NovusWay Ministries

Dear camp friends,

It’s almost time for summer camp at Lutheridge, Lutherock, and Luther Springs and we are filled with anticipation! Soon campers will be hiking on trails, singing around campfires, and sharing in the love and belonging of Christian community. Your support of NovusWay makes all this possible for campers like Jack.

Fifth grader Jack remembers the first time he went to camp. As a young camper, he was nervous. “It was scary,” Jack says. “It was hard leaving home and being in an unfamiliar place and not knowing anyone.” Jack’s dad Walt remembers he was apprehensive too. “We were nervous about him being comfortable,” Walt says. “But we were excited for him and knew he would be in the safe care of the camp staff.”

The first day Jack spent at camp changed everything. “We did icebreaker games to get to know everyone,” Jack says. “I liked the game where you say your name out loud and one thing you like to do. I started making friends and it was kind of easy after that.” Each day at camp, the nervousness that Jack had felt gave way to confidence and joy. When Walt picked Jack up at the end of the week, he saw it right away. “The first thing Jack said to us was, ‘I’m coming back next year!’” Walt laughs. “He was excited about his new friends and all the fun they had together.”

This summer Jack will return to camp again and he is already looking forward to his favorite parts of the week. “I like the counselors,” Jack says. “They are always with you and always kind. I also like how we learn about God and the Bible. It’s like church, but better because you get to stay overnight. This time my younger brother Isaac gets to go too, and I already told him you get to do really fun things!”

Walt appreciates how special it is for his children to have meaningful experiences at camp. “It’s important for them to be able to go somewhere where we know they’re safe and they can be themselves. They get to disconnect from screens and the busyness of life. That’s a real gift.”

This is how your gifts transform lives! Your generosity makes it possible for children like Jack to gain confidence, form meaningful friendships, and explore the wonder of God’s creation. As we get ready to welcome children of all ages to camp, would you consider giving a gift of $25, $50, $100, $200 or more to empower summer ministry? Gifts like these make a lasting impact in the lives of campers at Lutheridge, Lutherock, and Luther Springs. Thank you for being a partner in ministry!

With gratitude,
Lauri SoJourner

P.S. You can make a gift today by visiting http://weblink.donorperfect.com/GiveNovusWay.

REFER A FRIEND AND SAVE ON SUMMER CAMP!
Do you have a friend or loved one who has never attended camp? Why not introduce them to camp this summer?! If you refer a friend to register for camp this summer, you can both save $50 on summer camp!

To take advantage of this offer, please email our Registration Office at [email protected] to request the discount.

Share this link with a friend, coworker, or someone in your community whose kiddo would benefit from summer camp: https://novusway.org/summer-camps/

We can't wait to see you (and your friends) at camp!

Today is the last day to save on Summer Camp registration. There is a $50 Late Registration Fee for registrations submitted May 16, 2026 or after.

Summer is just around the corner, but there is still time to give your kiddos a summer they'll never forget. Across our three locations, we offer summer programs to fit the interests of campers of all ages. Whether your camper enjoys climbing, swimming, archery, music, or if they're coming just for the yummy s'mores, we know that while they're here, they will feel a sense of belonging, deepen their belief system, and be exposed to new adventures that will help them become who they want to be. Use the link below to explore our summer camp offerings, and get your kiddo registered for a summer they'll never forget: https://novusway.org/summer-camps/

Paths

Lutheridge counselors Jon Lakeman and Madeleine Rhyne had very different paths to get to camp. After several great summers serving on staff, now they are both headed in a similar direction – to seminary and future ministry in the church.

Madeleine grew up going to Lutheridge. “I was a camper for a long time,” she says, “and I always looked up to my counselors and wanted to be like them.” Madeleine knew being a counselor was a big responsibility, but after talking to some former Lutheridge counselors, she decided to apply to be on summer staff.

“My experience was the exact opposite,” Jon laughs. “I went to scout camp and sports camps, but I never went to any kind of church camp. I had grown up with the notion that bible camps weren’t really my thing.” That changed when Pastor Drew Yoos, Lutheridge Program Director, visited Jon’s college to talk about summer jobs at Lutheridge. “Pastor Drew said being a counselor at Lutheridge would give you experience in a way no internship can,” Jon remembers. “That convinced me, and I have not regretted my choice at all. The past three summers have been the best part of my life.”

Serving on staff at Lutheridge for several summers has helped Jon and Madeleine think a lot about church ministry. “Being a counselor is a difficult job and puts you in so many different situations,”
Jon shares. “The ways that counselors support campers and one another feel like pastoral care. It’s such a great experience of Christian community. Knowing such a real body of Christ exists in the world has strengthened my conviction to be in ministry and offer that to others.”

Madeleine says she was already discerning a call to ministry before being on staff, but her time as a Lutheridge counselor has deepened her awareness of her gifts for service. “Camp convinced me that this was possible,” Madeleine says. “My years on staff have shown me that I can do ministry. It’s equipped me, giving me the chance to dip my toes into ministry leadership as a counselor and senior staff, and reinforced my sense of call.”

This fall, Madeleine and Jon will be on different paths again, each heading to a different seminary to begin ministry studies. As they step into this next chapter, they both say their camp experiences will stay with them. “The way I’ve experienced so many kinds of people and needs at camp will stay with me,” Madeleine says. “At camp I’ve learned how to take initiative, when to ask for help, and how to lead in healthy ways. Being able to teach God’s children that they are loved unconditionally is so inspiring and continues to move me toward ministry.” Jon says being on staff at Lutheridge has taught him that difficult things are worth doing. “The real work of Christ is possible,” Jon says. “It’s not just something to talk about in a class, it’s happening at camp. Understanding that has energized me to be a faithful and active disciple of Christ.”

Research on camp ministry and summer staff experiences at camp shows that working at a Christian camp is one of the most significant places young adults feel a call to ministry. Thank you for your gifts to NovusWay which are helping young people grow into the servant leaders needed in the church and in the world.

NovusWay Ministries
PO Box 830
Arden, NC 28704
www.novusway.org