By Dani Hatfield, Director of Marketing
On a brisk spring afternoon at Carol Joy Holling Camp, more than 100 friends, donors, and partners gathered for a ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark the completion of the $2.7 million CL and Rachel Werner Crystal Springs Lake renovation.
“This is a historic moment for our ministry,” said Jason Gerdes, Nebraska Lutheran Outdoor Ministries (NLOM) Executive Director. “This reclaimed lake will be a resource for our campers and guests for generations to come. People will gather here for recreation, relaxation, and connection—with creation and with their Creator.”
For those who know Crystal Springs Lake, its importance is undeniable. Since its construction in 1982, the lake has been central to camp life. It has been a place where campers first ventured out in a canoe, where friendships were formed on the shoreline, and where moments of quiet reflection deepened faith.
But over time, the lake began to change. Decades of sediment buildup slowly reduced its depth, limiting its use and threatening its future.
“This wasn’t a new idea,” Gerdes reflected. “It’s something our staff and Board have been talking about for decades. We knew that one day we would need to act to preserve it.”
That moment came through NLOM’s Sustaining Sacred Spaces Campaign, a commitment to care for and renew the places where ministry happens every day. What began as conversations and “what ifs” grew into a bold vision—one that required faith, partnership, and generosity.
“It’s pretty special to stand here and look at something that, not that long ago, was just an idea,” said Jacob Spilker, Director of Development. “And now, it’s real. And not just real, but ready to be used, experienced, and enjoyed.”
The restoration of Crystal Springs Lake was made possible by an outpouring of support from donors, partners, and organizations who believed in the vision.
Lead support from CL and Rachel Werner and the CL Werner Foundation helped launch the project, alongside significant contributions from Sid Dillon, the Nebraska Environmental Trust, and many individuals, congregations, and community supporters. Engineering expertise from JEO Consulting Group and construction led by Yost Excavating brought the vision to life.
“If you’re here today, you’re a friend of our ministry,” Gerdes shared during the ribbon cutting. “Your presence and your support help make moments like this possible.”
For Spilker, the day was a powerful reminder of what collective generosity can accomplish.
“This is your impact,” he told those gathered. “You’ve helped create something that will be part of people’s stories for a long time. And that’s a pretty incredible thing to be part of.”
While the physical transformation of Crystal Springs Lake is remarkable, the true impact of the project goes far beyond the water itself.
“This lake is a resource for so many people—campers, students, retreat guests, and families,” Spilker said.
“It’s a place where people connect with creation, build relationships, and experience faith in meaningful ways.”
Each year, hundreds of students from schools like Papillion La Vista Community Schools come to Carol Joy Holling Camp for outdoor education, using the lake as a living classroom. Campers discover independence and confidence as they paddle across the water for the first time. Retreat guests find space to rest, reflect, and reconnect.
“This reclaimed lake will be a resource for our campers and guests for generations to come. People will gather here for recreation, relaxation, and connection—with creation and with their Creator.”
-Jason Gerdes
The renovation also brings expanded opportunities for programming, including enhanced fishing experiences, new boating and paddleboarding activities, and improved accessibility to ensure people of all abilities can fully experience the lake.
“This project opens the door for even more meaningful experiences,” said Korey Breutzmann, Director of Programs. “From strengthened fishing programs to new water activities and improved access around the lake, these improvements will help more people engage with creation and with each other.”
That vision is at the heart of NLOM’s mission: creating spaces where Faith: Alive! is not just a phrase, but a lived experience.
“This place will become a space of peace, hope, and joy,” Spilker added. “A space where faith comes alive.”
With the project now complete, Crystal Springs Lake is ready to welcome a new generation of campers, students, and guests—each bringing their own stories, and leaving with something more.
And for all who helped make it possible, the impact will ripple far beyond the shoreline.
