SPRING 2024
“I
am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing”
- John 15:5
MEET JACOB
We hope you’ve had the chance to meet our new Director of Development, Jacob Spilker. Jacob joined the NLOM team as Director of Development in January.
Jacob’s been connected to NLOM most of his life now. He started as a camper at Taste of Camp with his father, attended camp all through school, then served on the Summer Ministry Team for four years before joining the year-round team as Program Specialist in 2015.
At that point, he had the opportunity to join the team at Camp Tomah Shinga near Junction City, Kan. He served as Associate Director, then Executive Director there from 2016 to 2022. In 2022, Jacob began serving his alma mater, Bethany College in Lindsborg, Kan. as Vice
President for Advancement, where he served until coming back to NLOM.
Jacob grew up in Lincoln, Neb., and met his wife, Megan, at camp. He’s finishing his Master’s Degree in Nonprofit Leadership with a concentration in Philanthropy & Resource Development from the University of Denver.
You’ll hardly ever find Jacob sitting still. He loves working out, cycling, playing sports (soccer and volleyball are his favorites), and cheering on the Huskers.
Jacob would love to meet up for a stroll around your neighborhood, or a friendly game of pickleball. Or if you’d rather sit down for coffee, he’ll slow down for you!
CAMP WISH LIST
• CRP Certificate
• Lifeguard Rescue Pack
• Box Fans
• Sleeping Bags
• Headlamps for Night Camp
• Horse Tack
• Fishing Reels
• Horse Riding Helmets
• Archery Arrows
• Lifeguard Rescue Tube
• Boots for Riders
• Feed a Camper for One Week
• Friendo String
• Roll of 100 Stamps
• Hotdogs for One Week
• Sno Kones for a Day
• Soft Volleyballs (6)
• S’mores for One Day
• Sharpies (10 boxes)
• High Ropes Harness
• Pop for One Week of Pop Stop
• Golf Cart Rental
• Provide a Campership
• Subsidize a Camper
• Mulch for Trails
• Pop for an Entire Summer of Pop Stop
• Care and Feed for a Horse for the Summer
• Sponsor a Summer Ministry Team Member
• Good Condition Vehicles
Generosity Plants the Seeds of faith
BY Jacob Spilker, Director of development
Spring, the most wonderful time of the year! The sun shines brighter, flowers bloom, and we eagerly anticipate the start of summer camp.
Our hearts are filled with excitement as we prepare to welcome campers and Summer Ministry Team members to the sacred spaces of Nebraska Lutheran Outdoor Ministries.
It is up to us to ensure that all of God’s children get the opportunity to experience the presence of the Holy Spirit at camp.
Your generosity ensures that no camper is ever turned away from Sullivan Hills Camp or Carol Joy Holling Camp if they can’t afford the registration fee. Additionally, your support enables us to hire top-notch young leaders to serve on our Summer Ministry Team.
Join us by sponsoring a Summer Ministry Team member for the summer or providing a Campership for a camper who can’t afford the full cost of a week at camp. We need 600 Camperships and 61 Summer Ministry Team sponsorships this year.
Faith will grow in each and every camper and summer staff member. Your gift makes that possible, and we are incredibly grateful for your generosity!
CAMP CHAMPIONS: The deFreeses’ Faith Legacy
By Dani Hatfield, Director of Marketing
Rev. Dr. Dave and Anita deFreese have woven the fabric of their lives with the threads of camp ministry—creating a tapestry of faith, community, and transformation.
Their journey began long before they met, with Dave spending summers at Camp Covenant Cedars and Circle R, while Anita worked at Camp Easter Seals, where they eventually crossed paths.
Reflecting on their experiences, Dave recalled, “We experienced a human laboratory every week that just taught us so much and shaped my theology in so many different ways.”
Their dedication to camp continued as they started a family.
All three of their daughters attended Carol Joy Holling Camp yearly, with two of them becoming Summer Ministry Team members.
Dave, serving in three parishes, ensured that youth attended Confirmation camp, while Anita served on the NLOM Board of Directors for two terms, advocating for camp as a place for all, regardless of financial means.
Dave’s commitment extended even further during his tenure as Bishop, when he worked with Pr. Roger Sasse to initiate programs to not only nurture faith development, but also explore vocations in ministry.
Anita also played a vital role engaging in initiatives like Wise Women retreats and further elevating camp’s impact.
The deFreeses’ passion for camp is evident in their belief in its transformative power.
“Camp is a place where you can hear the still small voice of God, and we need that,” emphasized Dave. Anita added,
“It’s a place where you can genuinely feel God’s love and care just to be.”
Their involvement with camp has touched lives in profound ways.
One poignant example is a young man named Bill, whose troubled home life made him feel out of place.
Through the community and acceptance he found at camp, Bill experienced transformation.
Dave reflected, “Camp has that impact, and we’re so thankful.”
As they continue their journey, Dave and Anita are passionate advocates for camp ministry.
They encourage families to experience camp together and emphasize its importance in nurturing faith and community bonds.
Their legacy is one of unwavering dedication to the belief that camp is indeed a place where faith comes alive, where lives are transformed, and where God’s love is experienced in profound ways.
Rev. Dr. Dave and Anita deFreese received the 2024 Heart of Camp Faith Award.
The Midwest Conference received the 2024 Heart of Camp Vocation Award.
Building Community, Shaping Leaders: The Midwest Conference
By Dani Hatfield, Director of Marketing
In the fall of 2020, The Midwest Conference, in collaboration with North Park Theological Seminary, launched the EQUIP seminary cohort.
Inspired by Ephesians 4:12, the vision of the program is to equip leaders to guide healthy missional Evangelical Covenant churches.
Having previously held other retreats at Carol Joy Holling Camp, Conference and Retreat Center, The Midwest Conference immediately knew the place set apart would be the right location for the cohort to gather.
One of the core principles of the EQUIP program is deepening collegial connections within the region.
“God meets us in those spaces where we have time away from the routine, time in God’s creation where we don’t have to worry about the daily chores and we can simply be present with each other and with God,” Brian Johnson, The Midwest Conference Superintendent, said.
Members of the EQUIP cohort are required to participate in one-week intensive courses each fall and summer, fostering strong bonds and shared learning experiences.
Away from distractions, students can fully engage with their studies and colleagues, with the added benefit of having meals provided, allowing for focused learning and fellowship.
As the inaugural cohort graduated this May with their Master of Christian Formation degrees, the success of the program is evident.
The second cohort is entering its third year, and plans are underway to launch a third cohort in August 2024.
The partnership with Carol Joy Holling Center has been instrumental in the program’s success, providing an ideal environment for learning and growth.
Nebraska Lutheran Outdoor Ministries values vocation exploration—enabling individuals to uncover, rediscover, and grow in their authentic calling, aligning perfectly with the conference’s mission of encouraging kingdom growth and developing leaders.
“We believe each person has been created with this imprint of the image of God,” Brian explained. “And part of that is having a purpose and a calling that unlocks their potential and gives them purpose in life.”
Away from the busyness of everyday life, individuals have the opportunity to reflect on their purpose and engage deeply with their faith, fostering a sense of community and belonging.
In accepting the 2024 Heart of Camp Vocation award, The Midwest Conference expressed gratitude for the partnership with Carol Joy Holling Center and emphasized the importance of the space in fulfilling their mission.
“We’re very grateful for the opportunity to come to a place that’s accessible to so many of our churches and leaders.”
“The hiking trails, the facilities themselves are conducive to learning is a place where you really do have the separation from the normal routine and can focus on just being with each other, being with God, listening well and not worrying about the other kinds of responsibilities in life.”
Through the EQUIP seminary cohort, the Midwest Conference is not only shaping leaders, but also building a stronger, more vibrant community of faith across the Midwest.
THE POWER OF ‘CHALLENGE BY CHOICE’
By Jessica Weltz, Adult Programs Specialist
Challenge by choice. When it comes to camp activities, you’re in control of how much you push yourself. Of course, every activity comes with a lot of encouragement and love from your peers and leaders at the same time.
Those three words—challenge by choice—may seem meaningless to those who can’t wait to try something new like zip-lining across a ravine or crossing a 40-foot-high ropes course while harnessed to a guide wire.
However, for many, the sheer sight of some of these activities is enough for them to abruptly say, “Nope! That’s not happening!”
Perhaps it’s not even that daring; it could just be playing a game you have never played with a group of people you don’t even know.
Whatever your fear or challenge is, we respect your decision to take on the challenge or not.
At the core of our programs, we encourage participants to face their fears and conquer the challenge, but ultimately it is up to each individual.
The Bible says in Joshua 1:9, “I hereby command you: Be strong and courageous; do not be frightened or dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
At our most recent Mother Tween-Daughter Retreat in April, moms and daughters took to the Summit Course. This ropes course is made up of a variety of elements—all that can challenge an individual to push their boundaries.
There is never a shortage of encouraging voices at camp, and this was no exception.
One young girl tried her hand at the rope ladder, making it only mere inches off the ground before saying she wanted down.
This same girl came back a second time and this time didn’t give up.
With encouragement, she took one step at a time, stopping to take breaks along the way until she made it to the top. She then cheered on other girls not to give up.
Another young girl tried a couple of elements on the ground before deciding she was going to take on the challenge of the upper course.
Let me preface this story by saying that this young girl had doubts and fears. She wanted her mom to join her. However, her mom also had doubts and fears about the height.
The daughter decided to go up with another girl and give it a shot.
Once up top, she flew through the first half! At this point, participants have the option to go on to the second half or get down; she chose to go on.
Halfway through the second half, she froze. She was scared—rightfully so, when you are walking on what can only be described as a tightrope through a jungle.
Those of us on the ground encouraged her to go back and make it to the base. However, her fears took over.
On the ground, tears started welling up in her mother’s eyes, feeling helpless as she watched her daughter frozen in fear two stories above her.
Both of them felt powerless, unable to get out of the situation themselves.
When a situation like this occurs, our trained facilitators take over. They meet the participants where they are and help them go back.
However, this young girl—still scared—chose to move forward with the facilitator following.
Her mom wanted to climb up to meet her, but was also feeling her fear of heights. But little by little, she made it to the top.
Her daughter, through tears and many uplifting and encouraging words, made it to the end. They embraced.
When the daughter finally stepped on the base platform, the hug they shared was filled with emotion.
While we all had been waiting and watching, we too were feeling the emotions of the mother and daughter. The loving, relief-filled embrace of the two really struck me.
Embraced. That is what God does for us.
All the time. Every day.
God meets us where we are, wraps His loving arms around us, and walks with us, step by step, day by day.
We don’t need to ask for it; God’s love is freely given.
This is the core of what we do at Nebraska Lutheran Outdoor Ministries: We meet each individual where they are, encourage them, and love them for who they are right now.
And we’re incredibly thankful to do this work each and every day.
From plan a to plan e: Finding Where we are...
BY KOREY Breutzmann, Director of
Programs
As I look out my office window today, I see deep green grass, budding trees, and birds searching for their meals in our various bird feeders.
I also see wet sidewalks, massive puddles, and muddy footprints everywhere I go.
Spring is officially upon us, and this year feels like the rain hasn’t taken much of a break.
While I am thankful to the rain for all the new spring life it breathes into this place, it also really messes up our plans!
One day this spring, a local middle school brought out around 100 people to spend their day at camp. This is common in spring, as many schools use a day at camp as their end-of-theschool year field trip.
The day before the school group came, I left camp thinking that the next day I would spend six hours shuffling kids through our zip line.
As I drove out to camp the next day, I wanted to do anything but work the zip line.
It had been raining for the previous several days, and I could only imagine that the zip line trails were either under water, or complete mud pits. Neither of those sounded very appealing to be walking through all day.
After some consideration, we decided to try to move to plan B.
Plan B, for when it is raining at camp and we have a ropes group scheduled, is to move the group into the gym and do indoor high ropes.
The only obstacle to this idea was that another group was coming into the gym later that day and there wouldn’t be time to turn everything around.
Nope. Plan B was out, on to Plan C.
Moving from plan to plan reminded me of how God works in our daily lives and ties into our summer theme: Created To Be.
I sometimes like to imagine that every time I have a plan of how my life should go, God kneels next to me, pats me on the shoulder like a loving parent, and says “Let’s try it this way.”
Plan A, B, C, and sometimes D are out the window, and with God by my side, I am on to Plan E.
The most clear-cut example of this, and something I walk alongside our young adults with regularly, is what should I do with my life after high school?
By the time I found my calling working at various outdoor ministries for a living, I had switched between engineering, business administration, teaching, and chemistry.
Never would I have entered college thinking I’d be working at camp for a career. God had other ideas.
Trusting in God to switch majors and schools was a leap of faith that I took, but it wasn’t easy.
I resisted as best I could until my former boss, Sara, said to me, “Have you thought about working at camp after graduation? You really have the gifts for it.”
This summer, we are talking about what God has created us to be.
What has God created you to be?
What do you feel like God might be calling you to be that you haven’t fully bought in to yet?
When have you felt your life was all mapped out and God pushed you into Plan E?
Back to that school group, once they arrived and we proceeded with plan C, it truly turned out to be the best plan that we laid out—even better than plan A.
This spring, I hope you enjoy the life-giving changes in plans that God sometimes gives us. As it turns out, sometimes the back up plans are better than the original.
From Left to Right: Laura Pribyl, Terri Mautz, Katie Arthur, Lora Ferguson, and Nancy Meyer [not pictured: Robin Siragusa]
GIFTS LOVE OF
By Lisa Stirtz, Volunteer Coordinator
There are so many ways for us to show love to one another, and each of us has a different way to show it.
We had six ladies from various towns in Nebraska show their gift of love to Carol Joy Holling Camp, Conference and Retreat Center through designing, sewing, and quilting wall hangings for our Living Water Retreat House.
Laura Pribyl, Terri Mautz, Katie Arthur, Lora Ferguson, Nancy Meyer, and Robin Siragusa of the Grateful Thread quilting group made 12 wall hangings and sewed each of them with a great deal of love.
Each wall hanging is different, but fits each room perfectly.
We have wall hangings with deer, raccoons, sunflowers, crosses, farm scenes, and waterfalls.
Some are square, some are big, and some are rectangle but all are made with the gift of love.
These ladies donated their quilting time, and we used a Thrivent Action Team grant to buy material and the rods to hang the wall hangings.
These beautiful wall hangings have added the gift of love to Living Water Retreat House and make this place feel like home.
There are always projects to help with at Carol Joy Holling Camp and Sullivan Hills Camp. We would love to have you come help us make our sites look even more beautiful.
WANT TO HELP?
If you are interested in volunteering to make summer camp possible, we’d love to have you! Email Lisa Stirtz, Volunteer Coordinator, at LStirtz@NLOM.org or call 402-944-2544 and Lisa will match you with projects to share your unique gifts.
SPOTLIGHT ON CHEF
MAX HARRIS, CMD, CFPP
By Tara Knudson Carl, Director of Operations
What do you enjoy most about being Chef for Carol Joy Holling Camp, Conference and Retreat Center?
I really enjoy the wide range of meals and events that we get to prepare for during the year. Also, the anticipation and excitement for summer camp each year is very fun.
What tasks in the food preparation process do you enjoy most?
Almost better than cooking, I enjoy the process of menu planning, and selecting the right meals for guest and retreat groups.
What is your favorite dish to prepare?
I like to prepare Italian dishes like Chicken Piccata and Chicken Marsala. But in the winter, I really enjoy making soups.
What meal is the most requested by repeat guests at Carol Joy Holling Center?
The meals that I hear the most about from our guests are fish tacos, our baked potato bar, and our French toast bake. The French toast bake, in particular, is liked by all age groups!
How do you plan menus, especially given our buffet-style dining, when you have different types and ages of retreat groups staying at Carol Joy Holling Center at the same time?
That happens all the time! I try to select menus that are universally preferred, and I also rely on my Guest Services team to share ideas and preferences by certain groups and accommodate when we are able.
Who is a celebrity chef that you most admire and why do you admire them?
Oh, that would be Chef Ramsey! I admire him because he has a passion for teaching young adults, and I grew up watching him. Plus, he’s a dad.
When you are not working, do you like to cook for yourself?
Definitely. I like healthy cooking, and I like to teach my daughter to cook and eat healthy. Vegetables are good!
FRENCH TOAST CASSEROLE (40 PORTIONS)
INGREDIENTS
□ 3 loaves of bread, torn into 1-inch cubes
□ 2 Tbsp Cinnamon
□ 1 Cup Brown Sugar
□ 18 Eggs
□ 1.5 Quarts Half n Half cream
□ 2 Tbsp Vanilla
□ 2 cups of Maple Syrup (for serving)
INSTRUCTIONS
Start by tearing or cutting your bread into 1-inch cubes. You’ll need enough to fill a 13x21 pan. Then, sprinkle the cinnamon and brown sugar over the bread.
In a separate bowl, whisk eggs, cream, and vanilla together. Pour liquid mixture over the sugared bread cubes and cover with foil. Bake at 350 degrees for 35 minutes. Right before serving, pour maple syrup over the top. Enjoy!
A Weekend Getaway for Couples
By Jessica Weltz, Adult Programs Specialist
October 18 - 20
at Carol Joy Holling Camp
To register, scan the QR Code or visit CJHCenter.org/couples
Are you looking for a non-traditional date idea?
Invite your partner to join you for a weekend away of relaxation, connection, and adventure at our couples retreat this October.
Come make memories together that will last a lifetime.
One of the main focuses of our retreat will be on spending quality time together.
In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to get caught up in work and responsibilities, leaving little time for connection.
Try something new together, from hiking to cooking, campfires, and worship, there is something for everyone.
Whether you have been together for a short time or a long time, we can’t wait to see you!
Visit CarolJoyHolling.org/special-needs for more information and to register or you can scan the QR code. AUGUST 14, 2024
17, 2024 OCTOBER 15, 2024
Jay Novicki Day Camps for adults with special needs run from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Monke Lodge at The Springs site.
A Jay Novicki Camp T-shirt is included in the $20 registration fee. Register for all three day camps this fall for only $50 total! SEPTEMBER 20-22, 2024 Get outside and explore a weekend of camping! Carol Joy Holling Campgrounds
Visit CJHCenter.org/campout
Did you know that if you’re a Thrivent member (or associate member) you may have at least one $250 grant to help support an organization you care about?
It’s true! Here’s how: Visit Thrivent.com/actionteam
• Log in or create an account
• Submit your application
• Receive your grant gift card & goodie box (with t-shirts, stickers, and more fun!)
THRIVENT ACTION TEAMS HELP CAMP IN MANY WAYS
If you need some ideas, here are a few ways Thrivent Action Team grants have helped Sullivan Hills Camp and Carol Joy Holling Camp over the past few years:
• Put together a large auction basket or a few small baskets for fundraising events like our Heart of Camp Gala and Heart of the Hills Benefit Dinner
• Gather summer care kit items like sunscreen, bug spray, and toiletries campers may have forgotten to pack (shampoo, toothbrush, etc.)
• Host a bake sale or lemonade stand to raise funds to donate to our Campership program
• Purchase fabric to make a quilt for the Quilt Auction
• Collect craft supplies like markers, crayons, colored pencils, construction paper for campers to use during creative arts time
• Provide a free will offering dinner before an Advent or Lent mid-week worship to raise funds for our Campership program
We can’t wait to see what ideas your family comes up with!
If you have any questions about the application or would like to run your idea to support camp by us, contact Trish Haniszewski, Development Officer, at THaniszewski@NLOM.org or 402-944-2544.
SUMMER CAMP 2024
JUNE 2 - JULY 25, 2024
CarolJoyHolling.org SullivanHills.org
CJHCenter.org/kearneygolf 15th
AUGUST 16, 2024
OCTOBER 18 - 20, 2024
CJHCenter.org/couples
JUNE 14 - 16, 2024
CJHCenter.org/silent
JUNE 27, 2024
SullivanHills.org/heart-of-the-hills
SEPTEMBER 20, 2024
CJHCenter.org/cjhgolf
SEPTEMBER 20 - 22, 2024
CJHCenter.org/campout
NOVEMBER 2 - 3, 2024
CJHCenter.org/father-son
NOVEMBER 8 - 10, 2024 CJHCenter.org/ms-retreat
JULY 27, 2024
CJHCenter.org/quilt-auction
NOVEMBER 16 - 17, 2024
SEPTEMBER 22 -24, 2024*
AUGUST 14, 2024
SEPTEMBER 17, 2024
OCTOBER 15, 2024 FALL
CarolJoyHolling.org/special-needs
OCTOBER 20 - 22, 2024* DECEMBER 6 - 8, 2024 FALL A Day Retreat at Carol Joy Holling Camp for Elementary Kids
OCTOBER 5, 2024
CJHCenter.org/ufo | *Have an extra day(s)
CJHCenter.org/explore
CJHCenter.org/mother-daughter
JANUARY 17 - 19, 2025 CJHCenter.org/hs-retreat
MARCH 8 - 9, 2025
CJHCenter.org/lock-in
Thursday, June 27, 2024
Lazy S Ranch
2472 Road 131 | Sidney, NE 69162
The Heart of the Hills benefit dinner ensures that all campers have the ability to attend Sullivan Hills Camp at no cost to the families.
5:30 p.m. | Cocktails & Social Hour 6:30 p.m. | Dinner & Remarks
Heart of the Hills Servant Award Recipient Dale Fornander To register, visit SullivanHills.org/heart-of-the-hills
