The Spark Fall Final 2021

EMBRACING THE
WAY FORWARD
ISSUE 3 | FALL 2021
THE SPARK!
On the last night of youth programming, the staff facilitated a Faith Walk, a new program element this year. The
goal was to help campers process their week at camp and the amazing love God has for each of them, as well as
our call to go forth as disciples to share God’s love with all. Following the beloved camp game, Sock’ em, campers
walked with their cabin groups to different stations led by staff. Journey with us for a taste of what was a highlight
experience for many at camp this season...
REMEMBERING THE CROSS STATION
Read: 1 Peter 2:24 and John 1:12
Campers received two nails - one to symbolize a sin, pressing
it into their palm to feel the pressure and weight their sin
held on them, and then releasing the nail to feel their sin
lifted from them by Jesus dying on the cross for us; the
second to wrap colorful string around as a symbol of God’s
unconditional love to take home as a reminder God never
leaves their side.
Action/Reflection: Think about Jesus’s action of love to each
of us by dying on the cross. Lift up a prayer reflecting on sin
in your life and asking God for forgiveness.
THIS LITTLE LIGHT OF MINE STATION
Read: Joshua 1:9 and Matthew 28:19-20
Campers reflected on Joshua 1:9, the summer theme verse,
and how they had been bold and shown courage this week.
Then after reading from Matthew, campers reflected on
what it means to be a disciple and how to share God’s love
and grace in their communities at home. Campers took a
candle home to remember the light they can have on their
community.
Action/Reflection: Think about one way you can show God’s
love this week. Write it down and post it somewhere you will
remember to do it. Then, after completing thank God for
calling you forth to be a disciple.
AFFIRMATION STATION
Read: Hebrews 10:24-25
At this station, campers passed around papers with each
camper’s name on it, and they were asked to write a positive
message or strengths for each individual. Campers lifted
these affirmations up and took home their own paper to be
reminded of their strength and uniqueness.
Action/Reflection: Is there someone who could use some
positive, affirming words today? Write them a letter or
call them to share all the good you see in them and keep
encouraging them to be themselves.
THE LAST NIGHT, THE FAITH WALK WAS THE
MOST POWERFUL PART OF THE WEEK FOR MY
GROUP. WE ALL CONNECTED SO MUCH AT CAMP,
AND IT GAVE US TIME TO SLOW DOWN, REALIZE
HOW MUCH WE HAD GROWN, HOW EACH OF US
WERE DIFFERENT BUT HAD MANY GIFTS, AND
GOD’S LOVE FOR US. IT WAS VERY MOVING.”
- JASON
NAVIGATOR CAMPER
PRAYER STATION
Read: Philippians 4:6-7
At camp we discussed what prayers of intercession meant
and its place in worship. Campers then wrote their own
prayers and read aloud at closing worship the following day.
Action/Reflection: Say or write a prayer of your own... for
the world, for a leader, for someone in your neighborhood
or school or church, or for yourself.

FROM THE BOARD
Andy Hamblen, Board Chair
As this camp season came
to a close, the Board of Directors
held only their second in-person
meeting in 18 months. It was
our return to camp just as it was
for campers; and it was fun to
connect again, to reflect on the
year, and to worship together
with the staff.
I, however, kept personally
coming back to wondering about
the Missio Dei, God’s Mission,
and trying to clearly see what
God was up to at Luther Heights
in 2021. Certainly, making the
decision to reopen camp was a
big step for the Board and Kelly.
Being continually thankful for
both our COVID Task Force that
developed our protocols and for
all the campers and staff who
followed their guidance was a
blessing. I witnessed the staff
work together and survive being
in the “camp bubble” better than
I thought was possible. I heard
the wonderful stories of joyous
campers who returned to camp.
I saw the weariness on the last
weekend, from everyone, and the
joy of being together, sharing the
experience of this camp season,
in the same smiles and twinkling
eyes. We all laughed, teared up a
bit, and wondered at how going
back to our everyday lives away
from camp would feel after this
season.
You see, ultimately God’s
Mission is to reconcile us all
to him. He wants to gather us
together with more concern for
each other than for ourselves and
then send us into the world as
his agents of reconciliation. And
this is exactly what happened in
the summer of 2021 at Luther
Heights. We shared God’s love
with all generations, grew in
faith, lived by grace, and loved
one another. If 2020 was a
sabbath year for camp, a time
to rest, 2021 was marked by
reconciliation. It was filled with
wonderment! Yes, as I look on
this season, I know that Missio
Dei est nostra missio, “God’s
Mission is our mission” at Luther
Heights.
SUMMER STAFF
Leadership
Sydney Outsen, Logan, UT
McKinley Outsen, Logan, UT
Maintenance
Zach Preboski, Boise, ID
Kitchen
Rene Osman, Blackfoot, ID
Cathy Winwood, Nampa, ID
Camryn Lund, Oostburg, WI
Becca Ortmann, Twin Falls, ID
Jordan Wallace, Twin Falls, ID
BOARD MEMBERS
Andy Hamblen, Chair
Frank Johnson, Vice Chair
Sarah Johnson, Secretary
Ashlee Wetherington, Treasurer
Cathy Arvidson
Merlene Brockway
COMMITTEE MEMBERS
Gifts and Endowment
Committee
Dan Davidson
Doug Dockter
Marla Egbert
Rev. Meggan Manlove
Susan Rowe
Julie Tullis
Marketing Committee
Barbara Andrews
Shea Dockter
Brooke Freiheit
Janet Metzger
Sydney Outsen
Mona Teffeteller
Personnel Committee
Elaine Eberharter-Maki
Brenda Knudson
Andy Hamblen
VOLUNTEERS
David Bowman
Tom & Merlene Brockway
The Brown & Hood Family
Casey Cross
The Daley Family
Diane Davidson
The DeAlba Family
The Denen Family
The Dockter Family
Mark & Julie Drew
Tiffani Duff
Marla Egbert
Abbie & Jack Hagen
Andy & Ben Hamblen
Rev. Gina Herman
Jenny Kling
Brenda Knudson
Resource
Tilly Backstrom, Idaho Falls, ID
Alexis DeAlba, Boise, ID
Counseling
Logan Denen, Boise, ID
Fletcher Hamblen, Twin Falls, ID
Kat McCabe, Pocatello, ID
Carly Meyer, Ontario, OR
Ben Miller, Meridian, ID
Juno Olsen, Boise, ID
Liz Ortmann, Twin Falls, ID
Kari Swanson, Sioux City, IA
Natalie VanStone, Boise, ID
Program Committee
Keven Denen
Rev. Gina Herman
Jenny Kling
Sara Manning
McKinley Outsen
Sydney Outsen
Jessica Peretti
Rev. Justin Tigerman
Property Committee
Jon Davidson
Mark Drew
Paul Ortmann
Romney Palma
Zack Preboski
Todd Kraft
Ellen Kress
Bishop Kristen Kuempel
The Lindemann Family
Tracy Lund
The Malek Family
Rev. Paul Malek
Rev. Meggan Manlove
Sara Manning
Brenda Muhoza
Martina Ngabonziza
Becky Nikuza
Bob and Vivian Parrish
Jessica Peretti
Owen & Quinn Preboski
Rev. Jen Quanbeck
The Riedl Family
Brenda Knudson
Rev. Paul Malek
Sara Manning
Chris Paulsen
Mona Teffeteller
Rev. Justin Tigerman
COVID-19 Task Force
Cathy Arvidson
Shelby Hamblen
Jenny Kling
Frank Johnson
Ashley-Grae Outsen
Tami McLaughlin-Husen
Donor Level Giving Names
Task Force
Shea Dockter
Kortney Klinkel
Karsten Ulland
Mona Teffeteller
Julie Tullis
The Spiedel Family
Chuck & Sharon Strom
Sweet R&R
Jennifer Taylor
Mona Teffeteller
The Tigerman Family
Jen Tucker
Julie Tullis
Sandrina Uwajeneza
Christina Waldon
The Wallace Family
Amy Windous & Savannah
Cathy & Randy Winwood
Stacy Whitaker
The Wetherington Family
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES ONLINE AT LUTHERHEIGHTS.ORG - GET INVOLVED

FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Kelly Preboski
As I reflect upon the year we have all journeyed through,
I continually find myself grateful for each of you, the amazing
community of Luther Heights, and our incredible space in the
Sawtooth Mountains. Our theme verse for the 2021 season,
chosen by our program committee, was Joshua 1:9. This verse
reminded us to, together and individually, take so many steps
in boldness and courage with God in the past 12 months. We
remained grounded in God’s goodness and love for all and
took steps forward in uncertain times together. And the aweinspiring
moments of grace, joy, peace, shared experiences and
new insights happened, masks and all!
Reflecting on the summer moments to share with the Board
of Directors at our August meeting left me simply saying, “The
small moments mattered and made a difference.”
• The parents who had the courage to send their children to
experience camp mattered.
• Our donors created opportunities for us to do new things
and open camp again after a season when we were closed
for in the first time in our history. Our donors mattered.
• The summer staff created moments of intention and
laughter and safe spaces to be with others and that
mattered.
• Campers young and young at heart, smiling and laughing
outdoors mattered.
• People gathering for worship or sharing a meal together
were seemingly simple, everyday experiences and mattered.
• Campers reaching out to make new friends and help each
individual feel valued, mattered.
CAMPERS YOUNG AND YOUNG AT HEART,
SMILING AND LAUGHING OUTDOORS MATTERED.”
These little moments of hearing old friends reconnect
at Women’s Retreat or youth sharing strategies on ways to
do friendship bracelets or volunteers serving together to
accomplish many projects or staff leading bible study reminds
me and us of all the good in the world and God’s presence
through the roller coaster we have lived through. As one parent
shared after picking up their child, “You brought my child
back…they are smiling fully again.” Each day this season we
regained a sense of childlike joy and hope in our day.
As we prepare to conclude 2021, Luther Heights remains
grateful for God’s constant presence, for our ability to lean into
possibilities, navigate obstacles, and live out our mission to
share God’s love with all generations as we grow in faith, live
by grace, and love one another. As we follow the windy path
forward into 2022, some things I know; I know the Holy Spirit
and God’s companionship will guide the next right steps, I
know our community with continue to show up and walk with
us in this journey, and I know we have much to celebrate and
be thankful for.
Stepping boldly forward with you,

CAMP NOTES
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
Started ‘The Spark’ developmental newsletter
Ran our inaugural Run4Camp Virtual 5K, raising over
$7,300 for camp programming and operations
Performed ‘A Camp Christmas’ virtual concert with the help
of talented volunteers
Sent out Advent In a Box packages to celebrate the season
Added Getaway Weekends to our programming for families
or friends to rent a cabin for a fun weekend
Welcomed new campers with a special pre-camp care
package
70th ANNIVERSARY
CAMP CELEBRATION
Celebrate 70 years of faith, fellowship, and
wonderful camp memories at our 70th
Anniversary Retreat August 5-7. Save the date
for the entire weekend or plan on coming for the
day’s festivities. More information to come!
picture: campers or staff in the meadow in ‘97
Raised $8,229 for Idaho Gives 2021 with our Buy A Square
game
Developed a Leader-In-Training program for high school
students
Wrote our own curriculum for youth bible studies and
worships based on Joshua 1:9
Sent five counselors to Flathead Lutheran Bible Camp in
Montana for a week to learn and work with other staff
Pivoted through COVID-19 changes to stay-up-to-date and
prioritize the health and safety of campers and staff
Lived into our new mission statement and brand redesign
WINTER RETREAT
SAVE THE DATE: FEBRUARY 11-13
Want to see camp in the winter? Let’s go! We’ll stay at our neighbor, Camp Perkins,
for this weekend retreat, with plans to snowshoe or crosscountry ski over to Luther
Heights. Enjoy sledding, bible studies and games around the fireplace during this
winter weekend away. Perkins has snowshoes and skis to use, and we’ll supply
hot chocolate too! Sign up for our email newsletter for information on when
registration is open at lutherheights.org/newsletters.php
picture: a snowcat in ‘95 near camp
1952 - 2022
OLD PHOTOS
We want to look back on the last
70 years so we can dream about
the next 70. Send us your camp
photos to use in our slideshow for
the 70th Anniversary Retreat. Email
.png or .jpeg photos to
program@lutherheights.org or mail
copies to our Boise camp address.
2020 JOHN YEATES AWARD
The John Yeates Award is given to Luther Heights’ volunteers and
supporters who go above and beyond in their service to this ministry. We
honor (from left to right): Rev. Meggan Manlove and Cathy Arvidson.
Meggan attends camp yearly as a Resource Pastor and retreat camper
and enthusiastically encourages kids getting to camp. Meggan is chair of our
Gifts and Endowment Committee, served on the Board for six years, chaired
the call team for a new executive director in 2018, and is a monthly donor.
Cathy Arvidson is concluding six years of service on the Board and
was on the call team for a new executive director in 2018. Cathy led
the COVID-19 Task Force 2020-21, has been our consulting medical
professional for the past three years, remains a committed donor, and has
served numerous summers as camp nurse.
Thank you for your lasting contributions to Luther Heights.

707 W. Fort Street
Boise, ID 83702
(208) 886-7657
info@lutherheights.org
LUTHERHEIGHTS.ORG
Our Mission
Luther Heights Bible Camp shares God’s love with all generations as
we grow in faith, live by grace, and love one another.nother.
PRAY CONNECT GIVE
PRAY for the fire crews and U.S.
Forest Service personnel battling
forest fires in the west.
PRAY for more campers to
experience the joy of camp in 2022.
PRAY for summer staff discerning
working at Luther Heights next
summer.
PRAY for our owner congregations
going through pastoral change.
We will recognize our donors in our
Annual Meeting Report, updated online
in January.
CONNECT with us at our Annual
Meeting, online, Nov. 15 at 7 p.m.
Email info@lutherheights.org to be
on the list for the link.
CONNECT at our Winter Retreat,
February 11-13 - see details inside!
CONNECT with us on social media -
Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube:
@lutherheights. Plus, join our email
newsletter (click ‘Newsletters’ at
lutherheights.org.)
GIVE through AmazonSmile by
going to smile.amazon.com or
‘Gifting & Charity’ in the menu of
your Amazon app. Amazon gives a
portion of your purchases directly
to camp!
GIVE on Giving Tuesday, a national
day of non-profit giving, Nov. 23 at
lutherheights.org
GIVE monthly and become a
Sustaining Friend. Donations
can be set up directly with your
checking account or credit card at
lutherheights.org. Email Brooke at
info@lutherheights.org for more
information.