A Full-Circle Homecoming: Nelson Miller Returns to Camp Akita

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Matthew J. Lucio

Assistant to the President

for Communication

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The Illinois Conference Executive Committee has voted to hire Nelson Miller as assistant camp ranger at Camp Akita. He will be joined by his wife, Kandi, and their two children, Waylon, 3, and Loretta, 2.

“Nelson is a gifted craftsman who knows the property well,” Camp Manager Tim Pittenger attests. "He’s already blessed the camp with his hands, having built several structures on the grounds. Like so many, Nelson found Jesus at Camp Akita and I know he will help others find Jesus here, too.”

For Nelson, the move marks a homecoming. He first came to Camp Akita in 2008 to serve as head wrangler for summer camp. Although he originally planned to return to Ohio, camp manager Tim Pittenger and then–Illinois Conference President Ken Denslow offered him a job on his third day at camp. He stayed for the next five years.

Akita also became an important part of Nelson’s spiritual journey. In the summer of 2010, he was baptized in the camp’s swimming lake. Returning for Homecoming 2025, he shared a testimony about the role Akita has played in his life and faith.

“It’s a full circle moment coming back to Camp Akita,” Nelson says. “It’s time to give back to the place that gave me so much when I needed it most, and Kandi and I are happy to raise our kids at Camp Akita.”

The Millers plan to arrive on October 21.

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Please send any news items of what God is doing around the Illinois Conference to communication@ilcsda.org.