This past February, Camp Arcadia leaders traveled to the shores of Seabrook Island, South Carolina, for the annual National Lutheran Outdoor Ministry Association (NLOMA) conference. Held at the St. Christopher Camp and Conference Center, this event brought together Lutheran camp leaders from across the country under the theme “Waves of Mercy.”
As a member of NLOMA, Camp Arcadia played a major role in planning the conference. Chip May, Executive Director, served as the conference chair, heading up a planning committee that included staff members Shelly Gallo, Assistant Director, and Steph Jass, Summer Program Director.
The conference featured three exceptional speakers, including Camp Arcadia Deans Pastor Brian Davies and Sarah Salzberg. They were joined by Dr. Rob Ribbe, a professor at HoneyRock, the Center for Leadership Development at Wheaton College, where he serves as the program director of the Master’s Degree in Outdoor and Adventure Leadership.
“They all did a wonderful job,” said Chip May, who was instrumental in bringing the keynote speakers to the conference. Pastor Brian Davies shared stories from the Gospel of Luke, illustrating how God’s heart for the marginalized shapes ministry and deepens believers’ personal experience of God’s grace. He also led a well-received session on active listening, based on his book, Captivating Conversations.
Joining him was Sarah Salzberg, an Old Testament teacher at Orange Lutheran High School, who led sessions titled “Wherever the Water Flows.” By tracing biblical water imagery from Eden to the Cross, she showed how camps can serve as “channels for the water of life.” Drawing on her expertise in teaching, Sarah also provided practical strategies for training staff to lead Bible studies that engage campers by exploring what scripture reveals about God’s character.
Summer Program Director Steph Jass was impressed by both of them. “Brian and Sarah really shone in their respective roles,” Steph commented. “They clearly listened to one another, frequently referring back to each other’s presentations. It was a privilege to learn from them and get to know them better.”
Rounding out the presentations, Dr. Rob Ribbe—affectionately known as the “Professor of Camp”—offered profound insights gleaned from over 30 years of research. “Dr. Ribbe challenged us to take a hard look at our philosophy of camp,” Chip reflected. “He pushed us to think more deeply about how we develop leaders and how we can better partner with churches and parents.”
This vision resonated with LCA Board Chair Ali Franke, who noted a powerful paradigm shift in the sessions: moving from “Fun & Escape” toward “Holistic Development.” Ali observed that these concepts sharpen Camp’s mission to send guests home inspired by Christ’s love. She was especially moved by Ribbe’s emphasis on “temporary communities” as a tool for God’s work. “Camp Arcadia needs to be an expert in the temporary community for our guests,” Ali added. “It is a gift to the church and the world.”
For Shelly Gallo, her first NLOMA experience sparked new ideas. “The conference encouraged me not only to reflect, but to take meaningful action,” she noted, highlighting the practical impact of the sessions and the new connections made with fellow camp leaders.
Inspired by these insights, Shelly is already working to enhance staff training to create a more intentional, supportive environment and to increase year-round “touchpoints” for teen campers and their families.
As the “Waves of Mercy” travel from the Atlantic coast back to the shores of Lake Michigan, the Camp Arcadia team returns energized, inspired, and ready to lead another renewing summer of ministry.
