A Grateful Farewell: Honoring Paul Ziolkowski’s Years of Faithful Service

A note from Todd Leyden, Executive Director

In 2001, our son Payton passed away. Later that year, construction on the infirmary, Payton’s Place started, led by a 21-year-old Fort staffer Paul Ziolkowski, with two years of work experience at camp.

From 1999 to today, Paul Ziolkowski leaves a lasting impact.

As many of you know, Paul is a remarkable, thoughtful, and beloved member of our team who has made an extraordinary impact on the lives of staff, volunteers, and campers through his twenty-six years at Fort. He has led the Operations team for the past two decades along with significant building projects like The Gathering Place and camper housing. He has also led the men’s breakfast during Family Camps and winter weekend adventure lunches. In addition, he has held various roles at our youth camps, been the bus driver on trips and supported our staff and families in a myriad of ways.

Most recently, Cynthia has supported camp as our bookkeeper. Their children, Bendigo and Esther, have performed various roles over the years, including Summer Staff.

The last ten years, I was blessed to serve alongside Paul at camp. Below I have an important update to share about the Ziolkowski’s and their upcoming transition from camp.

Here’s how Paul communicated this decision to our Fort staff:

“After 26 years at Fort Wilderness, I believe it is time to step away from my role as a missionary staff member. This decision comes after much reflection, careful consideration, and seeking wise counsel. My time at Fort is filled with great memories.

Here are some of the highlights:

•Cynthia and I met.

•Our children were born here and had the privilege of growing up & learning to serve.

•We were given our first leadership opportunities.

•Watching the many lives changed by the power of God’s Word, getting people out in His creation and spending time in caring community.

•Opportunities to disciple and mentor while also being mentored and discipled.

•Working beside such a splendid and unique group of Christ followers.

•Being cared for by those same people through some of the hardest seasons of our life.

We will continue to live in the Rhinelander area and look forward to engaging in Fort Wilderness in the future, albeit in a different manner.”

Paul’s skill level knows no bounds.

Hard work & discipleship go hand in hand.

Service with a smile: Adventure Lunch!

That big Paul heart is unforgettable.

Big shoes to fill, but God has been exceedingly faithful to provide for Fort.

Paul’s last day on staff is January 30th and as you can imagine this news comes with very mixed emotions for myself and our staff. On one hand, we are sad to know Paul will not serve at Fort as he has done so well, but on the other hand, we are excited for him and his family in this new season.

Since I joined the Fort staff in 2016, we have seen the Lord raise up more than thirty new staff to join the Lord and his work at camp and are confident He will meet our needs on the Operations team. We are working with Paul to develop a transition plan to cover the many roles he played at camp and expect that to go well as does any project Paul is involved in.

Please join me in thanking Paul and Cynthia for their nearly three decades of impacting lives through Fort Wilderness and pray for them as they transition to their next season of life.

Eternally thankful for your partnership with Fort,

Todd Leyden

Executive Director

Fort Wilderness