Dear Dickson Valley Ministry Community,

I am thrilled to introduce you to Mallory Bope, who will be stepping in as the new Executive Director of Dickson Valley Ministries. After more than 35 years leading Dickson Valley, from 1989 until now, it is time for a new chapter in the Dickson Valley story, a new season of leadership, and a new chapter for Julia and myself. 

Mallory Bope worked as one of our most faithful and hospitable summer staffers — always up for any job and willing to serve anyone. As a Moody Bible Institute student, she joined our summer team in 2009 and worked for us again in 2010. For the last five years Mallory and her husband Jeff have served on the Dickson Valley board of directors — helping guide the ministry of Dickson Valley and caring well for Julia and me in the process. 

But rather than telling you about her, let me give her this opportunity to introduce herself:

Humbled and excited only begin to capture how thrilled I am to accept the Executive Director’s mantel from Mark Caldwell, and the opportunity to build on the incredible legacy that Mark, the board of directors, and staff have built over the past 35 years.  

I found Dickson Valley as a college student googling for a summer job. I applied, visited, got the job and immediately felt at home at this special place. In scripture, God calls us to, “Be holy, because I am holy” (1 Peter 1:16).  To be holy is to be set apart, kept for a special purpose, causing others to do likewise. This is Dickson Valley to me, a place set apart — in nature, on the Fox River, away from noise, screens, and busyness. Made for a special purpose — to serve others in the pursuit of helping them grow in their knowledge and love of Christ and His creation. Causing others to do likewise — once you experience camp, you want to again, and you want your friends to experience it too!

My husband, Jeff, and I live near to camp in Oswego, Illinois — which has allowed us to stay involved over the years. We’re parents to five incredible children, two of whom are experienced Dickson Valley Day Campers with the next one joining the club this summer. I still remember our oldest son’s first summer when he wouldn’t touch bugs or frogs—now he hunts and catches the biggest bullfrog he can find! As parents, we’re so grateful for camp and the opportunity to get our kids off screens, outside, enjoying fun activities, and being poured into by caring counselors.

Serving to lead Dickson Valley has been a dream since I worked as a summer staffer. The opportunity to bless and shepherd this place which so richly blessed me is a privilege. I look forward to sharing more with you in the coming days, weeks and months, and most of all I look forward to seeing you at Dickson Valley!

Mallory will serve Dickson Valley with integrity, creativity, and the Christ-centered heart of a servant. She was one of our best and it is a thrill to see one of our best now take over!

As I close out this important letter, let me just say how humbled I have been to serve as the Executive Director over the past 35 years.  But I couldn’t do it without you.  You have faithfully supported this ministry and spent countless hours giving of your time, talent, and treasures.  Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

As we enter this new season of ministry at Dickson Valley, please join me in support of Mallory, the Bope family, and God’s continued work in and through Dickson Valley!

In His Service,