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As children count down the last remaining days of school and look ahead to what summer will bring, many are thinking about when they will get to come back to camp. Campers quickly feel at home during their time on site, like they have “found their place.” The sense of belonging and feeling free to be who they are is powerful. Revisiting memories of their favorite counselor from last summer, warm sunshine, the sandy beach, and the fun campfire worships can make it feel like a long wait until they can come back. They can’t wait to be back, and we can’t wait until they are back either! We rejoice every time a registration comes in, for new or returning campers alike. We also know that this can be a financially hard decision for some parents. Sending a child to camp can be expensive. At Green Lake Lutheran Ministries, we strive to make summer camp as affordable as possible, and we firmly believe that everyone who wants to experience a week at camp should be able to. To help make sure that financial barriers do not keep campers from participating, Green Lake Lutheran Ministries has an established scholarship fund and we receive scholarship applications for assistance. We joyfully accept donations to this fund - and we need your help. Your gift to the scholarship fund is so much more than a charitable donation. It’s a promise to a young person that they will be welcome back at camp, and invited back into a space where they can learn and grow in their faith. It’s a promise to them that if they want to come and spend a week in “their place”, they can. Because don’t we all deserve to have that place we can land when we need it most? You always have a place here at camp. To help a young camper find their place at camp, please make a donation to our scholarship fund! Make your gift online today at www.gllm.org/give-today or send your donation to our office!
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May 15, 2025 6:01 AM So much to share—and so much to be grateful for. A few of us were able to briefly access the Camp House site, and we’re relieved to confirm what we had hoped: all buildings are intact and undamaged. The fire did burn along the western and northern shores of Lake George, and signs of fire are visible across parts of the property. But among the ash, there is life—green buds, alive and well, trees still standing, and the familiar shape of that white pine watching over it all. We don’t yet know all that went into protecting this place, but it’s clear that a major firefighting effort—backburns, fire lines, and tree clearing—helped defend Camp House and our neighbors’ properties. We are wildly grateful. But this is not the end of the story. These fires are still 0% contained, and the work continues. At least 144 structures have been lost across the region, and our prayers are with those whose lives and homes have been forever changed. This is not yet a celebration—it’s a moment of progress. A glimmer of hope. A step toward returning to this place we love and welcoming others for the 100th summer of Camp House. We hold tight to hope. And we keep praying. May 14, 2025 4:01 PM The wildfire situation near Camp House continues to evolve. While the fire has reached areas of our property to the west and east, **no buildings have been affected at this time.** Fire activity remains present in the area, but current wind conditions and the efforts of fire crews are helping to keep structures safe. Overnight, ground crews continued to patrol key roads to prevent the fire from spreading further. Calmer winds and slightly higher humidity were helpful, but today’s conditions remain challenging. The two fires near Brimson are being managed together under a unified incident command— referred to as the Brimson Complex. Additional firefighting support has arrived from outside the state, and the National Guard is assisting. Note: Fire perimeters shown on public maps are approximate and do not reflect structure protection work. A building within a perimeter may not be damaged or destroyed. We expect to know more in the next day and will share updates as we learn them. Please continue to pray for all those responding to and impacted by these fires. May 13, 2025 12:54 PM At this time, no buildings at Camp House have been lost. However, the fire remains active in the area, with several hot spots still burning. It’s now estimated to have grown to over 12,000 acres. Portions of the land on both the west and east sides of our property are believed to have been affected. Today’s forecast—strong winds and low humidity—will continue to make containment difficult. Please keep firefighters, first responders, and our neighbors in your prayers. We also want to clarify that the name Camp House Fire can be confusing. It may sound like the fire began at our Camp House site, but that’s not the case. Wildfires are typically named after nearby landmarks or roads—not their point of origin. This fire shares our name due to proximity, not because it started on our property. In the provided map, it shows the Camp House building site inside of the firezone. Reminder, we don't believe any buildings have been affected as of now. For more in depth information, you can watch the briefing by the state and Governor Walz https://www.youtube.com/live/J3dwdPcXj3U  May 12, 2025 7:02 PM We are closely monitoring the situation near Camp House as crews work to contain both the Camp House Fire and the newly reported Jenkins Creek Fire. We have staff in the area gathering as much information as possible, and we remain in close communication with local authorities. At this time, no buildings have been impacted, but a portion of the western property, west of Lake George, has been affected. For the latest updates, we encourage you to follow along at: https://app.watchduty.org/i/48307 https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incid.../mnmns-camp-house-fire/ Please join us in continued prayers for the first responders, firefighters, and neighbors impacted by these fires.
May 12, 2025 7:44 AM As crews continue to respond to the wildfire near our Camp House site in Brimson, Minnesota, our prayers are with the firefighters, first responders, and neighbors affected by the fire. While no one is currently on site, we remain mindful of the impact on the surrounding community. For the latest updates, follow the official incident information https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident.../mnmns-camp-house.
May 11, 2025 2:47 PM An update from Camp House: A brush fire is currently burning in St. Louis County, near our Camp House site in Brimson, MN. We are closely monitoring the situation and coordinating with local authorities. Our thoughts are with all those impacted by the fire, and we pray for the safety of the firefighters and first responders on the front lines. We will share updates as they become available. Thank you for keeping Camp House in your prayers.
 For decades, Green Lake Lutheran Ministries (GLLM) has been more than a summer camp—it has been a home, a sanctuary, and a launchpad for faith-filled lives. On a cold Saturday in February, Executive Director Travis Aufderheide sat down with longtime alumni and dedicated supporters, Red and Karen Mastin, to reflect on how camp has shaped their lives and continues to inspire future generations.
Red and Karen’s connection to camp started in the 1980s. Karen, who grew up in northern Minnesota, first attended White Earth Lutheran Camp, following in the footsteps of her brother, who worked at Green Lake Bible Camp. Red discovered camp through his church’s pastor, Howie Skulstad, and with encouragement from his parents. Neither of them could have predicted the lasting impact camp would have on their faith, friendships, and even their future together. Like many who step onto the sacred grounds of GLLM, Red and Karen found more than just fun in the sun. They found community, deep relationships, and ultimately, each other. They met in 1984, and in 1985, as Red puts it, “Karen decided she could tolerate me,” and they began dating. Even during years apart in graduate school, camp remained a touchstone for their relationship, offering a place to reconnect and reaffirm their shared values. From Thursday night banquets and the staff musical to chapel singing and talent shows, camp traditions remain woven into the fabric of Red and Karen’s story. Red recalls Camp Joy week with a chuckle, remembering the joy and camaraderie that made that time special. Separately, he fondly remembers helping set up musicals, running lights, and working microphones because, as he admits, “I couldn’t sing.” For Karen, the emotional goodbyes at week’s end highlighted the depth of connections built at camp. Red and Karen’s love for GLLM extends far beyond their time as campers. They have remained deeply connected as dedicated volunteers, generous donors, and proud camper parents. Red served on the GLLM board, helping shape its future, while both have continued to give their time and resources in countless ways to ensure camp’s impact reaches new generations. They understand firsthand the profound effect the summer camp experience has—not just on campers, but on the young staff members who dedicate their summers to guiding, mentoring, and leading others. Camp has evolved over the years, adapting to shifts in society, camper demographics, and staffing challenges - its essence remains the same: a place of joy, belonging, and growth. Red and Karen have proudly watched their children, Kris, Ana, and Eli, follow in their footsteps, experiencing camp’s power to nurture leadership and faith. For Red and Karen, GLLM is more than just a place—it’s a mission. They stress the importance of holding true to GLLM’s vision and resisting external pressures that could shift its focus. At the same time, they acknowledge the need for camp to evolve while remaining rooted in its core values and steadfast in their purpose, to embrace the joy of ministry, and to be present in every moment. We are so grateful for Red and Karen Mastin. Their reflections underscore an undeniable truth--Green Lake Lutheran Ministries is not just a camp. It is a community, a family, and a place where faith and friendships flourish for generations to come. To join Red and Karen in preparing for generations to come, consider making a gift at www.gllm.org/give-today!  Bob and Sue Anderson have been coming to Lake Andrew for over 30 years, right next door to Shores of St. Andrew Bible Camp. Their kids would sit at the end of their dock and sing along to the camp songs. Most of their grandkids have been baptized in water from Lake Andrew. Eventually, Bob and Sue turned their seasonal cabin into their full-time residence. “God gets the best part of the lake, but if you can be right next to God...” Sue mused.
Bob and Sue have been inspired to give by the people around them, which motivated them to give to the At the Water’s Edge Capital Campaign. Sue shared, “We know that God’s work is being done at the camp. It’s all centered around Christ. This is about as alive as I’ve seen God. It is a living, breathing, church experience.” Their gift wasn’t about finances. It didn’t include a spreadsheet. Their gift was in gratitude for the place. Bob said, “It’s kind of selfish. We get a lot out of the ministry too.” Sue added, “This has become our church.” The Andersons’ greatest hope for Green Lake Lutheran Ministries is that God continues to guide and move through the leadership. “You can only do so much without the right facilities,” Sue said. Positive experiences can continue through people, but people need facilities to do what they were called to do. GLLM wants to have a space that is ready and welcome to inspire community in relationships with others, God, and creation. Through investment in all three of our sites, our abilities to serve groups with a wide variety of expectations and needs will only be enhanced. Sue shared, “This is the biggest gift we’ve ever given and it feels really good.” Bob added, “We don’t have anything we need that we don’t have. We’re lucky we are in a position to give and we need to step up and do it.” “To have a direction and purpose for what we’ve worked for beyond buying birthday presents for our kids or new furniture. This money has a real purpose,” Sue said. We are profoundly grateful to Bob & Sue Anderson for their gift. Please consider joining Bob and Sue by giving to the At the Water’s Edge Capital Campaign. Learn more and make your gift today at www.gllm.org/atwe_campaign. The Parable of the Good Samaritan is one of those stories we think we know. Maybe we heard it in Sunday school, where it was summed up as “be nice to people.” Or maybe we picture it as a quaint reminder of kindness—a feel-good lesson about helping others when it’s convenient.
But here’s the truth: Jesus did not tell this story to make us feel good. He told it to shake us up and to make us uncomfortable. To take whatever lines we’ve drawn between who is in and who is out and erase them. The Parable of the Good Samaritan isn’t just about helping people. It’s about who we are willing to help, and even more than that, who we are willing to be. We are good at thinking about loving our neighbor in the abstract, but Jesus makes it clear that love is always concrete. Love is not about feelings alone; it’s about action. Love is demonstrated in what we do. That’s why this parable matters so much, and why it continues to challenge us today. Who Is My Neighbor? Jesus tells this story in response to a question from a lawyer, a religious scholar who asks, “What must I do to inherit eternal life?” Jesus turns the question back on him: “What do you think?” The lawyer gives the right answer: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, strength, and mind… and love your neighbor as yourself.” And Jesus says, “You got it.” But the lawyer wants clarity or a loophole maybe. He asks the follow-up question, the one that makes all the difference: “Who is my neighbor?” This is a question we still ask. Maybe not out loud, but in our hearts. We like the idea of loving our neighbor, as long as we get to define who our neighbor is, and when it’s people we understand. People who look like us, live in our neighborhoods, speak our language, or share our values. But what about when loving our neighbor costs something or is inconvenient? What about when it forces us to cross the road? What about when loving our neighbor means stepping into uncomfortable conversations or standing up for people who have been pushed to the fringes of society? What about when it costs us friendships, reputation, or even security? This is the question Jesus wants us to wrestle with. Not just, “Who is my neighbor?” but, “What does it mean to be a neighbor?” The People Who Walked Away Jesus answers this question with a story. A man is traveling from Jerusalem to Jericho, a notoriously dangerous road, and is attacked, beaten, and left for dead. Then, along comes a priest, someone who knows the command to love one’s neighbor. And what does he do? He crosses to the other side. Next comes a Levite. Another deeply religious person, committed to the law of God, and what does he do? He crosses to the other side. We don’t know why they walked away. Maybe they were afraid or busy or had more important things to do. Maybe they had convinced themselves that someone else would take care of it. But here’s the thing: they saw him. They weren’t blind to his suffering. They just chose not to engage. How often do we do the same thing? How often do we see suffering and keep walking? How often do we convince ourselves that it’s not our problem or that it’s too complicated or that we can’t possibly make a difference? But the parable is clear: the priest and the Levite weren’t bad people. They were just people who put their own safety, their own priorities, their own religious purity ahead of love. And in doing so, they missed the heart of God. The Outsider Who Showed Up Then comes the Samaritan, where the story gets uncomfortable. In Jesus’ day, the Jews and Samaritans hated each other. The Samaritan was the outsider or the enemy, even considered “less than.” But the Samaritan is the one who stops. He is the one who crosses the road. He is the one who doesn’t just offer a prayer or a polite word, but gets his hands dirty, bandages the man’s wounds, puts him on his own donkey, and pays for his care. And Jesus looks at the lawyer, the one who wanted to know the “limits” of neighborly love, and asks, “Which of these three was a neighbor?” The lawyer can’t even bring himself to say the word “Samaritan.” Instead, he mutters, “The one who showed mercy.” And Jesus says, “Go and do likewise.” Who Are We in This Story? I helped a grandmother check in her grandson at the beginning of the camp week. He clung to her side, his eyes darting around the unfamiliar space, fear clinging to him like a heavy coat. He was anxious, hesitant, and when spoken to, quick to argue, as if bracing himself for rejection before it could come. As I walked his grandmother back to her van, she stopped, she sighed, and she said, “This is going to be a hard week for you… do the best you can.” And she was right, there were tough moments. He struggled to connect and kept his distance. He looked different from most of the other campers and had an accent that wasn’t Minnesoooooootan. I could see it in his posture, that quiet question pressing heavy on his heart: “Am I welcome here? Do I belong?” But here’s the thing about love: it shows up. It crosses the road. That’s exactly what his cabin counselor and cabinmates did. They kept inviting him in and kept making room. By the end of the week, something had shifted. At closing worship, his grandmother and I sat together and watched as he stood at the front, arms wrapped around his new friends, singing with joy, doing the actions, and smiling like he had been there forever. When I walked them back to the car, it was different than before. The fear was gone and the uncertainty had lifted. The only thing that remained was the unmistakable presence of God’s overflowing grace and peace. Love is not just about feeling something. It is about doing something. It is about seeing someone on the margins, someone who feels like an outsider, someone left by the side of the road, and refusing to walk away. At the end of the day, this parable isn’t just a story: it’s a challenge. Jesus asks, “Which of these was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?” And the expert in the law answers, “The one who showed mercy.” The one who shows mercy. He doesn’t say, “Go and THINK about this.” He doesn’t say, “Go and PRAY about this.” He says, “Go and DO likewise.” Because that is what it means to follow Jesus. So may we all go—eyes open, hearts ready, hands willing. May we go and love boldly. May we go and show mercy. May we go and BE a neighbor. Written by Travis Aufderheide, Executive Director.  Water is one of the simplest and best gifts we have from God. Jesus met people at the water’s edge—calling disciples, gathering crowds to hear the Good News, and feeding thousands with just five loaves and two fish. In baptism, we are claimed by God and called to share God’s light with a world in need. Today, we are excited to announce an exciting new chapter in our ministry.
Following a unanimous vote at our Annual Meeting on February 11, 2025, Green Lake Lutheran Ministries will be renamed Water’s Edge Ministries. This new identity reflects both our roots and our future. The name captures the powerful symbolism of water—the place where Jesus called, healed, and transformed lives. So, why the change? Our current name sometimes creates confusion. Donors sometimes write checks to “GLBC” while attending events at “Shores,” and the name “Green Lake Lutheran Ministries” can feel too tied to one location, even though our reach now extends across the country through programs like Serve Boldly. In contrast, “Water’s Edge Ministries” speaks to a broader audience and highlights the spiritual and metaphorical significance of water as a source of life, renewal, and transformation. The transition to our new name will roll out intentionally, beginning in the fall of 2025 and continuing into early 2026. Our ministry continues through sites of Green Lake Bible Camp, Shores of St. Andrew Bible Camp, and Camp House (those names won’t change) —and through our diverse programs including summer camp, retreats, day camp, and service learning. These elements will continue to flow together as a unified force that nourishes souls and enriches lives. Most importantly, our mission remains steadfast: to invite all people to experience the life-changing love of Jesus in vibrant settings in community and creation. The heart of this ministry has never been in a name. It’s in the friendships, campfires, songs, worships, and memories made. It’s in the many hands working together in service. It’s the young adults who guide the experience and the moments when faith comes alive. As Water’s Edge Ministries, our heart, mission, and impact remain the same. We are deeply grateful for you—our campers, families, volunteers, and supporters—and we’re excited to walk this new path together. We all say it. We all say “Oh my gosh, I can’t believe it’s March already” and cringe a little. Time seems to fly by faster and faster. We’re living, moving and working at a pace that keeps racing ahead of us. Just when we feel as though we have finally caught up, we find ourselves tired and somehow still, not caught up to our peers, lists and calendars. And I can’t help but think – it might only get quicker. And in those moments, I’m willing to bet that many of us think something along the lines of “I wish I was back at camp.” Back in an adirondack chair by Green Lake; back playing a large group game by the ChimChim; back admiring the starry sky in the Northwoods. Over the years, camp has served as a resting place. A place to get away, set your worries aside, spend time in sabbath and find peace. It’s a place to soothe your heart and mind in the comforting, encouraging presence of God in a community that will provide what they can to help you be your best self. The community here is special that way – it shows up in ways that we never anticipate and always celebrate with God in. Gerhard Frost wrote in Homing in the Presence, “Today I plant a tree, a tiny seedling, as I say: I place you here for faces I will never see.” When you make a gift to Green Lake Lutheran Ministries, you are planting a tiny seed, making these places and spaces available for the next generation and ensuring a lasting legacy for this experience. We’re determined to continue providing that life-giving, soul-soothing opportunity for people of all ages and stages of life. We just need generous folks to plant tiny seeds at camp. Consider making a gift to camp this year as a way to plant a seed for the next generation and see what God will grow at camp with your gifts! Today I plant a tree,
a tiny seedling, as I say: I place you here for faces I will never see. Grow tall, reach for the sky, stretch toward the sun. All moments meet in you, all seasons that have ever been. Grow tall, that, as I now look down in tenderness, those faces will look up in awe. Speak. Tell your story of manger, yoke, and cross, the story of the Tree. The Tree from Homing in the Presence, Gerhard Frost  For the last 5 years, we have awarded the Advocate of the Year Award at the Annual Meeting in February. This award is given to a person of the highest quality and character that speaks the language of GLLM, representing its mission and work at all times and in all places. The 2024 winner of the Advocate of the Year award has been presented to Jim Zollner.
Jim Zollner’s proactive spirit and steadfast dedication have made him an indispensable part of our ministry. His journey with GLLM began years ago when our Bible Camp found itself short on firewood. In response, a call was made—and a man known then as “the Woodman” answered without hesitation. That man was Jim. Since that pivotal moment, Jim has consistently stepped in to support our mission by blending common-sense strategies with a heartfelt commitment to ministry. Who else would bring along supplies to change the oil on the camp tractor during a family vacation at Medayto Lodge? Jim is known for taking care of the little details that keep our operations running smoothly. Whether he’s rallying donors to secure a much-needed Polaris Ranger or inviting new volunteers to share in the mission, Jim’s contributions have enriched our community in countless ways. At the end of our annual meeting, we proudly presented Jim with the Advocate of the Year Award. His decades of impactful service, practical wisdom, and commitment to connecting strategy with ministry truly embody the spirit of advocacy at GLLM. Please join us in celebrating his remarkable contributions! This award was originally awarded to and named after Dave Eliason, long time employee and Executive Director of Green Lake Lutheran Ministries. During his tenure, Dave represented the ministry and the values of camp constantly. He had a talent for sneaking camp into every conversation, advocating for the well-being of camp and its community at all times, all with a cup of coffee in hand. The winners of this award have had this similar quality, and we are so incredibly grateful for their work and passion for this place. Previous winners: 2018: Dave Eliason 2019: Marlys Larsen 2020: Mary Toufar 2021: Don Heath 2022: Phyllis Jacobson 2023: Pr. Naomi Mahler 2024: Jim Zollner Use the button to read more about our past Advocates of the Year:  After spending a summer working at camp, one of the most common remarks we hear from young staff members is that it’s “indescribable.” Spending a summer as a camp counselor, immersed in a caring, diverse community focused on the well-being and faith formation of young children, surrounded by new friends in God’s beautiful creation, is a hard experience to summarize briefly. Where does one even begin?
Lethu Nkwanyana, a summer staff member from KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa described it through poetry: How do I summarize a summer into a song, or preserve a paradise into a poem? Can I compress these adventures into a paragraph? Only those who have experienced can truly understand. I remember the echo of our prayer gliding across the lake. It's moments like these that make life worth living. To be a camp counselor is to unwrap all the love in you like a Christmas gift, unraveling layers of your heart that you never knew existed. Sometimes, share a joke; the campers' giggles become medicine. Their smiles can heal a wound beneath your soul. Like marshmallows, we are all soft. Vulnerability is the bridge that we build, connecting hearts and souls— a community. Astounding how a single summer can harbor lifetime memories. I remember a child's goodbye, their eyes brimming with tears. I couldn't help but sob, shaking uncontrollably. That's how it feels to impact a life positively— divine. Camp is not a coincidence. To see the kids smile is enough. I am enough. Let's gather around the campfire. We could not have said it any better. Gather around the campfire with us this summer! If you or someone else in your life are looking for summer employment, we'd love to visit. Learn more about working at camp.  This year, the Dinner Theater is celebrating 10 incredible years! When the Dinner Theater initially started, it was simply in hopes of bringing more guests on site during a slower time of year. Looking back now, this quirky and unique event has grown into something meaningful, genuine, and wonderful. Each year, we try to improve and refine the experience of the Dinner Theater, so that when the time comes, we are ready to welcome you. In just a few short weeks, we go to great lengths to prepare for the Dinner Theater. Preparing for an event this particular comes with new challenges and tasks for our staff and volunteers.
Isn’t that what the whole Advent season is like? We spend time doing unusual things like bringing trees into our homes and decorating them with lights and ornaments, spending hours intricately decorating cookies that will be devoured, and wrapping boxes in paper only to be opened once again. We light candles on a wreath and sing songs of waiting for four weeks in a row. We try to be our best selves, do it all, and push ourselves to be gracious, generous and kind. At times, this season can be draining, difficult and stressful, but as we prepare for the Son of God’s arrival, it’s incredibly worth it. And the best part of all: no matter what we accomplish and what we leave unfinished, we’ve earned this incredibly remarkable gift from God. God sent Jesus here to earth for you and for me, just as we are. The Dinner Theater is our time to celebrate this gift with you, as we gather together to share a meal and heartwarming show. So this year, for the 10th time, we are honored to welcome you to the Dinner Theater, just as you are. Kirsten Palan Associate Director of Development Over the years, the Dinner Theater has raised over $230,000! This year, we have a special opportunity to DOUBLE your donation’s impact, thanks to a matching gift of $5,000 from Nordland Lutheran! Nordland Lutheran is passionate, just like us, about ensuring that young children and adults have the chance to experience God’s love and presence through summer camp, retreat ministry and service learning opportunities. Help us unlock the match by donating here: |
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