SUMMER 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
THE LIFE-IMPACTING POWER OF CAMP EXPERIENCES
BY BAILEY NEITZEL, SUMMER CAMP DIRECTOR
The power of camp goes far beyond the songs, games, and laughter. It is more than the high ropes course, lakefront activities, and horseback riding you witness as you drive through the property.
The impact of camp is in the lives that are marked by the experience each week. That’s the impact that drives campers to return, to look up to their group leaders, and desire to be just like them one day.
It is the long-lasting impact of experiencing God’s unconditional love in community that happens at camp each week.
For some campers, the moment of impact comes when overcoming a fear like conquering the high ropes challenge course.
For others, it is the opportunity to gain independence, being away from home or family for the very first time.
Or perhaps trying something new like riding a horse.
Camp is a place set apart in God’s creation, and it is a place where campers and summer staff alike can experience friendship, teamwork, communication, and a sense of unconditional love and acceptance.
“My son made new friends and loved his camp counselor (ET),” Wendy shared about her middle school camper’s experience. “He can’t wait to come back next year.”
ET served on the 2024 Summer Ministry Team as a Group Leader and was no stranger to teamwork.
As a football player from Bethany College, ET came to camp looking to make an impact.
“This summer, I saw God in countless ways,” ET shared. “Starting right when I arrived at camp and was welcomed like family.”
He reminded others often that no matter what, being you is the most important. By the end of the summer, ET had not only helped campers grow in their faith, but he did so “while learning and growing in my own.”
Each week, the personal connections summer staff and campers build come from time spent participating in teambuilding, co-op and Bible study. Times where unconditional love, support, and acceptance are shared and uplifted.
Walking away from camp, ET was thankful for “getting to know each camper and how they react to good and bad situations. It was enlightening and helped me understand how I can approach people... it helped me understand and gain true empathy which is a great core value to have.”
Trying new things can be intimidating. But first-time camper parent, Kate, shared that her daughter “was a little nervous at first because she didn’t come to camp with any friends. She made friends right away and had a great time!”
Stepping outside of one’s comfort zone is the greatest opportunity for growth and discovery.
When Bethany joined the 2024 Summer Ministry Team with her equine experience, she came looking to make a difference in the lives of her campers during the summer.
What she came to discover was the even greater impact that would come to her from the way campers would touch her heart each week, allowing her to grow alongside them.
Camp provided “the confidence to share my opinions and feel as though my voice matters,” Bethany said.
As a longtime member of the Nebraska FFA, Bethany was able to share her passion for horses and connect with campers in the barn, building new relationships, sharing horsemanship knowledge, and providing lifelong skills like confidence, responsibility, and communication.
During the summer, “not only did we grow with God, but this group of people were helping each other grow,” and that is community.
Bethany
Community is built while living in a bunkroom with peers and working together to keep it clean enough to win the "cleanest bunk" recognition. It is deepened sitting around a campfire at evening worship, praying and singing.
Community lives in the shared stories and experiences of horseback riding, canoing, and archery. And it does not end on Friday at closing program.
Julie shared that “...having a community made them part of something special. [My camper] formed friendships that are continuing after camp!”
The impact of camp isn’t just a fun week of activities and games.
What it is, is the lasting impact of camp on the campers who leave sharing acceptance back in their communities.
The impact of camp is in the Summer Ministry Team members who gain confidence and skill sets to head out into the world as leaders.
The lasting impact of camp is a reassurance in God’s unconditional and unwavering love felt by every camper and staff member who make up the unique camp community.
EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN!
Register for Carol Joy Holling Camp before January 31, 2025 and save $50. Plus, the first 500 campers to register will receive a Carol Joy Holling Camp trucker hat.
CarolJoyHolling.org/register
In 2025, all sessions at Sullivan Hills
Stitching Together Stories: Highlights from the 36th
Annual Quilt Auction
by Allison Blatchford, Events & Communications Manager
“Can I get $100? Now how about $150?” The everboisterous Lance Larsen started the bidding right on time at our 36th annual Quilt Auction.
Back at our normal location at camp this year, he and his crew members’ voices rang out as guests bid on the over 400 quilts.
This year’s auction featured a wide variety of beautiful quilts, specialty items, and had a little something for everyone. From the beautiful colors, to the vibrant stitches that made each quilt come to life, this year’s quilts were for the record books.
Each quilt has a story to tell. From the quilts that were created and stitched in modern times to quilts that were created in the 1880s, the breadth of beauty and tradition spanned several different styles and decades.
There was fabric from New Zealand, the Netherlands, Kenya, Tanzania, and other exotic locations. In addition to the fabrics being global, the quilts hailed from all over the country, which is always amazing to see!
If these quilts could talk, we would surely hear a wide variety of stories. From being hand sewn by one individual to machine stitched and created by many hands, the artistry always is something to marvel at.
Some of the quilts are brand new for this event, but many are quilts that have been passed down for generations and are being repurposed at our auction.
While the weather didn’t have rain, it was certainly a warm day. Quilt Auction day featured not only the Summer Ministry Team, but year-round staff and a 35-person volunteer corps.
Thanks to 500 guests, 405 items were sold raising more than $104,000 for our ministry. For this we give thanks!
We’d love for you to save the date to attend next year’s Quilt Auction on July 26, 2025. It’s sure to be a day filled with fun and beautifully quilted works of art!
NLOM Nears $6.6 Million Goal for Facility Improvements Transforming Camp Life:
By Dani Hatfield, Director of Marketing
For the past 45 summers, leaders at Nebraska Lutheran Outdoor Ministries (NLOM) have taken great care maintaining and expanding our facilities in order to serve campers and guests not only from across Nebraska, but also from around the world.
“We are proud of our facilities at Carol Joy Holling Camp and Sullivan Hills Camp that comfortably welcome people of all ages year-round,” said Jason Gerdes, Executive Director. “Through the generosity of so many throughout the years, most of our facilities are among the best in the country.”
We’ve been excited to share at each Closing Program this summer camp season the status of our new Sustaining Sacred Spaces campaign—the next phase of updates to both NLOM camps.
“Excitement has continued to grow throughout the summer, and we have taken great strides in the progress,” noted Jacob Spilker, Director of Development.
$5.6 million of the $6.6 million full project goal has been committed or already given.
The NLOM Board of Directors made the financially responsible pledge decades ago that we will not break ground or move forward with a project until 90% of the project cost is pledged and at least 50% is in hand.
We are excited to share that many of the Sustaining Sacred Spaces projects have hit that threshold and are moving forward in the coming months!
New mattresses have already been purchased and installed in the Buckley Center at Sullivan Hills Camp ahead of the 2024 summer camp season. They greatly improved our campers’ sleep, and we look forward to the enhanced guest comfort throughout the retreat seasons, as well.
Campers at Carol Joy Holling Camp will be sleeping in yurts at The Grove site in the summer of 2025. The yurts have been purchased from Freedom Yurt-Cabins in Sidney, Nebraska.
We have also ordered a 2025 Kawasaki Mule to improve camper safety and accessibility at Sullivan Hills Camp next summer.
In addition, we recently received a commitment to purchase the van to continue transporting elementary campers to the Chappell pool, as well as a trailer and equipment to begin a new programming element for middle and high school campers—an off-site trip to Lake McConaughy, enhancing their camp experience.
The zipline at Carol Joy Holling Camp is also being enhanced. Plans are being finalized this fall for the new zipline, which will allow campers to zip across
“We
are proud of our facilities at Carol Joy Holling Camp and Sullivan Hills Camp that comfortably welcome people of all ages year-round. Through the generosity of so many throughout the years, most of our facilities are among the best in the country.”
Jason Gerdes, Executive Director
the Crystal Springs ravine and back. The first poles should be placed before Christmas—weather permitting, of course—with full construction happening in the spring of 2025.
We’re excited to break ground on the reclamation of Crystal Springs Lake next year. While that project has hit the threshold to start, the schedules of our construction partners have pushed the start back to fall of 2025.
The lake is fed by more than 100 natural springs. Over the past three decades, those springs have carried silt into the lake—bringing it to a current depth of only six feet.
This project will remove silt that has filled in the lake, as well as add a series of silt dams upstream to prevent it from filling again. We are excited that the construction timeline shows we can complete the project in time for campers to enjoy the new lake in the summer of 2026.
“We are inspired by the generosity of our friends, and look forward to those who will join us in making the rest of this campaign possible,” Jason added.
If you’d like to learn more, visit NLOM.org/sustaining or contact Jacob Spilker, Director of Development at JSpilker@NLOM.org or 402-944-2544.
Vision At Nebraska Lutheran Outdoor Ministries, in places set apart, we live out faith in ways that show everyone they belong and are unconditionally loved by God.
Scan the QR Code to learn more or visit, NLOM.org/sustaining
Discovering Identity and Faith at Camp This Summer
By Korey Breutzmann, Director of Programs
“I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; that I know very well.”
—Psalm 139:14
One of my favorite parts of working at camp is watching the summer staff and the campers getting an opportunity to be the truest version of themselves. Something about camp gives people the chance to leave behind the masks we sometimes wear and take a break from the pressures of society.
The theme of camp this summer, Created To Be, was a prefect encapsulation of how camp nurtures that.
We had the opportunity, through Bible study, worship, ropes, creation, and many other activities, to explore who and what God has created us to be in our lives.
Each day we focused on a different aspect of how we can live into our identity as followers of Christ.
Let’s take a look back and remember what we learned this summer and continue the conversation in our homes:
FREE
We talked about how our freedom from sin comes from God as a gift of love through Jesus and we don’t have do anything special to receive this gift. Have you ever received a gift or present without having to do anything to earn it? How did that make you feel? How can we respond to this gift from God to show our appreciation?
Authentic
We talked about how we, as individuals and communities of faith, are called to be true to who God created us to be. What do you think a skill or trait that God has gifted you with that could be used to show God’s love and mercy to other people you encounter?
Brave
We explored that through our faith in Jesus, confidence in God’s presence, and through the support of others, the Holy Spirit stirs bravery and courage in us for the challenges and opportunities of life. What is a way, or example, of how you can be brave to help those in need as Jesus did?
Disciples
We talked about how we are called to serve together, as well as encourage and support each other as communities of faith. Who have you encouraged and
supported in your life since camp has ended? Who are some other individuals, or groups of people, that you can encourage and share God’s peace with?
Disruptive
We explored how we are created to not be silent about our faith and that our actions and advocacy are guided by the Holy Spirit and by our love for our neighbors. Is there anyone you have shared your faith with recently? Did they share back with you? What does it mean to love our neighbors as Christ loves us?
We hope you continue to explore who God has created you to be!
Here at camp, this fall, we have retreat opportunities where we will continue to look back at this theme and continue to explore what it means to live like Jesus.
We are all created to do great works, through Christ, and we hope that you continue to find new ways to live as your most true and authentic selves.
Thank you for being a part of camp this summer, and we will see you next summer as we continue to explore our faith together as part of God’s creation!
Reconnect & Rekindle:
Join Us for an Unforgettable Couple’s Retreat
By Jessica Weltz, Adult Programs Specialist
Looking for time to get away with your significant other? Ready to leave the hustle and bustle of your day-to-day routine and reconnect? We invite you to unwind, rediscover, and cherish your bond at our all new Couple’s Retreat, October 18-20.
Enjoy uninterrupted quality time as you immerse yourselves in new experiences together. From hiking the trails to cozy evenings by a crackling fire, this weekend is designed to reignite your connection and create lasting memories.
You can expect time alone, time to gather with other couples, and time to dive deeper in your faith together through worship and devotions.
Friday evening after check-in, we’ll enjoy dinner together and then a social campfire with s’mores and hot cocoa bar.
Saturday, enjoy devotions with Pastors Evan and Hillary Christensen, date options (Charcuterie board making, creating candles together, High Ropes Commitment Course), a group outing to downtown Ashland, and a camp-style worship.
Sunday morning Pastors Evan and Hillary Christensen will lead worship before a delicious brunch.
Your accommodations for the weekend will be in our hotel-like Swanson Retreat Center. All meals and materials are covered by your registration fee of $450 per couple.
If you have questions about this retreat you can contact Jessica Weltz, Adult Programs Specialist at JWeltz@NLOM.org or 402-944-2544.
Adventure Awaits: A Special Weekend for Fathers and Sons to Connect
By Laura Stalder, Youth Programs Specialist
The bond between a parent and child is special. It’s important to set aside the screens and business of day-to-day life and connect with one another.
That’s why we’re looking forward to bringing back a special retreat dedicated to fathers and sons.
Join us for a fun-filled weekend November 2-3, at the Father-Son Retreat.
Spend time bonding while hiking, fishing, working on wood-burning projects, competing in a camp challenge, cooking over a campfire, watching the Husker football game, and more. The planned activities will give a mix of group and one-on-one time.
The cost of $160 per father/son pair includes your stay in the Hazel Dillon Lodge and all food and activities for the weekend.
This is a perfect opportunity for fathers and sons, ages 10 to 13 years old, to spend quality time together.
To register, scan the QR Code or visit CJHCenter.org/father-son
FIRE STARTERS: FUELING THE CAMP EXPERIENCE FOR ALL
By Jacob Spilker, Director of Development
At Carol Joy Holling Camp and Sullivan Hills Camp, summer brings something magical—a chance for youth and young adults to escape into the outdoors, make lifelong friends, and to make Faith: Alive.
Behind all of this, is a special group of people who make sure this experience is available to every child, regardless of financial barriers. We call them our Fire Starters, and their generosity is the lifeblood of our ministry.
Sara Marker knows this better than most. She worked on the Summer Ministry Team for three consecutive years—2015, 2016, and 2017—where she saw firsthand the transformation camp can bring to a young person’s life.
“Being part of the Summer Ministry Team allowed me to witness the way camp changes lives,” Sara shared.
In 2018, Sara and her fiancé, AJ, decided to become Fire Starters themselves, committing to a monthly donation to support the camp they love. This year, they decided to increase their giving.
“I want camp to keep impacting others for many years to come,” Sara said. “Outdoor ministry was such a big part of my own faith journey, and I believe every child deserves to have that same opportunity.”
Sara and AJ are part of a community of 245 other Fire Starters, whose steady monthly donations keep camp affordable for all families.
The actual cost of sending a camper to camp is $1,005, but families are only charged up to $450 for a week of camp. Thanks to donors like Sara and AJ, we’re able to cover $819,850 in camper costs each year to split the difference.
And through our Campership program and additional discounts, we provided another $203,730 in direct financial assistance this year alone—totaling over $1 million in support from our loyal givers to ensure that the camp experience is available to all.
These are big numbers, but they represent something far more important—the campers whose lives are changed.
“It wasn’t just about fun activities; it was about creating a space where kids felt safe to explore their faith and build a community.”
- Sara Marker
One camper’s parent expressed it best: “Without financial assistance, my child wouldn’t have been able to attend camp. They absolutely loved every moment, from the horses to the tipi, and came home more confident in their faith.”
The Fire Starters program isn’t just about covering costs—it’s about creating a space where young people can thrive, explore their faith, and form relationships that last a lifetime.
Sara, AJ, and all our Fire Starters make sure that no child is left out of this experience.
BECOME A FIRE STARTER
To become a Fire Starters member today, visit NLOM.org/firestarters and select “monthly” on your gift. If you have any questions, contact Katie Holewinski, Development Support Specialist at KHolewinski@NLOM.org or 402-944-2544
DISCOVER NATURE’S BEAUTY:
OUR FAMILY CAMPGROUND WELCOMES YOU
BY TARA KNUDSON CARL, PH.D., DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS
Camping has grown in popularity over the past several years.
According to a 2024 Camping report by The Dyrt, the number of Americans embarking on camping vacations and weekends continues to increase. The study found that approximately 85 million Americans went camping in 2023, and 5.5 million of those were first-time participants.
So, if you haven’t tried it yet … It might be time to give it a whirl!
There are many reasons for the growth in camping numbers, according to Dan Collins for Camper Van Traveler. These motives include affordability, the opportunity for alleviating stress of day to day life, and the fact that camping provides a nice break from daily norms.
Gear Assistant stated that some of the reasons people like to camp include the feeling of being closer to nature, the chance to detach from technology, finding peace and calm, and developing or establishing new family traditions.
“Camping gets us out of the house and away from electronics, and helps us to enjoy nature instead,” shared Nate Blatchford, who often camps with his family in the summer.
And did you know that you can camp right here!?
It might just be true that our beautiful tree-lined family campground is our best kept secret, because folks continue to “discover” it.
It was designed more than 30 years ago, and hosts 24 grass pads with water and electrical hook-ups.
The Together in Joy Campside Pavilion was added to the space in 2020, featuring a place for gathering, a fireplace, a large storm shelter, restrooms, and showers.
“Carol Joy Holling Camp is one of our family’s and friends' favorite spots to camp,” said Kelly Rathe, who camps frequently with her family. “Some of our biggest reasons are how quiet and beautiful it is, and also that there are many outdoor activities to do. The facilities are always kept up and there are awesome staff that run the grounds. We always have a good time camping at CJH!”
“We like camping at Carol Joy Holling Camp because it is nice and quiet, and some of the ‘regulars’ help make it a nice community,” Nate added.
Knowing that camping is one way our camper families can come and enjoy the beauty of Carol Joy Holling Camp, we are planning improvements to the space as part of the current Sustaining Sacred Spaces campaign.
We plan to add cement pads to the site, as well as a few pull-through pads, increase our electrical service, and upgrade the sites with new picnic tables and firepits.
The family campground is available most of April until mid-October. If you would like to reserve a space, contact our Events Manager, Dana Jahn, at DJahn@NLOM.org or 402-944-2544.
Conference & Retreat
“We had about 50 family members attend from as far as Florida, Texas, and Missouri and this is the nicest hall we have experienced in our many years of having reunions.”
-Stebbins Family Reunion
“Perfect for our family reunion. The rooms were wonderful and very comfortable. There was lots of space to spread out and places to visit. Lots of things for the kids to do.”
-Farrell Family Reunion
Summer is also Family Reunion season at the Carol Joy Holling Center! Here's what a few of our families had to say about their time here:
“Our family members came from nine states. Ages 83 to 8. It had been 7 years since we gathered as a family. This retreat center gave us space to gather in large groups and also in smaller groups to visit and have activities together. We used the beautiful chapel to thank God for bringing us all safely together, our health, the good weather, and for the Carol Joy Holling Center facilities.”
-Sauck Family Reunion
By Lisa Stirtz, Volunteer Coordinator
Nebraska Lutheran Outdoor Ministries volunteers and staff enjoy showering our Summer Ministry Team with lots of love in many ways each and every summer.
One way we show this love is through providing each of the summer staff with a pillowcase to use while at summer camp and then to take home with them after camp is over.
These pillowcases are used by the summer staff for their campers to sign each week and serve as a reminder of the lives they touched
Our volunteers this summer made 75 pillowcases to ensure each member of the Summer Ministry Team received a pattern of their choosing.
We have several volunteers that donate the fabric, cut the fabric, sew the pillowcases, and put the NLOM logo onto the pillowcases. We are grateful to Sharon Bossman, Pam List, Crystal Miller, and Kari Maser for their time and donating all the material for this project.
“I enjoy the connection that I feel to summer camp when I’m working on this special project,” Kari Maser shared. “It gives me a chance to think about the individuals that will be receiving the pillowcases and how it’ll be a special memento of their summer and the campers they serve.”
These ladies spent 10 hours each working on these pillowcases. It is a true labor of love, given to the camp with love sewn into each pillowcase.
If you are interested in sharing your gifts with Nebraska Lutheran Outdoor Ministries by volunteering, please reach out to Lisa Stirtz, Volunteer Coordinator, at LStirtz@NLOM.org or 402-944-2544.
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 TEAM
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.
OCTOBER 18 - 20, 2024
CJHCenter.org/couples
MARCH 7 - 8, 2025
CJHCenter.org/lock-in
NOVEMBER 2 - 3, 2024
CJHCenter.org/father-son
NOVEMBER 8 - 10, 2024 CJHCenter.org/ms-retreat
MARCH 21 - 22, 2025
CJHCenter.org/hs-lock-in
NOVICKI
MARCH 25 OR 26, 2025 APRIL 15 OR 16, 2025 MAY 6 OR 7, 2025 CarolJoyHolling.org/special-needs
NOVEMBER 16 - 17, 2024
CJHCenter.org/mother-daughter
APRIL 12 - 13, 2025
CJHCenter.org/mother-daughter
DECEMBER 6 - 8, 2024
CJHCenter.org/ufo
HIGH SCHOOL RETREAT
JANUARY 17 - 19, 2025
CJHCenter.org/hs-retreat
A Day Retreat at Carol Joy Holling Camp for Elementary Kids
APRIL 26, 2025
CJHCenter.org/explore
APRIL 26, 2025
CJHCenter.org/qa-day
FEBURARY 16 - 19, 2025*
MARCH 16 - 19, 2025*
APRIL 27 - 30, 2025* SPRING
CJHCenter.org/ufo | *Have an extra day(s)
SUMMER CAMP 2025
JUNE 1 - JULY 24, 2025
CarolJoyHolling.org
SullivanHills.org