BY DEACON MITZIE SCHAFER
Vice President for Development at NovusWayEthan Miller, an 8th grader from Greenville, SC, loves everything about camp…and music. “We talk about music in terms of praising God,” said Pastor Maria Miller his mother. As a two-year-old in the tub, Ethan used to sing “This is the Feast” at the top of his lungs. Both she and Ethan’s father, Pastor Miller, played instruments in school and continue to play. They instilled the love of music in Ethan, and now Ethan plays several instruments himself.
Ethan has been a “regular week camper” at Lutheridge for years and a Campfirmation camper at Lutherock. To say he loves camp is an understatement. He didn’t want to give up his “regular” week of camp, but three summers ago, Ethan asked his mom if he could try Music Week Camp at Lutheridge.
“We know how amazing camp is for him, and we didn’t want to make him choose between camp weeks,” said Pastor Maria. “I talked to my mom about giving a week of camp to Ethan as a Christmas gift, and she loved the idea.” Her mother has given Music Week Camp to Ethan the last three Christmases.
“It has been a wonderful gift for Ethan, and honestly, his dad and I wished we could join him and attend Music Week as a family.” This past year, Pastor Maria lost her brother. In the midst of the grief, her mother came to her with a gift from her brother’s estate. “She used the money from my brother’s estate to pay for the entire family to attend Music Week this coming summer.” It was a beautiful way to honor her brother’s life and their family’s love of camp.
As a pastor, mother and camper, Pastor Maria knows and values the impact camp has on people of all ages. She has seen firsthand that adults who attended a faith-based camp as a child or teenager have stronger connections to the church as an adult.
NovusWay, through the ministries of Lutheridge, Lutherock, Luther Springs and Lutheranch, offers camp experiences for children, youth, adults, families and even grandparents who want to bring their grandchildren. To find the best camp experience for you or someone you love, visit www.novusway.org. Camp changes everything!
