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The Stories We Tell: A Narrative on the life work of Ron "Skeeter" Eckert
“Well done, good and faithful servant…” Matthew 25:23
On November 2, Ron Eckert, the Executive Director of Star Rock Ministries, passed away suddenly while out on a run near his home. His wife Heather, and his children, Rosie (18), Sadie (15), and Barnes (10), are now walking forward with courage and deep grief as they navigate this heartbreaking loss.
In this season of gratitude, and in the spirit of Ron’s love for storytelling, we want to share the story of our friend, our leader, and the man who helped shape the heartbeat of Star Rock Ministries. It is the story of every life touched by his joy, his faith, his vision, and his unwavering belief that camp can be a place where God’s love becomes real.
Pictured above, Ron Eckert and his wife, Heather with their three children Rosie, Sadie and Barnes
The Story Of a Life Given to Camping Ministry
Ron’s connection to camp began long before he ever imagined devoting his life to camping ministry, and those early experiences became his life’s calling. Ron first came to Yosemite Sierra Summer Camp as a camper. He worked several summers while in college and seminary, and then fulltime as Program Director and eventually Associate Director of Emerald Cove Camps, before becoming the Executive Director of Star Rock Ministries. He was a full-time staff member for 21 years. Ron discovered the transformative power of Christian camping: friendship, faith formation, belonging, and adventure.
In 2007, Ron became the first Executive Director of Star Rock Ministries, championing a mission that reflected his core convictions.
Ron wasn’t simply “involved” in camp. He believed in it. It was his life’s ministry. It was his calling.
Ron helped launch Emerald Cove Day Camp in 2007, helping the next generation of youngsters experience the same joy and spiritual spark he had found. From the earliest days, he lived camp with his whole heart seen through his creativity, energy, silliness, prayer, intentionality, and deep relational presence.
If you know Ron, you probably had a selfie taken with him. Pictured above Ron Eckert taking a selfie with Star Rock Ministry Founders, Steve and Sara Kuljis in October 2025.
Even Ron’s path to ordination was distinctive: he was ordained as a Presbyterian minister into camp ministry itself, rather than a traditional congregation, evidence of how clearly God’s call shaped his life and work. Ron believed that a camp experience could grow faith, courage, character, independence, resilience, and leadership in ways few other environments can. He dedicated his life to making that gift accessible to all kids, especially those who might not otherwise have the opportunity.
Ron accepting The Stella M. Trimble Award for Community Service.
A Leader, A Friend, A Joyful Presence
To know Ron was to encounter joy.
He was the man in a wig, the storyteller in the funny hat, the leader who would dress in full costume just to make kids feel welcome and safe. He loved to play, and he loved to help others play too. And in all of it, he never took himself too seriously, but he took the mission deeply to heart.
He was also the friend who showed up for the hard moments.
The mentor who prayed with you.
The listener who asked good questions.
The shepherd who walked with you through loss, confusion, or growth.
A Legacy Written In Lives
This year alone, more than 2,100 under-resourced kids attended 20 camps across five states with the help of Ron who spent nearly two decades building pathways, partnerships, and possibilities. He championed collaboration. He believed God could do more when we worked together for the sake of underserved-youth. From our partner Tommy Nixon, CEO of Urban Youth Workers Institute:
“Ron’s compassion and intentionality to love like Christ to see the kingdom of God and the Gospel be experienced in the lives of urban youth will be deeply missed. His care and wisdom with and for our leaders was unmatched. The fruit of his life and partnership lives on as we continue to serve and love like he did.”
He mentored hundreds of staff.
He opened doors for thousands of campers.
He equipped leaders.
He strengthened partners.
He prayed for this ministry daily.
Ron helped shape the soul of Star Rock Ministries. His fingerprints are on every campfire story, every breakthrough moment, every cabin devotion, every transformed life.
Gratitude In The Midst Of Grief
We would all choose more time, more years, more stories, more laughter, more Ron. But we are profoundly grateful for the gift of his life and the way God used him to impact so many.
Whether you were a camper shaped by his leadership, a staff member mentored by his steady presence, a friend embraced by his hospitality, a partner welcomed into respectful collaboration and inspired by his vision, or a member of the family he cherished above all else - your life is part of Ron’s story.
And his legacy will continue through every camper who discovers Jesus, every young leader who grows in confidence, every partnership that brings camp to new communities, and every act of generosity done in his honor.
Ron was one in a million.
A good and faithful servant.
And especially in this season of reflection and thanksgiving, we give thanks to God for the joy of having known him.
Read more about the stories of Star Rock Ministries and the lives impacted through Ron's service.
