NLOMA Conference Recap
Camp Luther staff Beemer, Woody, Sojo, and Kardia at the NLOMA Conference |
Every February, members of the Camp Luther staff join with ministry
professionals representing nearly 30 Christian camps across the country. The organization is called NLOMA (National
Lutheran Outdoors Ministry Association). This year, staff members Woody,
Beemer, Kardia, and Sojo traveled to the Mount Olivet Conference and Retreat
Center in Farmington, Minnesota for the conference. This annual conference features worship time,
several amazing speakers, and plenty of time to enjoy fellowship and networking
with staff members from other camps.
Pastor Gabe Kasper (Camp Luther Alumn) leading worship |
Worship times at this year’s conference were led by pastor and Camp
Luther alumn Gabe Kasper (Austin, Texas).
The keynote speaker was Dr. Andy Root. Andy’s discussion focused on place sharing in
relationships and letting Jesus find His way into our lives by spending time
with one another and sharing in each other’s suffering.
Attendees had time for recreation and sight-seeing throughout the
conference, including the Como Zoo, local breweries, and a nearby NLOMA member
camp called Camp Omega. One highlight
every year is the annual “Pong-a-thon” tournament (ultimate ping pong). 30+ people took part in this year’s
competition and the traveling trophy went home to Lutheran Island Camp in
Northern Minnesota.
NLOMA Members praying over Summer Staff applications before Joint Recruitment |
Part of what makes NLOMA so special is that summer staff hiring is done
as an association rather than by individual camps. This process is called Joint Recruitment and
takes place on the final day of the conference. Camp Luther has benefitted from this process greatly over the years
because it allows us to recruit staff from all corners of the country; many of
which have experience at other camps and can bring new, refreshing ideas to help
grow the ministry. Many Camp Luther
summer staff members have also gone on to work at other camps as well.
All in all, the NLOMA conference is a very important time of personal
and professional growth, networking and fellowship, and renewal for the
ministry that happens at camp.
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