Heidi Mnkandhla

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Heidi Mnkandhla, Camp Susque’s newest School of Discovery Coordinator, started as Year Round Staff in May 2024.  Heidi was born and raised in Lycoming County and is a graduate from Montoursville High School.  Shortly after graduation, she moved to Dallas, TX, where she lived for 8 years.  During that time, she met her husband, Raphael Mnkandhla, at Bible College.  They served together in the local church as children’s ministry workers, youth pastors, and campus pastors.  In 2015, God called them back to PA to lead City Church in Williamsport.  They have a very diverse large family and they love it.  Raphael is from Zimbabwe, Africa.  He and Heidi have 6 beautiful children; 3 adopted through foster care and 3 biological.  Heidi is a graduate from Liberty university Online with a BA in Education.

Working at Susque, Heidi’s days look like: booking field trips for schools to attend a day here filled with educational activities, organizing the annual Homeschool Retreat and holding a variety of educational classes for the community to attend throughout the year. These classes include “Rain or Shine,” Archery, Aquatic Ecology, Climbing Wall, Ropes Course, Pottery, PA Forestry, Mother/Son Riflery Night, Daddy Daughter Dance, Christmas Around the World and so much more!

Heidi is thrilled to be a part of providing a unique space for students to come and experience their Creator in the beauty of this world through educational, hands- on-experiences.

What year did you start at Camp Susque?

2024

What kind of experience do you have in your field?

I have a Bachelors in Education and was a substitute teacher for 4 years. I have worked with children in a church setting since I was 16 years old.

What kind of schooling do you have?

Bachelors in Education

Where were you born and raised?

Lycoming County specifically Trout Run and Montoursville.

What is something most people don’t know about you?

My middle names Joy.

What was your first job?

Babysitting and Newspaper Route

Describe your perfect day off?

First of all waking up to no alarm. Taking time with family to have breakfast together. Going for a walk, reading a good book on the porch, getting a massage, eating some chipotle and spending time with family and friends around the campfire in the evening.

Where’s the coolest place you’ve ever been?

Cape Town, South Africa and Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe.

What’s one thing on your bucket list that you’d love to do?

Take all of my kids to Cape Town.

What is your favorite Scripture?

John 15:4-5

What is your favorite area at Camp Susque?

Chapel in the Pines and Lookout.

Describe your job at Camp Susque in a nutshell, and what is your favorite day in the life of your job?

Coordinating and planning educational activities to serve children in nearby communities and schools.

What are you good at? 

Organizing, planning and coordinating events, working with children, hospitality.

What challenges you?

Speaking in front of large groups of people and raising my 6 kids.

What is your favorite camp memory as a child?

I never attended camp as a child, actually.

When did you become a Christian?

When I was around 8 or 9 I remember asking the Lord into my heart and feeling convicted about reading my Bible and growing in Him.