By Lisa Stirtz, Volunteer Coordinator
This spring, volunteers gathered at both Carol Joy Holling Camp and Sullivan Hills Camp to help prepare for another summer of faith formation, friendship, and outdoor adventure.
From cleaning and repairs to landscaping and setup projects, more than 100 dedicated people gave their time and energy to ensure campers would be welcomed into safe, inviting, and joy-filled spaces.
At Carol Joy Holling Camp, nearly 90 volunteers participated in the annual Work Day on May 16. Volunteers of all ages worked throughout the morning completing projects across camp, including installing new bunk beds and mattresses in cabins, setting up tents, refinishing benches, cleaning bathrooms, preparing the pool and water slide, organizing the camp store, folding T-shirts, assisting with mailings, and clearing branches from trails.
The projects were completed by an incredible mix of supporters, including donors, grandparents and parents of campers, church workers, current staff members, and even campers themselves.
Together, they shared a common goal: preparing camp for a summer filled with meaningful experiences and opportunities for young people to grow in faith.
“This place has a special place in my heart and always will,” shared volunteer Zach Powers of Omaha, a former Summer Ministry Team member. “I want camp to be a place campers remember for a lifetime. Whatever I can do to help, I’m happy to be here.”
For many volunteers, serving at camp has become a meaningful tradition. Cindy Stalder of Humboldt returns each year to help with indoor projects and reconnect with the camp community. Her daughter, Laura Stalder, serves on staff and encourages her to come see the growth and changes happening each season.
Matt, Janet, and Donavan Perone of Honey Creek, Iowa, also make Work Day a yearly priority. They volunteer in memory of their son, Frank, who served as a Summer Ministry Team member. For the Perone family, helping prepare camp is a way to honor his legacy while supporting a place where campers can build friendships, experience the outdoors, and deepen their faith.
Earlier this spring, Sullivan Hills Camp also welcomed volunteers for a successful Work Day on April 18. About a dozen volunteers gathered to complete projects around camp in preparation for the summer season.
Work included replacing planks on the bridge leading to the pond, landscaping around the shower house, repairing fences, trimming trees, installing a new sign on the Buckley Center building, cleaning windows, and deep-cleaning the dining hall and kitchen. The day began with breakfast and fellowship before volunteers spent the morning working side by side across camp.
Thanks to the efforts of volunteers at both sites, campers and guests arrived this summer to spaces were clean, welcoming, and ready for ministry.
Volunteers continue to play a vital role in the mission of Nebraska Lutheran Outdoor Ministries. Their generosity and servant hearts help create places where campers can build friendships, experience God in creation, and grow in faith.
