Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Camp Luther; "Faith, Fun, and Friends"

Camp Luther
“Faith, Fun, and Friends”

by Shelly Burke, Editor

“Faith, Fun, and Friends” is the theme of Camp Luther this year, and more than 400 campers will experience faith, fun, and friends as they take part in various camps this summer.

Camp Luther is located 5 miles north of Highway 30 between Columbus and Schuyler.
Camp Luther's site is about an hour and a half drive from Omaha, Lincoln, and Grand Island, and about an hour from Norfolk, York, and Seward.

Hank Rausch, Executive Director of Camp Luther, says, “Camp Luther is a small, personal camp that emphasizes relationships between the campers and other campers, campers and staff members, and most importantly, campers and their faith.” During the day campers may spend Time Alone With God (TAWG), and each day includes Bible study and campfire devotions. (Camp Luther is a Service Organization of the Lutheran Church, Missouri Synod, but its programs are open to all).

According to Rausch, 50-75% of summer staff members are former campers who have come back to be counselors, because of the positive experiences they had at Camp Luther and the relationships they built during those years.

During the summer campers are offered a wide variety of camps from which to choose; as well as traditional camps for grades 1-10, guests may attend Parent/Child Camp, Grandparent/Grandchild Camp, Family Camp, and Adult Summer Activities. Specialty camps cater to those interested in sports, science, survival skills, and volunteer opportunities. Rausch was quick to point out that although there is a charge for attending camp, no child will ever be turned away due to lack of funds.

Campers spend their time outdoors on bike trails, swimming, taking part in hot dog roasts, and participating in other outdoor activities. Many camps include a night camping outside (although all the rain this summer has made that difficult during some weeks!).

A Special Needs Camp is offered for developmentally challenged individuals age 13-adult. During the Special Needs Camp, each camper is paired with a buddy to help them make the most of their experience.

Camp Luther isn’t just for camping; events take place throughout the year. Activities scheduled for this fall include a Men’s Ministry Retreat, Outdoor Education for Small Schools, a Jr. High Retreat, and Women’s Scrapbooking Retreat. Buildings are available for rental (for group meetings or wedding receptions, for example), and camping facilities are also available.

Volunteer opportunities are available for adults who would like to help out with meals or assisting with maintenance during a camp. Junior Servants may volunteer to help wherever needed. Volunteers can help with projects during the year, or donate money or specific items.

For more information about camps, other activities, or volunteering or making a donation, see the website (www.campluther.org) or call (402) 352-5655.

Friday, July 16, 2010

Cody's Last Platte County Fair

It was a day filled with bittersweet feelings. Cody showed today for the last time at the Platte County Fair. Cody first showed at the county fair when he was only 8 years old. We have so many wonderful memories of the fair--showing cattle, fun times with friends, and the weather--it's almost always steaming hot during the county fair.

Today Cody showed Crash, and Crash was named Champion Market Steer! Cody had never had the Champion steer at the county fair this year, and it was a great way to end his county-fair career.




Thursday, July 15, 2010

Summer Fun--Cattle Shows! Charolais Junior Nationals



Morgan (and her heifer Princess) beat out more than 70 other competitors to be named Champion Showman at the Charolais Junior Nationals in South Dakota. Great job Morgan and Princess!

Friday, July 2, 2010

First Nebraska Christian Music Festival a Success!

First Nebraska Christian Music Festival a Success!

[NFT] The First Nebraska Christian Musical was held June 20th at Brickyard Park in Hastings, NE. Despite storms the night before and threatening clouds throughout the day, there were smiles all around on the faces of organizers, volunteers, performers, and those listening to the music (see the June issue of the Nebraska Family Times for a list of performers).

According to organizer Dr. Mike Skoch, one of the organizers, “The festival was a rousing success by all measures. We are very grateful to those who braved the day, clouds and all. The music was simply outstanding! From the first band - Social Contradiction of Omaha - to the final group - the Salem Baptist Choir - also from Omaha - there was not a single group that even came close to disappointment. At one point I found myself sitting backstage with tears in my eyes at the wonder of it all, and the magnitude of God's infinite love for all of us. The music moved me. One of the day’s performers said, "Music speaks a language that words cannot."

According to Skoch, the Christian Music Festival will be held again next year, probably in August. The website, http://www.nebraskacmf.org/ will be updated when dates are determined, and the Nebraska Family Times will also print information as it becomes available.

Thursday, July 1, 2010

Editor's Letter July 2010

I hope you are enjoying your summer!

It’s been a busy month for our family. I’m so happy that Cody and Morgan are home from school for the summer! I don’t get to see them a lot, as they’re very busy with their cattle and helping Tim at the ranch, but it’s still nice to know they’re close by.

We’ve been to several cattle shows this month and next month is the Platte County Fair. Morgan will also be showing at the National Chianina show in Springfield, IL. As well as showing her heifers Sadie and Unforgettable, Morgan will be taking part in several contests, including Salesmanship, Team Fitting, Livestock Judging, and Public Speaking.

Cody went to Manhattan, KS, for college orientation several weeks ago. He became more familiar with the college and enjoyed getting to know some of his soon-to-be classmates and choosing his classes. I think he is excited to start college.


I hope you enjoy this issue of the Nebraska Family Times!

Please fill out the Reader Questionnaire and return it to me. By reading your answers and suggestions, I can make sure I’m printing and writing articles that are of interest to you and will “Inspire, encourage, and motivate you in your Christian walk.”

I had the pleasure of attending the first Nebraska Christian Music Festival in Hastings, NE, last week. Rain threatened all day, but did not interfere with the fun of meeting and hearing performers. I enjoyed meeting several people who planned the event, and I’m happy to report they are planning to hold the Festival again next year! You’ll see a report of the Festival in the paper this month.

If you are planning, or aware of, any Christian events, please let me know! I enjoy writing about and promoting those events, and readers enjoy knowing about and attending them. You can reach me at (402) 993-2467, (402) 750-3496, or shelly@shellyburke.net.

May God bless you and your family this month!