By Chad Hershberger
Two summers ago, two local Episcopalian priests encouraged a family with three boys that the kids should attend Camp Mount Luther. They felt it would be a great opportunity for them, meeting new friends, being outside in God’s creation, and growing in their faith.
The parents were enthusiastic about the possibility, and they knew they had recently experienced tough financial times. While the prospect of sending their boys to camp was appealing, they just could not afford it.
One priest contacted me, and I shared with him that Camp Mount Luther had a campership fund, and we could provide scholarships for them. He relayed that to the parents, and they signed the kids up for a week of camp.
The boys attended in the Summer of 2024 and when this past spring rolled around, I was in touch to see if they would be returning for another year. Unfortunately, their financial situation had not changed much. Mom was delighted to hear that once again we could support them. This summer, the boys packed their bags and were off to Camp Mount Luther. Judging from the smiles on their faces that week, I think they had a great time again.
Camp Mount Luther has three named campership funds in tribute to camp leaders. The Conrad B. Youse Campership Fund is our long-time pool of funds given to campers in financial need. It is named for Pastor Youse, who was the administrator of Camp Mount Luther when we were part of the Lutheran Camping Corporation of Central PA. In the latter part of the 2000s, we established the Rev. Leslie Doyle Campership Fund. Leslie was part of our Episcopalian partnership when we started it in 2006. She went on to become a priest in the Central PA Diocese and died from cancer in 2009. The diocese established this fund to support campers in their parishes. Last year, we established the Carla Everett-Ladonis Campership Fund. Carla was director from 1983-1987. Upon her death, her family established this fund to support those in need to attend camp.
Our campership distribution has been great in the years since the pandemic. It has been my practice as director that we do not deny any camper the chance to come to camp because of financial need. So, we give camperships pretty freely. In fact, right now, we have given out nearly $11,000 in support more than we have received in donations. The equates to about 18 campers who experience camp that would not have. Some campers can pay a portion of the fees, and we encourage that. Others need full support.
As we gear up for Summer Camp 2026, we are aiming to replenish our campership funds. It is our hope that we can cover the deficit and have a solid fund to supply financial help for 2026.
I am asking you to join me in giving to the campership fund. You can do it in honor or memory of Pastor Youse, Leslie, or Carla. Or you may wish to do it in memory or honor of a loved one who impacted your life. I know these funds have impacted the lives of so many during the camp’s existence.
An envelope arrived in the mail in August shortly after camp was over. Inside were three handwritten notes from the boys who we supported with camperships. They relayed their gratitude for our help in giving them a wonderful camp experience. They are appreciative for the giving hearts of donors who supported them. I was gratified that this is one way we support our kids who come to camp.
To give to the campership fund, visit https://www.campmountluther.org/donate/ or mail a check to Camp Mount Luther, 355 Mt. Luther Ln, Mifflinburg, PA 17844. Make sure to put camperships in the comment line. We appreciate your generosity!