By Farrel Aflagah, 2025 Ranch Camp Site Coordinator
“Carol Joy Holling Camp is where we’re from” quickly went from just a slogan at my summer job to a cornerstone of my faith. Being a part of the Summer Ministry Team at Nebraska Lutheran Outdoor Ministries completely changed my entire life for the better, and is now an experience I will forever cherish close to my heart.
Before coming and working at camp, I was an introverted, reserved, solitary person. I didn’t enjoy being around people outside of my close-knit friend group, and my faith consisted of treating the Bible like a textbook—attempting to learn every single detail from cover to cover on my own. Then came camp… My life, my faith, and everything in between did a complete 180.
Upon coming to camp, I was met with such a warm welcome and open arms. Quite literally everyone I met had a genuine smile on their face and was excited to be there, something I had never experienced before in my life. The sense of community that camp brought was like no other and I felt at home immediately. Everyone had each other’s backs through thick and thin—there was always someone to lean on. Whether you needed a shoulder to cry on, a friend to share laughter with, or simply someone to help carry your burdens, you never had to face anything alone at camp. I was once the kid who avoided community at all costs and didn’t really see the point in it, now transformed into someone who was diving headfirst into one of the most loving communities in the world.
Yet, the impact camp had on my life didn’t stop there. Throughout my time working on the Summer Ministry Team, my faith grew exponentially. As the ten weeks went on, I realized God wasn’t some distant figure looking down on me, but was intimately involved in every moment, guiding me, teaching me, and walking beside me through every challenge and triumph. Having the opportunity to teach campers about Jesus and see Him through our day-to-day events completely changed my faith, building an inextinguishable fire in my heart for the Lord. So much so, that I believe God used my time working as part of the Summer Ministry Team to assure me, in confidence, that ministry was something I want to pursue full-time. God used my time at NLOM to turn me from an introverted observer to a passionate, committed servant in ministry.
One specific moment that stands out to me took place during week three at camp. I was in charge of a group of thirteen incredible high schoolers, all mature beyond their years. However, one camper, in particular, caught my attention from the moment I met him. His name was Will, and his passion for the Lord was unlike anything I had ever seen in someone so young. Inspired by his zeal, I allowed him to lead one of the Bible
studies that week, not thinking much of it. Exactly one week later, I received a letter from Will in the mail. In it, he shared that because I trusted him to lead, and the Bible study went so well, he had decided to change his career path and pursue vocational ministry. The moment I read that letter, I broke down in tears. I was not only proud of Will, but it was at that moment I realized the impact I could have on someone through my time at Carol Joy Holling Camp.
As I return for my second summer as a Site Coordinator, I am filled with excitement to join the Summer Ministry Team once again. Having experienced the transformative power of outdoor ministries firsthand, I am eager to share that same sense of community, love, and impact with both new staff and campers. There’s truly nothing like the atmosphere at camp—it’s a place where God’s presence is felt in profound ways. If there’s one thing I can guarantee about this summer, it’s that God will meet you through the loving community of NLOM and the Summer Ministry Team. “Carol Joy Holling Camp is where we’re from” is no longer just a slogan; it is a truth that lives in my heart.
