SUMMER 2025
“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing”
- John 15:5
A SUMMER OF FAITH, FRIENDSHIP, AND FIRSTS
By Dani Hatfield, Director of Marketing
This summer, 1,626 campers from nine different states made their way to Carol Joy Holling and Sullivan Hills Camps for a season filled with joy, growth, and Christ-centered community.
With the guidance of 55 Summer Ministry Team members, campers explored the outdoors, deepened their faith, and built lifelong friendships.
For many families, camp was more than a fun getaway, their faith truly came alive.
“They felt like they were connected closer to Christ in their time there and that they were welcomed and experienced fellowship like they had been searching for,” shared Mandy, whose daughters attended Sullivan Hills Camp. “When I asked them to rate it 1 to 10, both gave it a 12! They said ‘BY FAR’ it was their best camp experience ever.”
Thanks to the generosity of donors, 155 Camperships totaling more than $47,870 ensured that no camper was turned away for financial reasons.
That support helped campers experience unforgettable moments: 428 trail rides, 455 mud hikes, 6,577 sno kones, and 1,804 roasted marshmallows—all in the name of good, messy fun.
Yet for most campers, it was the faith impact that left the biggest impression.
“Worship time was HUGE for them – they loved it!” Mandy added. “They felt their time together in worship and during devotional time was intentional and that was big for them.”
Hannah, a mom of a first-time camper at Carol Joy Holling Camp, shared how deeply her daughter connected with her village.
“She made so many great connections! [My camper] really loved her village leaders. It sounds like they were phenomenal mentors and examples for her.”
Many campers returned home more confident, more joyful, and more curious about their faith.
“They brought home a new way to do dinner prayers; they have been singing the songs since camp,” said Jillian, whose sons attended Carol Joy Holling Camp. “Seeing how kind they have been with each other has been awesome. Every year, they tell more and more friends about camp.”
Alex echoed a similar experience: “Both daughters have new friends they’ve kept in touch with since leaving. Fun leaders inspired our girls to want to [work at camp] when they are older.”
As the trails grow quiet after another summer season, the echoes of laughter, worship songs, and crackling campfires remind us of the power of camp—where faith comes alive, friendships take root, and lives are positively impacted, one week at a time.
“BOTH DAUGHTERS HAVE NEW FRIENDS THEY’VE KEPT IN TOUCH WITH SINCE LEAVING. FUN LEADERS INSPIRED OUR GIRLS TO WANT TO [WORK AT CAMP] WHEN THEY ARE OLDER.” - ALEX, CAMPER MOM
Register for Carol Joy Holling Camp before January 31, 2026 and save $50.
Plus, the FIRST 300 campers to register will receive a Carol Joy Holling Camp beach towel.
To register, scan the QR Code or visit NLOM.org/caroljoyholling
In 2026, all sessions at Sullivan Hills Camp are FREE for all campers.
Register today, at NLOM.org/sullivanhills EARLY BIRD GIFT
A DAY OF QUILTS, COMMUNITY, AND CAMP
by Allison Blatchford, Events & Communications Manager
Gathered under the shade (thank God!) of many trees, the 2025 Quilt Auction was a joyful day filled with fellowship, a fantastic lunch by our camp kitchen crew, and almost 400 quilts and specialty items all to support Faith: Alive! and the ministry of camp.
The quilts came from all across the country: from Connecticut to Wisconsin, from all across Nebraska, to South Dakota and Kansas, these quilts were skillfully made by camp friends and supporters. We are deeply grateful for their creativity, dedication, and expertise to support the Quilt Auction.
New this year, thanks to a generous sponsor, iTex, we introduced a Family Fun Zone. Utilizing our pool, inflatable water slide, and the Summer Ministry Team members’ excitement, this cool down spot was a great way for families to enjoy the Quilt Auction.
A camp staple, the hay rack ride, was full and a fun way to show off the new additions to camp, including the Yurts and a sneak peek at the zip line.
The day of the Quilt Auction takes many sets of hands and voices, but did you know the preparations
that go into the Quilt Auction are substantial as well? Behind the scenes, volunteers process and catalogue quilts, to data entry and photography, every detail takes a life of its own and is important.
Our dedicated quilt volunteers help ensure that everything runs smoothly. Day-of volunteer duties include posting signage, assisting with proxy bidding, and helping guests feel welcome.
From our year-round staff to our 55 Summer Ministry Team members, Quilt Auction day is a time for everyone to come together. It also marks the end of the summer camp season, which is certainly bittersweet.
We are so grateful to the 500 guests, each team member, volunteer, and Summer Ministry Team member who made this event possible.
The 2025 Quilt Auction was one to remember! Almost $100,000 was raised to support our campers to make camp accessible.
Mark your calendars for Quilt Auction 2026 –Saturday, July 25! See you next summer!
An Evening Celebrating the Sullivan Hills Camp Experience
By Allison Blatchford, Events & Communications Manager
On Thursday, June 26, 100 of camp’s supporters gathered to celebrate another great summer at Sullivan Hills Camp.
The Heart of the Hills Banquet is time set aside for everyone to come together to support camp, enjoy amazing food, and share in fellowship through a shared love for the camp’s ministry. Held at Lazy S Ranch in Sidney, this event is a great way to celebrate all that camp means to those who know and love it.
Highlights of the night included a great raffle full of fun packages, a silent auction featuring unique experiences, and a lively “raise the paddle” to ensure that campers will enjoy a new archery experience at Sullivan Hills Camp next summer.
In addition to celebrating together, we recognized longtime Sullivan Hills Camp supporters, Gary and Judy Oltmann, from Bridgeport, Neb. with the Heart of the Hills Special Servant Award. This award recognizes supporters of Sullivan Hills Camp for their engagement and dedication to continuing the mission of camp.
Gary and Judy have been involved since the very beginning and continue to bring retreat groups to camp every fall.
The evening was a roaring success, raising $30,000 for Sullivan Hills Camp.
Many thanks to our generous event sponsors including Behrends Ag, Price Cream Co., Joyelle Kennedy, and Lazy S Ranch.
These partnerships, along with the support of all our donors, made it a successful evening. Mark your calendars for next year’s event on Thursday, June 25!
Special Servant Award Recipients: Gary and Judy Oltmann
Photo Credit: Tammy Dean
Cool, Comfy, and Camper Approved: New Yurts at The Grove
By Dani Hatfield, Director of Marketing
The new yurts were a hot topic of conversation around The Grove site at Carol Joy Holling Camp this summer. Installed this spring, the circular cabins were a major upgrade from the canvas tipis used in past years. And campers noticed.
“The yurts are pretty good compared to last year’s tipis,” said Kenny, an upper elementary camper. “They keep all the rain and stuff out… I love them!”
Built by Freedom Yurts, a Sidney, Nebraska-based company, the yurts feature solid walls, secure doors, and air conditioning—a game-changer for campers in the thick of Nebraska’s summer heat and thunderstorms.
Plans for Crystal Springs Lake
Beginning stages of Filsinger Pond at Sullivan Hills Camp
“I really like that you don’t have to turn on the lights when it’s sunny out because of the glass dome,” said Paisley. Deacon agreed, “If it’s dark outside, I can see…light outside, I can see.”
In years past, summer storms or high humidity would force staff to relocate The Grove campers to Hazel Dillon Lodge at the TrailHead site to sleep. But this year, thanks to the sturdy new shelters, campers were able to stay safe and dry in their own beds.
The yurts mark the first phase of a two-part enhancement for The Grove in the current Sustaining Sacred Spaces capital campaign. Next up: a brand-new shower house, restroom, and multi-purpose building. It is scheduled for construction after next summer and opening in time for the 2027 camp season.
If you’d like to learn more about the Sustaining Sacred Spaces campaign, visit NLOM.org/sustaining.
Beginning stages of Filsinger Pond at Sullivan Hills Camp
Coming Soon: Bigger Lakes, Bigger Fun!
If your camper came home buzzing about exciting changes coming next summer at camp, they weren’t exaggerating! This fall, we’ll break ground on major lake renovation and restoration projects at both Sullivan Hills and Carol Joy Holling Camps.
At Carol Joy Holling Camp, Crystal Springs Lake will soon be larger, deeper, and more adventurous—with two zip lines crisscrossing the water for double the thrills! In recognition of their generosity, the lake will also soon bear the names of CL and Rachel Werner, joining Crystal Springs Lake as a lasting tribute.
Meanwhile, at Sullivan Hills Camp, Filsinger Pond is getting a refresh. It will be expanded, restocked with fish, and ready for even better fishing and canoeing experiences next summer.
We can’t wait for your camper to enjoy these new and improved lakes in 2026!
"THE WORD IS NEAR YOU, ON YOUR LIPS AND IN YOUR HEART." - ROMANS
10:8
BY KOREY BREUTZMANN, DIRECTOR OF PROGRAMS
One of the greatest things about camp is the community that campers and summer staff experience during their time here. There aren’t a lot of places where campers can experience living in community with people who might come from a vastly different walk of life than they do.
Campers, through their camp community, get the opportunity to teach each other, learn from each other, and hear each other’s stories. Like any good coming of age story, what seems like a group of random strangers on Sunday, quickly becomes a close-knit community by Friday.
This summer at camp, our theme was Plot Twist. We read stories in the Bible where God encounters us through the unexpected and subverts our expectations.
Much like our community at camp, we learn from the most unlikely places and through people that we may not expect to learn from. Through these plot twists, God teaches us how we should live and how we should care for each other. Let’s take a look at each day’s theme and have some discussion with the questions provided.
1. TRUSTING
We learned, through the story of Sarah and Abraham, how we can trust in God to lead us to do things beyond what we can comprehend. What is a time this summer that you trusted in God to give you strength or courage to do something you thought you couldn’t? How can trusting in God help you live your life to the fullest?
3. LISTENING
We learned, through the story of Jairus and his daughter, how important it is to listen to others’ stories. Was there a moment from this summer that you stopped and listened to someone else tell you about themselves or their day? Did you hear something from them that you weren’t expecting to hear? How can listening to other people help us live like God wants us to live?
5. FOLLOWING
We learned about what it means to follow Jesus and how we can continue to follow Jesus, even today. When Jesus asks us to follow him, what do you think that means? What are some ways that we can follow Jesus through our words or actions?
2. CALLING
We learned that we all have a calling from God. Sometimes God calls us to do things that we might think are for someone else to do. Did you have a time this summer where you thought you weren’t the right person to do something but you did it anyways? How did that feel? Did you feel like God was calling you to do that thing?
4. SERVING
We learned what it means to serve others, especially those who might be different than us or looked down upon by others. What does it mean to serve others? How can we serve other people that we meet in our schools, communities, and churches? Why do you think God wants us to serve other people?
We hope you learned a bit about how we can continue to twist the plot to show Christ's love to all the world. Thank you for being a part of camp this summer, and we hope to see you at camp again soon!
Listening for God: Reflections from Our Silent Retreat
By Jessica Weltz, Adult Programs Specialist
Let’s face it—we all need a break.
A break from our long to-do lists. A break from the demands of family life. A break from the constant flood of information the world throws at us.
But more than anything, we need a break from the noise…so we can tune in and listen to the voice that matters most.
“Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” -Matthew
11:28
Everyone who attended the Silent Retreat had the opportunity to do exactly that: lay their burdens down and be fully present with God.
Pastor Liz Kocher, from the Lutheran Center at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, beautifully led our opening worship on Friday night, setting the tone and preparing our hearts and minds for a sacred time of silence.
Retreat guests walked the peaceful grounds of camp using our Prayer Walk Guide, which included location markers, scripture readings, prompts, and reflective actions.
Throughout the weekend, there were opportunities to rest, read, reflect, and ultimately feel renewed.
When asked whether the retreat helped them grow in faith or feel more spiritually connected, guests shared:
“Yes. It gave me space to just listen to the voice of God away from the noise of life.”
“Yes—so much time to read, talk to God, listen to God, eat with God, thank God, and enjoy His creation.”
It’s no coincidence that most silent retreats are held in natural settings. Nature grounds us and replaces our daily distractions with its beauty and rhythm.
As Henry David Thoreau once wrote, “Heaven is under our feet as well as over our heads.” His words echo the spirit of our retreat: merging nature with faith in a way that brings clarity and peace.
We invite you to join us at next summer’s Silent Retreat for another sacred time set apart—to slow down, embrace the silence, and hear God’s voice.
One Night, Big Memories
By Jessica Weltz, Adult Programs Specialist
Didn’t get enough camp during the summer? Come back for more!
Looking for a place that pours love into you—where you can worship together, create memories, and have fun? Need time to unwind and truly connect with your child, grandchild, niece, or nephew? You’ll find it all at our NEW Fall KINnect Camp on November 1-2!
This 24-hour retreat is designed for a child to bring a favorite adult and spend meaningful time together building community, experiencing the beauty of camp in the fall, and growing closer to God and each other.
At camp, we understand families. We know they come in all shapes and sizes, that life is busy, and that it can be challenging.
But above all, we believe family means love. That’s why our programmed retreats are thoughtfully designed with you in mind.
We’re parents too, and we’re here to help you carve out time to create lasting memories with your family.
Let us pour God’s love into you during your time at camp so you can leave feeling refreshed, renewed, and confident that both your bucket, and your child’s, have been filled.
During Fall KINnect Camp, you’ll stay overnight in our Hazel Dillon Lodge, worship around the campfire, sing songs, play games, and enjoy favorite camp activities like adaptive archery, creative arts, and Bible study.
Fall Festival Brings Family Fun to Camp
A brand-new event is coming to Carol Joy Holling Camp this fall, and it’s one you won’t want to miss! The Fall Festival, October 4, is designed for all ages to enjoy the beauty of the season while experiencing some of the best parts of camp in one festive afternoon.
Guests will trick-or-treat at the cabins, take a ride on the hayrack, and enjoy hands-on fun at the creative arts station. Adventurers can try their hand at inflatable archery, paddle across the lake, or soar down the brand new zipline. Of course, no fall celebration would be complete without a s’more (or two!) from the s’more station.
To learn more or register for Fall KINnect Retreat or Fall Festival, scan this QR Code.
After all the activity, everyone will gather for a meal followed by a campfire worship—a perfect way to wind down the day and reflect on the joy of community. Whether you’re coming as a family or reconnecting with your own camp memories, the Fall Festival is a heartwarming way to celebrate the season.
Tickets are just $15 for adults, $10 for kids ages 5–12, and free for little ones under 4. For more information, contact Laura Stalder at LStalder@NLOM.org or call 402-944-2544. We can’t wait to welcome you to this new fall tradition!
Called to Camp: One Confirmation Guide’s Unforgettable Week
By Dani Hatfield, Director of Marketing
When Josh Sikes pulled into Carol Joy Holling Camp for the very first time, he wasn’t quite sure what to expect.
“I’ve been around a lot of camps,” he said with a smile. “…but I hadn’t been here before. As soon as I saw the facilities, I thought, ‘Wow. This is something special.’”
Josh, a longtime volunteer and now professional with Scouting America, is no stranger to the outdoors. With more than 20 years of experience guiding youth through formative, faith-filled adventures, he knows the power of a good mud hike and a welltimed Bible study. So, when his church needed someone to step in and bring a group of confirmands to camp, Josh was all in.
“I could’ve just stayed until the pastor arrived and then gone home,” he said. “But I figured, why not stay the week? I wanted to be here.”
Josh spent the week with a group of eighth graders—one of them being his own daughter— experiencing everything from high ropes to horseback rides, sno kones to pool time. But what stood out most wasn’t just the programming. It was the transformation he witnessed in the campers.
“These kids… they grow fast. And this is such a small window to make an impact,” Josh said. “They’re so impressionable at this age. If we don’t do it now, when will we?”
He noticed how Summer Ministry Team members engaged campers with energy and grace. He watched campers laugh, pray, reflect, and grow in their faith—all in just a few short days.
“I’m not convinced you need to be ordained to make an impact,” he said. “In fact, sometimes a caring adult who’s simply present can connect in ways others can’t. You just have to show up and be real.”
Josh even found himself the target of some classic middle school charm.
“The boys flattered me into setting the table with them one day,” he said, laughing. “It wasn’t about the task—it was about connection. That’s what camp is all about.”
“I’ve had these kids in confirmation for years, and getting to walk alongside them this week, seeing their growth... it was powerful..."
-
Josh Sikes
Even when his unofficial role as church paparazzi drew a few groans… “Some of them were like, ‘Please stop taking my picture!’” …he knew the memories were worth preserving.
“It’s all going in the big slideshow for the congregation,” he joked. “Well… maybe.”
For Josh, the week at camp was more than a ministry opportunity—it was personal.
“I’ve had these kids in confirmation for years, and getting to walk alongside them this week, seeing their growth... it was powerful. My daughter even said, ‘The week went too fast.’ From a middle schooler? That says a lot.”
And would he come back?
“In a heartbeat,” he said. “I already told my wife we’re coming back to visit.”
Josh’s story is a reminder that God calls all kinds of people to make a difference in young lives. Whether you’re a rostered leader or a church volunteer— there’s a place for you at camp.
You don’t need to know all the answers. You just need to show up, listen well, and maybe say yes to setting the table.
Yurts, Cabins, & a Campground, oh my!
We have new opportunities for family camping at Carol Joy Holling Camp!
For years, our Family Campground has been the only site for individual bookings for get-a-ways and overnight stays. However, as of August 1, we have added the opportunity to reserve and camp in our newly renovated cabins at The Springs and in our new yurts at The Grove.
This summer, we added four yurts to camp! These large, round structures with skylights and twinkling string lights inside, have brought new excitement to The Grove.
This spring, our amazing Buildings & Grounds team renovated our cabins at The Springs. The cabins now feature:
Heating and air conditioning
• Fresh vinyl flooring
• A new corner changing room for privacy
• Fresh paint and new curtains
Each cabin and yurt is furnished with standard bunk beds (now with new mattresses) and includes a small table, compact refrigerator, microwave, toaster, and coffee maker.
Outside their doors, you'll find a picnic table and a fire ring with a cooking grate—perfect for enjoying meals outdoors.
And of course, our Family Campground—a treelined gem and still one of our best-kept secrets— continues to welcome you and your family’s tents and RVs. It’s an ideal place to enjoy the peace and beauty of nature.
For all three camping areas, we are partnering with Set Your Sites (a Nebraska-based tech start-up) to offer convenient online booking and payment. For the Family Campground specifically, this platform will allow you to check real-time availability, book immediately, and make mobile payments.
Take a break from the noise and rediscover the beauty of nature!
Scan the QR Code to book your getaway today or visit NLOM.org/camping.
Yurt Interior Cabin Interior
“Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of services, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who activates all of them in everyone.”
-1 Corinthians 12:4-6
At NLOM, we believe volunteering is one beautiful way to live out your faith in service. We know your time and resources are valuable, and our goal is to help you find volunteer opportunities that match your gifts.
Interested in volunteering? Contact Lisa at LStirtz@NLOM.org or 402-944-2544.
I Volunteer for NLOM because...
By Lisa Stirtz, Volunteer Coordinator
Each summer we set aside time to gather our volunteers for an event specifically to thank them. The morning was filled with friends coming together to share stories, hugs, and a deep love for camp.
This year we asked volunteers why they give their time and talents to camp. Here's what they said:
• "I love working with other volunteers who are so positive, and we all work for the kids coming to camp."
• "I love serving and seeing God’s beauty."
• "It gives me something to do—but more importantly, it gives me the chance to be with great people."
• "I love camp and working with everyone there."
"I love working with the quilts and reading all the special stories about them."
• "I love the joy and enthusiasm of Jay Novicki Camp."
• "I enjoy meeting new people and helping with camp, which brings and shares Christ with others."
Our volunteers have many different stories and reasons, but they all come to camp because they love it and want the mission of NLOM to continue.
At this year’s event, we also honored a very special volunteer, Shirley Splittgerber, who passed away this past year.
Shirley was a key volunteer for many years, and her love for quilts was evident in the way she served—helping prepare and care for quilts used in the annual Quilt Auction.
She served faithfully until she could no longer, and she trained and encouraged new volunteers for both the quilt and prayer ministries.
She was a true example of the love and dedication our volunteers bring to a ministry they care so deeply about. Shirley was a blessing to many and to Nebraska Lutheran Outdoor Ministries.
A HE A RT FOR C AM P AN D A SPIRIT FOR GI V I N G
By Trish Haniszewski, Development Officer
When Sheila Cheleen talks about Sullivan Hills Camp, her eyes light up with the joy of cherished memories and the warmth of lifelong friendships.
“Sullivan Hills Camp has a special place in my heart,” Sheila shared. “When the Sullivans gave the land to the Nebraska Synod, our Berea Lutheran Church men helped with so many projects to get the campsite ready.”
Sheila’s late husband, Dayton, was one of those early volunteers. Sheila remembers him telling stories about the hard work—and teamwork—it took to bring the camp to life.
“They had to get more help putting the large picnic tables together because they were so heavy,” she recalled with a smile.
The Cheleens didn’t just help build the camp, they experienced it firsthand. Sheila and her friend Fauneil Johnson were among the first to attend a Grandparents and Grandchildren weekend.
“It was over 100 degrees the weekend we were there,” Sheila laughed. “We slept in tents, had no air conditioning, and used those special ‘cuppies’ to drink lots of water. My favorite part was when we left on Sunday—it was so hot, and Fauneil looked down at her car panel and realized she had the heat on—plus the fan!”
Sheila’s connection to Sullivan Hills Camp has endured across decades, through volunteerism, memories, and generosity. One powerful way Sheila and the women of Berea Lutheran continue to support the camp is through their own financial support and Thrivent Action Teams.
“Our Berea women have used Thrivent Action Teams for many years,” Sheila added. “They help purchase silent auction items for Sullivan Hills Camp’s Heart of the Hills Benefit, inner linings for our quilts, and even serving at a community park picnic. We’re so appreciative of the monetary help we’ve received for these projects.”
Make an Impact with Thrivent Action Teams
If you’re a Thrivent member, you can apply to lead an Action Team to support a fundraiser, service activity, or educational event. Consider using your Thrivent benefits to make an impact at NLOM!
Each Thrivent Action Team receives:
• A Community Impact Card with up to $250 in seed money
A personalized web page and digital tools to promote your activity
• Thrivent-branded resources like thank-you cards, name tags, stickers, and T-shirts
Thrivent Action Teams can support NLOM events and activities such as:
• The Heart of Camp Gala
• Work Day
• Friends Camp
• The Heart of the Hills Benefit Dinner
• Quilt Auction
• The Camp Classics Golf Tournaments
• Club 10:14 luncheon, Summer Ministry Team, & volunteer appreciation events
• Other retreats, events, or projects you can dream up!
NLOM and your Thrivent advisor are here to support you every step of the way.
Ready to Get Started?
Visit Thrivent.com/actionteam or reach out to Trish at THaniszewski@NLOM.org or 402-944-2544 to learn how your idea and your passion can make a lasting impact— just like Sheila’s.
Left to Right: Twila Johnson, Sheila Cheleen, and Fauneil Johnson
UPCOMING
OCTOBER 3, 2025
OCTOBER 4, 2025
OCTOBER 17 - 19, 2025
DECEMBER 5 - 7, 2025
HIGH SCHOOL RETREAT
JANUARY 16 - 18, 2026
YOUNG ADULTS
RETREAT
FEBRUARY 20 - 22, 2026
MARCH 15 - 19, 2026
MARCH 21 - 22, 2026
MARCH 24 or 25, 2026
NOVEMBER 1 - 2, 2025
NOVEMBER 7 - 9, 2025
FEBRUARY 21 - 22, 2026
FEBRUARY 22 - 26, 2026
NOVEMBER 15 - 16, 2025
APRIL 11, 2026
APRIL 12 - 16, 2026
MARCH 7 - 8, 2026
To view or register for our events and retreats, please scan the QR Code or visit NLOM.org/events/
