Where is he now? Ryan Brown

One of my earliest Delanco Camp memories was walking onto the grounds for the first time as a nervous sixth grader and seeing the long registration line stretching across what was then the “other” sand volleyball court outside what we called the Rec. Center. In the line, I remember seeing two redheaded twins who I would later learn were named Ryan and Brandon Brown. The twins were staples at Delanco Camp in the ’90s as campers and staff members. I caught up with Ryan on Facebook recently. He’s living in Kentucky these days but certainly hasn’t forgotten his roots in Millville and the formative years he spent as a regular on the camp grounds.

From your Facebook profile, I gather that you are married, living in Kentucky, have two kids and work for the Salvation Army. Tell us a little bit about your family, your church and your work in ministry.

Yes I am married. I met my wife Shawana at a Salvation Army camp as a counselor. I later proposed to my wife at the same camp and the rest is history. We have two kids, Matthew who is two going on three in May and is the coolest kid ever. And Rylei who is nine months old going on one in May also, who is the loudest kid ever…Seriously! We have a unique church with a unique ministry within and outside of the church. Our ministry is meeting the needs of others with no discrimination in the name of Jesus. We specifically assist with food, utilities, furniture, clothing, prescriptions, bus tickets, and whatever else we can do to share the love of Christ. I love to do visitations.

What impact would you say Delanco Camp has had on your life to this point?

Camp is, and forever will be apart of my life. The things I learned at camp will stay with me for the rest of my life. Its impact is beyond words for me. It was at camp that I rededicated my life to Christ and heard my calling from God to serve him in full time ministry in some way.

How did you end up going to Delanco Camp in the first place? Do you remember much about the first time you stepped on the camp grounds?

I absolutely do remember my first time stepping on to camp grounds. Dave Brown told me all about camp and I asked Bo about it and well the rest is history. I remember thinking this place is huge and I hope I don’t get lost or worst being up in the pine barrens. I also remember looking around at so many other kids and thinking, what am I doing here? I don’t know anyone, but Dave and he seemed to know more people than I did. But I think what stood out to me the most was the staff and what we did the first night we were there. We did the get to know you game and it consisted of eating lots of ice cream out of a large pan. Good times man, good times!

I remember you being quite the volleyball player out at camp. What were some of the other things you enjoyed most about spending time out at Lake Agape?

I love to play v-ball at camp. We would always challenge Thad and Wally and they would always beat us…at first. Man there are so many times I can recall. For instance I remember playing cards (and cheating), hanging at the old store, also the old craft hut, and playing frisbee golf. I also remember swimming in Lake Agape’, playing some night games using the lake, (not sure if that is allowed anymore or not) games like “Pirates of the Caribbean.” We would come rowing in carrying torches and then would jump out and hide some treasure later to be found. It was tons of fun!

Is there a specific moment, sermon or even an embarrassing encounter in your time as a camper and as a staff member that stands out in your mind all these years later?

For me the most memorable times were our nights by the fire, singing praises to God and praying for each other and just really enjoying the presence of the Lord. That is one thing about camp that when you step on the grounds you literally feel the presence of God. It is an incredible feeling that I will never forget.

Since you live in Kentucky, I have to ask. Have you ever met Ezra and Arze?

No I have never met Ezra and Arze, but I sure heard lots about them in college.

Is there a specific moment, sermon or even an embarrassing encounter in your time as a camper and as a staff member that stands out in your mind all these years later?

For me the most memorable times were our nights by the fire, singing praises to God and praying for each other and just really enjoying the presence of the Lord. That is one thing about camp that when you step on the grounds you literally feel the presence of God. It is an incredible feeling that I will never forget.

Anything else you’d like to share with the Delanco Camp community?

If it weren’t for Delanco Camp I would not be where I am today. It helped to shape and mold me in to the man of God I am today. Being on staff is one of the highlights of my life. Playing games with the campers, hanging in the staff lounge, and having late night swims. What a wonderful experience it was and I thank God that he allowed me to be apart of it.

Know someone tied to Delanco who has left the area you’d like us to interview for Where Are They Now? E-mail us at matt.ralph@delanco.org.