Learning More About Who Jesus Is

Camp Mount Luther wrapped up its summer camping season on August 1. Around 345 participated during the seven-week session. About 196 campers enjoyed on-site programs with crafts, swimming, games, camp outs, hikes, and singing.

This year’s theme at Camp Mount Luther was “Who are You, Jesus?” Campers and staff explored four images as part of Jesus’ “I Am” statements: good shepherd, light of the world, bread of life, and resurrection and life, all coming from the Gospel of John. Through the camp’s method of studying the Bible, “GROW Time,” staff helped campers Gather and Reflect On the Word throughout their day, culminating in an evening worship service.

Some highlights from this summer included: a “Guess the Number of Cicada skins” in a half-gallon jar, Servant and Leadership Training and a camper chaplaincy for senior high; and theme weeks for Night Owl, Water Adventure (complete with a campfire in the pool), and Dr. Seuss (with whimsical worship liturgies). A group of middle schoolers hiked into the Bald Eagle State Forest for “Buffalo Gap Adventure. “A new “Work Week” gave campers and staff the opportunity to do service projects for the camp. They also were led in community formation planning with Sue Ellen Spotts, Director for Evangelical Mission for the Upper Susquehanna Synod. A Family Camp was also held with adult Bible studies led by Revs. Gary and Stina Schaeffer, a special talent show, and a game of “Split the Party.”

Mount Luther staff led several off-site camps at local churches. About 149 campers participated with Christ’s Lutheran, Lewisburg and Milton Lutheran and United in Christ Lutheran, West Milton; St. Peter Lutheran, Kreamer; Trinity Lutheran and Lost Creek Presbyterian, McAlisterville; Zion Lutheran, Sunbury; and Zion Lutheran, Turbotville. A day camp was also held in Bloomsburg with The Table (Lutheran), First Presbyterian, and Trinity United Church of Christ, with counselors from both Camp Mount Luther and Bear Creek Camp in Wilkes-Barre.

The highlight of the summer was the dedication of a new bathhouse for Maple Village. The facility was built to modernize their facilities and provide more private and accessible restrooms and showers. The general contractor was Martin’s Construction. Executive Director Chad Hershberger spoke during the dedication.