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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Spring 2018

Camp is a Welcoming CommunityKatie was a ball of energy the minute she walked into the Sunday School classroom. Talkative, inquisitive, and silly. She jumped out of her chair, arm raised, every time I asked for a volunteer in my Camp Sunday presentation. She eagerly grabbed a summer brochure and flipped through the pages, searching for a program she could attend. When her parents arrived a minute later, she rushed over to them, limbs flailing with excitement, as she told them, “I want to go to camp this summer!”

Katie’s parents pulled me aside after worship to ask a few questions that were on their minds. They too were excited at the prospect of their daughter coming to camp for a week, but they also had concerns. Katie had never been away

from home before, save for a night at grandma’s. And while her energy could be endearing to some, she often had trouble making friends her own age because of her demeanor. We talked at length about the mission of the Camping Corporation and our approach of inclusivity and when we parted that morning, I still wasn’t sure if I’d see Katie at camp that summer.

When the April Open House rolled around, Katie and her family made a visit to Kirchenwald for a tour and to meet some of the staff. She was registered for Junior Classics and her parents were hopeful they could find another child from their church to attend the same week so that Katie could have a familiar face for comfort.

It wasn’t until that Sunday in July, at registration, that I saw Katie again. She was quieter than I remembered her, and she stuck close to her mom as they walked over to check in with the nurse. Her dad called me over to share that Katie was here “alone” this week. They were very proud of her for taking such a big step by herself, but anxious to make sure her experience was positive.

Continued on page 2

This Changes EverythingIf you feel like you’re seeing a This Changes Everything logo every time you turn around, you’re not imagining things. Lutheran Outdoor Ministries, the networked organization of ELCA camps and conference centers, and the ELCA National Youth Gathering folks chose to create complimentary curriculums for 2018.

“The Lutheran Camping Corporation has always seen itself as an extension of the ministries of the congregations we serve, and this is one more way that we can strengthen the connections with those congregations,” explained LCC Executive Director, Michael Youse.

“We are keenly aware that there is a lot of crossover between Gathering participants and summer campers. I know this for a fact because I’m one of them!” says Chelle Huth, Chair of the ELCA Youth Gathering Curriculum Team, LCC volunteer, and family camper.

This is the first time that the complimentary curriculum is being implemented by the two organizations. “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God,” (Ephesians 2:8) is the shared theme verse and the launching point for multiple opportunities for ELCA youth to explore the concept of God’s grace and how that makes a difference in our lives as disciples.

2 Camping! Spring 2018

Summer Camp Kick-offWorship & Picnic

at Nawakwa

Sunday, May 20Worship Begins at 3:30 pm

Generous Gift in memory of James Cassel Improves Kirchenwald Pavilion to Better Serve Campers and Retreat GuestsFor more than 30 years the Dohner Pavilion provided Kirchenwald campers the perfect location and ambiance to match the camp’s meal time philosophy of family style fellowship in an outdoor setting. In that time, the structure has remained mostly unchanged. As Kirchenwald’s non-summer retreat ministry grows, the demand for a large dining/gathering space that can provide comfort on colder days has become more apparent. “Dohner Pavilion has served our campers and retreat guests well over the years; however, it has shortcomings”, said Mike Youse, Executive Director. “Rain blows in during summer thunder storms, and it doesn’t provide shelter from cooler temperatures in the fall and spring.”

A generous donation in memory of James Cassel, a long time Kirchenwald advocate and well known Lebanon businessman, addresses those shortcomings. The pavilion

will be outfitted with vinyl roll-up walls on all four sides and a large stone fire place will be added. The walls will remain rolled up during normal summer operation and unfurled to keep wind driven rain out when summer storms blow through. In the spring and fall, they will extend the usage of the pavilion by retaining the heat produced by the new fireplace which will also increase the pavilion’s ambiance. Additionally, construction will begin soon on a permanent roof covering the walkway between the pavilion and the kitchen. The roof will shelter the kitchen staff from rain as they cross this area carrying food to serve to our camp guests.

LCC is excited to offer new and improved features to our sites and facilities, to better serve our campers and retreat guests. We hope you take full advantage of the updates to the pavilion for your special events and retreats.

On a Sunday evening, every camper is running around in the field, playing games and laughing, but also trying to get a lay of the land and feel out their place in this new community. That was true for Katie, as well. I decided to join her group for their cookout the next day, following up with her counselors to evaluate her first 24 hours.

As I approached the campfire the next evening, I heard a cacophony of shouts and laughter. As campers and staff took turns posing riddles, Katie and her cabin mates jumped up from the picnic table, arms raised in the air, shooting out the first answer that came to mind, regardless of how silly the guess was. Katie was having fun. She was a part of the group. And in less than a day, she had formed relationships with strangers who she now called her friends.

When her parents arrived to pick her up on Saturday, she rushed over to them, limbs flailing with excitement, as she told them, “I want to come back to camp again next year.”

If you don’t look closely, you might miss that this story is about more than just a girl having a good time at camp. It’s about a kind and welcoming community. It’s about giving children the strength and courage in a safe space to step into the unknown and overcome challenges. It’s about the joy that comes from knowing you are God’s, and therefore you are a valuable and important disciple in our shared ministry. These are the values that shape the camp experience. Just ask Katie’s parents. That’s what they told me.

Welcoming Community (Continued from Page 1)

Lutheran Camping Night at the Harrisburg Senators

Friday, May 11, 7 pmHarrisburg Senators vs.

New Hampshire Fisher Catswith postgame fireworks!

A portion of each Advance Sale Ticket will benefit the

Campership Fund.

The Lutheran Camping Corporation of Central Pennsylvania 3

I / We are pleased to sponsor the 2018 Lutheran Camping Corporation Golf Tournament with a gift of:

__$50 __$210 __$420 __$500 __Other $_____

Name: Address: City: State: Zip: Phone: Email: □ Send my gift receipt by email

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

18SpringGolfMail 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

Annual Golf Tournament

Friday, June 81:30 shotgun start

$90 per golferHoney RunGolf Course

York, PAAll proceeds benefit the

Campership Fund of Kirchenwald and Nawakwa.

LutheranCamping.org/golf

In Honor

In Memory

Sponsoring the LCC Golf Tournament is a meaningful way to honor or to remember someone special. Individuals donating at least $50 can have an “In Memory Of” or “In Honor Of” sign placed at one of the tee boxes throughout the course. All Sponsorship Gifts to the Golf Tournment benefit the Campership Fund. Corporate Sponsorship information is available on the website, also.

4 Camping! Spring 2018

The Lutheran Camping Corporation of Central Pennsylvania 5

Each Wednesday of the summer camp season, pastors and other rostered leaders are invited to visit campers (and staff) from their congregations who are attending Kirchenwald or Nawakwa summer camp. This invitation is intended to encourage pastors to observe the summer camp program while it is going on, to connect with their campers, and to reinforce the relationship between camp and congregations.The guests are invited to have lunch with their camper’s cabin group, and are welcome to remain in camp for the afternoon to enjoy afternoon activities.

Advance notice is requested; please RSVP to Kirchenwald (717-964-3121) or Nawakwa (717-677-8211).

Dear Pastor, You’re invited…

Wittel Farm Ministry, Growing and GrowingFaith Formation, Discipleship, Service

Be assured, there is a “growing” ministry at The Wittel Farm! There’s more going on at Wittel this summer than ever. The Wittel Farm Growing Project (WFGP) is ramping up. The area under vegetable production will increase to between 5 and 6 acres this summer. We will plant a greater variety of vegetables over a longer growing season with the addition of both earlier and later maturing vegetables. To meet this challenge we will need more volunteers. Join us for Planting Day on May 19 beginning at 9am. Additional opportunities exsist to help with planting, tending, and harvesting on Wednesdays and Saturday mornings from 9am-12 and Wednesday evenings from 6- 8pm, June 6 through August 29. Go to WittelFarm.org to volunteer and for information.

Faith and Food is an exciting, hands on Christian educational experience for children being offered each Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 9:30 am to 1:30 pm, with lunch included for children and youth. Age-appropriate programs are offered for children ages 6 - 12 or 12 - 14. Cost is just $8.00 and one non-perishable food item per person. This same program is offered to middle school, high school, and adult groups on Monday and Tuesday evenings (there’s no cost for evening presentations but a donation is encouraged in support of WFGP). Call the camping office at 717-677-8211 to reserve your date.

Art for Kids is an all new, age-appropriate, fun-filled ministry which will encourage our young artist to explore faith, discipleship, and the WFGP through creative art projects. Cost is $20.00 per session. Offered Wednesdays, June 20, 27, July 11, 18, 25 from 9am - 12pm for Pre-K and Kindergarten children, and from 1 - 4pm for grades 1-5. Saturdays, June 23, July 7, 21, and August 4 from 9am-12pm are for children age 3 through 5th graders. Proceeds from this program support WFGP. Register at www.wittelfarm.org

Dinner Church Worship at the Farm. Come to the Welcome Table at Wittel Farm the first Sunday of the month, May through October for worship at 5 pm. Imitating the earliest Christian communities, Dinner Church is worship around the table, during the meal. Sing, pray, listen to God’s Word, and eat together. The meal ends with the Lord’s supper. Bring food to share as an offering. Mostly side dishes, salads, fruit. We will cookout, too.

6 Camping! Spring 2018

Deacon Marsha Roscoe, Lower Susquehanna Synod Director for Mission Interpretation, and staff member responsible for oversight of the Always Being Made New Campaign, confirmed that a renewed emphasis for

our Synod’s ABMN goal to raise $1 million in support of the LCC’s Seeding the Future Campaign was launched in late February. To date, approximately $98,000 in gifts and pledges have been received in support of outdoor ministry. “The Lutheran Camping Corporation faithfully engages all ages, especially young people, in the life of

our church and continues to nurture a significant number of our leaders who later respond to God’s call to public ministry,” Deacon Roscoe noted, adding, “we are excited and committed to reaching our $1 million goal.” This renewed campaign push will continue through the spring and into the summer, lasting about 6 months. Campaign volunteers, trained in early February, deployed throughout the Synod to seek support in congregations as well as from individuals. You can make a donation today online at www.lss-elca.org by clicking “Donate Now.” If you would be willing to help lead campaign efforts in your congregation, contact Executive Director Mike Youse at myouse@lutherancamping.org, Deacon Marsha Roscoe at mroscoe@lss-elca.org, or return the coupon below.

Seeding the FutureDebt reduced to $259,698! Thank you to the many generous donors for making a huge impact. Good progress is being made, but there is still work to do to fully retire the debt…

Lower Susquehanna Synod’s “Always Being Made New” Renewing Efforts Support LCC’s Seeding the Future

Yes, I am/we are interested in helping my congregation to conduct the “Always Being Made New” campaign for the benefit of the

Lutheran Camping Corporation.Name(s) Address Phone City State Zip Congregation of membership Email

Return response to: Lutheran Camping Corporation, PO Box 459, Arendtsville, PA 17303

The Lutheran Camping Corporation of Central Pennsylvania 7

Increase Your Income & Gift Lutheran CampingIf you knew there was a way to provide a gift for ministry and increase your lifetime income at the same time, would you be interested?

If your answer is “YES,” then a Charitable Gift Annuity (CGA) may be a good option for you. By establishing a CGA of $10,000 or more with the ELCA Foundation, you can support the Lutheran Camping Corporation and supplement your annual income for your lifetime. As an annuitant, you will receive regular fixed payments during your lifetime, determined by your age at the time of your gift. A portion of your gift is tax deductible, and a portion of your annuities may also be eligible for other tax benefits. Payments to an additional annuitant of your choosing is

also an option. The age of the additional annuitant may impact the fixed amount. Upon your death, the remainder of your gift is disbursed to support the Lutheran Camping Corporation. How old do you have to be? If you are 65 or over you may create a CGA and begin receiving annuities upon successful completion of the application, and according to the scheduled payments. For those at least 55 years old, a deferred-payment CGA allows you to make a gift today and obtain a charitable income-tax deduction in the year you make the gift. Your guaranteed lifetime payments are scheduled for a future date of your choosing. Please clip and return the coupon to receive a free informational brochure about Charitable Gift Annuities.

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. To learn more about the LCC Heritage Society, or to inform us that you have already included LCC in your estate plans, please contact Mike Youse at 717-677-8211 or myouse@lutherancamping.org.LCC Heritage Society includes: Kathy Baker & Joel Petruschke Freda J. Benner Matthew BestAlice BoeshoreSandra BrandtKathleen S. BrennemanMarianne BrockDonald Clapper Rudyard and Doris CriderPeter Dohner and BethAnn

D’AgostinoMary DrehsKent and Sharon HardelBob & Judy HooverRobert and Kathryn Horst Marie Hoshell Lynn and Dawn KinardBrenda KiserElaine F. LudwigGlenn and Stella LudwigCarl and Rose Ann MeaseMiriam Miller Mark and Hazel NestlerothElaine H. Newhart D. Mark & Susan PotterJane Reinhard

Ruth Reuning Lea RidenhourRichard D. Schreiber Kevin and Sue ShivelyBetty Sidebottom BeachWilliam and Tammy SteinhartRuth Summers Vincent Tassia Jr.Paul and Dorothy Weirick Frederick and Marion Wentz Jere and Dottie WisslerCharles and Katie Wittel Edward and Jeanette YewdallConrad and Winifred YouseCarl and Lillian Youse Earl and Arlene Zellers

Deceased

Please send me information about Charitable Gift AnnuitiesClip, complete and mail to:Lutheran Camping CorporationPO Box 459, Arendtsville, PA 17303

____ Please send me a free informational brochure about Charitable Gift Annuities.

____ I would like to learn more about including LCC in my estate plans.

____ I have already included the LCC in my estate plans.

Name:

Address:

City:

State, Zip:

Phone:

Email:

The Lutheran Camping Corporationof Central PennsylvaniaPO Box 459Arendtsville, PA 17303LutheranCamping.org

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Harrisburg, PA

Spring 2018

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April 22 Earth Day at KirchenwaldApril 27-28 Men’s Retreat at KirchenwaldApril 28 Work Day at NawakwaMay 5 Work Day at KirchenwaldMay 11 Lutheran Camping Night at the Harrisburg SenatorsMay 19 Planting Day at The Wittel Farm Growing ProjectMay 20 Summer Camp Kick-off Worship & Picnic at NawakwaJune 8 Annual Golf Tournament at Honey Run Golf Club, York

Spring Work DaysKirchenwald - May 5, 8:30am

Nawakwa - April 28, 9am

The Spring Work Days are great for volunteers of all skills, ages, and abilities to come help get the camps ready for the upcoming summer season. We will have lots of jobs for folks of all work abilities. Be a part of making the camps a beautiful place for campers and families this summer, by helping at the Spring Work Day!