If you’ve stepped foot in the peaceful woods in the past 15 years, you’ve seen something of Jonathan Fridley’s gifts on display. Of the near 30 structures that stand at Camp Friedenswald, there is but one or two that has yet to be positively impacted by Jonathan’s vision, skill and leadership. 

When Jonathan first arrived at Camp in 2011, Camp’s buildings and grounds were aging. While there was good investment and care given throughout the years, as Camp was nearing its seventh decade, many of the original buildings and structures were increasingly in need of significant renovation and updates in order to continue to meet the needs of today’s campers and guests. 

Since then, Jonathan has spent the past 15 years dedicating his energy and talents to updating the facilities and grounds at Camp with a vision for the future. In that time, significant updates have included rebuilding of the South Cabins (formerly the Boys’ Cabins), extensive remodeling of Cottonwood (formerly the Chapel), updates to Sandhill Lodge (previously the Guest House), remodeling staff housing (including a new highly “green” staff duplex), and renovating Sycamore Lodge. With the Family Suite/Health Center and Tamarack Lodge on the list for 2026-27, there will soon not be a building that Jonathan hasn’t remodeled! 

In addition to Camp’s buildings, Jonathan has also had a vision for the playful places and spaces at Camp. Jonathan’s vision to turn the winter tube run into a summer time slip-in-slide was turned into a reality when he brought in yards of carpet and tarp and laid them down the run. The playground… his dream to build a tree-house inspired playground, constructed of wood harvested from camp took years to move from conception to completion – but he did it! And involved countless volunteers along the way. Today, people ages one to 91 have enjoyed going down the tall slides and exploring the artistic playscape. It’s truly a one of a kind masterpiece! 

One of Jonathan’s greatest gifts is his ability to work with all manner of people – and to find a way to best utilize their unique talents and gifts in service of Camp’s mission. He has built lasting relationships with volunteers who have in turn given their time and energy to help build up and care for the peaceful woods. He often comments that when he looks around he sees the finger prints of others everywhere. His finger prints are there, too! 

Jonathan would confess that when he first arrived at Camp Friedenswald he had little knowledge of the land and its plant and animal life. Throughout the past fifteen years he’s dedicated himself to learning more by being curious, spending time on the land, connecting with experts in the area, and committing to caring for and restoring habitats. He’s helped oversee the restoration of prairie and oak savannah, and has led efforts in the tending of the rare prairie fen habitats. In addition, he’s overseen the maintenance of the trails and has updated signage across the grounds.

Those who have watched Jonathan at work will know that he is a hard (and smart) worker. He is almost always on the go, from sun up to sun down, running from one thing to the other, seeking out what’s next. Not only does he work hard, but he does so always striving to do the very best that he can. There are not cut corners or short sidedness when it comes to Jonathan. He is always thinking about what a decision means for the next generation of people who will tend the peaceful woods. When Camp started to transition away from shingled roofs to metal roofs on cabins and lodges, Jonathan noted that they should not require maintenance for at least 50 years. (He also noted that, by that point, it would not be his issue!)  

Alongside and supporting Jonathan’s contributions to Camp are the gifts that his whole family has brought to the peaceful woods. With his wife Julie, they have raised their three children, Oliver, Molly, and Ivan as “camp kids” and have together been an integral part of the Camp community. 

On behalf of the whole of the camp community, thank you, Jonathan, for your dedication and service to the sacred place we call Camp Friedenswald. There will always be the next project – so we hope you’ll stick around for years to come! 

Happy 15 year anniversary, Jonathan!