After making the long trip from Charleston, South Carolina to camp, Collin immediately saw how different his surroundings were. “It was different than what I am used to,” Collin says. “It’s not as foresty down in Charleston. I liked that Lutherock wasn’t as busy and was less crowded.” Collin was impressed by the scenery, but not by the rainy weather of the first few days. “At home we just stay inside when it rains, but at Lutherock we still had to do things in the rain,” Collin laughs. One of the things Collin did was go on the traditional Lutherock hike to Cross Rock. “The hike up the mountain was challenging,” Collin remembers, “but I thought it was cool because you could see Cross Rock through all the rain and fog.”

Collin went to camp with some friends he knew from church, but he also had to meet new people who were in his cabin group for the week. “Meeting everyone in the cabin was pretty neat. All the things we did together as a group like playing basketball and doing teamwork activities helped me get to know them.”

Teamwork activities and time at the Group Interaction Course are often a great bonding experience for campers at Lutherock. “The activities at the course were challenging,” Collin says. “There was one obstacle where we had to get our group across a log and another one where we had to all get a foot on a platform and stay up there. Sometimes we weren’t good at it because people didn’t listen at first and everyone was going crazy. When we put our minds to it though, and worked together, we figured out how to do things right.”

One of the highlights of the week at Lutherock for Collin was an off-site service project the Campfirmation group did at a local park. “There was a man there who had helped build the park and he was able to see us working. We were pulling weeds from some of the bricks he had helped put down. It was something he had wanted to get done for a while and he was surprised, and happy, we were doing it. It made me feel good that we got a chance to make a difference and help others and have fun as well.”

Collin’s mom Kim admits she wasn’t sure how the experience would go for Collin. “I never went to church camp,” Kim says, “so I wasn’t sure what it would be like. But Collin was really eager to tell us about what he did when he got back. Having an experience where he’s outside of church and you can see God in the world is important. Seeing Collin grow in that way has been really exciting.”

Collin says he learned a lot of lessons during his week at camp, including a lesson on being hopeful. “It was rainy one day, and then it was bright and beautiful the next days,” Collin says. “The rain really cleared the air. We camped out in tents one night and when we woke up you could see the sunrise over the mountains. I liked how everything was more silent and you could think. That taught me that even if a place looks muddy or things look down, God can make it good.”

Your gifts to NovusWay help congregations reach out into their communities to bring the joy of camp to all. Thank you for your support of this ministry!

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Wyatt first got connected to Luther Springs when a family friend invited him. He’s come back every summer since. For the last several summers, Wyatt has attended ‘Gators’ week at Luther Springs, where campers stay up later and later every night. The quality time and late-night conversations Wyatt has shared with other campers has been one of his favorite parts of camp. “I love being with the friends I’ve met at camp,” Wyatt says. “Being here has helped me learn to be vulnerable with people and share more about myself and my character. Sometimes it’s hard to open up to others, but my friends at camp push me to be a better person.”

Wyatt says his experiences at Luther Springs have been shaped by the young adult counselors who have been mentors to him over the years. “I’ve been able to watch counselors lead by example,” Wyatt shares. “They’ve helped me learn to be patient and respect others’ opinions. Because I’ve had those mentors, I am trying to be a mentor to some of the younger campers now.”

Counselors at Luther Springs also serve as Bible study leaders, and Wyatt appreciates the impact their leadership has had on his faith. “It can be hard to interpret things in the Bible,” Wyatt says. “With our counselors, it makes it easier to understand and apply to our daily lives. What centers me at Luther Springs is making God the center of my life. It’s harder to do that at home. It helps when you are around people who keep you in check.”

One of the most memorable parts of a Gators week at Luther Springs is staying up on the last night and beginning the day with sunrise worship at the lake. It’s always a special moment for Wyatt. “There’s a lot of beauty in nature,” Wyatt says. “I love being at the lake and seeing sunrises and sunsets. There’s a beauty that we find in each other too, in our interactions and relationships with Christ. There’s a lot of beauty every time we are together, at camp and in church.”

Your gifts to NovusWay give campers time in nature to explore the wonder of God’s creation and form meaningful friendships. Thank you for your generous support of this ministry where lives are transformed to love and serve!

The Board is thankful to have Lauri SoJourner at the helm as CEO. We continue to be grateful for her leadership, in big ways and small. She, along with the entire staff, worked hard to pull off yet another successful summer season. While attendance numbers weren’t quite where we hoped they would be, we’re adjusting and working on our budgeting, both financially and around participation numbers. We’re trending toward ending the year with a deficit, which we’re working to address. One way we can close that gap is by leaning on the generosity of supporters like you.

On a brighter note, we are looking forward to a busy Fall full of many hosted ministry opportunities. A few other quick things of note:

• Van Van Horne, Executive Director at Ridge and Rock, joined us on Friday, sharing his vision for our camps and imparting his deep Lutherock knowledge. Alongside Nathan Boykin, he helped lead a tour for the Board. We thank them both for their passion and love of camp.

• Our new Chief Marketing Officer will be starting in September who will better help us communicate the opportunities our camps and programs provide.

• Lutheridge’s 75th Birthday Campaign is going strong, and we’re closing in on our $3.6 million goal. Now that the campaign has kicked off in the South Carolina Synod, we’re hopeful we’ll surpass that target by a good bit.

• While recovery from the hurricane continues in many ways, our properties are being maintained better than ever, with some facilities being refreshed for the first time.

• NovusWay received a clean financial audit and all statements are materially correct, the highest rating possible. Maybe this isn’t the most exciting headline, but it’s a good sign that we are doing our best to be good stewards of all the gifts you’ve entrusted to us.

• We are exploring ways to bring additional land at Lutherock into conservancy. While much of the camp is already protected, we have acquired more acreage since that was last done. This effort can protect the land and camp in perpetuity.

There was also plenty of conversation about NovusWay’s strategic plan, which will guide us in the coming years. It’s a living document, and the Board and CEO Lauri SoJourner spent time reviewing what makes sense for the here and now. With the staff’s input, some timelines and goals shifted a bit, but the pillars remain the same: grow summer camp, grow year-round and hosted ministry, strengthen our facilities, care for our staff, and build financial viability. We’re laying the foundation now, and with Lauri as our knowledgeable CEO, a talented NovusWay staff, and wonderful program staff behind her, we look forward to growing this ministry for youth and adults alike. You can see the updated plan here Strategic Plan.

One conversation we spent real time on, along with Bishop Kevin Strickland of the Southeastern Synod, was where things stand with Lutheranch. While the difficult but necessary decision to sell Ranch hasn’t changed, an update is indeed needed. We previously sold half of Lutheranch, and the remaining half, which includes the McKanna-Sandrock Retreat Center, remains on the market. There has been interest from various non-profit groups, but no one has yet come forward with a serious offer. Several of those interested want to maintain it as a camping and retreat center, which would hold true to the initial vision of that property.

We are committed to sharing more information along the way, and you can look for a fuller update about Lutheranch in video form in the coming weeks.

My first meeting as Board Chair was filled with heartfelt conversations among many talented members who all have a passion for outdoor ministry and our camps of Lutheridge, Lutherock, and Luther Springs. There’s so much to be excited about in the coming years at our camps, and with your participation, support, and generosity, NovusWay will continue to be places apart for meaningful experiences, authentic friendships, high adventure, leadership development, and fun in God’s creation.

God’s peace be with you all, and thank you for your support of the camps we all love.

Rev. Jason M. Lee
NovusWay Board President

By the time you read this, summer camp 2026 will be in the rearview mirror. My first summer as CEO of NovusWay Ministries has given me an incredible snapshot of the impact our camps have on God’s kingdom.

At Luther Springs, during Gators Week, I witnessed something I won’t forget. Campers stay up two hours later each night until the schedule flips entirely, and on the last night, everyone stays awake through sunrise worship. What struck me most wasn’t the schedule. It was the counselors. Before they pray out loud with a group of kids, they say, “Do what you do when you pray.” Then they do it. I know grown adults who have never learned to pray out loud. These college students are building that confidence and faith in real time, and teaching the kids beside them how to do it too.

At Lutheridge, I sat with families during July 4th week and heard about the long history many of them have here. July 4th at Lutheridge isn’t just a program. It’s a family tradition, passed down.

At Lutherock, I spent time with pastors who bring kids to Confirmation Camp and to Disaster Response Camp. It’s meaningful time watching young people in their churches grow in faith, and meaningful time for these pastors to spend together.

Three sites. Three different programs. They each look different. One thing holds them together: kids and adults meeting God in ways that stick.

None of it happens without you! Thank you for giving gifts that support facilities, programs, and camper scholarships. Every year, families ask if their child can come, and the honest answer is always yes, because someone gave so a scholarship could cover the gap. I believe every kid who wants to be at camp should get to go. Your gift makes that true.

Fall is almost here, and the program and hosted ministry schedule is full of new opportunities for people to meet God at camp. I hope we’ll see you!

With gratitude,

Lauri SoJourner

CEO, NovusWay Ministries

My husband Kris and I are the pastors at All Saints Lutheran Church in Mt. Pleasant, SC. We live in Mt. Pleasant with our 9-year-old twins, Stella and Virginia. In addition to my part-time pastoral work, I also work in architecture as a residential designer.

What is your history with NovusWay?

I began as a Lutheridge camper in 1993, and have returned nearly every summer as a camper, counselor, pastor or parent. I have served on Senior Staff, as a Kairos leader, and as a Faith Alive retreat leader.

Kris and I met while working on summer staff at Lutheridge, so we have made sure to bring our twins to camp both for summer camp and retreat-season events. Stella and Virginia now consider Lutheridge their home-away-from home.

What is your goal for your board service?

As chair of the Property Committee, my board service has given me a unique opportunity to combine ministry with my architectural work. I hope that my board contribution allows me to give back just a fraction of what this organization had given me.

If you had any superpower, what would it be?

If I had a superpower, I would want super speed. It would make it so much easier to visit to our three amazing camps!

The NovusWay Board member terms begin July 1 and last for three years. A board member may serve two consecutive terms.

On July 1, 2026, we welcome three gifted and committed individuals to the board. Pat Cornwall is our lay representative for the Southeastern Synod. Sara Cutter and Scott Pinkerton are both filling at large positions on the board. During the next year of “Meet the Board”, we will be introducing them in more detail.

We thank Charles Bridgers, Ranate Patrick and Bill Trexler, whose terms ended June 30, 2026. Each of them began their first term as we had to close our camps due to the COVID-19 outbreak. As a group, they are very grateful that NovusWay and our camps have excellent leaders and staff, and look forward to continuing to support this organization.

Tina and Piper share that Trinity held a traditional vacation Bible school in the evening for years, but they had started to wonder about hosting a day-time opportunity that would serve young people in their neighborhood. “We have kids nearby whose parents or grandparents have them at home during the summer,” Piper says. “We wanted to see if we could give them a break for a week.”

Tina says the church spread the word about day camp by talking to people in the neighborhood and sharing about the opportunity with co-workers who had children. “I talked to a teacher at the school where I work who told me, ‘You know, my child has been asking questions about God,’” Tina shares. “The mom felt like our day camp was a safe place for her child to speak up and say what he was thinking about. When he came to camp it was amazing to see. He realized there’s something bigger out there he can be a part of.”

While the day camp started as a program for elementary age children, the congregation has developed ways for older children to keep coming back each summer. “We decided to add a middle school program for the kids who were getting older,” Piper says. “We made it a service-oriented experience where the kids do things like work with our native plant garden and clothing ministry. Once they age out of that, they can even come back in high school as volunteers.”

Piper and Tina say part of what makes the day camp at Trinity special is the congregation’s commitment to reach out to children who haven’t been connected to church. “For some of them, they don’t really get to see church much, and some of them don’t see much during the summer at all,” Tina says. “A lot of them would normally be spending their days on electronic devices, but instead they are spending a week filled with things like bible study, crafts, good food, and a nurturing community.”

People at Trinity continue to be energized by hosting the day camp each summer. “We are an outward looking church,” says Piper. “This gives people from our church a way to be a part of it. Everyone can have a role.” This summer Trinity will be hosting the day camp again. “We get a lot out of it,” Tina says. “Seeing the children light up when they are learning and singing and sharing meals is the best part of all.”

Your gifts to NovusWay help congregations reach out into their communities to bring the joy of camp to all. Thank you for your support of this ministry!

Jaime’s first time at Lutherock was for a week of confirmation camp. Attending with other youth from her home congregation, Jaime participated in interactive learning times while also getting to experience outdoor activities and a joyful camp community. “I wanted to go back because of all the counselors,” Jaime says. “They are really good people and helped us have so much fun.”

For the last two summers, Jaime has participated in Outdoor Adventure programs at Lutherock. During her camp weeks she has been able to go hiking, caving, rafting, and camp out at lots of different locations. While Jaime has enjoyed the adventure parts of being at Lutherock, what has really made an impression on her is the sense of community. “Being together with all these different youth from other places and singing songs together is truly an experience,” Jaime shares. “I love hearing everyone praising God together.”

Jaime’s favorite part of her week of camp last summer was spending the night camping out at The Saddle. “It rained on us,” Jaime says, “but we still had fun. The rain kind of brings us closer together because we are all huddled in one place. I like how camp brings you closer to the people around you, and closer to God.”

Jaime’s dad Eric likes how going to Lutherock has created a bond among the youth from their church. “I knew that going to Lutherock would be cool,” Eric says, “but an added blessing was the way the group seemed to grow closer. Getting to have those experiences together meant they came back connected.”

Jaime remembers her first trip to Lutherock and how it transformed the relationships among her church friends. “On the way up, we stopped to eat together,” she recalls. “At the restaurant we were all spread out and sitting in different little groups at separate tables. Then at the end of the week, on the way back home, we stopped to eat again. This time, we were all pushing the tables together so we could sit as one big group. We were so excited and talking so loud. I was afraid they were going to kick us out of the restaurant!”

Each summer Jaime has been at Lutherock has made an impact on her. She has especially enjoyed being able to worship in new ways. “When I get home, I remember all the songs we sang. Whenever we worship at camp you can feel the presence of Jesus. I love being in that environment.”

Your gifts to NovusWay give campers like Jaime opportunities to worship, grow, and form deeper relationships with friends. Thank you for your support of this life-changing ministry!

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

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.

This month we introduce Rev. Bill Trexler and Rev. Ginny Aebischer.

The Reverend William “Bill” Trexler

Tell us a little about yourself and your family.

I am a retired ELCA pastor who grew up in Asheville, NC, where home was the parsonage of St. Mark’s Lutheran Church. While a pre-med student at Duke University, I began to sense a call to ordained ministry, graduated, and then prepared for ordination at Southern Seminary. In my first call in Miami, FL, I met and married my wife, Karla. Over the next 53 years we have welcomed two sons and a daughter, their spouses, and eight grandchildren into our family. Recently, Karla and I have relocated to the Lutheridge Residential Community where we live in a home whose core was constructed in 1954 by my mom, dad, brother, and me. Over the years I’ve enjoyed backpacking on portions of the Appalachian Trail, renovating the homes while our family lived in them, gardening/landscaping, and as pundits would note: instigating church building projects!

What is your history with NovusWay?

My history with NovusWay began in 1950 when I was present at Lutheridge for the groundbreaking of Efird Hall. As a child I roamed the Lutheridge grounds, helped Grover the maintenance man, assisted with registration in the office. Later, my mom and I ran the Book Store for several summers. At Lutheridge I loved camp as a child and as an adult I co-led trail hikes, presented adult programs, preached for the 50th Anniversary celebration, and participated in Confirmation clusters at both Lutheridge and Lutherock. Luther Springs has a special place in my heart; much of its early development occurred during my term as bishop of the Florida-Bahamas Synod.

What is your goal for your board service?

As I complete my term on the NovusWay Board, I am encouraged by the gifted leaders who will continue to steward this ministry. So many lives have been enriched through our camps and conferences, and it will be important for our board to stay vigilant to shifting patterns in outdoor ministry. Equally important will be the recruitment of capable board members, year-round and summer staff, and generous donors to support programming as well as facility maintenance. In June when I become a board alumnus, I will continue to tell the story of Jesus and his love as experienced through NovusWay.

If you were a fruit, which would you be and why?

I’d be a grape. Grapes are the final gift that comes from their connection to the vine and its branches. As a bunch, they form a community that is delicious in its natural state. They can also be made into wine, which as it ages, becomes even more desirable.

The Reverend Ginny Aebischer, Bishop, South Carolina Synod, board service 2020-2026

Tell us a little about yourself and your family.

Paul and I celebrated our 40^th Anniversary last October. We met in 1983 when we attended training to become Youth Staffers in the Lutheran Church in America. Paul served a year in the Iowa Synod and I served in the Southeastern Synod doing youth ministry. We are graduates of Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary, class of 1989, and we have had the honor of serving as the pastors at The Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, Charleston and Mt. Tabor Lutheran Church, West Columbia. Paul has also served on staff of Portico Benefits Service and most recently as Pastor of Ebenezer Lutheran Church, Columbia. I was called to serve as Assistant to the Bishop in 2008 and as Bishop of the Synod in 2020. This summer we are both retiring and looking forward to having as much time together and with our family to travel and read all the books that we didn’t get to yet. Our immediate family includes Joshua and his wife Addie, and our granddaughter, Rosie who live in the Columbia area, and Micah and Reid who live in Greenville.

What is your history with NovusWay?

Lutheridge and Lutherock Ministries have been part of my life and our family for as long as I can remember. Paul, Addie and Micah were counselors at Ridge, and Joshua served as Counselor at Rock and Ridge. I served two terms on the Board of Lutheridge + Luthrock Ministries in the 1990’s and especially loved bringing groups from our congregations to camp for the Annual Apple Festival and for Campfirmation Weeks. As Bishop I have served on the NovusWay Board from 2020 – 2026. These “places apart” feel very much like part of home to our family and have had significant impact in forming our leadership in ministry. I pray that my work with the board is faithful and thoughtful. I am aware that the experiences which each of the NovusWay Camps provides great impact to the church and the world.

What is your goal for your board service?

My hope is that people feel welcomed, included and loved in the name of Jesus whenever they step foot on camp grounds, and as a result they carry that love from Jesus with them back to their home communities. I pray that the board can listen carefully and continue to build on the faith that is at the center of all this ministry does.

What is the most embarrassing song on your phone right now?

I am a city girl who loves cows. I find the visions of cattle in the pastures to be a vison of peace and calm. Perhaps those who truly know something about cattle would have a different view of my idealism, but I have never seen a picture of a cow, or one passing by my windshield that doesn’t make me smile and give thanks to God for this marvelous creation.