Why serve at NLOM?

Brent Wagner

My response is often the same: no job will ever compare to the two summers I spent as a counselor, and the two summers I got to hang out at Tipi Village. I talk to lawyers, pastors, teachers, youth directors, etc., that worked at NLOM, and it’s usually the same tune.

“Job” I use loosely, because there were four days each summer when it felt like a job: the day of the June paycheck, the July paycheck, the last day paycheck, and the one bad day. And really, a bad camp at camp is better than a good day elsewhere.

It was my “job” to witness amazing changes in confirmation campers, to listen as kids offered the most amazing prayers during an evening worship near the lake. I used to lie in the middle of the Tipis and look at an amazing sky and hear cool kids laugh, pray for their counselor, console a new friend. It gave me goose bumps.

One stormy night the Tipi I slept in blew over, and I would be unable to stay there. There were some scared campers that night, and I made a sign to try to lighten the mood. “Need a home,” it read. All 30 kids that evening offered me a place to sleep, a dry blanket, and a smile. I have never been so blown away by such genuine compassion and love in my entire life.

How cool is that?

Lyndsay Legel

Well, camp kinda turned my life upside down in the best of ways. I wasn't prepared for the effect it would have on my life. I met people at camp that completely changed my life. In fact, many of my very best friends are people that I worked with at camp.  You go through so much together, both good and bad, that's it's next to impossible to come away from camp without people that you would trust with your life. It was the hardest job that I will probably ever have in my whole life, but the lifetime rewards make it all worth it

Brian Johnson

I'm not sure where I would be if not for my two years working at Carol Joy Holling Camp.  When I began, I was a quiet, reserved young man who didn't know what he was good at.  I left with a stronger faith, and the desire to keep that faith active.  Camp did more than fill my heart with love for  God, though.  Through my experiences at camp working with children, I felt called to become a teacher.  I cringe at the opportunities and experiences I would have missed if I had ignored the voice inside me that said "Go to camp!  You might like it!" If you are also hearing that voice, listen to it!

Rosey Higgs

As I look back on my time at Camp, I'm amazed - the person that pulled into Camp in the summer of 1991 was night and day from the person who pulled out in fall of 1995.  Camp gave me an opportunity for spiritual exploration that would have never happened had I not been in that place set apart.  Camp gives you a new perspective - a time to take a step back and prioritize and search your heart for what's important.  If you haven't been to camp you won't believe it, but you really can find your spiritual center during a game of capture the flag!

Camp was where I grew into the person I am today.  My best and most trusted friends and some of my warmest memories are from my summers at Camp.  I learned how to play the guitar, bake bread (and coffee cake :) ) build a fire and cook over it (grate food!), exist without a blow dryer, use a compass, ride a horse, enjoy being out in the rain, care for the environment, erect a tipi and use a nail gun, all while I was at Camp.  Plus, I make the best camping food of anyone I know!  All of this is because of Camp.  I am grateful for the time I spent in that wonderful place set apart.

Lauri Muller

Camp gave me not only an excitement for my faith as a camper, it also gave me a better understanding of what it means to be a servant of Christ and how to discern God's call for my life.

Camp gives young adults a place to grow in their faith as they help others on their faith journey, as well a network of believers that become more than just co-workers. Unique friendships develop that are deep and long lasting.

At camp I learned that my faith was not complete. As much as I thought I knew all I needed to know, I didn't. I learned how awesome and yet trying it is to struggle and grow. This knowledge that there was so much more to learn and experience in my personal relationship with Christ matured me as a Christian and humbled me in a way that only camp can do. Now as I enjoy each day as a Director of Youth Programs and Christian Education in the church I am serving, I allow myself to be open to God's teaching and guidance instead of claiming the race finished. Philippians 3:13-14 says "Brothers and sisters, I am still not all I should be, but I am focusing all my energies on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I strain to reach the end of the race and receive the prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us up to heaven." Camp was only one leg of the race but as I look back it was one of the most important and impressive.

This opportunity is one of learning and growth. It’s not about making lots of money. Yet, the riches received by this experience will certainly provide dividends that are priceless. Among those are: friendships, life skills, an appreciation of the creation that God has entrusted to us, a greater knowledge of the church and its role in leading people to Christ, faith building experiences, teamwork, leadership skills and so much more!

Leadership learned at camp - Yes! :)

Evi Steffens

Summer staff. . . I can't think of a greater opportunity or a bigger responsibility and challenge.  During my past three summers at camp, I have grown in ways that I never could have imagined.  We are talking serious stretching here – but good stretching!  Not only did camp allow me to grow in my faith, but it was also a complete blast: singing songs, being outside, and working with kids.  God shows up in so many visible and tangible ways at camp This isn't a normal summer job.  This is a job that leaves an impact. . .summer staff.

Mariah Meyer LeFeber

Camp equipped me with experiences and skills that I still refer back to on a daily basis. My leadership abilities were encouraged and enhanced daily, and years later I am still dipping into bits and pieces and thinking, "Oh, I learned a song at camp that I could use here," or "I know just what to do for a Bible study on that topic." The training I received and my camp leadership experiences have built me up in countless personal and professional arenas.

I work with children for my profession, and every day I utilize some skill, song or game that I learned at camp. People are always asking me, "where did that idea come from?" and more often than not I am answering, "oh, it's just a little something I learned at camp."

Camp gave me the confidence to share my faith, through the way I live my life, in my own calling and vocation. My desire to pursue a career outside of church walls was supported and celebrated, and at camp I learned ways to share the Gospel along my own unique path. People who think that camp counseling is only for people who aim to minister in the church are mistaken - camp is a place where you can come and learn how to be a minister in the world.