Summer 2013 Lessons Learned: We set out to teach and ended up learning!
Carol Joy Holling Camp, Conference & Retreat Center October, 2013 e set out this summer W with ambitious goals: give kids
same. Beyond all of that joy, we were reminded of the pain and struggle in the world outside of experiences that help their By Kelsey Ellis, camp. Some campers came to faith grow; show them what camp broken, dealing with a NLOM Director/Programs it looks like to live a Christian variety of struggles and sometimes life, have a ton of fun, and even the loss of parents. They keep everyone safe. With 66 came with fears, sometimes crippling. They came Summer Ministry Team members hired and trained, with more baggage than any child should have to we were confident and ready to give everything we endure. Over their time at camp we started to see had of ourselves. great things — the long lost smile appearing on a boy’s face who has an incredibly tough home We accomplished it all and, as coaches often say, life; the fear of high ropes being overcome with “left it all on the field.” But, we did more than that the help of a girl’s peers; the connection being we learned so much more than we expected. made between a youth group and their pastor; the pride on a little girl’s face as she talks about the Here are just a few of the things that happened. quilt she made for someone in need; the words of • We screamed going down the zip line unconditional love and acceptance being spoken • We played games in the pool to a teenager who considers herself an outcast, • We sang throughout the trails and a young man who finally found someone • We made countless campfires and smelled like it who will listen. all summer long • We made and gave friendos For many of those children, camp was a time to • We enjoyed nature take a deep breath and enjoy the freedom from • We made 382 quilts for those in need their daily burdens. For all campers and staff, • We played camp is about making connections and feeling • We made friends safe. Between campers, staff and pastors, the • We danced in the rain relationships built sustain us as we leave our • We learned to love like Jesus! safe haven of camp. God is truly at work in the places of NLOM. I hope you expected that list. And, I hope it made Continued on next page. you smile remembering times you’ve done the
Leadership Development
Digging Deeper with New Opportunities Nebraska Lutheran Outdoor Ministries’ Mission Statement: We are called by God to be a Christ-centered, Spirit-powered ministry: • to equip, teach and excite people for discipleship through camp experiences, • to provide our conference and retreat guests with places set apart and serve with sacred hospitality • to nurture leadership for service in the church and world Over the course of the last year, NLOM has taken a hard look at how we accomplish that third point - to nurture leadership for service in the church and world. In response to our evaluation, we are expanding our program offerings in this area. The following is a list of additions to our programming roster. Leadership U Leadership U is a two-year program for learning leadership skills through workshops and a mentor relationship. All participants finish with a Certificate of Leadership Development.
J-term Church Leader Retreat: January 20-22, 2014 Dr. David Lose will present “Leadership Reconsidered: Ministry in a Changed and Changing World.“ Ethical Leadership Workshop for teams: March 13, 2014 Pr. Lowell Nelson will dive into four different ethics frameworks that guide and direct our decision making. All events take place at Carol Joy Holling Center. Learn more at www.caroljoyholling.org or call 402-944-2544.
Lessons Learned... Continued from previous page
One of the most beautiful things to witness is the faith-based community built amongst campers. One of my favorite stories from this summer comes from Alyssa Hart, who served as a Day Camp Site Coordinator and is also a Program Intern for 2013. She recalls a week of Day Camp: “My favorite moment of the summer was seeing tears stream down the faces of two young campers as they struggled to say good bye to each other at the end of the week. These two were very unlikely friends according to societal standards. One was sent from an inner city developmental center, and the other was from the pictureperfect church-going family. At the beginning of the week, these two didn’t get along well, and it was clear that it would be an issue throughout the week. As we went through daily activities, teaching the campers to ‘Do everything in love,’ these boys overcame
their differences and became friends. Seeing two children from such diverse backgrounds love each other without judgment was truly inspiring. The mother of one of the boys was in tears at the sight of the boys saying goodbye. That week, we learned from two seven year old boys how to love, accept and embrace your neighbor. Leave it to children to teach us adults how to live and love like Jesus did.” God worked powerfully through 66 young adults and more than 2,000 campers this summer at Carol Joy Holling Camp, Sullivan Hills Camp and Day Camp. Thanks be to God!
Pastors Miles & Sarah Ruch Give...
Because it Matters!
Pastor Sarah Ruch grew up going to Carol Joy Holling Camp. “I camped when I could; when I was too old for that, I became a staff member; when I was too old for that I became a pastor so I could bring kids to camp.” Now Pr. Sarah, who serves Concordia Lutheran Church in Concord and First Lutheran Church in Allen and her husband, Pr. Miles Ruch, who serves St. Mark’s Lutheran in Pender, both bring confirmation groups to Carol Joy Holling Camp each summer. Plus, their 10-year-old daughter, Hannah, has already been a camper for three years! Sending youth to Confirmation Camp has become increasingly important for both Pr. Sarah and Pr. Miles. Pr. Sarah says, “when kids are at camp they are immersed in an experience that is centered around God. It allows these kids to see how God is active in our lives.” Just last summer, Pr. Sarah had two youth who went to camp. “When these two came home, they were transformed. They even volunteered to share their camp experience with their congregation.” It is experiences like this that have led the Ruch family to become active givers!
Pastors Miles and Sarah Ruch, with their children, Aaron (2), Hannah (10) and Caleb (6).
Last summer they started making monthly gifts to support the Summer Ministry Team. Pr. Sarah shares, “We want to make sure ministry continues happening through these young adults, and we wanted these young adults to know how important they are.”
If you are interested in making a gift to support our ministry, please used the enclosed envelope or go online to www.nlom.org. If you have questions or want to discuss your gift, please call Jason Gerdes, NLOM Director/Devlopment at 402-944-2544.
Western Town Progress
Project Highlights: September - Construction began on the 2nd building, Hotel Theodore. September - Lippincott Stagecoach Inn is completed. Total Project Cost: $I.8 Million • Balance to Raise: $166,000 For more information, visit www.nlom.org.
For information on Blessings by the Bushel or to make a gift of grain, please contact Jason Gerdes toll free at 1-888-656-6254 or e-mail jgerdes@nlom.org. You can also learn more at www.nlom.org.
27416 Ranch Road Ashland, Nebraska 68003-3518 Non-profit org US postage PAID Ashland, NE Permit no. 19
Fall Festival
Upcoming Events at Carol Joy Holling Center
Sunday, October 6th 2 p.m. - 6 p.m. Come and enjoy a free afternoon at Carol Joy Holling Camp! We will be having fun for the whole family including boating, hiking, hayrack rides, ziplining and more!
UFO - Fall Retreat October 6-8
(extra day option through October 9)
This retreat is for crafters of any kind. Bring your own projects and use this time away to get caught up or do new projects!
Church Administrative Professionals Retreat October 28- 29
The Church Administrative Professionals Retreat will provide meaningful growth, worship and fellowship opportunities for professional church workers - plus a whole lotta fun!
Holiday Prep Weekend December 6-December 8
It’s time to reclaim the fun of the holiday season. The weekend schedule is filled with free time for you to choose your weekend fun. Bring your friends or come alone. It’s all about doing what you want to do to prepare for the Christmas season ahead!
Wild Women Retreat 2014 - Fearless! February 28 - March 2, 2014
Take this opportunity to give yourself a breath of renewal through the three day, two night retreat experiencing God’s presence in this sometimes scary walk we call life.
Learn more and register online at www.caroljoyholling.org. Questions? Call Kelsey Rabel at 402-944-2544!