The Branch Magazine - Fall 2022

Issue 1 - Fall 2022

“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

Finding Faith with New Friends

2 CONTENTS THE OF GAL A 6 Leaving the Workplace behind to Plan & Rejuvenate 8 10 JOY through Volunteer Eyes 14 table of Give Back Advent 18 This 15 Living a Legacy 19 The Jeremy Fuerst Story BUSY SEASON 20 UPCOMING EVENTS 22 THE CAMP CLASSICS 4 Faith & Future Seminary Scholarships

Finding Faith with New Friends

5,394 sno kones.

There are many ways to count our blessings when it comes to the summer of 2022. One of them is serving 5,394 sno kones.

Of course, camp is so much more than sno kones and s’mores. (We served 1,663 s’mores, by the way). For us, camp is about helping faith become real, tangible, and personal for each and every camper and Summer Ministry Team member.

In 1 Thessalonians 5:11, Paul wrote, “Encourage one another with the hope you have. Build each other up.”

Andrea Johnson shared that her son Cade felt that encouragement as a first-time camper this summer. “He was scared during the high ropes but thought it was great learning how to work through that fear to help others who were even more afraid than he was,” Andrea said.

It wasn’t just the high ropes. “He thought the worship was geared to them as kids and made it feel more heartfelt,” Andrea continued. “It made him view worshipping God in a more personal way, and I think it helped him grow tremendously in his faith.”

Kristin Palmer agreed. She said her daughters Ember & Lily appreciated “the time being outdoors, unplugged, and being with friends and God. Learning God’s word and singing praise songs all week was a definite highlight for them!”

While evangelism can be difficult for adults, it comes more naturally to campers. For many of us the thought of inviting a friend to church starts our heart racing!

Inviting a friend to Sullivan Hills or Carol Joy Holling Camps is something most of our campers do. This year, 45 of our first-time campers said they were invited by a friend.

Elizabeth was one of those campers. Her mom, Jennifer Fox, shared, “We are not very religious, but I knew the good message would be appropriate and focused on God’s love. This was exactly the case!”

Camp offers significant experiences that provide a safe, welcoming introduction to the Christian faith for those who don’t yet know the personal, boundless love of Jesus Christ, and to increase the relevance of faith in the daily life of those who do.

Thank you for making this experience possible. We are thankful for you.

I thank my God everytime I remember you.

-Philippians 1:3

As Summer Ministry Team member Scott Johnson was walking along the freshly chipped trails after worship one summer day in 1994 with former Executive Director Roger Sasse, Roger posed a question that would change Scott’s life.

“Scott, have you ever thought about going into ordained ministry?” Roger asked.

Summer Job

“To that point, I really hadn’t. But after he asked me that question, I started thinking about it… and then I discovered I couldn’t stop thinking about it,” Scott recalled.

He graduated from seminary in 2003 and currently serves as Bishop of the Nebraska Synod of the ELCA.

In fact, in NLOM’s short 47-year history, 51 summer staff members have gone on to become ordained ministers. Countless more serve as professional or lay ministers in their communities throughout the country.

Whether or not they feel God calling them into fulltime, professional ministry, all Summer Ministry Team members have an experience that impacts their faith.

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Transforms Faith & Future

We are grateful for the 42 young adults who served as role models for campers in 2022, helping them grow their confidence and independence while developing life-long friendships in a safe, loving, and faith-filled community.

If there’s a faith-filled young adult in your life that would make a great Summer Ministry Team member in 2023, invite them to apply!

Position descriptions, a full summer schedule, and application instructions are available at NLOM.org/smt.

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It may be hard to think about beautiful spring days while we are entering the cold and dry winter months, but our team at Nebraska Lutheran Outdoor Ministries is already imagining the setting for our 10th annual Heart of Camp Gala on April 1, 2023.

Last spring, 600 friends of camp joined us at A View West Shores in Waterloo, Neb. Our evening began with a wine and restaurant pull and silent auction. After a spectacular meal from A Catered Affair, we recognized some talented and resourceful award winners. We ended with a live auction featuring some serious bidding wars!

Combining the generosity of the attendees with our amazing Gala sponsors, a total of $195,000 was a reminder of how we are truly blessed with people who absolutely love camp and join us in our mission of Faith: Alive!

What you may not know about last year’s Gala, is that it’s the first time we have ever sold out!

We don’t want you to miss next year’s Gala! Get the 2023 Heart of Camp Gala on your calendar now so you can be part of a spectacular event.

On April 1, we will be celebrating 10 years of gathering together for the Heart of Camp Gala. The wine and restaurant pull will be even bigger. The silent auction will be even better, with some clever additions to the categories. The food will be amazing again and we’ll keep the cocktails flowing. Our goals for this 10th annual Gala are higher than ever before, and we have no doubt that together we can reach them.

Do you want to be part of the Gala team? We have several committees that you can join! Contact Gera Schultz at GSchultz@NLOM.org or 402-944-2544.

THE OF GAL A 6

Your Generosity Matters to Us.

Thrivent Choice Dollars are such a blessing to our ministry at Carol Joy Holling and Sullivan Hills Camps. This year, we have received nearly $14,000 because of YOU! Your gift makes a real impact on the lives of our campers and ensures that every camper who wants to come to camp has the opportunity. Thank you for giving in this way! For more information: NLOM.org

Leaving the Workplace behind to Plan & Rejuvenate

Remaining in the same work environment day after day can lead to complacency and decreased quality of work. In the office, it’s easy to lose focus of longterm goals and vision when there are a million things that need to be done. And with more and more team members working remotely, employee engagement is growing in importance. Pulling your team out of their normal working environment can reinvigorate their imagination, spark creativity, and can help an organization focus on specific goals, projects, and strategic planning.

According to LinkedIn, “When employees are in a relaxed but stimulating environment, it inspires creative thinking and knowledge sharing. Retreats help employees feel that their mental health is prioritized, which can make them more willing to contribute to the goals of the company and expend more energy.”

A change of scenery can inspire team members to look at problems from a fresh perspective, facilitating new ideas and allowing strategies to emerge.

Adding some relaxing activities to the schedule, like hiking or gathering around a fire pit, can help your team de-stress from work, enabling them to return to work with a refreshed frame of mind.

Whether you need a break from the mundane activity at the office or are launching a major project, business retreats are excellent initiators of productivity and community. Next time your company needs to recharge, consider a business retreat and host it at our Carol Joy Holling

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When is the last time you brought your team away from the workplace to rejuvenate, team build, or focus on long-term planning?

Next time your company needs to recharge, consider a business retreat and host it HERE!

Retreat Center near Ashland, Neb. From small and intimate to large and roomy, from high comfort to the rustic outdoors, we have got a space to suit your needs.

For space a bit more minimal and ‘rustic,’ ask about the Buckley Retreat Center located at Sullivan Hills Camp, near Lodgepole, Neb.

Leave the details to us, so you can focus on planning the meetings and activities that fill your time. We will help you accomplish your goals by providing the best hospitality possible. Our new chef, Max Harris is creating amazing and delicious meals for our guests.

Book your event today! Call Dana at 402-944-2544.

Meet max harris, nlom chef

MEET TARA

• Tara Knudson Carl, Ph.D is our new Director of Operations.

• Tara is our go-to person for all things HR & operations.

• When she’s not helping with the day-to-day operations here at camp, she’s either reading, golfing, or chauffeuring her daughter, Piper, around.

• Her family also took on a new venture this school year adding, Sofie, an exchange student from Norway to their family.

We are so happy to welcome Tara to our team!

CJHCenter.org

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We rounded out our summer with TWO golf outings!

The Kearney Camp Classic was held at Meadowlark Hills on August 19, with 53 golfers. A record-breaking 152 golfers joined us at the Ashland Golf Club on September 23, for the Carol Joy Holling Camp Classic.

These golf outings included fun games and competitions in addition to the 18-hole scramble. Golfers enjoyed delicious lunches at the start of the events. Our new 19th Hole celebration was a great place for golfers to connect with old and new friends after their round, learn who won each flight, and collect their prizes.

Fun and games aside, we raised more than $78,000 to support summer camping programs at Carol Joy Holling and Sullivan Hills Camps. We are thrilled these funds will enable so many campers to experience Faith: Alive! next summer.

Mark your calendars now:

Kearney Camp Classic

August 18, 2023

CJH Camp Classic

September 22, 2023

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“Gorgeous nature setting, peaceful surroundings. Absolutely lovely, wonderful place. I have recommended other UNO groups to Carol Joy Holling Camp, Conference & Retreat Center. It’s a perfect place to get out of the office and connect with coworkers.”

“The staff were not only professional, but cared for our staff and participants in a genuine Christlike manner. They made us feel at home and were available to meet any questions that arose. It was a real blessing to spend the week with you.”

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-Kim Trost, University of Nebraska at Omaha Juvenile Justice Institute -John Sundquist, Lutheran Men in Mission

“From the moment we met our building host, to the minute we left, we were met with great people who went out of their way to help us. The host, the kitchen staff, the housekeeping and all other employees were wonderful. We had a fantastic time at the camp and it was perfect for our purposes of family and church together time. Your buildings and facilities are so impressive and well kept.”

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-Mandy Mandachit, North Pointe Community Church

JOY through Volunteer Eyes

Serving the Lord by volunteering is a true joy and the love of many people.

“I love to come out to camp and serve. It’s like a whole different world out here,” Roger Knight shared. “I feel very welcomed by all the great staff members and very appreciated, too.” For the past 11 years, Roger has shared his time and talents mowing and helping with general maintenance at Carol Joy Holling Camp.

There are many opportunities to volunteer through Nebraska Lutheran Outdoor Ministries at both of our locations, Sullivan Hills Camp and Carol Joy Holling Camp, Conference & Retreat Center.

Mowing and maintenance—where Roger volunteers is an ongoing need, as well as helping with mailings, welcoming guests, housekeeping, event work, cooking, and much more.

We probably should warn you—once you join our team of volunteers, you may be hooked! Roger said that definitely happened to him, “Dave Coker encouraged me to come see the camp, then volunteer, and now I love this place.”

If you feel led to volunteer your time and talents at Sullivan Hills Camp or Carol Joy Holling Camp, Conference & Retreat Center, contact Lisa Stirtz, volunteer coordinator at LStirtz@NLOM.org or 402-944-2544, and she’ll get you connected.

to Deanna ‘De’ Chesnut for naming our new magazine!

Congratulations

SMT alumnus

‘82 - ‘84

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“ Dave Coker encouraged me to come see the camp, then volunteer, and now I love this place.

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Ways for You and Your Family to Give Back This Advent

Advent is a time for family, friends, and fellowship, just like camp.

Camp is all about community. No matter how long a camper or guest is with us, we live out faith in ways that show them they belong here, and even more, that they are unconditionally loved by God.

Celebrating Thanksgiving, Advent, and Christmas provide many opportunities for us to live out faith in our communities—the communities we live, worship, play, learn, and grow in.

When others are struggling to make ends meet, fun, fellowship, and sometimes even faith take a back seat. Consider the impact you can make on a family’s well-being with one of these ideas.

From donating items at a food drive, to sponsoring a camper, your contribution will make a difference. We’ve come up with some ideas to get you started:

1. SHARE YOUR TIME

Your local food bank will welcome your family’s offer to volunteer this busy season. Whether helping sort, pack, or serve, giving a couple hours of your time will help many people in our community that are experiencing food insecurity this holiday season.

(cont. on page 16)

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2. TAKE ACTION

If you’re a Thrivent member, each year you may have up to two opportunities to create your own community service project, funded by Thrivent. Thrivent Action Teams provide up to $250 for a fundraising, educational, or service activity.

If you are interested in supporting NLOM through an Action Team, give us a call, and we can give you lots of ideas about how you might do this. Some examples others have helped with in the past include supplies for Work Day and other NLOM events, a camp service project, and campership fundraising.

3. GIVE THE GIFT OF GIVING

Mark your calendars for November 29:

This nationwide movement unites us all in a day of generosity at the start of the busy holiday season.

At Nebraska Lutheran Outdoor Ministries, all are welcome. We want every child and family to have the opportunity to experience Faith:Alive!

In places set apart, we live out faith in ways that show everyone they belong and are unconditionally loved by God no matter where they are in their struggles. Give generously on #GivingTuesday and provide this opportunity for a camper who wouldn’t otherwise be able to come to camp.

4. HOST A “FRIENDSGIVING” TO BENEFIT OTHERS

Sometimes in our struggle to do good, we feel like surely we can’t do anything big enough to make a difference. This year, leverage your circle of friends and co-workers to make a bigger impact. Host a Friendsgiving either at the office potluck or at home. Get creative and skip the traditional Thanksgiving meal; serve wine and charcuterie or have a soup challenge instead. Whatever you decide, make it count by raising funds to support NLOM or another local organization. And, don’t forget to check with your employer to see if they have a match program. Many business now match your donations—making your gift go even further.

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5. GET YOUR KIDS INVOLVED

Use this time as an opportunity to talk with your children about the blessings your family has been given. Explain that many families are not able to do sports, dance, or summer camp. Talk about faith together and how your family lives that out.

Camp is the place where many young people learn about God’s unconditional love for the very first time, and for others it’s the first place where they feel free to share that love and discuss it with others without judgment. Share the impact that God’s love has on your lives. You can do this throughout Advent and anytime during the year.

6. SPREAD THE WORD

You can grow our ministries by following @SullivanHills and @CarolJoyHollingCamp on Facebookand cjh.camp on Instagram. Share what you are most grateful for. Don’t forget to tag us! Share your message with others throughout Advent. However you choose to give back this season, your spirit of generosity will make a big difference in the lives of others.

We’ll help make your next meeting or event less stressful and more successful. We can accomodate groups from 20 to 200. Our top-notch facilities and hospitality allow you to fully focus on your goals.

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WE MAKE IT EASY!

TrailHead

TrailHead: Shaping Faithful Leaders

The new Hazel Dillon Lodge has truly been a blessing for our young campers as they build and grow relationships with God, make new friends, and enjoy God’s creation. While this building is a physical blessing, two endowments in this campaign are funding faith-filled leadership for generations to come.

SHAPING FAITHFUL LEADERS

Now that the building portion of the TrailHead: Shaping Faithful Leaders campaign is completely funded, our attention is focused on the two campaign endowments. The Camp Fees Endowment will sustain our campership fund, and the Seminary Scholarship Endowment will

Seminary Scholarship Endowment Recipients

provide scholarships to gifted Summer Ministry Team members called into professional ministry. Nebraska Lutheran Outdoor Ministries strives to shape faithful leaders for the church and world, and we are proud to share that 51 of our former Summer Ministry Team members have become ordained ministers.

“Nebraska Lutheran Outdoor Ministries has been, and will always be, a foundational aspect of my call to ministry in God’s church,” Evan Christensen shared. “My time at camp has instilled a deep appreciation for hospitality—for making others feel welcome, appreciated, and loved.”

“Serving at NLOM strengthened my faith,” Hillary Christiansen added. “Camp’s welcoming atmosphere and care for all who enter has showed me what God’s church is all about.”

Evan and Hilary returned to their home synod and are now serving churches in Swedehome, Rising City, and Genoa, Neb.

Evan & Hillary are the 50th & 51st Summer Ministry Team members to be ordained in NLOM’s short 47-year history.

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Living a Legacy

Former Summer Ministry Team member, Jeremy Fuerst had a great love for Nebraska Lutheran Outdoor Ministries (NLOM) and a desire to do something big and impactful for the ministry. But fresh out of college he had very little to give. Jeremy decided that taking out a life insurance policy and naming NLOM as beneficiary was his best option. Paying less than $50 per month for his policy, Jeremy initiated what would become his desired gift to NLOM.

During the early years of their marriage, Jeremy and Shannyn would regularly review their finances and Shannyn remembers Jeremy always looking at the life insurance policy and saying, “I don’t want to give this up.” Later in their marriage they became Fire Starters, adding a monthly gift as well. “To us it was a few coffees or eating out each month, but it was significant to the camp,” she said.

On September 9, 2021, Jeremy tragically lost his life in a mountain climbing accident in Colorado, and since that day, Shannyn has been learning to look at life in brand new ways. She’ll tell you that she loves the words of Mother Teresa, “Do small things with great love.” She thinks of that phrase and Jeremy quite often, especially when it comes to their gifts to NLOM. “It’s so amazing to know his legacy is really happening, that kids will hear his story and his dream for so many years. Scott Johnson will tell his kids about Jeremy; Jason Gerdes will tell campers and summer staff for years who Jeremy was and what his dream was for them.”

The gift that Jeremy left for NLOM established a Summer Ministry Team recruitment fund that exemplifies the passion that Jeremy had for recruiting others to join him on the summer staff in the late 90’s and 2000.

Shannyn will readily tell you that this last year she has realized she is not unique in her position as a young widow. She is thankful that Jeremy had the desire and foresight to plan for the future because as she quotes John 10, “I came to give you life and give it abundantly”, and notes that the day that we plan for is not always down the road as far as we hope.

Jeremy was a member of Club 10:14 since 2001, and when he passed at age 43, the gift that was left as a legacy for NLOM had been planned with great passion and a desire for big things. Shannyn says, “He lived life in big ways, did amazing things, and I’m grateful there is something good that could come out of this.”

Club 10:14 is the Nebraska Lutheran Outdoor Ministries Planned Giving Club that currently includes 220 generous families who will one day provide more than $28 million in gifts. These gifts will allow NLOM to continue to offer significant experiences that provide a safe, welcoming introduction to the Christian faith, increase the relevance of faith in daily life, and bring faith alive for all who come here.

He lived life in big ways, did amazing things, and I’m grateful there is something good that could come out of this.

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By Korey Breutzmann, Director of Programs

After summer camp is over each year, I often get asked some form of this question: “Do you get to take a breath now that camp is over?”

I often chuckle on the inside when I get asked this question. You see, while summer camp might be wrapping up and my job might be getting a bit more stable, my life outside of camp starts getting more hectic.

My weekends become quickly booked with out of town trips for weddings or to see family, my weeknights become booked with the various church ministries I take part in, and my job keeps me busy out on the ropes course or traveling to the various conferences that occur in autumn each year.

Sometimes I feel that my summer schedule, while busy and full of long days, is more consistent than the nonsummer months.

I’m sure many people struggle with a similar situation in their own lives.

When does the busy season end?

One difficulty with being busy so much, is that sometimes we overlook all the blessings in our lives. We often times are so focused on looking forward to whatever is next, that we miss what is currently happening.

BUSY SEASON

We forget to live in the present as we are looking forward to the future.

Author Robert Holden wrote, “The real gift of gratitude is that the more grateful you are, the more present you become.”

Gratitude often times doesn’t take the form of outward thanks. It is a warm feeling or emotion felt inside that we express with intention and presence. In the craziness of our lives, let’s take time to find things happening around us that we are truly grateful for.

When we take that intentional time to be grateful, we will also become more present in the love of God that surrounds us. When we become more present, it is easier to see and feel the life-changing power of God, through the Holy Spirit, all around us. We give thanks and are grateful this season for all who continue to help make camp one of those special places where anyone and everyone can be present in God’s abundant love.

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“In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”

-1 Thessalonians 5:18

Tax-Wise Giving

This is a great time of year to review ways to give that are the most beneficial to you. The following options are good starting points for conversation with your team of advisors*:

IRA REQUIRED MINIMUM DISTRIBUTION

Anyone turning 72 in 2022 will have until April 1, 2023 to make their first required minimum distribution from their IRA, with a second required by December 31, 2023. All subsequent required minimum distributions must occur by December 31 of each year.

APPRECIATED STOCK, MUTUAL FUNDS, OR BONDS

Donating investments especially highly appreciated securities you’ve held for more than a year is even smarter than giving cash. If you donate stock that has increased in value since you bought it more than a year ago, you can take a charitable deduction for the stock’s fair market value on the day you give it away. You’ll also avoid capital-gains taxes on the increase in value, which you would have had to pay if you sold the stock and then donated the cash.

DONOR ADVISED FUNDS

Some financial advisors are suggesting that their clients give every other year to maximize their deduction. However, using a Donor Advised Fund through a community foundation will allow you to continue making annual gifts to support NLOM’s work while also maximizing the tax advantages.

For more information about ways to give to NLOM, contact Jason Gerdes at JGerdes@NLOM.org or 402-944-2544.