Camp Luther

Camp Luther – Synod Assembly 2022 Report

Camp Luther 2021 was held in the most unique way in our 76-year history: as two one-day camps under COVID protocols that allowed us to meet almost exclusively outside! Each day we met under the theme “From Generation to Generation” with our theme verse being Psalm 100:5 — For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations.

On Thursday, June 24 we welcomed 20 of our senior high campers, with a special invitation for those who graduated in 2020 to come for one final day as a camper. The seniors met in the morning for bible study, and then spent time doing team-building games and a scavenger hunt. The day finished with the traditional painting of class rocks and worship together outside.

The next morning, Friday, June 25, we welcomed 21 of our junior and intermediate age campers. The future of camp looks bright as half of our junior campers were first time participants! Each program broke into bible study groups for the morning with pastors from their program teaching the lesson. Then, we gathered outside the dining hall for lunch provided by Camp Caesar. In the afternoon, we held the traditional afternoon camp activities like swimming, crafts, hikes, creek stomp, and tie-dyeing shirts. The day ended with worship in the front lawn, a blessing, and a snack for the road!

Many thanks to all of the parents, guardians, and friends of campers who made the long drive in one day to be at camp. Our camp staffers, those who came in to work camp, and those who supported us from afar, were integral to pulling off this special two-day event. They are some of the most dedicated church volunteers and supporters we have, and we are truly thankful and blessed. Finally, a special thank you to our supportive congregations, pastors, and synod leaders. The strength of camp is the support we have from the churches, and the ministry that we do together for the sake of the gospel!

As we gather for this Synod Assembly, planning is well underway for our first full week of camp in just under three years. This year will mark the long-planned transition in camp leadership as Pastor Karen Erskine Valentine will complete her year of director-in-training and will begin her term as director in 2023. As my time as director comes to a close, I want to thank all our staff members for your service, our synod members for your prayers, and my pastoral colleagues for your support. I want to especially thank Bishop Dunkin, Bishop Riegel, and the “CL Family” for your support of camp and advice and counsel during my years as director.

Thank you in advance for your prayers for a healthy, joyful week together from June 19-25 learning about God’s boundless love for us and for the world!

Respectfully submitted,
The Rev. Jason Felici
Director

The Rev. Karen Erskine Valentine
Director-in-Training