News about the Lutheran Camping Corporation of Central PennsylvaniaKirchenwald, Nawakwa, and The Wittel FarmPO Box 459, Arendtsville, PA 17303-0459717-677-8211 (voice) / 717-677-7597 (fax)www.LutheranCamping.org

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LutheranCamping.org

Spring 2015

For more than 85 years, the camps of the Lutheran Camping Corporation have had an unshakeable commitment to providing high-quality outdoor ministry programs. Our mission is strengthening the faith of our campers so that they leave our sites ready to serve in the church and in the world. We are grateful for the thousands of donors who continue to make this work possible.

We love talking about all of the things that take place at camp – the inspirational worship, bible studies, making new friends, games and crafts, athletic competions, singing around

a campfire, and really good food… but the best stories that we can tell are the stories of the lives of our campers AFTER their time at camp. These are the stories of how Kirchenwald and Nawakwa impact our campers for a lifetime, and how our campers have gone out into the world to make a positive difference in the Name of Jesus.

See page 2 to see how former camper Anne Confer Martens is making a difference.

Our Donors Make a Difference…So That Our Campers Can Make a Difference

It’s no secret that church camp has a life-long impact on those who attend. You’ve probably run across a few (or more!) people who, upon hearing that you are connected to Kirchenwald or Nawakwa, say something along the lines of, “I went to that camp. I’ll never forget how we ________, and I still can remember ________, and I really loved ______. People fill in the blanks with all manner of memories: Capture the Flag, crazy skits and songs, cold morning swims, peanut butter pie, or the names of favorite counselors.

But the real impact of church camp runs even deeper than memories. New research is beginning to uncover that the mission statement of the Lutheran Camping Corporation is spot on. “…where faith is renewed… the church is strengthened.”

Continued on Page 3

S’mores and Songs and Stronger Congregations

2 Camping! Spring 2014

A Garden and Tea Party

at The Wittel FarmSaturday, May 16

9am - Noon

Nearly twenty years ago, Anne Confer Martens was a middle school camper at Kirchenwald. “I have this particular memory of thinking how funny it was that we’d just randomly sit down somewhere in camp and have a Bible study. It wasn’t in a classroom or in the nave on a Sunday morning; it was by a stream or the lake or in the shade on the perimeter of a field,” says Anne. “The same counselors would then get up and teach me to canoe, belay on the tower, and identify trees. It was really powerful seeing the way that living and sharing the good news of Jesus Christ stood at the center of everything we did at camp.”

That message stuck with Anne outside of camp, as well. A few years later, she began working at camp as a counselor. “I wanted the opportunity to be a part of a place that

does something that’s truly counter cultural: it welcomes kids of all kinds and creates a space where they are accepted and loved as children of God, no questions asked,” says Anne. It was during her

time on staff that she felt called to a church vocation and entered seminary after receiving her undergraduate degree.

Today, Anne is a chaplain and teacher at a private boarding school where she continues to mentor youth. She regularly attends camp events and volunteers her time and talents to

the campers and staff each summer. As a new mother, she has been thinking about the legacy of the place that has played such a significant role in her life and how it can live on for her son and others. “I believe contributing financially to camp is a way of caring for my neighbor,” says Anne. “I do believe that kids need camp, and I want to help meet that need. I hope that my gifts can help make camp a place that continues to be accessible and welcoming to future generations of campers.”

From Camper to Counselor toChaplain/Teacher/Mentor/Mother

“…contributing financially to camp

is a way of caring for my neighbor.”

Annual Golf TournamentFriday, June 12

1:30 shotgun start$90 per golfer

Honey Run Golf CourseYork, PA

All proceeds benefit the Campership Fund of Kirchenwald and Nawakwa.

LutheranCamping.org/golf

Anne Confer Martens with her husband Eric and son, Andrew

The Lutheran Camping Corporation of Central Pennsylvania 3

Summer Camp Kick-offWorship & Picnic

at Kirchenwald

Sunday, May 17Worship Begins at 3:30 pm LCC depends on the faithful support

from friends of the camp. This list below shows items that LCC needs to operate well and that will greatly benefit the ministry.

Contact us by email at lcc@lutherancamping.org or by phone at 717-677-8211 if you have any of the items. You may also make a monetary gift to provide them.

• Gently used van, mini-van, pick-up truck

• New or gently used golf cart • New or gently used work ATV• Flat screen TV’s• Adirondack chairs or outdoor

rocking chairs• Nylon backpacking / camping

hammocks• Youth size backpacks (frame packs

not bookbags or daypacks)• Yoke style life jackets, youth or

adult sizes

Wish List

Yes, I want to help! __Surprise us! $_____ __$300 for...__$100 ___ program equipment__$50 ___ the campership fund__Other $_____ ___ _________________

Name: Address: City: State: Zip: Phone: Email: □Sendmygiftreceiptbyemail

Give online at http://www.lutherancamping.org/giving

15Spring

□IhaveincludedLCCinmyestateplans.

□IwishtoincludeLCCinmyestateplans.Pleasecontactme.

Mail gift and commitment card to: The Lutheran Camping Corporation of Central PA, PO Box 459, Arendtsville, PA 17303

Please make checks payable to: Lutheran Camping Corporation, or if you wish to donate via credit card:

Card #

Exp Date CVV

Signature

Date

S’mores and Songs and Stronger CongregationsJacob Sorenson is a researcher with The Confirmation Project, an initiative looking at the effectiveness of confirmation and equivalent practices (such as church camping) in strengthening discipleship of youth in five protestant denominations. In November 2014, he presented some of his findings, as well as findings from other studies, at the Lutheran Outdoor Ministries Network Conference in Trego, WI. Sorenson shared that camp has a lasting impact in “multiple dimensions of growth and faith

formation.” He noted that the most pronounced impact is that former campers are more likely to seek out and be drawn into communal religious practices. Simply put, former campers are more likely to continue to be active in a congregation or worshipping community (such as campus ministries at colleges and universities).

Research documents that 68% of those participating in college religious groups attended camp, and 66% of young adults involved in religious

small groups attended church camp as youth. Furthermore, adults who attended camp as youth are more than three times likely to remain affiliated with a religious community than those who never attended camp. Finally, of young adults who attend religious services several times a month, pray several times a week, and attest that their faith is very or extremely important in their lives, 60% have attended church camp.

The research seems to make a few things clear: church camp can have a life-long impact on the spiritual lives of those who attend, and it might be one of the most effective ways we strengthen our congregations.

Continued from Page 1

4 Camping! Spring 2014

The Lutheran Camping Corporation of Central Pennsylvania 5

6 Camping! Spring 2014

Two Good Causes That Go Together

Lutheran Camping Night at the Harrisburg Senators

Friday, May 8, 7 pmHarrisburg Senators vs.

Altoona Curve

Lutheran Camping Night at the York Revolution

Saturday, September 19, 6:30 pmYork Revolution vs. Somerset Patriots

AportionofeachAdvanceSaleTicketwillbenefittheCampershipFund.

Lower Susquehanna Synod’s “Always Being Made New”

campaign, supporting the ELCA national campaign effort and

the Lower Susquehanna Synod ministry priorities, has begun.

The Synod included the goal to support “Seeding the Future” as part of this effort. Gifts are already being received for STF as a result. More information is

available from either the Camping Office or the Synod Office.

Support LCC through Thrivent ChoiceEligible Thrivent members can use Thrivent Choice, a member-advised charitable grant program to support LCC ministries by directing where Thrivent distributes some of its charitable outreach funds. Over the past two years, LCC has received $33,495 in Choice Dollars. Thrivent members can direct Choice Dollars to LCC by visiting thrivent.com/thriventchoice or by calling 800-847-4836 or by contacting your local Thrivent Financial representative.

As STF contribution totals increase the land debt

at Nawakwa is reduced to less

than $650,000 and there’s still time for

your help!

The Thrivent Action Team program is a great way for its members to make a difference at Kirchenwald, Nawakwa, or The Wittel Farm. Thrivent Action Teams are member-led projects like fundraisers or one-time service projects. Any Thrivent member can identify an unmet need at one of the ministry sites or the LCC in general, can apply on-line for resources (up to $250) to jumpstart the project, and if approved can put together friends, family, and others on an Action Team to address that need. It’s easy. Want to hold a fundraiser for Camperships? Want to plant trees at camp? Want to build a bridge over a camp stream or to help paint a cabin? Form an action team and help out. Want to help out but need an idea, call Mike or Marianne at Nawakwa or Zach at Kirchenwald for more information and ideas.

You Can Do It,Thrivent Can Help

The Lutheran Camping Corporation of Central Pennsylvania 7

Philanthropy: A Source of Enjoyment for AllPhilanthropy is defined in the dictionary as “the effort to advance human well-being as through charitable gifts or endowments.” The dictionary, however, does not define a mistaken notion many people have about philanthropy. All too often philanthropy is viewed as a pursuit undertaken only by the very wealthy.But the same caring which causes people to give their time and talents motivates a person at any economic level to leave bequests to worthy causes that they have supported during their lifetime.

GIVING NOW OR LATERA philanthropist gives from a need to share regardless of income or wealth. A gift made now or one made later through a bequest does not have to be large to play an important part in the lives of future generations.

Nor do nonprofit organizations wish to receive funds needed by you or your loved ones. There are several ways of giving through a will that allow persons at all levels of income to provide for their loved ones and for the organizations they believe are important to the quality of life.

GIVING AFTER NEEDS ARE METThe first consideration for anyone making a will is to provide for loved ones, whether family or special friends. After you have planned to meet their needs, you may wish to arrange for whatever is left to become a charitable gift. Known as the “residue,” the gift is welcomed because it will contribute to the quality of life for many.Through other types of bequests, a percentage of an estate may be given, or specific property – such as securities or real estate. Your attorney will

translate your wishes into proper legal language when your will is written or revised.“Advancing human well-being through charitable gifts…,” also known as philanthropy, can be undertaken by people who care – at any economic level. The benefits from your bequest or other gift, whatever its size, will enrich the lives of others for years to come. For additional information regarding wills, please contact: Mike Youse, Executive Director by phone: 717-677-8211 or email myouse@lutherancamping.org

LCC Heritage SocietyThe LCC Heritage Society is an organization of caring people, committed to assuring the financial stability of the LCC for generations to come. They express their concern and give concrete help by including LCC in their thoughtful estate plans.LCC heritage society includes: Freda J. Benner*, Marianne Brock, Rudy & Doris Crider, Peter Dohner & BethAnne D’Agostino, Mary Drehs, Pr. Glen & Stella Ludwig, Miriam Miller*, Jane Reinhard, Dr. Richard D. Schreiber*, Betty Sidebottom-Beach, Ruth Summers*, Pr. Fred Wentz*, Jere & Dottie Wissler, Chuck & Katie Wittel*, Carl & Lilian Youse*, Pr. Conrad & Winifred Youse., Pr. Earl & Arlene Zellers *DeceasedIf your estate plans include LCC we want you to part of the LCC Heritage Society. The problem is, we don’t know who you are. Please contact Mike Youse if you have already included LCC in estate plans or if you wish to do so. Mike can be reached by phone at 717-677-8211 or email at myouse@lutherancamping.org

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information about wills

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Spring 2015

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April 25 Work Day at All SitesApril 26 Earth Day at Kirchenwald & NawakwaMay 1-2 Men’s Retreat at KirchenwaldMay 8 Lutheran Camping Night at the Harrisburg SenatorsMay 16 Garden & Tea Party at The Wittel FarmMay 17 Summer Camp Kick-off Worship & Picnic at KirchenwaldJune 12 Annual Golf Tournament at Honey Run Golf Club, York

Spring Work Dayat all sitesApril 25

Events for WomenAt Kirchenwald...Camp Kirchenwald is excited to announce the first Women’s Active Faith Day on Sunday, July 26th. Come on out for an energetic afternoon of worship, hiking, dinner, and camp games. Pastor Haley Vay Beaman will be bringing her special style of Fit Church to the day that will also include engaging with campers and seeing camp program in action. Contact the camping office at 717-677-8211 to register. More details are available on our website.

At Nawakwa...On the afternoon of Thursday, July 9th, the 2nd Annual Ladies’ Tea Party will be held at Nawakwa. Guests will have opportunity to tour the Lower Camp area with camper hosts, enjoy tea and snacks on the dining hall porch, hear a brief presentation on Miss LaVene Grove (Nawkawa’s second Director), and enjoy a performance by the Music Campers. The event will last from 2 PM to 5 PM.Ladies interested in attending need only RSVP by calling the Camping Office at 717-677-8211 or emailing rsvp@lutherancamping.org by Monday, July 6th. Bonnets and party dresses are not required, but are certainly acceptable.