Camp Dixie Initiates New Ministries

     "We do an average of 500 chicken dinners seven times a year, and for this November we did 600 chicken dinners," Camp Dixie Director Marty Miller reported. His audience was Silverhill's Zion Lutheran Church's "Men's 710" breakfast and speaker fellowship at its November meeting. The monthly chicken dinners seven months a year, affectionately called "Lutheran chicken" by some, have been a long-term fund-raiser to support the ministries of Camp Dixie, located on the shores of beautiful Perdido Bay.

     Marty Miller, Director of Camp Dixie Lutheran Outdoor Ministry Center located on Baldwin County's Perdido Bay, explored new directions in the camp ministry for 2008 with the November "Men's 710," Silverhill's Zion Lutheran Church's men's monthly breakfast and speaker fellowship. Pictured, clockwise left to right: Steve Vasko (Silverhill), Milt Luoma (Summerdale), Ralph Utter (Silverhill), Marty Miller (Elberta), Wayne Pitcher (Fairhope), Mack Gibbs (Summerdale), Pete Midgarden (Silverhill), Gus Utter (Silverhill), and Charles Canning (Magnolia Springs).

     That ministry is growing. Last year, with a summer camper program, which served over 200 youngsters from churches in the five state region, Camp Dixie worked with a special Lutheran Social Services (LSS) day camp ministry serving youngsters at or near their home churches. Five counselors would go to various church sites impacted by Hurricane Katrina devastation and involve the youth in day camp activities. "We had 350 day campers, more than in our regular camping program," Miller noted. "This year LSS has determined that there is no longer a need for this kind of program and churches along with LSS are focusing on preparedness issues--looking at future storm responses."

     But, the experience with local church day camps was good for Camp Dixie. Camp Dixie developed curriculum, activities, and Bible study, which build character and cooperation among children. This year Camp Dixie will continue the day camp program at local churches, but the program is not focused on Katrina-impacted churches. Indeed, "we have developed a 'traveling vacation 'Bible School Program' with our own counselors which can bring a five-day event to local congregations," Miller told the Men's 710 group. "Our day-camp VBS program is aimed at Louisiana, Mississippi, Florida, and Alabama, of course. The theme is 'Called,' and will explore the Christian life with young people as we explore God's grace, His love, and His direction in our lives.” You can see why Camp Dixie calls it "Traveling VBS."

     The camp is also initiating other ministries. One will involve young people with Camp Penuel in Costa Rica. As Marty says, "Two camps, two countries, two languages, but ONE mission, to share the love of Christ with everyone to further God's Kingdom.” That "camper externship servant event" is scheduled for July 3 to July 13! But that's not all! Camp Dixie is initiating a regular monthly fellowship activity called "Adoration" which will engage the youth of Baldwin County in an "all-camp game" program, with a meal time and a singing and praise time in Camp Dixie's outdoor chapel. That starts January 13 and will continue each month. And it's a "freebie." "You can see that we want to partner with local congregations," Miller stated.

     Camp Dixie Lutheran Outdoor Ministry Center is located at 29711 Josephine Drive, Elberta, AL 36530, and can by reached by e-mail at mainoffice@campdixieministries.org or by phone at (251) 987-1201.