Beach Camp’s newest board member, Molly Holzknecht, has a special place in her heart for Christian camping. When Molly was 15 years old, the Lord spoke to her at a Young Life camp. With sparkle and conviction in her eyes, Molly claims, “Christian camping is a powerful tool of God and He has used it in my life and in the lives of many.”

Molly grew up in Bothell, Washington, graduating from Seattle Pacific University in 1979. Midway through college, while working in the banking industry, she married Evan, her high school sweetheart. When their two daughters were young, Molly enrolled in business classes. In 1985, after they purchased the company that Evan had been managing on Camano Island, Molly rolled up her sleeves to help with the financial side the new family enterprise, Cascade Lumber, Inc.

It didn’t take the Holzknechts long to become acquainted with some of the staffers from Warm Beach Camp at their lumber yard with all the building projects that go on at the Camp. After attending Camp events, it came together in God’s good timing for Molly to become involved at the Board level. Molly said. “I was very humbled to be asked to join the board and hope that I can serve God well by serving Warm Beach.”

Molly loves the heart behind the Camp’s well-know phrase, “Keeping the path clear to the cross.” She explains, “What excites me the most is the Camp’s ability to reach people who would not normally attend a church or become involved in a faith community. So many think they are outside the Christian family or would not be accepted in a local church. These are hurting people who need the unconditional love of God to heal their hearts. The Camp is a place to break down those attitudes in a safe and beautiful place.”

When asked about her impressions during these first months on the Board, Molly has found that “those serving on the board are committed, long-term people, experts in their professions and highly competent in many areas.” She is impressed with the relationship between the board and staff and that “the vision is ‘outward’ focused, meaning bringing Christ to all generations, all peoples, and all traditions even if it means taking the camp to them.”

Molly did not waste any time getting involved at Camp. She is already serving on the planning committee for Women’s Retreats and helping coordinate the Camp’s auction that will occur as part of the August Extravaganza to raise funds for the Camp’s Annual Fund and Kids 2 Camp.

The Holzknechts attend the Four Square Church in Stanwood and enjoy their one-year-old grandson who lives in Kirkland. In addition to working at their business, Molly loves to travel, garden, read, spend time with family and friends, cook and sew.

Welcome, Molly, to the Warm Beach Camp Board.