Amp at Camp

9 July 2025

Dear Faith Friends,

I’m freshly back from Camp Luther on the shores of Lake Erie. Glad to represent COS and honor my ordination promises to serve the larger church, I was the adult group study leader for about 65 adults who gathered each morning as part of a daily flow of faith and fun at one of our 121 ELCA church camps and retreat centers.

Lutheroad coming to COS last month. Middle schoolers and high schoolers traveling up at Lutheridge in NC for the last several weeks. Eight COS college-age kids serving as counselors on church camp staffs over the last decade. COS leading as a key congregation launching Lutheranch in west Georgia. Church camps hold a special place in the heart of COS ministry strategy! We actually say church camps are the key “regional” focus of our desire to witness/support Jesus’ agenda locally, regionally, and globally.

Why? Well, there is an “amp at camp.”

God’s love is amplified in miraculous and wondrous ways when God’s people of all ages engage spiritual retreats in God’s wondrous creation.

Indeed, over 50% of current ELCA pastors share that camping experiences were central to calls into ordained ministry. Camps are catalysts for future congregational leaders of all types.

Here’s a Top 10 list of the “Amp at Camp” dynamic, ten awesome twists to how the Holy Spirit blesses at camp:

Christ-Centered Worship in Creation

Worship under the trees, by the lake, or around a campfire—Lutheran camp helps you feel God’s presence in nature in a way that’s both awe-inspiring and deeply peaceful.

God’s Grace Is Everywhere

At Lutheran camp, you’re constantly reminded that you don’t earn God’s love—you already have it. Camp becomes a safe place to be imperfect, honest, and loved as you are.

The Power of the Cross and the Empty Tomb

The story of Jesus’ death and resurrection is the heartbeat of daily songs, Bible study, and devotion. Camp keeps the Good News front and center.

Bold, Joyful Singing (with Motions!)

Lutherans at camp sing loud, laugh hard, and maybe even add hand motions to “This Little Light of Mine.” Don’t be surprised if your voice is gone by day three.

Counselors Who Model God’s Love

Young adult counselors often embody what it means to live with faith, humility, and fun. They’re approachable, relatable, and grace-filled mentors.

Food!

Popcorn on the bluff watching a sunset. Smores at the campfire. Even oatmeal tastes better at camp.

Lutheran Theology That’s Both Deep and Accessible

Camp teaches real theology—like law and gospel, vocation, and the priesthood of all believers—in ways that make sense to 10-year-olds and adults alike.

A Judgment-Free Zone

Because grace is central, camp becomes a place where you can ask hard questions, doubt out loud, and still belong fully. Justification by faith? Lived out daily.

Friendship Rooted in Christ

Camp friendships go beyond shared interests—they’re bonded by shared faith, service, silly songs, and deep conversations around late-night devotions.

A Call to Serve the World

Lutheran camp doesn’t end when you leave. It sends you home ready to live out your faith—loving your neighbor, standing for justice, and shining Christ’s light in daily life.

Thanks for your partnership in celebrating, praying for, and supporting what God our Creator is up to at church camp!

In Christ’s hope,

Pastor Fritz