The Branch Magazine - Summer 2023

SUMMER 2023

“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

TABLE OF CONTENTS 2 | The Branch

04

06

12 07

08

14

SUMMER CAMP RECAP

03

FAITH & FUN

04

LEADERSHIP CAMP

06

JAY NOVICKI ADVENTURES

07

QUILT AUCTION RECAP

08

(UN)EQUAL STUDY

10

HORSE BOARDING

12

ROGER MAXON’S RETIREMENT

14

THRIVENT ACTION TEAM

15

HOLIDAY GATHERINGS

16

UPCOMING EVENTS

18

FRIENDS, MEMORIES, & FAITH GROWTH t his summer at camp

by Dani Hatfield

This summer was [un]Equal to any other.

Campers from across the country traveled to Carol Joy Holling Camp and Sullivan Hills Camp to learn more about how we are loved from beginning to end by the Holy Trinity.

Revelation 22:13 was our theme verse: “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.”

“I learned God is the creator and redeemer,” Kylah, a middle school camper, explained. “How God created everything and redeemed us from our sins and gave his only son to die on the cross for our sin.

I learned about the Holy Spirit and how God sent them speaking their wonders of God.“ There’s something special about being surrounded

by God’s beautiful creation building new memories with peers.

“I was in Peter’s Praying Pink Buckets, and I had a great time in that group,” Kylah continued. “I made friends easily, and my group leader made a big impact in my life. I appreciate that I had a chance to be with you this week!”

Faith comes alive at camp. Elementary campers shared that what they learned in Bible study time helped them treat others differently.

“Everyone is unique and deserves respect,” Brie said.

Aaron said he learned to “treat others with the love God gives.”

And Seven is going to “take different viewpoints into consideration.”

As campers grow, their experiences at camp help faith become personal.

“God is accepting and powerful,” Dave, a middle school camper parent, remarked. “He moved [my camper] in a way that I had hoped but not seen.

He formed some deep bonds with quite a few others there.”

Christie saw a change in her middle school camper as well. “Camp renewed his faith,” she said. “Meeting new people really helped his self-confidence!”

Camp is also a place where friendships are formed; a new community is built among friends old and new in the span of only a handful of days.

“My son made great connections,” Danielle, a high school camper parent shared. “After the closing program he saw a camper from his village was upset, and he went over to give him a hug and tried to comfort him.”

Now that the tears have dried, we hope the joy of camp lives on in your camper each and every day. Because, no matter where you go, Christ goes with you.

Summer 2023 | 3

BONDING OVER

Fun & Faith

By Dani Hatfield

Summer Ministry Team Members reflect on a memorable summer.

They bonded over fun and growing their faith.

As the leaves fade from green to tan and the air holds a slight chill, memories of this summer still warm our hearts.

Just a few short months ago we were hiking, singing, kitchen party-ing, swimming, sliding, horseback riding, and worshipping together.

“My favorite memory during this summer was week two at TrailHead, when a few campers made me gifts,” McCartney Fitzgerald recalled. “As a marketing intern, I wasn’t with the campers all the time, so it meant a lot when one of them made me a camera in arts and crafts and another one drew a picture of me. It meant the world and was very sweet.”

“One of my favorite memories was our last s’morgasbord,” Hailey Anderson added. “It was so fun being goofy and seeing the reactions on the campers’ faces. At one point I tripped and fell on the ground, but I just went with it and the campers enjoyed it.

I love making people laugh, and s’morgasbord is a place where I can do that.”

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There were countless bouts of laughter this past summer — some shy giggles meeting new friends, and other times we laughed until our sides hurt.

The 44 members of this year’s Summer Ministry Team laughed, learned, and grew alongside 1,288 campers at Sullivan Hills Camp and Carol Joy Holling Camp this summer.

“It was my very first time ever teaching kids about God,” Doug Schafer shared. “So I had to do a little more background research, looking up things, as well as listening and learning from other staff members so that I could use that to help the campers learn more.”

This year’s Summer Ministry Team leaned on each other for many things.

“We built up the community to support each other no matter what. It didn’t matter what was going on, we tried our best to show up for each other when we needed it,” Zoe Hoffmeyer described.

“We stuck together.”

And they’re looking forward to coming back next summer.

“I had a really great summer this year and didn’t even think twice about reapplying,” Hailey said. “I love being at camp and away from my crazy life for a little bit over the summer!”

“Overall, camp is my second home,” Zoe agreed. “It has changed my life and so many others’. I want to help in changing more people’s lives so they can know and experience God’s love, creation, and word.”

APPLICATIONS ARE NOW OPEN! Applications are now open for the 2024 Summer Ministry Team. To learn more about the summer staff experience, visit NLOM.org/smt or reach out to our Summer Camp Director, Bailey Neitzel, at BNeitzel@NLOM.org or 402-944-2544

“Overall, camp is my second home. It has changed my life and so many others.”

- Zoe Hoffmeyer

Summer 2023 | 5

Leadership Camp Provides High Schoolers with Support, Skills to Grow

By Dani Hatfield “I am very thankful for the experiences that I was given through Leadership Camp,” Drew Whitney reflected. “This summer just cemented my love for camp.”

Drew was one of seven high schoolers who participated in the inaugural session of Leadership Camp.

The group taking time to learn more through faith by Bible study.

She explained that the group had a strong connection from the start, building friendships quickly. She said the group wanted “to take on the position of a leader at camp, and understood that we would need to support each other to do the best we could in taking on our new roles.”

It didn’t take long for the group of Leaders In Training to integrate with the Summer Ministry Team. “The Summer Ministry Team treated all Leaders In Training as equals and were trusting in us to step up as a leader,” Drew continued.

“They helped us all grow while still providing the essential support that we needed to succeed.”

Drew’s advice to high school students considering whether or not to apply for Leadership Camp 2024 is to go for it! “There is a huge support system that is more than willing to support you and help you become a better leader at camp.”

Some of our first

ever Leadership

Campers.

“They helped us all grow while still providing the essential support that we needed to succeed.”

One of the most amazing aspects of Leadership Camp is that the cost ends up being free for those who complete the program! The initial education week costs $500 per Leader In Training, then $250 is returned for each practicum week the Leader In Training completes.

Once they’ve completed the program, if interested in working more of the summer, the Leader in Training could be hired on for additional weeks. Five of this year’s seven participants worked additional weeks after completing Leadership Camp.

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Drew Whitney conducting Bible study with her village group.

Jay Novicki Camp: A Year-Round Adaptive Adventure

By Jessica Weltz Just as summer camp ends, the next adventure begins with Jay Novicki Day Camp. As a year-round staff member at NLOM for the last 5 years, this program has become one of my very favorites. The relationships that are built, the laughter, and the joy felt are priceless. We have friends who have been coming for many years and others who are just beginning their time with us.

Either way, we love seeing them.

Since its creation in 2001, Jay Novicki Day Camp has been a time of community, inclusivity, fellowship, and a little taste of camp. The Jay Novicki program is open to individuals 21 and older. All activities are designed to be inclusive for individuals at all ability levels. There is a new theme each month and something for everyone, so we encourage our participants to return each time.

Over the last year, we have been blessed to serve about 30 participants at each day camp. We host the Jay Novicki Day Camp program in the fall and spring, one day each month, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Lunch is included. Some of the activities that we offer are adaptive archery, small crafts, nature exploration, music, cookout, and worship.

New this year is our traveling Jay Novicki Day Camp option.

We always love when participants are able to come out to camp; however, for some this is not an option. The traveling day camp gives those who are unable to travel to still enjoy camp activities like a cookout, fellowship, and worship in the convenience of their own buildings. We have really enjoyed partnering with Mosaic to offer this option. We look forward to continuing to expand this to new facilities.

To register for Jay Novicki Day Camp, inquire about volunteering at an upcoming day camp, or to learn more about our traveling Jay Novicki Day Camp program, contact Jessica Weltz, Adult Program Specialist, at JWeltz@NLOM.org or 402-944-2544.

Summer 2023 | 7

35th Annual

Quilt Auction

is One for the History Books!

by Gera Schultz On July 29, over 500 quilting enthusiasts, collectors, friends of Carol Joy Holling Camp, and the wider community came together to appreciate the artistry and craftmanship of more than 500 quilts and quilt-related items.

Despite the forecast of scattered morning rain showers, the team at camp got to work early to set up for the Quilt Auction. As guests started arriving, it became apparent that the rain was going to be heavier and more persistent than expected. At that point, the quilts went back into the trailer to protect them from the moisture and the guests went into the Swanson Retreat Center to keep dry.

This isn’t the first time the Quilt Auction has been delayed due to rain, but as the morning wore on, the rain got heavier and the forecast deteriorated. Mid-morning, the NLOM team made the difficult and unprecedented decision to move the Quilt Auction indoors.

The live auction was moved to Town Hall, which entailed setting up hundreds of chairs for guests, dozens of tables for displaying quilts, relocating the sound system, and laying out more than 300 quilts and items that were included in the live auction, as well as relocating the concession and lunch stations. Across the bricks, inside Annie’s Dance Hall in Hotel Theodore, a few dozen more tables were set up to accommodate the 200 quilts in the silent auction, as well as an area for the cashier booth.

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Meanwhile, Quilt Auction guests patiently waited in the Swanson Retreat Center, enjoying coffee and conversation while they stayed warm and dry.

At 11:30 a.m., after a two-hour rain delay, the 35th Quilt Auction finally started in its temporary Western Town location. This year’s selection of quilts did not disappoint, featuring many vintage quilts alongside newly crafted works of art. Brightly-colored modern designs stood out while guests also reminisced on some beloved traditional patterns. More than 200 individuals and groups donated quilts crafted by over 300 different quilters. In addition to viewing and bidding on quilts, guests enjoyed pulled pork and a selection of salads and fruit for lunch, made use of the lakefront and swimming pool during the afternoon sun, and took a spin around camp on the hay rack after things had dried out a bit.

The Quilt Auction team, consisting of yearround staff, Summer Ministry Team, and volunteers, was able to quickly pivot and solve logistics problems to get the auction components moved to their new locations. Guests were patient and generous throughout the day, showing the team so much grace as they navigated this new setup. The auctioneer team ramped up the bidding action and was able to push through all the quilts by 5:30 p.m. As the day wrapped up and totals were tabulated, over $115,000 was raised to ensure campers can continue to live out their faith at Carol Joy Holling Camp.

Next year’s Quilt Auction will be held on Saturday, July 27 rain or shine, but we hope for shine!

Volunteer Appreciation We are incredibly thankful for our many volunteers who make the Quilt Auction possible every year. From the quilt team who start processing quilts in May, to the campers that pass out water throughout the day, and everyone in between, we couldn’t do it without them. This year’s team included: Auctioneers & Bid Catchers: Lance Larsen Lars Larsen Bob Pagel Ethan Larsen

Piec’d Website Volunteers: Candy Blecha Alyssa Dennis Elizabeth Dennis Brian Fitzgerald Kylie Reverts

Quilt Processing Team: Shelley Barber Jan Fuglsang Lora Ferguson Kris Gaebel Bev Hohenstee Linda Kohrs Jan Novicki Denise Osborn Inez Petrie Nancy Riley Shirley Splittgerber Pastor Eric Spruth-Janssen Joyce Wittrock Summer 2023 | 9

An (un)

BIBLE STUDY:

qual Experience

Summer camp at Nebraska Lutheran Outdoor Ministries has come and gone. The slide has been put away and the cuppies have been put back on the shelf until next year. Campers often leave camp on a high, thinking about what a great experience they just had. Camp often changes camper’s lives—sometimes a lot and sometimes a little. It doesn’t matter what type of camp it is; campers will come home changed. At camp they get to make independent decisions about what to eat and wear, who to hang out with, and how to spend free time.

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b y Ko r e y B r e u tzm an n

What’s more, after a week at camp this summer discovering the Holy Trinity—God the creator, Jesus our friend and redeemer, and the Holy Spirit who binds us together in love—campers will have new ideas and skills, new friends, and stories to share.

As we look back on the summer and keep that reinvigorated faith alive, ask them questions. Gather together with whoever is around and discuss these questions. Whether you attended camp or not, the Holy Trinity is still working in and through you. Find time to discuss this year’s theme as we look forward in the future to what the next year may bring.

Creator: Think about places you have recently gone with family and friends. How have you experienced God the creator in those places?

Where is the most sacred place for you?

Redeemer: What are some times this summer or fall that you have experienced Jesus’ love for you?

Jesus said, “I am the vine, you are the branches.”

How have you felt connected to Jesus’ radical love since camp?

Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit empowers us to go share God’s love and message in the world. What are some ways that you have shown or shared that love as this school year has started?

Me: This summer, we learned about the baptism of Jesus. Share stories about baptisms you have witnessed. What happened? Did you experience God’s presence? If so, how?

We: Jesus rose from the grave and told his followers to “make disciples”. How can you share

your faith with others? What other people have helped you in your faith and shared stories from their own life?

We give thanks for the great summer that we got to experience together at Carol Joy Holling Camp and Sullivan Hills Camp. We hope your faith was rejuvenated and that your body and soul were refreshed here. We look forward to seeing you next summer to continue to live in community together, grow in our faith as family, and have a fun-filled time as our faith comes alive!

“I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.”

— Revelation 22:13 Summer 2023 | 11

: G N I D R A O HOR SE B

r e e t n u l o V y r a n i d r o a r t x An E e c n e i r e p x E

By Lisa Stirtz

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Lynn Welhelm of Syracuse, Neb. has been boarding horses for Nebraska Lutheran Outdoor Ministries for 14 years. She loves to have the horse at her place to love on them from August to May, when they return to camp.

Lynn’s love for horses started when she was young, and her love continues. She has one horse of her own.

For the past eight years, Missy, a 20-year-old grey quarter horse, has spent the off-season at Lynn’s home. Lynn tells us Missy loves their daily two- to four-mile rides.

Missy is very kid friendly; she loves to have kids ride her, pet her, and feed her. At Lynn’s home, she’s incredibly lucky to have many young friends that come to visit her. Lynn has several groups of children that come out to her place to learn about horses and how to ride them. It is a great way for Missy to continue to work with camp-aged children year-round.

WE NEED TO GROW THE HERD!

“I love to board horses for Carol Joy Holling Camp, and I’ve truly fallen in love with them.” -- Lynn Welhelm You can board camp horses during the off-season, too! Horse boarding volunteers provide care, feed, shelter, and grooming for a Carol Joy Holling Camp horse. Homes typically board one or two horses.

Many Carol Joy Holling campers have never had the opportunity to interact with a horse before coming to camp. Interacting with these beautiful creatures has an impact on how campers see the majesty of God’s creation.

We run two barns during summer camp — at Ranch Camp and The Grove.

Because several horses have retired over the past few years, the Carol Joy Holling Camp herd needs to grow by seven horses before next summer.

Who do you know with a horse to donate or sell?

Your family is able to ride, care for, and get priceless experience working with a horse during the school year. NLOM agrees to provide instructions for feed, care, and equipment needs for your assigned horse(s). We also send along tack for each horse.

Horses trained for 4H make the best camp horses. Can you ask your local 4H chapter if anyone is graduating from horse showmanship?

We’d love to talk with them to see if their horse could be a good fit for Carol Joy Holling Camp.

If you have a love for horses, and would like to board a horse, contact Lisa Stirtz, Volunteer Coordinator at LStirtz@NLOM.org or 402-944-2544.

For more information, contact Roger Maxon, Director of Buildings & Grounds, at RMaxon@NLOM.org or 402-944-2544.

Summer 2023 | 13

36 years!

CELEBRATE

ROGER MAXON! Roger Maxon celebrated 36 years with Nebraska Lutheran Outdoor Ministries as our Director of Buildings and Grounds this summer.

Help us celebrate his upcoming retirement!

Send your Roger stories to Info@NLOM.org and we’ll be sure to share them with him.

Join us for his retirement party will be January 14, 2024 at Carol Joy Holling Conference and Retreat Center

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THRIVENT ACTION TEAM 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!)

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 • Assemble summer care kits filled with 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 • Build creative arts craft kits with markers, paints, brushes, etc. 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 2023 | 15

PLANNING A HOLIDAY GATHERING? WE CAN MAKE IT EASY FOR YOU!

BY TARA KNUDSON CARL, PH.D. The holidays can be the “most wonderful time of the year,” and at the same time be incredibly stress-inducing!

One highlight is gathering with those we love to give thanks for all our blessings and celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.

However, high expectations, long “to do” lists, and varying other commitments that need to be juggled can make it difficult to plan a time to gather to celebrate as a family.

SULLIVAN HILLS CAMP While Sullivan Hills Camp isn’t reachable during winter months, we would love to host your gathering in western Nebraska during spring or fall.

16 | The Branch

Dr. Robert Ritzema with FamilyFire.com suggests that families plan early and communicate very clearly, especially regarding anything that you may be changing that your family has experienced in prior years. He also recommends that being flexible and lowering expectations will increase the chances of being satisfied with the final plan.

Whether you are planning your gathering in a family member’s home or traveling to a vacation spot, the time to plan is now.

If you are looking for something new to try, we suggest you call to see if we might have the right opportunity for you at Carol Joy Holling Camp,

Conference & Retreat Center.

We currently host a range of family, corporate, and private events.

Our campus offers a variety of spaces with a variety of dining options. Whether you prefer to share a full meal prepared by our Chef and kitchen team or to provide your own meal, we have the space and hospitality to make planning your holiday party easier.

We would be excited to become your go-to location for your holiday gatherings in 2023!

If you would like to explore the varied options and dates that are still available, contact Dana Jahn, our Manager of Events at DJahn@NLOM.org or 402-944-2544.

“We felt very comfortable with the staff and service there. It is a very relaxing and peaceful environment.”

- The Yarn Shop | Retreats & Conferences

“We felt very welcomed. The team was very accommodating to our needs. Dennis and team did a great job facilitating the teambuilding activities. This is one of our favorite activities each year.”

“The staff and facilities were amazing.

We were greeted by the nicest and most helpful hosts, Cami and Justin. They took excellent care of us. Max and his staff in the kitchen were very helpful and so well organized. They went above and beyond. Dana has always been helpful and responsive when it came to any reservation questions that we had. We were thrilled with the Carol Joy Holling Center.”

- CHI Health Informatics | Teambuilding

- North Pointe Community Church | Retreats & Conferences

“The team showed we mattered by learning our names, encouraging us, challenging us, and celebrating with us.”

- Concordia University Student Life Staff | Teambuilding

Summer 2023 | 17

UPCOMING MIDDLE SCHOOL RETREAT

UFO UnFinished Objects Retreats

NOVEMBER 10 - 12, 2023

NOVEMBER 18 - 19, 2023

DECEMBER 1 - 3, 2023

CJHCenter.org/ms-retreat

CJHCenter.org/mother-daughter

CJHCenter.org/ufo

THE

JAY NOVICKI DAY CAMP OF

MARCH 19, 2024 APRIL 17, 2024 MAY 7, 2024 CJHCenter.org/jaynovicki

GALA

APRIL 6, 2024 CJHCenter.org/gala

RT

OF THE

THE

A HE

SUMMER CAMP 2024 JUNE 2- JULY 25, 2024 CarolJoyHolling.org SullivanHills.org

18 | The Branch

a benefit for SULLIVAN HILLS CAMP

JUNE 14 - 16, 2024

JUNE 27, 2024

CJHCenter.org/silent

CJHCenter.org/heart-of-the-hills

EVENTS high School lock in

HIGH SCHOOL RETREAT JANUARY 19 - 21, 2024

MARCH 8 - 9, 2024

MARCH 22 - 23, 2024

CJHCenter.org/hs-retreat

CJHCenter.org/ms-lock-in

CJHCenter.org/hs-lock-in

A Day Retreat at Carol Joy Holling Camp for Elementary Kids

APRIL 13 - 14, 2024

APRIL 20, 2024

APRIL 20, 2024

CJHCenter.org/mother-daughter

CJHCenter.org/explore

CJHCenter.org/momsday-retreat

JULY 27, 2024

AUGUST 16, 2024

SEPTEMBER 20, 2024

CJHCenter.org/quilt-auction

CJHCenter.org/kearneygolf

CJHCenter.org/cjhgolf

QUILT AUCTION

Summer 2023 | 19

Non-profit org US postage PAID Ashland, NE Permit no. 19

Nebraska Lutheran Outdoor Ministries 27416 Ranch Rd. Ashland, NE 68003

EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION IS

NOW OPEN!

Register for Carol Joy Holling Camp before January 31, 2024 and save $50. Plus, the first 500 campers to register will receive a Carol Joy Holling Camp clear crossbody bag/fanny pack.

CarolJoyHolling.org/register In 2024, all sessions at Sullivan Hills Camp are free for all campers.

SullivanHills.org/register