“Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be exploited, but emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, being born in human likeness. And being found in human form, he humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death — even death on a cross.” – Philippians 2:5-8 (NRSV)
As Christians, we are called to follow in the footsteps of Jesus whose ministry was one of service. Surrounded and encouraged by the community of his disciples, Christ wandered from place to place, caring for the “least of these.” By serving with and for others, we are able to share the abundant gifts of God’s grace that we have been given. In serving, we also receive gifts of understanding, purpose, clarity, friendship, and compassion. Our lives are changed in unimaginable ways. Volunteer service can also serve as a stepping stone to a new career– as a pastor, social worker, youth worker, teacher, legal advocate, camp director, or a staff member of a social ministry organization. Servant Events are mutually empowering opportunities for serving and being served in the mind and manner of Christ.
“And what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” – Micah 6:8b (NRSV)
Servant events include community service, social ministry, hunger and justice education. These unique experiences can encourage lifelong learning, enthusiasm and commitment to service, ongoing faith development, self-confidence and a stronger sense of community among participants. Some objectives for servant events include:
- Create working partnerships of discovery, understanding and appreciation among people of diverse cultures, ages, disabilities, lifestyles and economic situations.
- Stimulate spiritual, emotional and intellectual development.
- Empower and transform lives and communities through service to build God’s Kingdom of justice and peace.
- Motivate and equip people for continuing corporate and individual service.
For more on what it means to be an ACA accredited camp, click here
California
Mt. Cross Ministries: Adventures on the Coast
Want to have an unforgettable experience in the coastal redwoods, explore beautiful beaches, serve on the California coast, and dive deeper into your faith with your youth group? Adventures on the Coast is a flexible, build-your-own week or weekend of camp to fit your budget and adventure levels. Using our connections to local nonprofits and adventurous lessons in surfing or kayaking, we can work with each group to build a retreat or week of camp that will give each participant a chance for adventure and to grow in their faith.
Contact: Samuel Garcia
Email: sam@mtcross.org
Phone: 831-336-5179
Website: www.mtcross.org
ACA Accredited: No
Green Lake Lutheran Ministries: Serve Boldly | San Diego, CA
Our model is rooted in our faith and leans into a Lutheran identity that celebrates the boundless grace and love of God. In San Diego, we will search for the unexpected and sometimes unrecognized Christ who walks with us. We know that each church group comes from a specific background, with their own varied experiences, and a lens from which to view the world. We celebrate this, and invite churches on a new journey, where we will break bread together, talk honestly, and undo the boundaries between us. God calls us towards accompaniment and we look forward to this journey together as the Body of Christ.
Contact: Sara Jonasen
Email: serveboldly@gllm.org
Phone: 320-796-2181
Website: www.serveboldly.net
ACA Accredited: No
Colorado
Rainbow Trail Lutheran Camp: Bridging Borders
We are all called to be Christ’s hands and feet in the world by serving others and showing God’s love. Rainbow Trail’s Bridging Borders service trips provide the opportunity for Senior High youth to travel to locations domestic and abroad, and do service work with partnering organizations who are closely connected to the communities that we work in. Multiple trip options and locations (Appalachia, Dominican Republic, Mexico, Ecuador) offer you the opportunity to customize trips to your goals and budget. These life-changing trips are a great chance for your group to show God’s love through service and relationship building. Call us today for a trip of a lifetime!
Contact: Cam Regennitter
Contact Phone: 719-661-8631
Email: cam@rainbowtrail.org
Website: www.rainbowtrail.org/bridging-borders
ACA Accredited: Yes
Sky Ranch Lutheran Camp: Four Winds
Sky Ranch specializes in service learning experiences focused on stewardship, relationships, and the practice of our faith. Every trip is led by two staff members with a bible study centered on the unique experience that your group will have. Join the residents at Harvest Farm in Wellington, CO and listen to how the program has changed their life’s path. Help on an Adopt-A-Trail crew, partnering with the US Forest Service on conservation projects and trail improvement. Join Refugee communities in Greely, CO and hear stories about what it is like to come into the US as a refugee. Head down to Denver and see what it is like to live without a home or in poverty in an urban area, hear first-hand what struggles come with it.
Contact: Cole Hemmah
Email: cole@skyranchcolorado.org
Phone: 970-333-0987
Website:www.skyranchcolorado.org
ACA Accredited: No
Florida
Luther Springs: Panhandle Disaster Response
Spring Break Panhandle Disaster Response will give you an opportunity to show God’s love and build a heart for service this summer! Based in the Florida Panhandle region, this unique program combines mission work and camp life. You will aid in the recovery and rebuilding of communities impacted by hurricanes, coupled with counselor-led activities, small groups, and cabin groups.
Among other camp activities, you will witness how God works during and after disasters, and understand God’s call to care for creation and each other. You will snorkel surrounding waters with your friends and counselors to explore the impact the storms have had on God’s creation. Each evening, you will be able to debrief in congregational groups and further discuss how God works during a disaster. You will return home having shared God’s love, built relationships with Panhandle citizens, and knowing more about yourself and how God’s calling for your life.
Contact:Jessica Steele
Contact Phone: 828-209-6329
Email: jsteele@novusway.org
Website: www.luthersprings.org
ACA Accredited: No
Georgia
Lutheranch: Justice Journeys
Located in Tallapoosa, GA, halfway between the cities of Atlanta and Birmingham, Lutheranch is the perfect place to spend a week learning about how God calls us to live out Micah 6:8 and explore Civil Rights yesterday, today and tomorrow. Visit the Martin Luther King Center in Atlanta and the Birmingham Civil Rights institute. Walk and work in partnership with our neighbors in inner city Atlanta and Birmingham. Then, spend time learning about the issues of justice and poverty in rural Georgia/Alabama. Spend evenings enjoying Lutheranch with swimming at the lake, horseback riding, archery, hiking and time around the campfire. Each day, Lutheranch staff help youth explore the question, “Where is God in all of this?”
Trip can be customized to meet the needs of the group, including a day of free time to explore and enjoy Atlanta or a day of relaxation on the ranch.
Contact: Gretchen Ahrens
Contact Phone:404-583-4591
Email:gahrens@novusway.org
Website: www.lutheranch.org
ACA Accredited: No
New Ebenezer Retreat Center: Servant Work Camp
Serving! Your group will assist elderly, disabled and others in need. While the work is challenging, knowing that your efforts make a difference in the lives of others makes the experience quite fulfilling. We provide all materials needed for your projects and you provide the labor, love, smiling faces and transportation to the work sites. Opportunities vary depending on the age and skill of each group. We partner with several local groups including Manna House, Faith Equestrian Therapeutic horse farm, Habitat for Humanity as well as individuals and families in need. One day is scheduled so that you are free in the afternoon to visit a beach or historic Savannah.
Contact: Carla Garland or Cheryl McGuire
Contact Phone: (912) 754-9242
Email: retreat@newebenezer.org
Website: www.newebenezer.org
ACA Accredited: No
Minnesota
Green Lake Lutheran Ministries: Serve Boldly | Duluth, MN
Serve Boldly designs experiences with Lutheran teenagers in mind. Our model is rooted in our faith and leans into a Lutheran identity that celebrates the boundless grace and love of God. In Duluth, we will search for the unexpected and sometimes unrecognized Christ who walks with us. We know that each church group comes from a specific background, with their own varied experiences, and a lens from which to view the world. We celebrate this, and invite churches on a new journey, where we will break bread together, talk honestly, and undo the boundaries between us. God calls us towards accompaniment and we look forward to this journey together as the Body of Christ.
Contact: Sara Jonasen
Email: serveboldly@gllm.org
Phone: 320-796-2181
Website: www.serveboldly.net
ACA Accredited: No
Missouri
Green Lake Lutheran Ministries: Serve Boldly | St. Louis, MO
Serve Boldly designs experiences with Lutheran teenagers in mind. Our model is rooted in our faith and leans into a Lutheran identity that celebrates the boundless grace and love of God. In St. Louis, we will search for the unexpected and sometimes unrecognized Christ who walks with us. We know that each church group comes from a specific background, with their own varied experiences, and a lens from which to view the world. We celebrate this, and invite churches on a new journey, where we will break bread together, talk honestly, and undo the boundaries between us. God calls us towards accompaniment and we look forward to this journey together as the Body of Christ.
Contact: Sara Jonasen
Email: serveboldly@gllm.org
Phone: 320-796-2181
Website: www.serveboldly.net
ACA Accredited: No
Montana
Christikon: CreationCare
Just north of Yellowstone Park, in the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness that surrounds Christikon, participants backpack to sites selected by the U.S. Forest Service, to work on environmental projects, trail construction/maintenance, and wilderness restoration. For young adults, senior high youth, other adults. Two Christikon staff lead groups of up to twelve guests. Each day includes worship, Bible study, reflection. One day may include hiking up an area peak or other high country destination.
Contact: christikon@aol.com
Phone: 406 656-1969
Website: www.christikon.org
ACA Accredited: Yes
Flathead Lutheran Bible Camp: Servant Adventure
Join us at Flathead Lutheran Bible Camp for a week focused on service, along with traditional camp experiences. Service opportunities abound at camp and in the community of the Flathead Valley. Your group will work with various organizations that provide services to the community, such as neighborhood rehabilitation projects, trail maintenance, and opportunities for service with senior citizens, among other opportunities. Meaningful worship and Bible study will be integrated into your week of service. There will also be time for participants to take part in camp experiences such as campfires, hiking, swimming, canoeing, and arts and crafts.These trips are specifically designed for high school youth groups and adult groups
Contact: Richie Withycombe
E-Mail: richie@flbc.net
Phone: 406-291-5474
Website: https://flbc.net/glacier-wilderness/
ACA Accredited: Yes
Nebraska
Green Lake Lutheran Ministries: Serve Boldly | Omaha, NE
Our model is rooted in our faith and leans into a Lutheran identity that celebrates the boundless grace and love of God. In Omaha and the surrounding areas, we will search for the unexpected and sometimes unrecognized Christ who walks with us. We know that each church group comes from a specific background, with their own varied experiences, and a lens from which to view the world. We celebrate this, and invite churches on a new journey, where we will break bread together, talk honestly, and undo the boundaries between us. God calls us towards accompaniment and we look forward to this journey together as the Body of Christ.
Contact: Sara Jonasen
Email: serveboldly@gllm.org
Phone: 320-796-2181
Website: www.serveboldly.net
ACA Accredited: No
North Carolina
Lutheridge: Asheville Servant Adventures
What is the Asheville buzz all about?! You and your friends will experience the culture of this city of outdoor adventure and art. In addition to all the regular fun of a week at camp, campers will go tubing down the French Broad river, spend a night out and about exploring Asheville, and participate in a local service opportunity. Creative worship & interactive Bible study with college aged counselors round out each day. Campers have the chance to lead some activities, as well as offer their gifts to other areas on camp. This is a great opportunity for individuals or youth groups looking for an exciting summer trip to Western North Carolina full of fun and service!
Campers are housed in cottages or cabins.
*If you are interested in bringing a high school group for this program, please email Pastor Drew Yoos dyoos@novusway.org. We would love to work with you to accommodate your group even if the dates listed are different from your preferred time frame. We can also work on tailoring the program to fit the needs of your group.
Contact: Drew Yoos
Email: dyoos@lutheridge.org
Phone: 828-209-6333
Website: http://lutheridge.org
ACA Accredited: Yes
North Dakota
Badlands Ministries: Service Trip and Adventure Trip
Are you looking for a service trip with a little bit of adventure? Badlands Ministries in Medora, ND offers many different opportunities. We can cater to the needs and wants of your group or you can join in the programs already being offered. We are located in the badlands of North Dakota and this allows for different opportunities for you to partake in. Our high ropes course, hiking trails, river, and local attractions give us an opportunity to give your group a memorable, faith-filed experience.
Contact: Chris Moe
Email: ad@badlandsministries.org
Phone: 701-623-4332
Website: www.badlandsministries.org
ACA Accredited: No
Metigoshe Ministries: City Trek – Servant Leadership Trips
Each year, Camp Metigoshe travels to a different area of the USA. Through service work and relationship building, we will learn what it means to love and serve our neighbor and how we, as Lutheran Christians, can go beyond our norm and extend a helping hand. We work to partner with reputable, local nonprofits in each city we visit; we coordinate with local Lutheran churches and organizations; and a part of each trip includes lighthearted activities as well. Recent years have included trips to Chicago, Seattle and Denver.
Contact: Katie Vogel
Email: program@metigosheministries.com
Phone: 701-263-4788
Website: www.metigosheministries.com
ACA Accredited: Yes
Ohio
Camp Frederick: Adventures in Faith and Service
Custom-designed service and community-building programs for youth, college students and adults. Our staff will assist your group in community service projects benefiting those in the Appalachia region. To make this service more well-rounded and meaningful, we also lead your group through a variety of team-building activities and our high ropes course. These activities build group cohesion and self confidence. Additional adventure options are available such as caving, whitewater rafting, canoeing and archery. The week is filled out with evening camp programs that include campfires, worship and a Passion Walk. While the schedule can vary to fit your needs, a typical week runs from Sunday afternoon through Friday dinner.
Contact: info@campfrederickohio.com
Phone: 330-227-3633
Website: www.campfrederickohio.com
ACA Accredited: Yes
Pennsylvania
Camp Kirchenwald: Diaconos
The Diaconos program at Kirchenwald is designed for youth groups to custom-plan a week filled with a combination of service opportunities and adventure outings. With the Diaconos staff, you can schedule a week that perfectly fits the needs and abilities of your group. Service sites in the community engage you and your group in physically expressing the ministry of Christ. This program also offers the chance to interact with the people you serve and with one another, sharing the good news and growing in spirit to the glory of God. We also recognize the importance of social and spiritual development through group dynamics and encourage you to make adventure/recreation programs part of your diaconos experience. These adventure opportunities will challenge your group to work together and overcome obstacles, while enjoying some of the exciting outdoor activities available.
Contact: Zach Weiss
Email: zweiss@lutherancamping.org
Phone: 717-964-3121
Website: www.lutherancamping.org/diaconos
ACA Accredited: Yes
South Dakota
Outlaw Ranch: Servant Camp
Join Outlaw Ranch for a week of Servant Camp in the beautiful Black Hills or on Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. This is a custom-designed week of Christian service for Senior High Youth, with the option of adding a day of Adventure programming. Let us help you craft a valuable and memorable experience for your youth group. Registration and information is available at losd.org. Program Year: 2019
Contact: Erica Julius
Email: info@losd.org
Phone: 605-674-5326
Website: www.losd.org
ACA Accredited: Yes
Tennessee
Green Lake Lutheran Ministries: Serve Boldly | Nashville, Tennessee
Serve Boldly designs experiences with Lutheran teenagers in mind. Our model is rooted in our faith and leans into a Lutheran identity that celebrates the boundless grace and love of God. In Nashville, we will search for the unexpected and sometimes unrecognized Christ who walks with us. We know that each church group comes from a specific background, with their own varied experiences, and a lens from which to view the world. We celebrate this, and invite churches on a new journey, where we will break bread together, talk honestly, and undo the boundaries between us. God calls us towards accompaniment and we look forward to this journey together as the Body of Christ.
Contact: Sara Jonasen
Email: serveboldly@gllm.org
Phone: 320-796-2181
Website: www.serveboldly.net
ACA Accredited: No
Wisconsin
Camp Amnicon: Adventures in Service
Enjoy a wilderness adventure and service experience rolled into one with River Heroes, a partnership with the National Park Service! Paddle a stretch of the beautiful Namekagon/St. Croix waterway, stopping long the way to practice Christian creation stewardship by cleaning up the river for the creatures and travelers who call it home. Or join us for a customized mission/adventure trip with Amnicon Mission Builders. The camp will facilitate a variety of mission projects around Duluth/Superior, then reward your group with a fun-filled wilderness trip. Custom planned to meet the needs of your group; size, length, and projects are all flexible.
Contact: Hannah Damon
Email: info@anmicon.org
Phone: 715-364-2602
Website: www.amnicon.org
ACA Accredited: Yes
Green Lake Lutheran Ministries: Serve Boldly | Racine, WI
Our model is rooted in our faith and leans into a Lutheran identity that celebrates the boundless grace and love of God. In Racine, we will search for the unexpected and sometimes unrecognized Christ who walks with us. We know that each church group comes from a specific background, with their own varied experiences, and a lens from which to view the world. We celebrate this, and invite churches on a new journey, where we will break bread together, talk honestly, and undo the boundaries between us. God calls us towards accompaniment and we look forward to this journey together as the Body of Christ.
Contact: Sara Jonasen
Email: serveboldly@gllm.org
Phone: 320-796-2181
Website: www.serveboldly.net
ACA Accredited: No
Green Lake Lutheran Ministries: Serve Boldly | Madison, Wisconsin
Serve Boldly designs experiences with Lutheran teenagers in mind. Our model is rooted in our faith and leans into a Lutheran identity that celebrates the boundless grace and love of God. In Madison, we will search for the unexpected and sometimes unrecognized Christ who walks with us. We know that each church group comes from a specific background, with their own varied experiences, and a lens from which to view the world. We celebrate this, and invite churches on a new journey, where we will break bread together, talk honestly, and undo the boundaries between us. God calls us towards accompaniment and we look forward to this journey together as the Body of Christ.
Contact: Sara Jonasen
Email: serveboldly@gllm.org
Phone: 320-796-2181
Website: www.serveboldly.net
ACA Accredited: No
Green Lake Lutheran Ministries: Serve Boldly | Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Serve Boldly designs experiences with Lutheran teenagers in mind. Our model is rooted in our faith and leans into a Lutheran identity that celebrates the boundless grace and love of God. In Milwaukee, we will search for the unexpected and sometimes unrecognized Christ who walks with us. Much of our work in Milwaukee is focused on helping our neighbors to fulfill their most basic needs in order to reach their full human potential. We know that each church group comes from a specific background, with their own varied experiences, and a lens from which to view the world. We celebrate this, and invite churches on a new journey, where we will break bread together, talk honestly, and undo the boundaries between us. God calls us towards accompaniment and we look forward to this journey together as the Body of Christ.
Contact: Sara Jonasen
Email: serveboldly@gllm.org
Phone: 320-796-2181
Website: www.serveboldly.net
ACA Accredited: No
Luther Point Bible Camp: Camp-Serve-Grow
A program that brings high school youth groups to Luther Point for a week-long service experience. Luther Point has partnered with Wild Rivers Habitat for Humanity to provide service opportunities in the local community. Groups will stay at Luther Point and take part in some camp programming while traveling to Habitat project sites each day. The service will be focused on helping to fix up the homes of those physically unable to do it themselves. Visit our website for complete details.
Contact: 715-629-1019
Website: www.LutherPoint.org
ACA Accredited: Yes