The Branch Magazine - Spring 2023

Spring 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

YOU MAKE CAMP POSSIBLE FOR ALL!

YOU MAKE CAMP POSSIBLE FOR ALL!

“We usually don’t do camps because of the expense, but her cousin is attending this camp and asked if she could come with her,” a camper parent recently shared.

Thank you for ensuring cost is not a barrier when a camper invites a friend to experience a faith-growing week at Sullivan Hills Camp or Carol Joy Holling Camp.

“We were able to send our sons to camp last year thanks to financial aid,” another camper parent added. “We are so thankful for this opportunity and the experience they had. They bring it up often and have a deepened trust in Jesus because of their time at camp.”

Decades ago, Nebraska Lutheran Outdoor Ministries (NLOM) leadership stepped out in faith to say we will not turn away any camper who cannot afford the cost of camp.

What an incredible legacy that began—blessing these young, faith-filled campers no matter their situation.

“My daughter was looking forward to being able to start camp this year, but with my recent layoff times are very

uneasy,” a camper parent confided. “I’d love for her to go, so I’m reaching out to see if there’s an option for her to attend.”

You bring Faith: Alive! each summer when you sponsor a camper who may not otherwise be able to be here. And even more, you spark faith in the parents of that camper as they feel your love for them.

“I was a camper for a few years and even worked on staff for one summer, and now I’m excited to have my own daughter attend camp as well,” another camper parent acknowledged. “It’s truly a life changing place. As a single mom, [Campership] support is definitely helpful.”

At Carol Joy Holling Camp and Sullivan Hills Camp, these campers are surrounded by love from you, the Summer Ministry Team, other campers, and most importantly, the boundless, merciful, and unconditional love of God.

Thank you for being a friend of camp and joining us in bringing Faith: Alive!

CAMP

WISH LIST

The following is a list of needs for our summer camping programs. Making a gift by donating the funds to purchase one of these items is very easy:

1. Choose the item(s).

2. Indicate your choice on the included envelope.

3. Mail it back to us with your gift!

Lifeguard rescue pack - $20

Box fans - $20

White tube socks for campers (18 pairs) - $24

Headlamps for night camp (20) - $25

Fishing reels - $30

Archery arrows - $40

Lifeguard rescue tube - $40

Feed a camper for one week - $50

Friendo string - $50

Sponsor a camper at Sullivan Hills Camp - $50

Roll of 100 stamps - $55

Hotdogs for one week - $55

Sno kones for a day - $60

Soft volleyballs (5) - $60

S’mores for one day - $70

Sharpies (10 boxes) - $78

Pop for one week of Pop Stop - $140

Burgers for a cook-out meal - $225

Golf cart rental - $334

Kayaks (4) - $350 each

Sponsor a camper at Carol Joy Holling Camp - $420

Mulch for trails - $1,000

Pop for an entire summer of Pop Stop - $1,120

Sponsor a Summer Ministry Team member- $3,600

Bat-wing mower - $11,000

Good condition vehicles - in-kind

HORSE PROGRAM

WISH LIST:

Horse tack - $25

Horse riding helmets - $30

Horse medications and vaccinations - $40

Care and feed for a horse for the summer - $1,300

Horses - in kind donation

Our summer herd is 25+ horses!

by Lisa Stirtz,

No matter their age or abilities, volunteers make a huge difference at Sullivan Hills Camp and Carol Joy Holling Camp, Conference & Retreat Center.

“It is a fun atmosphere with friendly people,” Shelley Barber of Gretna shared.

Each year hundreds of people from across the state share their time and use their talents to help Nebraska Lutheran Outdoor Ministries (NLOM) prosper, flourish, and spread the love of Christ to others.

“Volunteering helps me to focus on someone or something other than myself and gives me a feeling of satisfaction,” Gretchen Hild of Norfolk added. “I did not realize all NLOM does, and by volunteering with them I have learned more about them.”

At NLOM, in places set apart, we live out faith in ways that show everyone they belong and are unconditionally loved by God.

By bringing in volunteers to help in so many ways, we are able to live out our mission of Faith: Alive!

“Since I’m a retired teacher, I enjoy helping with mailings,” Kris Gaebel of Ashland said. “I like working with others; I have met some new people, reacquainted with people from the past, and also worked with current friends.”

“My church’s ministry theme this year is ‘Hearts of Compassion Moved to Action,’ so following this theme, I came out to volunteer. I love to drive to this beautiful camp and enjoy God’s nature,” Kris continued.

It is a joy working with so many wonderful people sharing their gifts with our ministry.

“As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace.” -1 Peter 4:10.

If you or your ladies group, mens group, or youth group want to volunteer at camp, contact Lisa at LStirtz@NLOM.org or 402-944-2544.

NLOM Volunteer Coordinator

Living with Purpose:

Les Robbins Honored for Living Out

His Authentic Calling

by Dani Hatfield, NLOM Director of Marketing

“If those buildings could talk, what would they say?” Les Robbins reflects aloud.

Through his 11 years as Volunteer Chief Financial Officer (CFO) for Nebraska Lutheran Outdoor Ministries (NLOM), Les has been a part of campaigns for the construction or renovation of more than half of the buildings at Sullivan Hills Camp and Carol Joy Holling Camp, Conference & Retreat Center.

“[The buildings] would talk about the relationships of people that are bonded here by their faith,” he continues. “I look at it like this is a place where you can come, you can be alone. You can be alone with yourself, you can be alone with God.”

“But yet this is a place that you can come and gather. Gather in the spirit of your faith and be together with other people, and just enjoy the togetherness that comes from being in the same kind of a faith life.”

Les saw this first-hand through his daughter’s time on summer staff. In fact, that’s how he became connected to NLOM.

“It was heartwarming to hear how she was being transformed herself. You go into this serving others, but then you end up being blessed yourself by doing the work that you’re doing.”

After helping out at a couple Work Day volunteer events and connecting with Dave Coker, former NLOM Executive Director, through their church, Les received what he feels was a divine invitation.

He recalls with a chuckle, that Dave assured him that he had “the perfect thing for him” and that “it won’t take very much time.”

“To me, I looked at it as a calling from God to say, ‘Help this camp grow, help them stabilize, do what you can.’” Les reflects.

And that’s exactly what has happened in this ministry since 2011.

Les’ daughter’s Summer Ministry Team photo in 2009

Les shares that when he started, NLOM had $5 million in net assets and $1.5 million in debt. Today the organization has $15 million in net assets and is completely debt free.

“It’s growing, not because of any special sauce or any financial finagling I did,” he clarifies. “It happened because of the great donor base we have. And just because [we’re debt free], doesn’t mean we stop. The best is ahead for camp. I’m excited about what the future holds for it.”

“There were some bumps in the road,” Les admits. “There were things that happened along the way that I learned a lot from.”

Like a global pandemic.

“We came out of COVID-19 a much better organization. And not many organizations can say that, but I think we came out stronger. We have a strong team; it bonded us together as a team, and we came out financially sound.”

That team recognized Les with the Vocation Award for living out his authentic calling as NLOM’s Volunteer CFO at the tenth annual Heart of Camp Gala on April 1.

Of course, Les shared his gratitude to God, his family, and the organization for the opportunity.

“I know that this was a calling. God called—even though Coker called—it was God calling. My faith came alive because I saw the impact that the ministry made on other people, and I got the pleasure being part of that.”

Thank you!

Your generosity provided more than $315,000 through the 2023 Heart of Camp Gala.

Land has such a powerful draw on our lives. In Nebraska, it is especially obvious, as agriculture is a part of who we are. Even for those of us who are not actively involved in farming, we are just a generation or two away from family members who were. Our roots are buried deep in the land.

At Nebraska Lutheran Outdoor Ministries (NLOM), we understand the importance of land. The gifts of property provided by George and Irene Holling, that became Carol Joy Holling Camp, and Lillian and Lester Sullivan, whose land became Sullivan Hills Camp, created sacred spaces that have impacted the faith lives of thousands upon thousands of people for more than 40 years.

Gifts of land continue to impact our ministry and the people we serve. Over the last few years, five faithful friends have included NLOM in their estate plans with gifts of land totaling $3.7 million. These incredibly

generous, forward-looking people will ensure that NLOM remains vital, strong, and faithful for many years to come.

One of these generous friends was very familiar to our NLOM family. LaVonne Loseke, who many knew as Bidder #1 at the Quilt Auction and who also provided the matching funds for the swimming pool at Carol Joy Holling Camp, had incredible impact on our ministry during her lifetime. Upon her death, LaVonne provided a legacy gift of an 80-acre farm in Columbus. This farm recently sold and enabled the creation of an endowment fund in the NLOM Foundation named in LaVonne’s memory. This fund will provide significant, ongoing support.

NLOM has stewarded these gifts of land by making longterm decisions for the critically

by Jason Gerdes, NLOM Executive Director

of land

important ministry’s financial health. We eliminated all long-term debt, established an operating reserve fund, and placed money in the endowment accounts of the NLOM Foundation. We were also able to care for the NLOM staff in a way that they deserve, by providing medical benefits and retirement programs.

Thank you to LaVonne, Clifford Johnson, Elsa Heller, and Andrew and Margaret Morrow for their decisions to leave legacies that will positively impact people everywhere through their gifts of land.

Many of NLOM’s friends have included our ministry in their will. If you are interested in leaving a legacy to help keep Faith: Alive! please contact Dave Coker, Special Gifts Officer, at 402-944-2544 or our ministry partner, Sarah Callahan, at Lutheran Giving at 402-740-8817.

From Campfire to Candlelight:

“You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.”

-Matthew 5:14-16

I was recently asked to give my faith story to a group of high school youth at my church. The youth director knew that camp was a very important part of my journey, but perhaps didn’t realize that it wasn’t my time spent at camp as a camper that was so meaningful, but in fact the summers I worked on staff while I was in college.

Like many of today’s youth experience, I felt a disconnect from my church growing up. I was not engaged and fell away after I was confirmed. I attended youth events very sparsely (only if one of my friends specifically reached out and invited me).

In college, I was seeking a summer job. I remembered a place that I loved while I was a youth, and soon did some internet searches to see how I could get a job there. That place was Pine Lake Camp, an ELCA camp in Waupaca, Wis., and part of Crossways Camping Ministries.

Over the next four summers, I gave my entire summer breaks to be a part of a community. A community that cared for the youth we served, and to show them that God’s love is beyond our understanding and unconditional. I shared what it means to serve others through our partnerships with other churches and through our service to each other at camp.

I walked away each summer completely drained, ready to sleep for an entire week straight, and completely spiritually renewed and ready to spread God’s love to others I encountered.

Reflecting God’s Love Every Day in Every Way

by Korey Breutzmann, NLOM Director of Programs

Those summers were some of the most challenging times of my life, yet they yielded the greatest moments and memories of my life. Serving on summer staff at that camp is what made me into the person I am today.

The youth and young adults that serve on the Summer Ministry Team at NLOM are some of the greatest young people the church has today.

They are selfless, hardworking, and filled with joy; all while being covered in sweat and bug bites for 10 weeks of the summer.

Serving on the staff is truly life-changing and an incredibly unique experience. It is the hardest job I have ever had, and I wouldn’t have traded it for anything else in the world.

Jesus shows us in Matthew 5:14-16 what being the light of Christ is like. Our summer staff is truly the

light of Christ to the campers that come to Carol Joy Holling Camp and Sullivan Hills Camp each year.

We are all called not to hide our light, but to shine it for others so that they may see our good works and know God.

Where are you currently shining the light of Christ to others?

Let us all follow the example of the young people on staff, who spend countless hours showing campers that they belong to and are loved unconditionally by God, no matter who they are or where they come

Let us all go forth and shine our light bright!

Twila Johnson: A

Dedicated Friend of Sullivan Hills Camp

by Dani Hatfield, NLOM Director of Marketing

Twila, who hails from nearby Chappell, is always eager to lend a helping hand whenever needed.

“We needed something in this area, some place for our kids to go,” Twila acknowledged.

at Sullivan Hills Camp and several of Twila’s great grandchildren have also attended summer camp.

“Her love for her family shines through in everything she does, and it’s clear that they mean the world to her,” Trish emphasized.

Twila Johnson, a long-time friend of Sullivan Hills Camp, has been an active supporter of the camp’s events and initiatives since the property was donated by Lester & Lillian Sullivan in 1995.

At that time, Nebraska Lutheran Outdoor Ministries (NLOM) recruited volunteers from area congregations to tear down the old barn and clear out some dead trees.

Twila’s late husband, Milt, joined that effort and recruited others to help.

Twila joined many other women in providing food for those working on the property.

“Sullivan Hills Camp changed from a broken-down farm to a well-developed, beautiful place,” she remarked.

One of her favorite pastimes is quilting, and she is an accomplished seamstress with a real talent for creating beautiful quilt designs.

“When I first met Twila, she showed me around her place and all the special quilt projects she was working on,” NLOM Development Officer, Trish Haniszewski recalled. “Then she introduced me to her whole family, going one-by-one through the family portraits hanging above her fireplace.”

Twila’s husband, Milt, passed away some time ago, leaving her with four daughters, Cindy and Mike Broderick of Chappell, Cheryl and Lonnie Eckstrom of Palmer, Brenda and Kevin Derry of Chappell, and Barbara and Rick Mikelson of Julesburg, Colo., and several grandchildren and great grandchildren. In fact, her granddaughter held her wedding

Twila’s seen the positive impact of camp first-hand in her family. “Sullivan Hills Camp provides an experience for children to see faith—mentored by young adults—in addition the faith shared by their parents,” she explained.

Twila is also part of a closeknit group of widows, including Doreen Carlson, Sheila Cheleen, and Fauneil Johnson.

Over the years, these four ladies have regularly attended the annual Heart of the Hills benefit dinner and other events hosted by NLOM.

They have put together many fun auction baskets for the benefit dinner and were always ready to pitch in and help out whenever needed.

“They are a wonderful group of friends who support each other through thick and thin, and they all share a deep love for Sullivan Hills Camp,” Trish added.

June 29 • Sidney Elks Lodge • 1040 Jackson Street

NLOM is recognizing Twila Johnson with the Servant Award for more than two decades of dedication and service to Sullivan Hills Camp . Tickets for the Heart of the Hills benefit dinner are still available. For more information or to purchase your tickets, visit SullivanHills.org/heart-of-the-hills or call 402-944-2544.

Thrivent Action Teams

Thrivent Action Teams are the perfect way to bring some people together to make an immediate impact on a cause you care about...CAMP!

Ideas on ways to use your Thrivent Action Team:

-Auction baskets for fundraising events

-Creative arts craft kits

-Personal care kits (toiletries)

-Summer camper care kits (sunscreen, bug spray, etc.)

For more information, visit: NLOM.org/alternative-giving

Partnership

“I’ve seen the quality of this program and the quality of this camp through the eyes of an educator, and I’ve also seen it through the eyes of a parent,” Papillion La Vista Community Schools Superintendent Andrew Rikli, Ed.D. noted. “I’m just deeply grateful for the opportunities that the camp has offered our students and our families.”

Outdoor Education has been a tradition for 6th graders at Papillion La Vista Community Schools for more than 40 years—first at Hitchcock Park then at the Eastern Nebraska 4-H Camp.

When the 4-H camp closed in 2020, panic swept the students and teachers with a fear that Outdoor Ed. would be coming to an end. Then the administration discovered Carol Joy Holling Camp, Conference & Retreat Center.

“The one common theme that we have found is the importance of collaboration—the emphasis on kids getting to experience the outdoors in an authentic way, and then having the facilities to support all of that,” Dr. Rikli added. “This camp has been able to accommodate all of those things, and it’s just been a terrific experience.”

Through this partnership, Papillion La Vista students have been able to participate in a two-day outdoor education experience that includes both science and social-emotional curriculum.

“Outdoor Ed. is designed to be a multidisciplinary experience, that is it includes elements of social studies, science, and physical education, but at its core, it really is a community-building experience,” Dr. Rikli explained.

“Kids build community amongst other students, amongst other 6th graders that they may not have much experience with.”

The Papillion La Vista school district has 16 elementary schools, and schools hold their Outdoor Ed. experiences in pairs. This means 6th graders not only learn and grow with peers from their school, but also another elementary school in the district.

“It really is about building relationships and building community—not only with students, but with staff members—and communing with the great outdoors, and that’s a pretty cool thing to see,” Dr. Rikli expressed.

For many students, the highlight is the one day they stay into the evening for a presentation from Wildlife Encounters, as well as campfire activities and an astronomy lesson.

Builds Community, Personal Growth Through Outdoor ExperiENCES

by Dani Hatfield, NLOM Director of Marketing

“We think that there’s a huge amount of value in saying to all 6th graders, regardless of your background or what elementary school you come from or your socioeconomic status, you’re going to get a chance to experience the outdoors in a controlled setting, in a safe setting, but also in a way that encourages you hopefully to think about how you may have future opportunities to spend time outdoors,” Dr. Rikli shared.

Thanks to the financial support of the Papillion La Vista Schools Foundation and the staff and facility at Carol Joy Holling Camp, Conference & Retreat Center, Outdoor Education will continue to be a forever memory for Papillion La Vista 6th grade students.

“This really is a capstone event for our kids, regardless of grade level,” Dr. Rikli acknowledged. “It’s something that they remember. It’s something that they only get to experience once in their 13 years with Papillion La Vista Community Schools, but it’s such a profound experience it carries with them beyond graduation.”

Nebraska Lutheran Outdoor Ministries (NLOM) recognized Papillion La Vista Community Schools with the Partnership Award for providing educational opportunities for children to grow in the outdoors at the tenth annual Heart of Camp Gala on April 1.

“We do this program not because we’re seeking awards or recognition,” Dr. Rikli emphasized. “We do it because it’s the right thing to do. We do it because it creates opportunities for kids. And we do it because we feel it strengthens families.”

The Power of Connection:

Why Team Building Programs are Essential

by Tara Knudson Carl, Ph. D., NLOM Director of Operations

According to LiveAbout.com, team building “is the process of turning a group of individual contributing employees into a cohesive team.”

It’s aimed at helping people work together more collaboratively in order to improve communication and performance in the workplace, as well as to help a team more effectively meet their goals.

So, why should you take the time for it? There are important reasons to take time away from day-to-day organizational activity for team building.

In addition to improving team effectiveness, it helps to develop a more welcoming and encouraging company culture, leading to improved employee retention. In addition, productivity often increases when team members feel connected to others at work, and they will become more likely to ask for help from co-workers when they need it.

According to Jeremy Sutton in PositivePsychology.com, goals for team building need to be developed for each specific team, but with an overarching organizational focus. He indicates that common goals include:

• Opportunity for team members to become better acquainted

• Understanding strengths of individuals and how each best contributes to the team

• Coming together through shared goals and vision

• Enhancing the performance of the team

Your focus on team building is going to work best if you leave the office behind and get away!

It’s hard not to be thinking about that to-do list on your desk and emails that need to be answered if you stay in the work environment.

A change in setting stimulates the brain, so a change in environment will likely help your team be more creative. Even better … get outside!

On Indeed.com, Jamie Birt states that if you get outdoors your team will benefit. “Spending time outside can improve your mood and ease feelings of stress and burnout. Enjoying the sunshine and fresh air during team-building activities allows your team to relax and recharge.”

Successful team building can have many positive outcomes for your business and organization, so put it on your list of goals for the year, and begin your planning.

If you need some assistance with the location and/ or activities, our team invites you to come to us and let us help! At Sullivan Hills Camp or Carol Joy Holling Camp, Conference & Retreat Center, our team-building programs will not only bring new energy to your team, but they will also provide an opportunity to work on developing and advancing your team’s skills.

Ask us about our low and high ropes courses, and about our Town Hall challenge elements – they might be just right for your team!

“the courses allow for a unique and powerful experience that is very useful in our leadership training program”

-Millard North High School

Lloyd Wagnitz joined the Nebraska Lutheran Outdoor Ministries team as Director of Development in February.

After a prestigious 30-year career in IT for financial institutions with a side gig coaching basketball for ages ranging from 3rd grade to high school, Lloyd stepped into a new role of Director of Development at Heartland Lutheran High School in Grand Island and most recently at Lincoln Lutheran Schools.

“In 2008, the Holy Spirit led me to a second career of ministry work,” Lloyd says. “I enjoy sharing my faith and regularly shared with the basketball teams I coached.”

Lloyd Wagnitz

The opportunity to work with NLOM came as Lloyd was considering his retirement. As he learned more about the mission of NLOM, he felt God led him to continue his work here.

Lloyd lives near Eagle, Neb., with his wife, Susan. He enjoys spending time with his family, including two daughters and a son and their spouses, and four grandchildren.

He enjoys smoking meat, and we hope he shares that with the rest of our team!

Everyone went above and beyond to make our stay in the Swanson Center the best it could be. Anyone I came into contact with was a joy to visit with!

-HarvestHER

Our agenda was driven by work, but the chapel provided us a perfect setting for worship which grounded our time. Hospitality shown by staff was gracious and kind. The setting was beautiful and inspiring.

-ELCA Foundation

Faith: Alive!

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.

All Are Welcome

As a part of our joy in serving the church and the community, as well as in justice to our guests, campers, volunteers, and staff members, Nebraska Lutheran Outdoor Ministries, including its Carol Joy Holling Camp, Conference, & Retreat Center and Sullivan Hills Camp, is committed to principles that enable opportunities for full participation in its programs and activities. These programs and activities include Christian education and spiritual, psychological, social, personal, and professional development. We welcome all people, and we do not tolerate behavior

that discriminates based upon race, religion, color, creed, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, national origin, age or ancestry. Such discrimination is demeaning, destructive, and directly at odds with the Gospel of Christ and our goals of fostering equity, mutual understanding, and cooperation.

Impact

Nebraska Lutheran Outdoor Ministries offers significant experiences that:

• provide a safe, welcoming introduction to the Christian faith

• increase the relevance of faith in one’s daily life

• promote community-building

Summer Camp 2023

June 4 - July 28, 2023

CarolJoyHolling.org

SullivanHills.org

UPCOMING EVENTS

August 18, 2023

CJHCenter.org/kearneygolf

November 10-12, 2023

CJHCenter.org/ms-retreat

June 29, 2023

SullivanHills.org/heart-of-the-hills

Quilt Auction

July 29, 2023

CJHCenter.org/quilt-auction

September 22, 2023

CJHCenter.org/cjhgolf

October 7, 2023

CJHCenter.org/explore

November 18-19, 2023

CJHCenter.org/mother-daughter

UnFinished Objects Retreats

Carol Joy Holling Camp

July 9-11 |

September 24-26

October 22-24 |

December 1-3

CJHCenter.org/ufo

Sullivan Hills Camp

August 25-27

SullivanHills.org/events-retreats

A Day Retreat at Carol Joy Holling Camp for Elementary Kids