July 23rd, 2026

This week a group of 14 from our congregation is having the Best Week Ever at Lutheran Lakeside in Spirit Lake, IA. Lakeside sits on 110 acres with a half mile shoreline and 3.5 miles of nature trails.

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We are at camp with a total group of 75 campers ages 8-18. Each day includes morning worship, bible study, choice time, all camp games and activities, and closing worship by the water. There is structure and freedom in the rhythm of the camp. Kids begin with ALPHAS devotions at 7:30 each day. There are three meals that we eat all together in the dining hall. We close in worship and then kids get ready for bed with lights out at 10. Built in throughout the day there is time for rest, and peace and choice in how they spend their time. 

We have daily congregation time, and I have particularly cherished this time with our kids. Our youngest campers are 8-9 and our oldest is 17 and most are in between. I love to see kids of different ages playing games and spending time together. Kids who don't see each other at church, because some are Sunday families and some come on Wednesday, are spending hours together at camp. I am excited to see what this growth brings to our church when we come home. 

Sleep is a struggle at camp. In some cases, our campers have air conditioning in sleeping areas, in some cases not. Many are sleeping in a room with 6-10 other people. Most mornings include the breakfast check-in on how well they slept and what they plan to do with their day. It has been fun getting to know these kids better during my morning check-ins. 

Our days are full and long. Full of fun and joy and challenges to overcome. The Holy Spirit is moving among us this week and will send us home transformed and renewed in our faith in God and love of neighbor. Pray for our travel home and ask us about camp when you see us!

Peace, 
Ellen Rothweiler
Minister for Learning