By Dennis Remington, Development Associate
“Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God is one Lord, and you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your might… and you shall teach them diligently to your children…”
– Deuteronomy 6:4–9
As a boy, I was blessed with parents who lived out this scripture. We had morning devotions, went to church, Sunday school, youth group, and summer Bible camp. Those experiences shaped my faith deeply, and it’s why I care so much about helping the next generation have the same opportunity.
I sat down recently with Pastor Greg and Gina DeBoer from First Lutheran Church in Fremont, Neb. They are two people who are just as passionate about the life-changing power of camp. What struck me most is how strongly they see camp and the local church working hand-in-hand.
“Camp helps faith come alive in ways that are hard to replicate anywhere else,” Pastor Greg shared. Gina nodded, adding, “We see kids come home from camp more grounded, more joyful, and more ready to lead in church and in life.”
Their church makes it a priority to help every child attend camp, offering financial support to families who need it. They see it as an investment in the spiritual life of their entire congregation.
One unique gift of camp, they said, is that kids not only grow in faith—they become more confident, compassionate, and connected. Through experiences like the Jay Novicki Day Camps, even how they interact with others begins to change. “We notice the difference,” Gina said. “They come home singing camp songs, and you can just see that something holy happened.”
They shared a story that still gives me goosebumps about a young boy who didn’t want to attend camp. His grandparents paid his way, and when they came to the closing program, they found a joyful child who didn’t want to leave. On the ride home, he sang camp songs and talked about how camp had changed his life.
I’ve seen the impact in my own family too. My granddaughter Elizabeth brought two friends to camp last summer. When I picked them up, I asked what their favorite part was. I expected them to say the zip lines, gaga ball, or the waterslide. But they surprised me: all three said “Bible study.”
It’s stories like these—and the faith of people like Pastor Greg and Gina—that remind me why camp matters so much. Camp is not just a week away; it’s a partner in ministry. It strengthens families, empowers kids, and supports the work of the local church.
Let’s keep talking about Jesus day and night—just like we do at Carol Joy Holling and Sullivan Hills Camps!
