While she was eager, going to Lutherock for the first time was a big deal for Hazelle. “It was my first time away from my mom for a week and going outside the state made it even more huge,” Hazelle says. “Being at Lutherock was very different and a little shocking. In the city you don’t experience so much nature. It was amazing to be able to see and smell the trees when you wake up.”

Being in the woods for the week gave Hazelle lots of time to see and appreciate new things. “It was so environmentally different and so peaceful,” Hazelle says. “It blew me away how peaceful things can be. We got to see so many animals like deer and salamanders. It’s so magical that God creates all that.”

Hazelle says her camp counselors have been really important to her experience at Lutherock. “I felt like I was really cared for by my counselors,” she says. “You can tell that we matter to them and that they enjoy everything that they’re doing and having fun with us.” This summer, the devotional times led by Hazelle’s counselor Riley were especially meaningful to Hazelle. “One of the nights we went out and sat under the pavilion while it was raining,” Hazelle remembers. “We were there just relaxing and thinking and praying. We talked about how God created all things good, including us. I felt like I was soaking up so much of nature and God’s love.”

Hazelle’s mom Kimberly remembers what Hazelle said when she got back from Lutherock. “She told me when she came home that she felt so much closer to God than she ever had been,” Kimberly says. “Hazelle is very much an evangelist, and I knew she was going to use her camp experience to keep on spreading good news to others.”

Since going to camp, Hazelle says she talks a lot about how good God’s creation is. “That’s one of the things I like to talk about with people,” Hazelle says. “I brought back stories and games and songs from camp that I get to share with my church and my friends. But I especially brought back my excitement for appreciating God’s creation.”

The love Hazelle felt at Lutherock continues to shape her life. “I got to hear about how much God loves me and it’s just astounding,” Hazelle shares. “I hope that in a few years I can be a Lutherock counselor. Camp has made me feel so loved. I want everyone to be able to feel that love from God so they can love others and God’s creation too.”

Your gifts to NovusWay give campers like Hazelle experiences in God’s creation that deepen faith and empower joyful witness. We are grateful you are a part of this ministry where lives are transformed for love and service.

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The Reverend Amanda Highben

NovusWay Board Vice President

Tell us a little about yourself and your family.

I’m originally from Pittsburgh, PA and have lived in Ohio, Minnesota, and Michigan. I moved to Durham, NC in 2019 when my husband, Zeb, began his work as the Director of Chapel Music at Duke and as a professor at Duke Divinity School. Zeb and I met in college when we were counselors together at Lutheran Memorial Camp (HopeWood Outdoors) in Ohio. I was called to serve as the Duke Lutherans Campus Pastor in 2020 and am also an associate pastor at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Durham. Our daughter Cecilia (Ceci) is in 8th grade. We also have a naughty but lovable beagle named Scout. I love to read, hike, practice yoga, and watch college basketball and soccer. I care deeply about ecumenical and interfaith ministry and helping students to embrace their identities as beloved children of God.

What is your history with NovusWay?

Although I was a camp counselor for 3 summers at Lutheran Memorial Camp in Ohio, I first became connected to NovusWay in 2019 when Zeb served as the choral clinician for Music Week at Lutheridge and Ceci was a Music Week camper. We then returned for Music Week in 2024 when I served as the chaplain, Zeb was the choral clinician, and Ceci was a Pioneer camper. We also attended family camp at Lutherock in 2020 and I came to Lutheridge with Duke students for spring break 2025 to do hurricane restoration work.

What is your goal for your board service?

My goal is to help the board lean into the strong connections between outdoor and campus ministry. We know that so many rostered and lay leaders were deeply shaped because of their camp and campus ministry experiences; emerging adults grow spiritually and emotionally through these beloved communities. How might camp and campus ministries increase their collaboration so that both might benefit and strengthen their relationships with counselors and students?

Are you a fan of a window seat or aisle seat?

Aisle! I’m tall so I like the extra space and stretching my legs into the aisle (as long as I don’t trip anyone!)

Meredith Shuford

Tell us a little about yourself and your family.

Meredith Shuford is an attorney residing in her home town of Lincolnton, NC. She is a member of Emmanuel Lutheran Church. Meredith and her husband, Stefan, enjoy spending time outdoors hiking, exploring new restaurants and traveling throughout the US, Canada and Europe. Together they have four adult children and two grandchildren.

What is your history with NovusWay?

I attended Lutheridge as a camper each summer from 3rd grade until 12th grade. I worked on staff four summers as a counselor, spending my last summer as the Wilderness Area Director (now Outdoor Adventure Programs) leading Canoe/Trail and Basic Wilderness programs for high school campers. I was fortunate to be an Area Director the summer we merged with Lutherock and was able to lead a camping/whitewater rafting program from that site. I also served as a CARE leader for several summers when my two children were attending summer camp. I’ve participated in various programs at Lutheridge and Lutherock over the years. I’m excited for my first trip to Luther Springs soon.

What is your goal for your board service?

Based on my experience as a camper, staff member and parent, I aim to share that perspective with the other board members. The board is making important decisions that will affect the future growth and stability of our camps.

What’s the best way to start the day?

My best days start with a long walk outside enjoying the cooler temperatures, no matter the season, to take in my surroundings including the sights, sounds and smells around me.

The Reverend Dr. Kevin L. Strickland

Bishop, Southeastern Synod

Tell us a little about yourself and your family.

Kevin serves as the bishop of the Southeastern Synod (AL, GA, MS, TN) of the ELCA. He was elected first in 2019 and again in 2025. Prior to this, Kevin served as the Assistant to the Presiding Bishop and Executive for Worship of the ELCA. He and his husband, Robby, live in Atlanta and have the cutest French Bulldog, Bumble Bee.

What is your history with NovusWay?

Kevin was only ever a camper once at Lutheridge as a teenager, but his college roommate, Jason Lee, talked him into serving on summer staff for a few summers. Since then, he has served in a variety of capacities, from Faith Alive leader, Music Week chaplain, Create in Me worship leader, confirmation leader, and more. Kevin has served as a member of the board since his election in 2019.

What’s the best way to start the day?

I start my day with a cup of coffee and then all seems well with the world.

What’s a current trend you just don’t get?

I don’t really get the TikTok dance trend, but could be that I have two left feet.

Have you ever won a contest?

The only contest I have ever won was selling the most chocolate bars in elementary school.

Do you know the sound? The frogs start up down by the water, and the crickets join in. A cabin is laughing. Somewhere a group is singing on the walk back from vespers. Then it goes quiet, and even the quiet feels full. Camp is alive, and I believe that is God speaking through creation.

You’ll hear it in this issue’s stories. Tyshaun couldn’t sleep his first nights at Luther Springs because the woods were so loud, and now he loves it. Hazelle soaked up God’s love through the sound of rain at Lutherock. And Sheri walked Lutheridge every morning at a quilt retreat this August, 65 years after her first summer as a camper. She said it plainly: “God is still there.”

I love that about these places. Buildings get updated and programs grow, and every year brings new faces. But, summer or winter, camp still feels like camp. It’s familiar. It’s comforting. It’s the place you come home to.

We held onto that as we updated our strategic plan. We set specific goals under six pillars, which you can read about on page 7. Every goal points to the same place: bringing people closer to God and one another, now and for years to come.

We’ve laid out quarterly milestones, and I’m excited about the steps we’ve already taken. We hired a new Chief Marketing Officer, Carter Blend, to help bring more people to all three sites. We also redesigned the Lutheridge/Lutherock program team. Pastors Sara and Drew Yoos now lead programming at both sites, and two new team members have joined them. Mac Feid will be the program lead for Lutherock, and Livi Iobst will take on several initiatives at Lutheridge. All four will work at both camps.

At Luther Springs, we’re close to finishing a new business plan that will carry us through Sarah Anderson’s retirement. If you’ve been to Luther Springs in the past 20 years, Sarah has reminded you, “Jesus loves you.” Please join us on February 20 at Luther Springs to celebrate her. Watch our social media and email for details.

I hope to see you this spring, too. We will host donor gatherings at Luther Springs on April 10 and at Lutheridge on April 24. Mark your calendar now – details coming soon.

Come hear the frogs for yourself.

With gratitude,

Lauri SoJourner
CEO, NovusWay Ministries

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!

GIVE ONLINE TODAY ➔

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!

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!

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 act of generosity was a testament to the faith and character the people of St. Matthew’s have had throughout their history. “St. Matthew’s has a legacy of being shaped by a deep commitment to doing God’s will and sharing the joy of Christ,” explains Hali Hagist, a member of the congregation. “In recent years, as our membership declined and we discerned a holy closure, we remained steadfast in our outward focus. Even in this season of no longer being a formal body, we have chosen to serve beyond ourselves.”

As congregation members considered how they might serve by sharing their remaining assets, they were helped by the staff of the Florida-Bahamas Synod. Pastor Nicole Eastwood, Assistant to the Bishop for Transition and Candidacy, worked closely with the leaders of St. Matthew’s to help them determine how they could support ministries with legacy gifts. “We talked together about what the congregation valued and what would be missed once there were gone,” Pastor Nicole says. “A big part of the congregation’s generosity had always been connected to youth ministry and building leaders.”

Janice Hunter, another St. Matthew’s member, says the congregation has always understood growing leaders for the church to be part of its story. “At least six youth and adults from St. Matthew’s have gone on the become ordained ministers,” Janice says. “Church camp was a place they received the seeds of their calling, demonstrating how God uses these experiences to shape lives and call leaders.”

The gift from St. Matthew’s to support ongoing ministry at Luther Springs has become an especially meaningful way to continue the St. Matthew’s story. “Our gift represents the continuation of our congregation’s faith, values, and witness,” Janice shares. “Over our 70 years as a church, countless children and families were impacted by the ministry of Luther Springs. Through this gift, we trust that God will continue that work of discipleship long after our doors have closed.”

Pastor Nicole recognizes that congregations like St. Matthew’s who are making big decisions about closure often find deep meaning by giving to others. “Sometimes ministry is complete sooner than we thought,” Pastor Nicole says, “but that doesn’t mean it’s over, because God is always doing a new thing.”

Hali and the people of St. Matthew’s agree. “We trust that through Luther Springs, our congregation’s faith and generosity will continue to reflect Christ’s love for generations to come.”

Gifts from churches can support the ministries of NovusWay in powerful ways. To learn more about how your congregation can partner with us, contact Rev. Nathan Gragg, Chief Development Officer (NGragg@NovusWay.org, (828) 209-6326).