The NovusWay Board met November 6-8, 2025, at Lutheridge. There was a renewed sense of optimism and hope for the future of the ministry as we concluded our interim CEO phase and formally welcomed our new permanent CEO. After working diligently over these last several years to redirect our ministry, our meeting agenda was future-focused, with reports and updates, worship and devotions, and thoughtful conversations on our path forward, all reflecting the improved health of the ministry. All board members were present, and we welcomed Bishop Emily Hartner as our Bishop’s representative.
We were glad to have some transition time in the presence of our interim co-CEOs, Mike Ward and Mitzie Schafer, and our new CEO, Lauri SoJourner. On Thursday evening, we hosted a reception to recognize the two-year tenure of Mike and Mitzie’s work with us. Staff were invited to join us for refreshments and sharing. The Board presented our outgoing interim CEOs with a plaque to commemorate naming the conference room in the new NovusWay offices (which is formerly known as Beam) in their honor. The Board donated funds to NovusWay to purchase new A/V equipment in their honor as well. There were also cards from staff, with notes of appreciation for Mike and Mitzie’s leadership.
The Board met throughout the day on Friday, and we hosted a welcome reception for Lauri on Friday evening, to which the Lutheridge Residential Community Committee was invited. One of Lauri’s welcome gifts was a bag full of t-shirts, provided by each of our camp directors, allowing her to be ready to represent each of our camps in style! After dinner, the board and guests participated in worship together, and held a brief service of installation of Lauri as our CEO.
Funds raised through the 75th Anniversary campaign for Lutheridge continue to make possible refurbishments and new building projects, while funds from insurance claims related to Hurricane Helene continue to provide opportunities to rebuild and repair facilities at both Lutheridge and Lutherock.
A generous gift from a friend of Lutherock made the purchase of approximately 4.5 acres of land and one building abutting our current property possible. Additional funds for the improvement of this property were also included in this gift. We appreciate the ongoing work of the Lutherock Master Planning Task Force as we imagine what the future could hold there.
Luther Springs’ buildings are all currently in good shape, and we are delighted to have received a generous gift allowing for the construction of additional guest or camper housing. More details to come.
We are implementing tiered pricing for our registration process beginning in Summer 2026. Tiered pricing provides our guests with the opportunity to pay the actual cost of camp, while still offering our normal subsidized rate. Families will be able to choose the tier that works best for them. This strategy has seen positive results with other camps, and we are excited to offer it at NovusWay.
As we move into 2026, we will be using the skills of The Crawford Agency in marketing to families with potential campers. We expect to grow camper numbers and connect with potential staff through this process. We hope that you will continue to share the joy of camp and encourage people in your circles and churches to come to camp!
The gifted and caring staff at all our camps continue to offer hospitality and care, and we appreciate them a great deal. In early January, there will be a staff retreat at Lutheridge for members of staff at all camps. In appreciation for their commitment, the Board will be organizing volunteers to help provide some meals for them during their time. Please watch for that opportunity!
For these final weeks of 2025, we look forward with thanksgiving to the celebration of Jesus’s birth. We are grateful for the support of our campers, guests, and donors who make our camps and programs possible. Thank you! While there is still important work to be done to improve our camps and secure our financial future, we have the framework and people in place to better focus on growing the ministry. Your Board has a renewed spirit, and we each have made our own pledges of support for the ministry for 2026 – thank you for your continued gifts of prayer, time, attendance, and financial support. We look forward to seeing you at camp!
