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.
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