”My daughter had a great time again this year. She came home full of joy, more centered/focused and more at peace. I attended Camp Concordia when I was her age (about 35 years ago); it's so special that we have this awesome shared experience. I am truly grateful for Camp Concordia and the amazing work you guys do there -- it's such a blessing. THANK YOU!!!” (Shelly Seguin - Allen Park, MI)

Full of JOY. Like a happy dance! In the October newsletter, I wrote briefly about Water Sports as a summer camp Add-on Option. We received a few replies from parents sharing how much their children enjoyed those experiences; however, the fact that we are a safe children's camp with a welcoming staff is even more important to families. 

In my own childhood summer camp experience, I remember only a few activities - swimming and camping out (maybe this is true for your campers as well). I remember getting lost once (that was normal for me). But what I remember most is my cabin group counselor and the new friends I made that summer. Quality Christ-centered relationships are key components of a CC summer camp experience. 

Each year as I go out on the road with invitations from Lutheran Schools to lead chapels and share about summer camp opportunities in Michigan, children often ask me if a specific summer ministry staff is returning to serve at camp. They remember how intriguing and happy those staff were to be around the campers. That relationship is important to your campers - your children. These summer ministry staff not only lead and play with the campers, they also present Jesus Christ and His forgiveness to them.

This summer I will send my own 10-year-old daughter to camp again. By having two staff in each cabin at night, she has a greater chance of having the experience the mom expressed in her email (top). This means as director, I must be busy hiring exceptional staff and I need your help.  Please direct someone you know to serve on Camp Concordia's staff during the 2019 season. These are paid and volunteer positions. You can go to our web page to see an overview of the entire summer schedule and join the happy dancing!

Dr. Craig "Doc" Oldenburg
Camp Director

PS...Registration opens this Saturday, December 15, for those of you who have asked to make overnight summer camp a wide-eyed Christmas gift for your children, grand children, nephews or nieces!!