By Chad Hershberger
Camp Mount Luther recently wrapped up its 2026 summer camping season, welcoming approximately 335 campers for eight weeks of faith, friendship, outdoor adventure, and community.
This summer, 176 campers participated in on-site programs, including mini camps, day camps, weeklong camps, and family camp. Campers spent their days swimming, creating crafts, playing games, hiking, camping, singing, and enjoying time together away from the distractions of technology.
At the heart of the Camp Mount Luther experience is community. Campers spend much of their time in cabin groups with other campers and trained cabin leaders, building friendships and gaining confidence while participating in both small-group activities and large-group camp experiences.
The 2026 theme, “Wear Love,” encouraged campers to explore what it means to put faith into action in everyday life. Through Bible study, small-group conversations, worship, and Camp Mount Luther’s signature GROW Time—Gather and Reflect On the Word— campers considered how they can live out Christ-like love at camp, at home, and in the wider world.
“We had a great summer at Camp Mount Luther this year,” said Chad Hershberger, executive director. “I was pleased to see tremendous growth in our campers and staff during their time here. Our staff stepped up and handled challenges well, and I saw so many campers gain independence, make new friends, and grow in their faith. They were able to leave technology at home, get outside, and grow!”
Several new experiences and improvements highlighted the 2026 season. Campers used the new Maple Village Bathhouse throughout the summer, and a new master schedule helped shape the daily rhythm of camp. Other highlights included Sunday evening dinner church, Scooby Doo, Fantasy, and Pirates theme weeks, a backpacking trip at World’s End State Park, and a new free community day camp in Lewisburg.
Camp Mount Luther also expanded opportunities for adults through GROW and Lunch, a new series of gatherings offered on four Tuesdays during the summer. The sessions provided adults with an opportunity to connect, share a meal, and explore faith together.
The Camp Mount Luther community also reached beyond its Mifflinburg grounds this summer. Staff led several off-site day camps in partnership with local congregations. Approximately 159 campers participated in programs hosted by Christ’s Lutheran Church in Lewisburg; Milton Lutheran and United in Christ Lutheran in West Milton; St. Peter Lutheran in Kreamer; Trinity Lutheran and Lost Creek Presbyterian in McAlisterville; Zion Lutheran in Sunbury; and The Table (Lutheran), First Presbyterian, and Trinity United Church of Christ in Bloomsburg.
“Camp is about much more than the activities,” Hershberger said. “It’s about creating a place where young people can be themselves, build relationships, experience God’s love, and discover that they have something important to offer the world.”
As another summer ends, Camp Mount Luther is grateful for the campers, families, congregations, volunteers, and staff who made the season possible—and for the many ways the Camp Mount Luther community continues to wear love throughout central Pennsylvania.