Summer Staff

Applicants Need

• A loving, growing relationship with Jesus Christ.
• Willingness to work hard, be flexible, and serve in a variety of ways.
• Most applicants must be high school graduates, 17 years and older. Preference is given to applicants with a year of post-high school experience. Staff must be 18 years or older by the first day of staff training for positions that require onsite community living (counselor, area leads, leadership team, etc.). If 17, please consider applying for a commuter position (lifeguard, kitchen, hospitality, etc). Some positions are available at a daily commuter rate. Please note that positions that fall into the commuter category may also be eligible for onsite community living for those 18 years and older.
• Those who have worked two weeks of SALT (these do not have to be consecutive or even in the same summer) and are entering the 12th grade are eligible to apply to be a part of Summer Support Staff commuter positions (lifeguard, kitchen, hospitality, etc.) and work at camp for an entire summer!
• Some positions have specific age requirements due to insurance and liability.
• All summer staff must submit to federal criminal background and national sex offender checks, provide personal references, and agree to abide by all Lutherhaven Ministries Personnel Policies.
• Some positions require additional certifications such as CPR/First Aid, Lifeguarding, or a Food Handler’s Permit.
• All applicants must submit a completed, signed summer staff application.

How It Works

1. Step One: Start the application process here.
2. Step Two: Schedule your interview (an email will be sent to you with instructions and availability)
3. Step Three: Get excited for a summer of fun, faith formation, and building lifelong skills
4. Check out our different sites – Camp Lutherhaven, Shoshone Mountain Retreat & Ranch, –all part of Lutherhaven Ministries. One application works for all locations!

Summer Camp 2025 Dates

• Camp Lutherhaven (Summer Camp Staff): Approximately June 4 – August 16, 2025
• Camp Lutherhaven (Summer Leadership Staff): Approximately May 30-August 16, 2025
• Shoshone Mountain Retreat (All Staff): Approximately May 30-August 16, 2025
• Need an internship? Talk to us and we can figure out how to use your role at camp for your school credit!

Can’t serve a full summer?

We still want to hear from you! First time working at Lutherhaven? Fill out an application and let us know what weeks you are able to serve. Between our online training resources and in-person training when you arrive, we can get you where you need to be before you have your first cabin. Worked at Lutherhaven before? Consider applying to be a part of Legacy Staff (information below)!

All summer positions have work availability into September and beyond. Have questions? Contact us for more information!

Base Pay

Approximately $375 per week, plus meals and housing (valued at $275 per week) depending on positions and experience. That’s between $3900 and $4100 for a full summer, plus $2750 in housing and meals!

Additional Summer Bonus for:

• Serving your full summer contract
• Being Red Cross Lifeguard trained. We can provide free training and the certification can be used outside of camp as well for up to two years!

• Our mission and values
• Our approach to ministry (please read before applying)

Applications Open! Apply now.

Summer Camp Staff

All Camp Staff will be supported, mentored, and supervised by Summer Leadership Staff. With that in mind, ALL of our summer staff are encouraged and expected to take ownership and lead within their specific roles. Summer Camp Staff, with the exception of Counseling Staff, will daily serve in two areas of camp (for example: hospitality and waterfront). You will be able to select your role preferences at the time of your interview but ultimately the ministry’s needs will determine which roles are offered. All staff, including Counseling Staff, will help to clean on “flip days” which are days when campers are departing and new ones are arriving (typically Friday and Sunday). Staff who do not serve in a counseling role will typically help clean dishes once per day…we call this a Kitchen Party!

All Summer Staff will be assigned to work two weekends during the summer in addition to the first weekend (staff training) and the last weekend of the summer (closing the summer season).

Camp Counselor Team

As a Lutherhaven  Camp Counselor, no two weeks are the same! Some weeks you will counsel a cabin of roughly 8-9 campers in any of our on-site programs. The Counseling Staff will help to walk alongside campers as they learn about the Bible through daily worship and Bible Encounters. We also run Family Camp over the summer in which you have the opportunity to practice hospitality and facilitation skills as you help families build lifelong memories and grow together in faith.

Kitchen Team

Kitchen staff work closely with the camp cooks preparing nutritious meals, maintaining health code standards and sanitation of the kitchen, setting up the dining area, cleaning dishes, and doing other tasks within the area of food service.

Hospitality Team

Hospitality is an essential aspect of our ministry. These staff will be trained to see everything from the guest’s perspective and ensure camp is welcoming to all. Duties include cleaning, laundry, dishes, and organization of meeting/workspaces.

Media & Retail Team

These staff make sure the camp experience doesn’t just stay at camp! This is done by capturing photos of campers throughout the week and uploading them to our parent portal. It also includes helping run our camp store all the way from inventory to point of sale.

Waterfront Team

Waterfront staff will oversee the safety and fun of the waterfront!  Must be lifeguard certified or willing to become certified. Applicants 25 years of age and older may also serve as a boat driver. Waterfront staff are also tasked with specific cleaning duties daily. If lifeguards do not arrive with current Red Cross Lifeguard Certification (other certifications must be pre-approved) you must be able to attend Lutherhaven Lifeguard Training in June.

Recreation Team

These staff are the organizers of all things fun! Help give campers an amazing week by setting up awesome games, leading amazing art projects, teaching new skills, and having epic costume parties. Recreation staff are responsible for keeping equipment organized as well as prepping and facilitating activities for cabin groups.

Challenge Course Team

At Camp Lutherhaven we lead campers through a variety of team-building exercises from name games all the way up to the high ropes courses. All challenge course staff will be trained in low ropes and belaying. If needed, staff may also be trained on the facilitation of high ropes elements and must attend the required training.

Maintenance Assistant

The Maintenance Assistant assists the Facilities Director in the maintenance and repair of the camp’s buildings, grounds, equipment, lawn care, and other facilities in line with the policies and procedures of Lutherhaven Ministries.

Summer Leadership Staff

All Summer Leadership Staff arrive at camp a week before the rest of the summer staff to undergo program and area-specific training. Because of the additional training and certification requirements, preferences for these roles will be given to those who can serve the entire summer. Leadership Staff serve the Summer Camp Staff by providing clear goals, expectations, and feedback to help camp run smoothly. Great applicants are servant leaders who want to help everyone grow in their leadership abilities. 

All Summer Staff will help to clean on “flip days” which are days when campers are departing and new ones are arriving (typically Friday and Sunday) and will be assigned to work two weekends during the summer in addition to the first weekend (staff training) and the last weekend of the summer (closing the summer season).

Leadership Team

We are looking for 6 experienced camp leaders to work with our Full-Time Staff as a member of our Summer Leadership Team and serve as the lead for one or more of our summer programs! In addition to overseeing the planning, implementation, and evaluation of these programs you will also facilitate all camp activities such as games, skits, and campfire and worship. The Leadership Team is trained in ropes course facilitation. A large portion of your role includes mentoring Counseling Staff and supporting them throughout the week.

Leadership Team members each typically oversee or assist with two programs. This summer’s programs are Genesis (1-2 grade), Exodus (3-4 grade), Pioneer (5-6 grade), Villages (4-6 grade), Pathfinders (7-8 grade), Adventurers (9-12 grade), SALT (10-12 grade leadership), Champ Camp, Day Camp, and Family Camp! Applicants share their programmatic preferences in their interview but ultimately the ministry’s needs will determine which roles are offered.

Area Leads

We are looking for 6 experienced camp leaders to work with our Full-Time Staff as Area Leads overseeing a specific area of camp, the daily tasks within that area, and the staff working in that area. The six areas are Kitchen, Hospitality, Media and Retail, Waterfront, Recreation, and Challenge Course. As the Area Lead (for example: Waterfront Area Lead or Recreation Area Lead) you are responsible for supervising, mentoring, and supporting the Camp Staff serving in your area. It is your responsibility to ensure the things that need to be done in your area on a given day are being completed and the functioning of your area continuously improves. 

Area Leads will serve in their area at least one shift per day (there is an AM and PM shift for each area each day). Area Leads may end up serving in their area all day if necessary, Area Leads may be able to swap with other Area Leads to serve shifts in other areas. Applicants will give their area preferences in their interview but ultimately the ministry’s needs will determine which roles are offered.

Healthcare Leads

The Summer Health Care Lead is responsible for working with the weekly Volunteer Health Care Managers. Responsibilities include caring for camper health needs, emergency care, managing the Health Care Center, keeping records and facilitating communication, attending meetings, and providing support to staff. This includes completing program evaluations, administering camper medications, and fostering positive experiences. The Summer Health Care Coordinator must be 21 years or older and be medically certified.

Adventure Leads

We are looking for 2 staff who love the great outdoors to lead our programs that center on adventure and are based out of both Camp Lutherhaven and Shoshone Mountain Retreat! These programs include TREK, Explorers, and other counseling roles as needed. As an Adventure Lead, you must feel comfortable being away from the main camp locations, leading adventure activities with junior and senior high campers, and facilitating bible studies and worship. The two Adventure Leads will work together all summer taking campers on off-site trips and facilitating activities while on-site. You serve as both the counselors for the kids and will work with Full-Time Staff directly as you navigate the programmatic details of the week. 

Must be 21 years of age or older and be at least Wilderness First Aid certified  (or hold a higher certification) or willing to become certified. Lifeguard certification is preferred.

Champ Camp Lead

Champ Camp is Lutherhaven’s program designed specifically for campers who have physical and mental disabilities. The Champ Camp Lead will contact Champ Camp families prior to their week at camp to talk through camper needs and to ensure a successful week of camp. This position will also help to train summer staff on how to best accompany Champ Campers and facilitate a meaningful camp experience for all. The Champ Camp Lead is responsible for training Idaho Servant Adventure participants to work with our Champ Campers as buddies. During non-Champ Camp weeks, the Champ Camp Lead provides support for neurodivergent campers. Preference is given to someone with experience working with people with physical and mental disabilities.

Legacy Staff

Are you a past staff that would love to serve at Lutherhaven again but can’t commit to an entire summer? Consider applying to be a Legacy Staff! Yes, there is a Legacy Staff Shirt!! Whether you worked here one or three summers ago we would love to have you join us for as many weeks as you can offer. Online training material is provided before you arrive at camp to get you up to speed on current policies and procedures.

Summer Staff 2025 Applications Now Open!

Apply Now —>

Applications Open! Apply now.

Shoshone Mountain Retreat and Ranch is located in the beautiful Panhandle National Forest, and includes Idaho Servant Adventures, the Ranch program, Explorers and TREK. When working with Idaho Servant Adventures, your job consists of leading High School and Middle School students, facilitating service sites in the Silver Valley, leading our on-site Day Camp program, and daily leading recreation time (zipline, natural rockwall, tubing the river, etc.). At the Ranch, you lead a group of campers through the week as they learn about Jesus and learn to ride a horse! All Shoshone staff serve on a close-knit team where fun and your shared faith in Jesus are central to what you do!

Summer Camp Staff

• Shoshone Head Cook: Cook for groups upwards of 130 people and manage kitchen operations!
• Shoshone Assistant Cook: Assist the head cook with preparing and cooking meals for all groups.

• Shoshone Support Staff:Help make Shoshone Mountain Retreat & Ranch happen. This position assists in a variety of ways around camp, from the kitchen, to the ropes course, to helping run horse camp. This position serves behind-the-scenes and has opportunities to interact with campers and guests.

• Shoshone Media/Retail Team: Make sure the camp experience doesn’t just stay at camp! Capture photos of campers throughout the week and upload them to our parent portal. Position also includes running our camp store all the way from inventory to point of sale. 
• Shoshone Maintenance Assistant: The Maintenance Assistant assists the Site Director in the maintenance and repair of the Shoshone Mountain Retreat’s buildings, grounds, equipment, and other facilities in line with the policies and procedures of Lutherhaven Ministries.
• Assistant Wrangler: Assist the wrangler in catching and tacking horses, help campers tack horses, and assist on camper rides.
• Shoshone Ranch Counselor: Lead a cabin of  8-9 campers at the Ranch. Experience the fun of being around horses from care to riding, along with other fun activities such as tubing the river, Giant Swing, and much more! Ranch Counselors lead campers as they learn about the Bible through daily worship and Bible Encounters. 

Summer Leadership Staff

• Shoshone Leadership Team: Lead and facilitate programming for Idaho Servant Adventures and on-site Day Camp. Program needs encompass leading service projects onsite and in the community, campfires, leadership development, Bible Encounters, waterfront and river floating, and relational ministry.  
• Shoshone Ranch Camp Program Lead: Responsible for scheduling, planning, and leading the ranch camp program and its staff. Coordinate logistics, lead campfires, and work alongside the wranglers at the Ranch. 
• Head Wrangler: Oversee a herd of horses and all their needs, , lead rides with campers and guests, and teach campers basic horsemanship skills!
• Adventure Leads:  We are looking for 2 staff who love the great outdoors to lead our programs that center on adventure and are based out of both Camp Lutherhaven and Shoshone Mountain Retreat! These programs include TREK, Explorers, and other counseling roles as needed. As an Adventure Lead, you must feel comfortable being away from the main camp locations, leading adventure activities with junior and senior high campers, and facilitating bible studies and worship. The two Adventure Leads will work together all summer taking campers on off-site trips and facilitating activities while on-site. You serve as both the counselors for the kids and will work with Full-Time Staff directly as you navigate the programmatic details of the week. Must be 21 years of age or older and be at least Wilderness First Aid certified  (or hold a higher certification) or willing to become certified. Lifeguard certification is preferred.

Summer Staff 2025 Applications Now Open!

Apply Now —>

This is a tricky question. A typical work week of a salaried position is Sunday-Friday. Depending on your role, what you are doing during those hours varies greatly. The reality of camp is that you spend time with campers and are responsible for their safety and well being the entire time they are with you. So, you may be eating, hanging out at the cabin, swimming in beautiful Lake Coeur d’Alene, tubing the river at Shoshone, riding horses, worshiping on the beach or in the woods, sleeping, hiking, cleaning bathrooms, singing, and more throughout your “work day.” Other times it will include serving in behind the scenes ways – helping with dishes, cleaning, setting up an activity, and more!

All staff are contracted to work 2 weekends during the summer. Weekends may be worked at any of our sites, Camp Lutherhaven or Shoshone Mountain Retreat & Ranch regardless of which camp you spend most of your time. Your time off begins on Fridays after staff worship. For weekends you are not working Saturday is your day off. You are free to leave camp on Fridays after staff worship (time varies) and need to be back on Sundays for worship at 9:30 a.m. (Shoshone Mountain Retreat & Ranch) or 10:30 a.m. (Camp Lutherhaven), unless your assignment for the week requires an earlier start time.

The two weekends are in addition to the weekend between the two weeks of staff training. We welcome guest groups and run Family Camp programs each weekend. Those staff committing to work a shorter summer season will be asked to work at least one weekend during their contract. The last day of the summer is Saturday, August 16th. All staff working through the last week of camp are contracted to work that day unless previously arranged with their supervisor. We end the summer with our Summer Staff Banquet so plan to be at camp until 10:00 p.m. on the 16th.

We know that life can be stressful and hard. We want to work with you to help keep you mentally and physically healthy. You will get daily breaks to check out, recharge and refresh. Many of our staff come to camp seeing a virtual counselor, and we would love to work with you to make sure you can maintain those key relationships during the summer season.

Great question. Check out our approach to ministry here.

Summers in North Idaho are incredible. June is typically in the 60’s and 70’s with chances of rain. July and August are in the 70’s, 80’s, and 90’s with lots of sunshine and hardly any rain (and little to no humidity!).

Camp Lutherhaven

Camp Lutherhaven sits on the shores of Lake Coeur d’Alene in the North Idaho panhandle on 60 beautiful acres of timbered hillsides. Spokane, Washington is the nearest airport, 45 minutes from camp.  Lutherhaven has a beach and waterfront, tree houses, cabins and lodge space for 200, a 30-element high and low rope challenge course with climbing tower and zip-line, Frisbee golf, mini-golf, lots of hills and more! Lutherhaven is a tremendous place to share the grace and love of Jesus!

Shoshone Mountain Retreat & Ranch

Idaho Servant Adventures Program and Shoshone Creek Ranch are both located at Shoshone Mountain Retreat, 28 miles up the scenic North Fork of the Coeur d’Alene River. 1.5 hours from Coeur d’Alene, and 60 miles from Lutherhaven, Shoshone is surrounded by acres of lush National Forest, and sits at the confluence of Shoshone Creek and the Coeur d’Alene River.  Shoshone is a mountain wonderland. Floating the river, mountain biking, hiking, rock climbing, horseback riding, and ziplining are all part of the summer experience!

“After being a camper at Lutherhaven for years, I made one of the most influential decisions of my life – to work at camp as a lifeguard for the summer of 2016. This was an easy decision, and I counted down the days until staff training. When I arrived at camp on that sunny May afternoon, I expected the general camp fun I had been around for the past 7 years as a camper. My expectations for the summer were certainly met with abundance and then some. The summer was filled with excessive joy, challenges, growth both personally and in my faith, confidence, and some of the most special people in my life (and now a couple of them are even my house mates!). That first summer greatly influenced who I am today.

I’ve worked at camp for six summers now, first as a lifeguard, then head lifeguard, followed by counselor, Idaho Servant Adventures Program Staff, and Day Camp Coordinator, and every year my expectations were still met with abundance. My time in the woods of North Idaho taught me how to be a strong leader and a hard worker. Camp gave me confidence in myself I never thought imaginable and has prepared me for my career in elementary education. These summers have given me lifelong friends and mentors who are in my corner, and I am still close with them to this day… I’ll always encourage people to come work at camp for a life-changing summer!” – Ellin

“When I think of why I love Lutherhaven so much, one word immediately jumps out: safe. Often, the first thing that comes to mind upon hearing the word “safe” is the thought of being free from danger, but, there is so much more to consider when it comes to safety.

Lutherhaven is a safe place for me to express my love to others through Jesus Christ. It is a safe place for me to share how God’s love, direction, word and mercy has inspired me to serve others wholeheartedly. Lutherhaven is a safe place to let my voice be heard and to know that someone, including God, hears me and cares for me.

At many places in our day-to-day lives, it can feel like nobody cares about what we have to say. It’s sad, but it’s true; in our busy world, most people are always rushing, have a tendency to be selfish, and don’t want to be a part of situations where they’d have to carry anyone else’s burdens upon their shoulders.

We live in a fast-paced environment where we have our vision set on our destination and we do not take time to slow down and enjoy our surroundings. But, Lutherhaven changes that, because it’s a place that surrounds us with caring people in God’s beautiful creation.

Lutherhaven has a way of awakening us from our busy lifestyles, of somehow slowing down the clock so that we can actually look around and enjoy the natural beauty that surrounds us. It reminds us that there is so much more to this world than just working hard to obtain materialistic gains. For me, Lutherhaven is a safe place to let my imagination run free, and to share the joy and freedom of imagination with those around me.

The world of technology is slowly taking away our generation’s imaginations. Computers and cellphones tend to do most of our thinking for us and it doesn’t leave much room for our own imaginations to stir. But, at Lutherhaven, coming up with fun ideas to try to make children’s dreams come true allows us to have fun thinking outside the box… something we don’t often experience at home or school. For many of us, technology has become our new babysitter. We are the generation that spends hours upon hours sitting behind our screens at home. Lutherhaven is one of the only places we can go to truly break away from that.

I love being at Lutherhaven because it is a safe place to play, open up and grow. Being at Lutherhaven allows us to express our emotions and ideas, which builds our confidence and self-esteem, which in turn leads us to having better communications skills. These days, most of the world is lacking communication skills, and it’s so important to learn them because misunderstandings often lead to unnecessary conflicts.

But most importantly, Lutherhaven is a safe place for me to be a kid again. “Sam in the laboratory” doesn’t always get to be “Sam at Lutherhaven.” Where else would I get the chance to enter a talent show, laugh loudly and hysterically, and have all the fun I could imagine? It would be seen as unprofessional to show up to work dressed up as Peter Pan and ask anyone if they’d want to go swimming!

Camp has impacted my life because it’s shown me the true reality of the world I live in. The blindfold came off and I realized that I have always been in my comfort zone doing the bare minimum. It is true what the Bible says: there is plenty of work, but only a few workers. Lutherhaven impacted me to work harder and help people in need, whether emotionally, physically or spiritually.

Thanks to Lutherhaven, I have become a more focused servant leader where I make every day an opportunity to reach out to my community through community service, work or even sports. People are in desperate need for a leader that encourages them, cares, shares their burdens, motivates, walks with them and sets a good example to follow. Along with strong leadership skills, Lutherhaven has motivated me to keep trying to get into graduate school to further my knowledge in medical science so that I can better serve the community around me. In the most loving way possible, Lutherhaven called me out on the areas that I needed to grow in. In doing so, every area of my life has improved.

Most of my growth at Lutherhaven was through learning how to truly live out the fruits of the spirit. I learned how to really love others, even if they have different opinions or beliefs than mine… to be more joyful and resilient when facing trials… to fully believe that my trials were experienced so that I would grow, and to be able to help others when they experience similar trials… to be able to find peace in the storm through all things, especially when I’m most stressed… to be patient with others and realize that we each have a different set of strengths, gifts, and abilities… to be gentle, because we never really know what others may be going through… to be kind, even when I am not experiencing kindness… to have self-control and remain calm and respectful through everyday struggles… and, to be faithful. The most important lesson of all was to learn how to be faithful as I trust the timing of God and hold onto his promises.

My favorite camp memory is from 2016, when I was leading a High School Boys’ Cabin. Unfortunately, there are still many men who have never learned that it’s okay, and important, for men to express their emotions. They often pass these expectations on to their sons as they raise them to believe that ‘real men aren’t supposed to cry.’ Prayer around the cross takes place on Wednesday nights at summer camp and this is always where some of the most profound moments of camp take place. This particular prayer night, I witnessed these nine high school boys crying as they shared their life stories and faith with each other, forging an unbreakable bond between them. The best part is that many of them have continued to stay in touch with one another, and many are still involved with Camp Lutherhaven to this day. This just goes to show that Lutherhaven truly is a safe environment in which kid’s voices can be heard.

One of the main reasons I love coming back is because I get to meet students new and old. It is always heartwarming when a kid comes running up to share that they remember me from last summer, and that their most memorable part of last summer was being in my cabin. It’s also beautiful to see how much the kids grow and evolve in just one year. There’s always room to learn more about life, each other and most importantly, our relationships with God. Being in a secluded area away from the noise, technology and stress has such a strong impact on our walks with Jesus.

The tranquility and fresh air at Lutherhaven has helped me listen to what God wants to teach me, and to adequately prepare me for the challenges I’d face once I got back to the ‘real world.’ Even though I was working at Lutherhaven, it was also an oasis to freshen up and recharge. I did feel exhausted at times, but I never felt like I worked a single day.

Camp is not just about learning outdoor education and counseling skills, it is about finding yourself and what you are capable of. As you go through camp, it will amaze you how many new abilities you can pick up by interacting with your peers. It is important to get to know your peers, even if you’re introverted or shy, because it teaches you that no matter how different people can be, they are all there for the same reasons as you are: to learn about God, change lives, and make new friends. Before you know it, you will be sitting at one of their wedding ceremonies. Camp will open your eyes and help you see the world with different eyes. It will help you discover so many wonderful new things and make you appreciate certain things that you used to take for granted. The crazy thing about all this is that amongst all the fun, you are fulfilling two things Jesus commanded for us to do. One is to be like a child because those are the ones who will inherit the kingdom of heaven. And, two, you get to love not only God but other people as well as you share the word of God.”

-Sam, Lutherhaven Staff 2016-2019

“My mom began sending me to Camp Lutherhaven as early as she could…I first started coming to Lutherhaven as a Genesis camper and have since returned every year through this last summer, where I joined camp as a summer staffer! My mom also attended Lutherhaven with the same friends from early childhood through high school, and she’s loved how much I’ve come to love it here as well.

When I was younger I always felt very solidified in my faith and that it wasn’t something to be questioned. I knew I was a Christian and that meant the following; going to church on Sundays, helping out with volunteer work at local schools or churches, reading the Bible, etc. To a young child like me at the time, that was all it was to me and I didn’t give it much thought. Long story short, eventually events happened in my life around the age of 10 that had me questioning a lot of those ideals I held so close to me and whether I was a true Christian or not. I began going to church less, stopped reading the Bible and almost stopped thinking about God entirely. I felt very lost in the years that followed, as most teenagers do, and I questioned whether I wanted to continue to be a Christian and what that really meant for me. It got to the stage where I began asking myself the questions of: “Why do I believe in this? Why am I doing all of this for something I can’t even see? Is God even real?”

Even through all of those changes throughout the years, there was one thing that continued to remain constant in my life; Lutherhaven. It was the one week during the year that I got to meet kids my age in one of my favorite places on earth. I was able to talk to my camp counselor and they would help me understand why I was there and that I was there for a reason; that God put me there and had me coming back every year, and that was His plan. Even during the years that we were struggling to afford to come to camp, donations sent from anonymous families, churches and sponsors allowed my sister and I to continue coming to camp. To me, that was a huge sign that I was meant to be here.

The impact that Lutherhaven had on me every year for even just a week was enough to make me want to do the same for other kids. I became a J-staff member, now called SALT, in 2018. I applied to be a camp counselor for the summer of 2020, but due to Covid, was unable to work that summer. In 2021, I applied once again after feeling called to come back. I truly did not know what to expect, and wondered how we would even make this summer work. By the time I finally made it to camp for staff training, I knew I was in the right place. The sheer amount of love, uplifting energy and truly amazing people that I saw shown through God’s love this summer alone was enough to leave a mark on my life forever. I never thought that I would be a part of something so much bigger than myself, but I loved who I was at camp and who I was becoming by being surrounded by such amazing individuals. The campers that we met every week throughout the summer made it so worth it, and I made friendships that I know will last a lifetime. At camp, I felt God’s love, and that alone is enough to make me want to go back again next year.

I wouldn’t trade this last summer for anything. Lutherhaven has always felt like my home away from home, and for that, I am grateful.

And as Lutherhaven’s 2021 summer theme verse says, “For the lord is good. God’s steadfast love endures forever. God’s faithfulness, to ALL generations.” Psalm 100:5

“There is not a single time in my life that I cannot remember the presence that Camp Lutherhaven has had in my life. There is something about going somewhere disconnected from the rest of the busy world that really opens your eyes to new experiences, and camp has always been that place for me. Camp has just kind of always been in my life in some way, shape, or form. I was introduced to camp through winter retreats with my church in elementary school, and I could immediately recognize the kind and welcoming atmosphere that camp brought. There was never a year after that where I didn’t go to camp for a retreat, and once I was ready, for weeks of camp in the summer as a pathfinder, continuing to go to camp or to ISA at Shoshone up through my sophomore year in high school. Camp to me was a place where I could go to get away from the world and grow not only in my faith, but in my connections with those around me. The experiences that I gained as a camper were incredible to me, and I felt Lutherhaven was a place where my faith could blossom.

The physicality of camp makes me feel more connected with my faith and spirituality than anywhere else in the world. Faith has always been strongest to me from a communal aspect, sharing experiences and gathering with others who are at a similar point in our lives has always grown my faith. At one point over this summer, we discussed how being in different settings can change our faith journeys, and the ways in which we felt called to worship being different depending on location. I realized that camp was that place for me, and that my faith journey has taken its largest leaps through what I have experienced at camp. Being at Lutherhaven, my spirituality was a lot more powerful than anything else I have experienced. There was always a way about how I felt connected to God from a camper’s perspective, due to my amazing counselors, fellow campers, and amazing experiences that we all shared, that overall solidified my faith.

Lutherhaven was such a big part of my faith journey to the point where I chose to get confirmed through my church because of the way that camp helped me grow in my faith and to recognize the unconditional love of God.

So, it came as no surprise to me that when applications came around to work at camp this last summer, I could not say no. Admittedly I was a little hesitant about applying, not fully sure of what my summer would bring. I ended up pushing myself to go for it, as I had thought back upon all the experiences that camp had given me over the years, and wanted to share my love of camp, love of God, and love of life with a new generation of campers. I can safely say that working at camp over the summer changed my life for the better. As soon as I stepped out of the car on the first day of training, I immediately felt at ease and at home, as if I had never left, being welcomed back with open arms to a place that I had always loved. I was able to make friendships and connections that I feel will last a lifetime. The people I met really helped me find my own footing, and they made me realize that it was okay to just be myself and to embrace every aspect of my personality in my day-to-day life. From camp I learned confidence, that it was okay to embrace the goofiness that I carry through my day-to-day life. Through camp I learned compassion, and that my love for serving others and molding new faith experiences was something that I needed to take advantage of. And through camp I was reminded of the unconditional, everlasting love of God, and how to embrace my faith. Working at camp changed who I am for the better, and I am truly grateful for all of the connections that I made over the summer.

I would not hesitate to come back for the next summer at Lutherhaven, and I would not trade my time at camp and the bonds I formed for anything else.” – Tyler, Summer 2021 Staff

“I have been going to Lutherhaven since I was a Genesis Camper. It was my favorite part about summer. I would count down the days until it was my time to attend camp. Some of the best parts to camp were singing funny songs and worship songs, jumping into the lake fully clothed, going to discovery centers, meeting new people and just praising God. When I was in high school, I became J-Staff and absolutely fell more in love with a different side of Lutherhaven. Finally, when I was old enough, I applied to be a staff member and that was the best decision I could have made.

This last summer, being a part of staff, was such an eye-opening experience for me. Not only was I able to grow in my own Faith, I was able to help kids grow in their Faith as well. Last summer, I had the opportunity to be a lead counselor for Champ Camp, which is our Special Education Program. By spending a whole week with these amazing children, I developed a strong relationship with many and it helped me decide to go into Special education for my degree.

The part I love most about Lutherhaven is the community. When I was a camper, I noticed how close everyone was to each other. When I became a part of the staff, I got to experience that myself. It’s one big family up there and that is what I love most. The people you work with at Lutherhaven will be some of your best friends. They will have your back no matter what.

I also love Lutherhaven because it’s located in one of the prettiest locations. Right on lake CDA, with trees everywhere, it is a beauty like no other. One of my fondest memories will always be going down to the dock with my fellow staff members, watching the sunrise, praying and just enjoying the moment.

Another memory I will always have is sitting at the Amphitheater singing my favorite song, Micah 7:7. This song says “But as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me.” When singing this bible verse, it gave me a sense of everything will be okay because my God will hear me. I was sitting at the Amphitheater, watching the sun set, watching the calm lake, and singing this song. I remember sitting there and just thinking to myself that I am so blessed to have such a strong Faith.

Camp has changed my life tremendously not only by helping me grow in my faith but also with my own well-being. The love and support you get at Lutherhaven is amazing. Lutherhaven has a way of changing a person’s life. I will always cherish the memories I have made at Lutherhaven. I highly recommend a week or more at Lutherhaven as it will be the best week of your life.” – Kassidy