ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT From Musical Instrument to Work of Art! by Crystal Swenson
My connection to NeSoDak goes back further than Lutherans Outdoors. My dad was on the NeSoDak Board of Directors in the early 1960’s. My first camping experience was during the summer of 1967. I went back in the summer of 1968. My counselor, Deb, was one of the main guitar players for the summer. That is when I knew I wanted to learn how to play guitar. My parents gave me my first guitar as a Christmas gift that year. When I was in college, I traded that guitar for a 12-string. I took it with me to NeSoDak for the summer of 1976 when I did my Recreation internship. It was during summer camp when I started playing more and improving my skills.
Crystal Swenson with her “Work of Art”.
I graduated from Northern State in 1977 and went back to NeSoDak. I developed a friendship with Rachel Jacobson, a counselor from Veblen. We stayed in touch over the years. Like many camp staff friendships, personal visits weren’t numerous, but they were always special. My 12-string guitar went with me to Outlaw in 1980 when I was the summer program director. And it went with me several times over the years as I attended Family Camp. Eventually, it developed bridge issues, and I no longer played it. I replaced it with a new 12-string Washburn and a couple of 6-string Taylors. As years went on, Rachel developed a passion for mosaic work. She won an award at the Minnesota State Fair for her work on a guitar. The first time I saw her award winner, I knew I would love to have her mosaic my guitar—the one I played the summer I worked with her. She encouraged me to come to one of her Mosaic Weekends in the Twin Cities and do the artwork myself. That never seemed to work out (probably because I wanted her to do it). Last summer, she agreed to take my guitar and turn it into a piece of art.
Rachel Jacobson Arntson staff alumni, and mosaic artist.
Rachel asked me for input, and I gave her ideas. I wanted to showcase the cross at Inspiration Point and the LO logo. I love to photograph flowers, and she incorporated my love. Each time she sent a photo of the work in progress, I would get tears in my eyes. Although the guitar can no longer be played, it still makes joyful noises. When I look at “Jacob” (yes, I name my guitars), I hear Rachel’s raucous laughter. I hear myself playing it at numerous campfires and worship services. I hear voices singing along to the chords as I strummed. Thank you, Rachel Jacobson Arntson, for sharing your talent!
WELCOME SKYLAR! Outlaw Ranch welcomed Program Director, Skylar Schwab in May. From Skylar, “It is with great joy and excitement that I get to begin my newest adventure at Outlaw Ranch! I’ve been in the camp world for almost 15 years either as a camper, counselor, planning the programs, a volunteer, or bringing youth from my church to camps across the Midwest. So basically, the magic of camp is in my spirit through and through. Our two dogs have learned that their walks will be a bit more interesting in the Black Hills. I am thrilled to continue discovering how God will use my gifts at Outlaw!” Please join us in continuing to welcome Skylar to the Lutherans Outdoors family! 3
