Just two weeks before the Summer Ministry Team arrived for training, the finishing touches were put in place and the Hazel Dillon Lodge was dedicated. The event brought together more than 100 people with deep ties to the 42-year legacy of Carol Joy Holling Camp.
Mike Holling, George Holling’s great-nephew, spoke on behalf of the Holling family. “George was a Kiewit executive for almost 60 years, and he knew a good project when he saw one. I think he would be really pleased to see all the facilities that have been developed here,” he shared. “When George passed away in 1988, the camp was viable; it was what you would expect at that time. But, I don’t know that he ever could have imagined it would develop into the kind of facilities that we enjoy here today.”
This beautiful new 12,000 square foot lodge is named in honor of Hazel Dillon, a Fremont philanthropist who passed away in 2018. Her husband, Sid Dillon, Sr. provided the lead gift for the project. He cut the ribbon to officially open the lodge surrounded by his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren during the dedication ceremony.
Dillon shared that he was on the Midland College board with George Holling back in the early 1980s. “He was a sharp guy to be with. We always sat together, and it was enjoyable.” About the project he said, “It’s a privilege to do this.”
“Her faith was kind of the rock of who she was, and then followed right behind that was her children and her grandchildren,” Sid & Hazel Dillon’s grandson, Andy Sajevic, shared about his grandmother. “I think it’s just a fitting tribute to see what has come of this camp and this building. She would be very happy with where things are.”
“The biggest part of shaping faithful leaders starts with giving kids a great, rock-solid first experience coming to camp. And we knew we had to change housing to make that possible,” NLOM Executive Director Jason Gerdes told those in attendance at the dedication.
The Hazel Dillon Lodge serves as the sleeping quarters and dining hall for elementary campers at the TrailHead site. The new building’s lower level is also a state-of-the-art storm shelter with ten bunk rooms where campers sleep each night.
Outside of summer camp, the Dillon Lodge will be utilized for events, meetings, conferences, and retreats—as it comfortably seats more than 150 people and is ADA accessible.
“We’re thrilled to share with you that the building portion of this campaign is completely funded,” Gerdes announced. “We will have no debt that’s incurred on this facility thanks to our generous friends.”
The Dillon Lodge is part of the TrailHead: Shaping Faithful Leaders campaign, which also includes two endowment funds totaling $2 million. One fund provides camp scholarships to individuals who need financial assistance in order to attend camp, and the other provides seminary scholarships for summer staff members who respond to God’s call to serve the church. More information is available at NLOM.org/trailhead.
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