Luther Point Bible Camp's Program Coordinator's Report 

I had no idea 10 months could go so fast. The calendar says I have not yet been Program Coordinator for a year, but my mind tells me it feels more like five. The joys and challenges that I have experienced while organizing programming for over a thousand youth have been a huge blessing in my life and I am so thankful for what I learned, as well as for all the people that I have been able to experience it with.

As I told the 37 summer staff upon their departure at the end of the summer camping season, I could not have asked for or imagined a better first summer as Program Coordinator. The staff members I had the pleasure of leading this summer were extremely devoted to the purpose to which they were called by God. They cared passionately for the safety and spiritual well-being of their campers, they developed deep relationships and friendships with campers and fellow counselors, and they served with the heart of God. I feel our summer theme of “Love To Serve” really tied us together as a ministry. All summer long, the reminder that Christ continues to serve us so that we may serve others was set before us as a centering focus.

Programming on the whole went very well this summer. Some minor changes in the regular In-Camp schedule seemed to make a positive difference and our Specialty Camp offerings were well received. Drama and Guitar Camp both had strong attendance and they put on quite a show for campers and parents at the end of the week. Senior High Servant Camp didn’t have the turnout we were hoping for, but they had fun together and were able to do some positive things in the community including a food drive in Grantsburg and helping with a Habitat For Humanity build in Amery. Our biggest bright spot of the summer was Horse Camp. We partnered with Frontier Trails Stable in Fredric and had three full weeks of youth horseback riding. The Outpost and River trips were strong and popular as usual, although some extremely low water at the beginning of the summer meant more dragging canoes than actual paddling. The B.U.D.D.I.E.S. program continues to be a huge hit – to the point that we even had to turn some away because we didn’t have enough spots. We had 28 senior high come for two weeks at a time and volunteer to do dishes and clean bathrooms while learning how to develop leadership skills. The Grandparent/Grandchild camps were fun as always and week-long Family Camp had lots of energy and excitement. Finally, our Day Camps were strong again this year, allowing us to bring our ministry out into the local communities.

Yes, it was visibly evident during some of the weeks that camper numbers were down from usual which, to be honest, led to a few gloomy feelings at certain moments. However, the fact remains that we were able to live out God’s calling for us this summer and were able to influence the lives of so many youth through the transformative nature of God. We didn’t let the campers that were not here influence our passion for this ministry for the ones that were here.

Looking ahead to next summer, we are not simply hoping for an improved economy to bolster attendance. We are looking for new ways in which to be a year-round presence in congregations. We are looking at diversifying programming with the possibility of adding a Lake Superior sea kayaking trip, among others. Most importantly, we are continuing to trust God with our prayers that the Spirit is alive and active among the people that come together in this place.

Thank you for your support,

Jesse Weiss, Program Coordinator