Photos and content by Laura Eiesland, marketing and outreach project coordinator, Dakotas-Minnesota Camp and Retreat Ministry.

The Voas Cabin was dedicated on Saturday, October 7, at Lake Poinsett camp. More than 65 guests celebrated with music, food, pumpkin painting and fellowship. Barbara Voas, 91, and all seven children of Rev. Ken and Barbara Voas were present for the celebration.

“It was a tremendous joy to have many special guests present, including Scott and Julia Jones and several members of the Voas family,” said Christy Heflin, director of Lake Poinsett Camp.

Scott and Julia Jones, members of First UMC and long-time camping enthusiast, were the donors that made the project possible. Planning for the project began 36 months ago. The cabin was completed on June 5, making it available for usage this past summer.

“It is an honor for Julia and me to help with this effort at Lake Poinsett Camp and celebrate the ministry of (Rev.) Ken with the dedication of the Voas cabin," said Jones.

Keith Shew, director for the Dakotas-Minnesota Camp and Retreat ministry, shared the impact that the new facility will have on the lives of many campers.

“It was a joy to celebrate with so many people on a beautiful, sunny day at the lake. We give special thanks to Scott and Julia Jones for their most generous gift. The camp has benefited greatly already from this new 80-bed cabin. We look forward to next summer and the many lives that will be impacted from their positive camp experience,” said Shew.

About Ken Voas

Photo: The entire Voas family was present for the dedication of the Voas Cabin on October 7.  Barbara Voas, 91, surviving spouse of Rev. Ken Voas, is seated in the center. Family members, not in order are: Charles Voas, Raleigh Vaos, Jeremy Voas, Stanley Voas, Peter Voas, Rita DeZurik and Brenda McGahagin.

Rev. Ken Voas was ordained a full elder in 1960. He served the Dakotas Conference churches of Cavour/ Pearl Creek / Richland; Garden City / Florence; Watertown First; Clark; Henry / Clark; Clark / Garden City; Rapid City First; Sioux Falls Sunnycrest and Dickinson.

While serving in Clark, Rev. Voas served as the denomination's Northern District Director of United Methodist Youth Fellowship, and was active in directing camps and youth ministries. He also served as a District Superintendent for the Southern District.

“Ken was kind, calm, caring and wise. It's appropriate that the Voas cabin will serve as a storm shelter for campers in the lower part of Lake Poinsett Camp. For many teenagers of my era, Ken was our shelter in times of storm,” said Scott Jones

Rev. Voas, died of cancer on Wednesday, March 25, 2009.