A message from Melissa “Honeybee” Hinton about her exciting new role at camp:
“I have worked in many areas at Camp Koinonia. I worked as a lifeguard in charge of waterfront, directed youth camps, coordinated crafts and activities, camp counseling, and most recently as the Food Service Director. I started working in the kitchen at Koinonia when I was 15. I have always loved serving the groups that come to Camp! I moved away as a young adult, but in 2011 moved back to the PNW and started working at Koinonia during summers and weekends. I took over as the Food Service Director in 2017 when my mentor and good friend Nancy O’Cain retired after 29 years!
Nancy (and Mike) taught me to love the staff I work with and the people that come to stay at camp. They taught me how to accommodate dietary needs and how to cook large quantities. I am proud of my accomplishments as Food Service Director, while upholding traditions of Camp Koinonia like serving family style and cooking our scones! I’ve also created new menus and procedures while serving a record number of guests this year! I love the young adults I have worked with over the years. Staff and Guests of Koinonia are family to me (sometimes literally!). I treasure the opportunity my job has given me to connect and show hospitality to those we serve and mentor those who serve alongside me.
I am excited to announce that in 2025 I will be officially transferring into a new position at Camp Koinonia as the Guest Services Manager. I look forward to continuing to enjoy serving our guest groups and staff through hospitality and administration in this new position. Some of my duties will be communicating with retreat leaders before, during, and after their stay. I will also be marketing to new groups and scheduling our resources and activity options. I will provide a level of hospitality to our guests that will feel like a homecoming! I will strive to advocate for both guests and staff in order to create the best retreat experience possible.”
Thank you, Melissa, for all the ways you’ve served camp over the years. Join us in congratulating Melissa in this new role!
