Dr. Jake Sorenson
Dr. Jake Sorenson is Director and Lead Researcher of Sacred Playgrounds. He served in congregational youth ministry and year-round camp staff before shifting his focus to scholarship and research aimed at enhancing the ministries of camps and congregations. Sacred Playgrounds emerged out of this ongoing work. He has authored numerous articles on camping ministry, has taught in colleges and seminaries, and has presented at camps and conferences across the country.
He is a contributing author to the book Cultivating Teen Faith, and his book is Sacred Playgrounds: Christian Summer Camp in Theological Perspective. He has a PhD in practical theology from Luther Seminary, an MDiv from Princeton Theological Seminary, and an undergraduate degree from Wartburg College. He continues spending time with young people as a coach, Sunday school teacher, confirmation instructor, and (most importantly) as a father of two wonderful boys. He and Anna live in rural Wisconsin, where they enjoy gardening, running, board games, hiking, and bird watching
Events with Dr. Jake Sorenson
Now to Wow! Excellence in CampingSeptember 28 - October 1, 2026
Improving Outcomes Through Research. Are your programs making the impact you think they are? Are you making mission decisions based on instinct alone or evidence? If you’ve ever wondered whether your camp is truly delivering on its promise, this is the conversation you’ve been waiting for. Now to Wow! is a dynamic, research-driven gathering for camp directors and staff who are ready to move beyond good intentions and into proven results. Because a great camping ministry deserves more than guesswork, it deserves data.