Christ's Impact Through Camp

"I am not alone in saying that working (and occasionally struggling) through three summers at camp has shaped me into the person I am today. I have confidence to go boldly in faith and love generously in the world because I was shown such love and unshakable faith at camp." - Erika

And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ - Ephesians 4:11-12

A Word from Draino: Community

I had the opportunity to worship with my family at Camp Luther Memorial Day weekend. It was a wonderful service in the Outdoor Chapel. As I looked at the families and individuals in attendance, there were many I recognized. The other thing that stuck out to me was the number of young families there. It warmed my heart.

Camp Luther's first core value reads as follows - "Provide a fun and safe Christ-centered community where faith inspires a purposeful and joyful life." Isn't it incredible that we can worship in the beauty of the Outdoor Chapel, fellowship with family and friends and then cross back over that bridge and carry our experience into the way we live our lives outside this place? I know I am filled with the Spirit every time I leave camp, and I have seen it in the lives of my family as well. We are blessed by this place we call Camp Luther and that is why it is so exciting to share in this exciting time at this incredible place.Before the campaign began for camp, it was important that a Prayer Team be created. This team has and continues to spend time praying that the Lord's will is at the center of all our efforts, thanking Him for His continued faithfulness to His people. They are also praying that His people would be open and willing to serve on the many committees being put together.

In answer to those prayers, the group of individuals serving on our Steering Committee is a dynamic group of people, each with gifts that will be used during this process. I am blessed and humbled to serve with such amazing servants.

The Camp Luther Campaign Steering Committee held their first meeting on April 11, 2015. We spent the first portion of the meeting introducing ourselves and sharing our connections to Camp Luther. It was awesome to hear how everyone is connected to camp. People's passion for camp and the ministry was so evident during this sharing time. The room was definitely
"Filled with the Spirit!"

The Steering Committee continues to be dedicated to the mission, vision and core values of camp through the process of this campaign. Serving others and challenging God's people to fulfill His mission in serving others was discussed with many great ideas came out of this sharing time!

Our Campaign Steering Committee

Thank you to the following individuals for your leadership and service on our Filled with the Spirit Steering Committee.

Jamie Nelson
Prayer Committee Chairperson
Wausau, WI

Anne Hartman
Campaign Steering Committee Chairperson
Eau Claire, WI

Rick & Ruth Steinke
Leadership Committee Chairpersons
Green Bay, WI  

Tim & Linda Mattson
Cottage Family Committee Chairpersons
Wisconsin Rapids, WI

Julie Wilkins
Alumni Committee Chairperson
LaGrange, IL

Pastor James & Kathy Wiebel
Congregational Committee Chairpersons
Appleton, WI

Thane & Melissa Bublitz
Friends  of Camp
Neenah, WI

Phil Kirchner
Friends of Camp
Green Bay, WI

Michelle Treankler
Friends of Camp
Atlantic Mine, MI

Lives Change! A Camp Story

This past summer there was a young camper who shared with a fellow camper, "that she didn't want to be here anymore, her life wasn't worth it because of some major things going on with her father, stepmother, mother and brother." This was very concerning to her friend, so she told their counselor about what was going on .

She had a very loving and supportive counselor who encouraged her to trust Jesus in all things. They read the Bible and prayed together. Throughout the week, the counselor had many opportunities to share Christ's love for her, to study God's Word with her and to play and have fun together.

After this young camper went home, the counselor received a beautiful letter from her. in the letter, she shared how she was so thankful for her friendship and support. The camper also said that she was very thankful for the support she received and how she was encouraged to talk to her own mother, which re-established a healthy relationship with her mom. Praise God for bringing families back together. This counselor was bold in her faith and shared God's word, and when that happens - Lives change!

Why "Filled with the Spirit"?

Our campaign theme was chosen to reflect the power of the Holy Spirit that lives in the hearts of His people and this special place we call Camp Luther. Year after year God continues to enrich the faith of young and old through this ministry. Hearts are being changed through the work of the Holy Spirit in Bible study, worship, and song, but also through the caring relationships that emerge within this Christian community. It is our prayer, that all who are touched through the ministry of Camp Luther may be filled with the Holy Spirit and take the love of Christ into their congregations, community, and the world. As our theme verse states, "And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly." Acts 4:31b NIV

A Word from Draino: Relationships

The summer camp season is over. Many youth, parents and grandparents have crossed that bridge back into their own lives outside of camp. The summer staff have packed up their belongings and headed back to college and Camp Luther becomes quiet for a few weeks before the Fall retreat season begins. One thing is for certain, relationships were created this summer and some lifelong friendships were formed. Counselors and junior counselors had the opportunity to serve each camper who crossed that bridge and mentor them in their walk with Jesus.

Camp Luther's second Core Value reads, "Develop respectful and caring relationships which serve to provide a lifelong network of Christian mentors and friends." As a good Lutheran would say, "This is most certainly true." Camp Luther has four core values and I can relate to all 4, but this one is clearly evident in my life. I met my husband at Camp Luther. We met wonderful friends when working there together who are still our closest friends. We were in each other's weddings. We serve as Godparents for their children and they for ours. Our kids have now grown up together and have become closer friends, building their relationships in a strong, faith filled way. These lifelong friendships were created through our service at Camp Luther many, many summers ago.

I recently reconnected with one of my campers from the early '90's. Her husband took a job as a pastor in the Midwest after serving a church in California. She moved close enough that a drive for a morning and lunch to reconnect was possible. She invited another one of her counselor who lives nearby. Our time was so Christ filled. We shared our camp stories, we shared our journey as moms - this girl was my camper and here I was sitting with her and catching up on our lives. Just think, that all started at Camp Luther over 20 years ago. That is the power of the Holy Spirit!

During this campaign, our hope is to build those relationships with you, our Friends of Camp. We want to hear your camp stories, share in your memories and listen to what your desire is for Camp. This place would not be the place it is without the Holy Spirit and how He works through the relationships that have been built here for almost 70 years. This summer we were able to hear many of the Family Campers share their stories week after week. What is your story? I can't wait to get to know you and the friendships you have based on your time in this great place we call Camp Luther.

The Largest Gift in the History of Camp Luther

We are thrilled to also announce an incredible gift and challenge to Camp Luther. Our friends at MCL, Inc. of Pulaski, WI, have offered the largest gift in the history of this ministry. They have promised $1,000,000 to Camp Luther! But this isn't just a gift, it's a challenge. We will only receive these funds when we raise $1,000,000 for Camp Luther. This truly is an exciting challenge for all who support camp!  We look forward to this challenge because, with God all things are possible!

We are humbled by the generosity that they have shown Camp Luther over the years with their ongoing support. We know that none of our life-changing work would be possible without caring Christian neighbors like the people at MCL Industries.

Carl Treankler, Larry Treankler, & Terry Hanstedt

God bless each of you! 

Thank you for this incredible gift and challenge!