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What is “Every Kid to Camp?”

“Every Kid to Camp” is a ministry that sends kids to a week of summer camp at Camp Luther in Three Lakes, WI, at no expense to their parents. Kids in grades 3-8, who have never attended a summer camp at Camp Luther, qualify to attend. The ministry goal is that every child in the North Wisconsin District, and beyond, attends a week of summer camp before they reach the ninth grade.

“Every Kid to Camp” fundraising began in the fall of 2005, and as a result sent 90 kids to summer camp during the summer of 2006. It has grown to sending over 325 kids annually. The ultimate goal of this ministry is to send 400 kids to camp each summer at no expense to the family. Cost should not keep kids from attending a summer camp.

What is the purpose of the “Every Kid to Camp” ministry?

The awesome purpose of the “Every Kid to Camp” ministry is to help kids build a stronger foundation of faith in Jesus Christ. It’s a unique experience where youth grow in maturity, self-worth, and most importantly, in their relationship with Jesus Christ. It’s a tremendous blessing that every one of our children deserve to experience. It’s about connecting KIDS to CHRIST through CAMP…one kid at a time.

Why is a week of summer camp so important?

A week of summer camp is a life-changing experience that will make a difference in the spiritual life of a child…and their family. Lifelong habits, values, and attitudes are formed between the ages of 5 thru 12. By age 9 (4th grade) most of the moral and spiritual foundations of a child are in place. By age 13 a child’s spiritual identity is largely set, and their spiritual condition is a strong predictor of their spiritual profile as an adult.

Kids who attend a week of summer camp will see life through a different set of eyes…Jesus’ eyes. Kids will not only build relationships with new friends, but more importantly, with Jesus Christ. A week of summer camp “creates memories and changes lives” of kids.

What are the goals for “Every Kid to Camp?”

The goals of the “Every Kid to Camp” ministry are to:

help kids build a strong foundation of faith in Jesus Christ.
help transform kids into spiritual champions.
create memories and change lives of kids through a summer camp experience.
give every 3rd-8th grade child the opportunity to attend a summer camp at Camp Luther at least one time before the 9th grade. Cost should not keep a child from going to camp.
send 400 kids to Camp Luther every year at no expense to their parents (ultimate goal).

How can I help send kids to camp? What about matching gifts?

You can help send kids to summer camp at Camp Luther through monetary gifts. Annual gifts of any size are always welcome to help send kids to summer camp. Multi-year pledges (3-5 years) of any size consistently help build up the “Every Kid to Camp” annual fund. You can also make a gift that will keep on giving for years to come through the “Every Kid to Camp” Endowment Fund, “Creating Memories, Changing lives.” The endowment pays 5% of the balance each year to the annual fund. Our goal is to raise $3 million dollars over the next ten years. That amount will send over 400 kids to camp each summer.

Your 2012 gift will be matched dollar for dollar until the challenge grant of $30,000 is totally matched. Once matched ($60,000), a total of 171 kids will be able to attend summer camp next summer. What a tremendous way to help send twice as many kids to camp!

How will my gift to “Every Kid to Camp” be used?

All gifts to the “Every Kid to Camp” ministry are divided two ways unless you direct us to do otherwise:

80% of your gift goes to free certificates that send kids to camp.
20% of your gift goes to camp improvements which help keep the registration costs lower.
Gifts may also be designated 100% for free certificates.

How can I learn more about Camp Luther and the “Every Kid to Camp” ministry?

Contact Lee Belmas or Shelly Karolus for a personal visit. They will share a short pictorial presentation and a six-minute video clip with you. Lee and Shelly would be delighted to visit with you.


Shelly Karolus 1-715-350-9421 shelly@campluther.com	Lee Belmas 1-715-581-5893 lee@nwdlcms.org

How can Thrivent Financial for Lutherans help “Every Kid to Camp” and Camp Luther if I am a policy holder?

Thrivent Financial for Lutherans has given you a choice to help kids with its charitable giving program — Thrivent Choice. Thrivent members can now decide which qualifying organization(s) should receive a portion, or all of their allocated “Choice Dollars.” Choice Dollars are the funds that an eligible member (depends on which policies/investments you have with Thrivent) can choose to designate and generally range between $25 and $500 for each member. The great news about this is that Thrivent will write the check for you. It’s free money! Camp Luther (which includes the “Every Kid to Camp” ministry) is one of the eligible organizations, and we would appreciate it if you would consider giving your CHOICE DOLLARS to Camp Luther. If you aren’t sure if you’re eligible or just simply want to learn more about Thrivent Choice, please go to www.thrivent.com/choice and click “Get Started,” or call Thrivent at 800-847-4836 and state “Thrivent Choice.”

Your choice of “Camp Luther” will help send more kids to camp through the “Every Kid to Camp” ministry and will help Camp Luther as well.

Thank you very much for supporting CAMP LUTHER through THRIVENT CHOICE. You are a blessing to many.