On Dec. 31, 2014, Camp Weed and Cerveny Conference Center’s director Joe Chamberlain retired, and Dr. Charles Wallace has recently been appointed to fill his shoes as director.

Thirty-three years ago, Camp Weed looked entirely different than it does today. There was no conference center, Mandi’s Chapel, youth pavilion, or cabins. Chamberlain took the reins as Camp Weed’s director in 1982 and helped transform the area around White Lake into an Episcopalian-based facility that hosts a multitude of retreats, conferences, summer camps, weddings, family reunions, and community events, drawing thousands to Suwannee County every year.

“I have experienced a lot of excitement and enjoyment over the years being part of directing and developing all of the facilities and programs that are currently at Camp Weed,” Chamberlain said.

During Chamberlain’s time as director, he oversaw the construction of the youth camp cabins and the Cerveny Conference Center, and the implementation of many new programs like archery, fly-fishing, and Hernando de Soto Day. One of the more recent projects Chamberlain directed Camp Weed through was “New Water, New Life,” an effort to restore White Lake.

“Everyone involved wanted that to be a successful venture, and it was,” said Chamberlain. “It was a one-of-a-kind project that failed a few times, but it’s been resurrected and now we have a beautiful lake that will be sustained for years to benefit Camp Weed, the Episcopal Diocese of Florida, and Live Oak and Suwannee County.”

Chamberlain said his decision to retire was based on his age and his wife’s own retirement; it was an appropriate time, he said. His plans for the next chapter of his life include a “good bit more fishing”; spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren; and taking his wife on a trip to Africa, where he also plans to fish.

“From my 33 years with Camp Weed, I have learned the importance and value of relationships,” Chamberlain said. “It’s not about the lake, or the buildings, or the other physical things. It’s about the people with whom relationships were developed and with whom I have lifelong friendships. I continue to enjoy and nourish those relationships.”

In Chamberlain’s stead, Charles Wallace comes to Camp Weed with considerable experience as an organizational development professional working with conference centers and camps. He has served as interim executive director or acting director at a multitude of centers. Wallace has served as president, CEO, and founding member of United Camps, Conferences and Retreats, and as executive director of the Tahoe Center for Living and Learning. He was a founding member, textbook author, faculty dean, and instructor in the Conference Center Professional Certification Program of the International Association of Conference Centers Administrators.
In addition, Wallace is a lecturer, motivational trainer, and an honorably retired clergy member in good standing and former trustee of Presbytery of the Redwoods, Presbyterian Church (USA).

“We are fortunate to have Charles working with us,” remarked the Rt., Rev. John Howard, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Florida. “He is known nationally for more than forty years of leading, teaching and training in this field.”