Off to Camp

As the school year winds down at college campuses across the nation my plans turn to the Bible camps. This summer my travels will take me to camps in South Dakota, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. Here I will meet with prospective students as they are engaged in their summer calling to the camping ministry.

The Bible camps of the ELCA are marvelous places for shaping leaders for ministry. It is by working at a camp that an individual gets an opportunity to articulate and teach the faith to others and to be affirmed in that experience. It is that combination of practice and affirmation that is so vital for anyone seeking their future vocation.

In 2006 Luther Seminary surveyed students regarding their experience with formational events (Bible camps, mission trips and discernment events). Over 200 students took the survey. Some highlights:

• Close to 70% attended a camp
• Over 80% attended a Bible camp
• Over 50% worked at a camp
• Of those who worked at a camp, close to 50 percent considered the experience a factor in their call discernment.

So I am off to camp for the summer and excited to be among those engaged in this wonderful ministry and be in conversation with those whom the Holy Spirit may be calling to a vocation in ministry.

View from Vining, 05/03/2007

Our dog Allie renewed her citizenship last night as a resident of Vining at the annual dog licensing clinic held at the fire hall. On hand to assist at this event was the town clerk, who after receiving the $5 registration fee issued the official paper license and dog tag; a local vet who was available to administer any shots your dog needed and the mayor. (All by the way are good Lutherans.) The city clerk told me that "Allie was the last to register last year and the first this year." Obviously her owners are making some progress.

The fire hall is kitty-corner across the street from our house, so it was fun to watch the neighbors and their dogs arrive for the event. I also appreciated the city's willingness to provide such an event for the safety of our dogs and town.