The Hilltop Blog

The Secondhand Work of Inspiration Hills

Thu, 09 Apr 2026 14:03:25 GMT

Camp's Impact Through Guest Groups

Within ministry as a whole, much of the work that gets done goes unnoticed. This is incredibly true in camp ministry, specifically the ministry of Inspiration Hills. The clean dishes, spotless bathrooms, long nights, well-maintained grounds, and safety trainings. These things aren’t the most glamorous parts of ministry, but they lay the foundation for great impact.

However, much of that impact and the fruit of our labor we will not be able to see until the other side of eternity. But sometimes, in the Lord’s kindness, we get just a taste of that fruit.

Recently, we have been blessed to hear about camp’s impact on people.

As a parachurch ministry, we exist to serve the local church. Sometimes that looks like having youth attend as campers; other times, it looks like being a refuge for church leaders; and other times, we host church retreats where we simply provide a space for groups to come to know and grow in Christ. This instance was one of those times.

A youth group had rented the lower level of Eagle Crest for a quick 24-hour retreat, which is pretty routine for us. Get the beds ready, clean the common area, greet them, give them the keys, and then we are hands off unless needed. We don’t usually get to hear about what happens there. But at this retreat, there was a young gal who had not grown up in the church, had never opened the Bible, and had only come because one of her friends invited her.

That weekend, she opened the bible for the first time. She was surrounded by believers, and since that weekend, she has been regularly attending the youth group that organized the retreat. Recently, we received word that she is seeking to get baptized, publicly professing her faith in Christ.

Another church leader had recently contacted us with another God-sighting. The church has been working with some individuals as they are in the process of joining. As part of that, the church leaders were able to hear the stories of those individuals, how they came to know the Lord, and how He is working in their lives. Each of these individuals, unprompted, shared that Inspiration Hills was integral to their faith story and growth. The church graciously shared that news with us.

What great encouragement to hear! God IS working! What a privilege it is to provide this space for people to come to know and grow in Christ.

And I think it is an encouragement to all of us as believers. As we all live on a mission for God, it’s hard to see that what we do makes a difference. But it matters. God is intentional and never lets anything go to waste. In fact, somehow He uses all things for His glory and our good, including the everyday faithfulness of believers, the work that happens here at camp, simple youth retreats, and the work of a growing church.

Take heart, even in a dark world, the Light of the world is moving.

Soli Deo Gloria

Not Of This World

Mon, 23 Feb 2026 20:02:47 GMT

Our 2026 Summer Camp Theme

I remember in my youth, I found my belonging in giving others a sense of belonging. I thought that I would be the one to fulfill someone else’s life, that I would be the one to save them from what they struggled with. I found myself lying to save face; I believed that if I were the one to do this for others, I should be the best person they knew.

I hid my faults, my sin, I made myself a bigger deal than I already was. Eventually, I couldn’t keep up the act. My webs of lies caught up to me, and people began to see me for who I truly am. Broken. As a broken human being, I began to realize that I could not save anyone, and if that were the case, who was I as a person? I searched for this truth among those around me; I tried to reinvent myself and become a “better person,” but to no avail.

Finally, I realized that I was ignoring the truth that I had been hearing all my life, the truth that I am not enough, and that’s okay, because Jesus is enough. My belonging and worth are not found in what others think, but in the Lord.

We see many stories like this at camp, where others’ belonging depends on what others think of them, on their outward appearance. It is a hard life to live, depending on what is on the outside to determine what is on the inside.

Praise God that He doesn’t leave us there. Praise God that in believing in Him, we belong to Him. And in belonging to Him, He makes His home in our hearts. He begins to change us and to change our desires. Our perspectives change, and we no longer find worth in anything else but Him.

Our 2025 Retreat Theme

Wed, 24 Sep 2025 20:54:49 GMT

Question: Who Are You?

Answer: His Workmanship!

This past summer, we examined how Jesus Christ remains the same, yesterday, today, and forever. Because of this truth, we can trust in God's plan and will for everything that happens in this world, because he remains in control. But just because we believe that truth doesn't mean we live it out.

This is where our 2025 retreat theme comes into play. Ephesians 2:10 says, "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them."

We live in a world of identities. The world bombards us with so much messaging, telling us what we should dedicate our time to, what we should invest our money in, and even what we should care about. It's so easy to get overwhelmed by the constant messaging we receive.

There is a reasonably well-known film from 2003 called "Lost In Translation" which points this out really well. Bob (Bill Murray) is an actor experiencing a career slump, but he catches a big break when he gets a commercial deal in Tokyo. He heads off to Tokyo, but the job is not what he expected, and he simply is not satisfied. He tries to fill his time in Tokyo, searching for something, anything, that will satisfy him. Nothing does.

Enter Charlotte (Scarlett Johansson). Bob and Charlotte hit it off and get to experience Tokyo together, and Bob realizes that what he has been missing is relationships with other human beings.

Now, if you delve deeper into this movie, you will find some problematic themes. But that doesn't mean the film isn't onto something. First, consider the setting of Tokyo and examine the image below.

There's something chaotic about the scene—so many colors, signs, banners, and messages. Close your eyes and imagine the sounds of people talking, cars passing by, and horns honking. It's enough to overwhelm anyone when you try to look at everything.

Look at the advertisements again. Those ads all have something in common: they tell you that you need this product, you should spend money on it, and it will satisfy you. Another consideration is the sheer number of tourist destinations in Tokyo, yet none of them satisfied Bob. In the movie, it is clear that Bob places his identity in his success, and when that is challenged, he becomes lost.

Yet we do the same thing Bob did. We all place our identity in the wrong things, and the world continues to bombard us with things it says we should place our identity in. We try to be satisfied with the things the world tells us, but we leave emptier than before. We live in a world of identities, where who we associate with, where we invest our money, and what we own all define us.

Yet it is the world's standards that we are called away from.

The goal of this year's theme is to equip your camper to know where their identity lies. The world calls us broken, Jesus calls us redeemed. The world tells us we don't deserve another chance, but Jesus calls us to get up and follow Him. Christianity is counter-cultural, and we are called to something higher.

Our identity needs to be in Christ, in his redemptive work and his never-ending power. We are his workmanship; he created and cares for us. And we can trust these things because Christ never changes.

Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever – 2025 Camp Theme

lucas@inspirationhills.org (Lucas Draffen) — Thu, 30 Jan 2025 15:45:43 GMT

Christ is the Same...

It has been said that the only constant in this life is change. We see change in our daily lives. Change affects the seasons, politics, culture, school systems, and much more, not to mention those who are close to us. As the clock ticks, things continuously change. Living through these changes in life can be difficult, there can be temptations of “Why should I even try? Everything will change anyway”. Hope can dwindle and light can suddenly become dim as the change weathers us as water on rock.

But change is not the only constant in this world, in fact it is not even the supreme constant, that title belongs to Christ. The One who was there at the beginning of creation, the One who holds together the stars and sustains the universe, the Sovereign God to whom belongs every square inch of this Earth. He is not only constant in being, but He is UNCHANGING. Many theologians pen this attribute of Christ as “Immutability”. Christ does not mutate; He does not change. His love for His children that was displayed on a bloody cross does not fade, His forgiveness is not retracted, His hope is living, and His light shines in the darkness.

We believe this truth to be paramount in an ever-changing world. Inspiration Hills always has. For 50 years our unchanging God has used this camp to change people’s lives for the better, many literally saving them from sin, out of the darkness. Tales of life change are riddled throughout these hills. This summer, our 50 ^th summer of ministry, we desire to share Christ with those who are living without hope, those who are weary and weathered. To share the precious truth of Christ, His love, His sacrifice, to those who have not heard it, that light may shine on darkness, that seeds would be planted and watered, that the Lord would cause the growth.

Inspiration Hills provides the environment for which individuals will come to know and grow in Christ and be challenged for life in God’s kingdom. Let us provide the environment for your camper’s life to be changed by the unchanging Christ.

STAND, Our 2024 Retreat Theme

lucas@inspirationhills.org (Lucas Draffen) — Thu, 17 Oct 2024 14:53:23 GMT

STAND, the Story of Daniel

Here on top of the Hills we can look out and see for miles and miles. At night we can see the glimmer and glow of Sioux Falls, and we can see the many farm lights that pepper the horizon. As we look a little deeper, we see that those aren’t just lights, but there are people. A people who each day are faced with trials, with temptations, with the urge to take the easy route.

Sometimes, it would be easier, and frankly safer, to bow down instead of stand up. This is no less true for young Christians today. The pressures of their peers and the world around them creep in. It can be easy to compromise, question, bow down, and allow these pressures to overtake believers. However, that differs from what the Lord calls and empowers His people to do. Christ calls us to live faithfully with and unto Him.

This has led us to our theme for our 2024-2025 Youth Retreat season. Our theme is STAND. We will be looking at the book of Daniel for the Middle School, Youth Group and 4th-6th grade Retreats.

Throughout the book of Daniel, we see stories of bold believers living for God and taking a stand on His promises and character. We see Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego’s faithfulness to the Lord when they would not bow before an idol of another God in Chapter 3. In Chapter 6, Daniel continues in his devotion to God when it became culturally unacceptable. They faced life-threatening situations yet refused to bow to idols or slip in their faithfulness to the Lord.

By studying the stories of Daniel, we will examine these bold believers and get a glimpse of what it means to STAND for the Lord. We will look at how they responded to their circumstances and remained faithful and bold to the God of the universe. In a similar way we will learn to frame our own circumstances in light of these stories, and recognize how God calls us to live in the here and now.

Top 5 Sunset Locations at Inspiration Hills

Mon, 23 Sep 2024 19:55:57 GMT

Bask in the Glory of our Creator

Iowa is thought of as a place in the middle of nowhere with nothing but corn, beans, and livestock barns. Yet the sunsets that Iowans experience are unlike anywhere else. Inspiration Hills is blessed with over 250 acres of area which is used for summer camps, retreats, reunions, and other events. If you ever find yourself out here, for any reason, consider going to one of these spots during a sunset and take a moment to bask in the glory of our Creator.

5. The Lodge

Tuesday, July 16, 2024, 8:40 P.M. Journey camp is in full swing. I was in the middle of a chaotic evening, running to anywhere and everywhere that needed help. Right then, my mission was to get scissors, paper, and pens so the 4th through 6th graders could play four on the couch. And the campers were getting impatient. I sprinted up the stairs, skipping steps on the way up, and burst through the dining hall doors.

I had to stop in my tracks. Something about the dining hall was different. It wasn't the positioning of the tables or chairs, it wasn’t the silence or lack of people, it wasn’t even the temperature (which is normally quite chilly). No, it was the lighting.The entire dining hall was basked in an orange glow. I looked outside and sure enough, it was as if the whole sky was on fire. I was so caught up in the glow of the sunset that I didn’t even think to snap a picture. I took in the moment, then rushed off to get and deliver my goods.

While you may not be able to see the sun on the horizon from the lodge, many times you can see the orange, pink, and red glow of a sunset over the trees behind the lodge. And the addition of the trees is what makes the lodge a memorable place to watch a sunset. And fairly accessible too. Just grab a cup of coffee from the coffee machine and enjoy the view.

4. Lookout

Sunday, June 26, 2022, 8:45 PM. I was running late. I had to print booklets, fold them, and put the camper's names on them in preparation for the upcoming camp week. I was bustling about, forgetting I needed to have prayer time with my Prayer Partner.

I was hustling to the Sunshine room when I ran into him. He reminded me that we had yet to do our prayer time. So we did just that. We walked out to Lookout and saw one of the most pink sunsets I have ever seen. It really set the mood for our prayer time.

At Lookout, not only do you get to see the sunset among the rolling hills, but you also get to see the sunset as a backdrop to the three crosses. A bonus is the nearby fire pit, which you can use to make s'mores as you watch the sun set beneath the horizon.

3. Meadows Fire Pit

Thursday, June 23, 2023, 8:40 PM. I loved being the CHIPS coordinator. During weeks when the high schoolers were not wandering the grounds, my co-coordinator Sami and I would go around and help with the different activities going on. On this particular day, we were heading back from a long evening at Wilder.

That evening, we also stayed for some of their evening activities such as Archery, Wilder Ball, and the infamous spaghetti fight - all traditional Wilder activities. We had taken a golf cart down to Wilder and were driving it back to the lodge so we could wrap up our day. And I needed a shower.

As we were driving back to the lodge, we came upon the clearing by the Meadows fire pit. A sunset was casting the meadow in an orange glow, and the clouds in the sky added to the scene. I slowed the golf cart to a stop, and Sami and I just took in the sunset for a moment.

The Meadows fire pit is a little off the beaten path, but that is what makes it so special. Not many people will be around to interrupt the experience. Just sit there, with the breeze and the sunset, uninterrupted, and soak in the peacefulness of God’s creation.

2. Sunset Point

Monday, July 24, 2023, 8:50 P.M. One of my favorite things to do at camp is go on walks. Normally I would do this to de-stress and reflect upon the happenings of a hectic day. Whenever I let myself walk at camp, for some reason I always end up at Sunset Point, no matter what time of day. Some fellow Summer Staff and I decided that a walk was necessary this particular evening.

We grabbed some paint and our newly purchased cloth bags, and we set out to Sunset Point to watch the sunset and paint. That day I did intend to paint that bag, but I got very distracted.

We sat down on the bench and laid out the supplies. The wind had started to pick up, and rain clouds were all around us. To most people, this would be a red flag, but clouds make for the best sunsets. And this evening's did not disappoint. The picture above is one of the many pictures I have from that evening. I will let the picture speak for itself because that type of sunset is better seen than described.

About 10 minutes later, those rain clouds came upon us like the second coming, and we got drenched. Between the wind blowing cotton balls from the nearby trees around us, to the beautiful sunset, that evening I can only describe as cinematic.

Sunset Point is called Sunset Point for a reason. It has the best view of the entire horizon. You will never be disappointed in taking a trip to Sunset Point to catch a sunset. Watch the cars go by down below, the lights turn on from nearby farmsteads and towns, and watch as the sun disappears behind the horizon.

1. Saddle Up

Friday, August 18, 2023, 8:45 P.M. Summer Camp was over, but that doesn’t mean Inspiration Hills wasn’t busy. I was helping out with what we lovingly have started calling “college week,” in which many colleges bring their Resident Life staff for bonding and team builders. While the days are busy, in the evenings things would slow down a bit.

I took the opportunity this evening to hammock at Saddle Up. I hiked from the lodge down to the ropes course and up the steep hill to Saddle Up. With no horses or campers, Saddle Up was quiet and peaceful. I set up my hammock and covered myself in blankets. The wind was blowing, making it hard to read.

But the Sunset made the entire trip worth it. Snuggled in my blankets, I watched as the sun met the horizon. The orange of the sunset glowed on the clouds that sat just above the sun. And as the sun disappeared behind the hills, the sunset was at the peak of its majestic colors.

Saddle Up, no matter where you stand, has the best sunsets. Period. Whether you are sitting underneath the shelter, standing by the tack shed, or hanging out at the fire pit, you will get a wonderful view of the sunset.

In all of these stories (except Sadde Up), a sunset was the reason I stopped what I was doing and just took in the moment. The beauty of God was on display, and each of these times I chose to stop and take it in. But there are many times I did not stop, and maybe I should have.

Maybe you find yourself in a busy season of your life. Maybe you wish to slow down and just take in the moment. Inspiration Hills is here to help you with that. We are here for your big planned events or your unplanned personal day. Or anything in between. So consider coming out here to retreat, watch a sunset, and remember the glory of our Creator.

Rejoicing In Trials (Journey Week)

Mon, 15 Jul 2024 15:00:32 GMT

"Rejoice in the Lord Always! I will say it again: Rejoice!"

“Rejoice in the Lord always! I will say it again: Rejoice!” These are the words of the Apostle Paul in Philippians 4:4, and they echo throughout the Christian life. In the book of Philippians, Paul is reaching out to the church of Philippi, encouraging them in their faith and assuring them that he is in good spirits, despite being persecuted for his faith.

The words of Paul remain relevant to believers today, especially in times of trial. The staff of Inspiration Hills are not strangers to trials: every year, the staff is confronted with the wages of a world that’s been scarred by sin; it’s the very darkness that we hope to cut through by proclaiming the Gospel. While every event we host can involve some level of baggage, perhaps no event carries more than Journey Week.

Journey Week is a week over the Summer Camp that is dedicated to hosting 4 ^th -9 ^th grade campers from underprivileged or at-risk situations. The campers who come to Journey often have firsthand knowledge of how depraved the world can be, and the ongoing trauma from their experiences can hang over them as they arrive at camp. Some of these campers find themselves longing for the attention that may have been withheld from them by the most important people in their lives. Just like any kids, they may struggle to participate in things they don’t find cool or fun, but to some of them, fun things serve as a brief but important distraction from a harsh reality.

Despite the challenges, the staff of Inspiration Hills always persists. The mission of providing an environment for campers to know and grow in Christ does not change nor waver. We look back to Philippians 4 for guidance in such situations. “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7) Paul assures us that we are given a powerful ally in our mission to leave a lasting positive impact on our campers, that our prayers are listened to, and that we know that the Lord guards our footsteps. Paul later encourages his readers that he has been able to live well in plenty and poverty, in good times and bad because Christ in his provision has strengthened him (Philippians 4:11-13).

Finally, Paul instructs the people of Philippi, and all believers, to focus on what is beautiful and pure, and to continue adhering to his teachings (Philippians 4:8-9). Journey camp can be filled with struggles, but it can also be filled with joy. I can attest to this as a former summer staffer: campers who would argue with each other learned how to work together through team building activities. Middle-school-aged boys who thought they were too cool for cheesy worship songs would be dancing in step with the rest of the camp. Campers who knew only how to meet conflict with their fists learned how to use their words appropriately, and kids who screamed of their hatred of camp would finish the week hugging their counselors, not wanting to leave. Campers who believed that they had no value left knowing that they were made in the image of God (Genesis 1:26a), so loved by him that he sent his Son among them to die and be resurrected, thereby allowing them to be reconciled with God (Romans 5:8-11). How the Spirit plants seeds in the hearts of an individual camper is not known to me, but his presence is certainly noted. Journey Camp may be full of trials, but often out of those trials come things that are beautiful and pure.

So, we rejoice in the Lord, just as Paul instructed us to do in Philippians. We rejoice in being presented with challenges, hardships, and struggles because we know they will be overcome. We rejoice that Christ’s strength enables us to proclaim and live by his name, regardless of what difficulties oppose us. And we rejoice in seeing how the Spirit moves in the lives of those who step through doors of our Lodge every summer.

The Many Joys of Chaplaining

dj@inspirationhills.org (DJ Runia) — Wed, 24 Apr 2024 16:43:08 GMT

What keeps bringing you back?

One of the most impactful aspects of the Summer Camp experience is your chaplain. At Inspiration Hills, we get to see a new one for every week of Camp. On the surface, chaplaining might just seem like any other preaching endeavor, but the reality goes so much deeper. Chaplains get to walk alongside campers, pray with them, chat with them one on one, and even join in on all the fun!

We love it when chaplains come back year after year. It speaks to the lasting impact that Summer Camp can have. To share about that impact, I asked a few of this summer's repeat chaplains to share their thoughts on Camp. I specifically asked them, "What keeps bringing you back?" Here's who they are and what they had to say!

Cheryl Van Beek currently serves as the Discipleship Coordinator at Rock Rapids First Reformed Church.

What brings you back Cheryl?

I was a camper myself, my children attended as campers and now I get to pour back into the camp that is so near to my heart. I love sharing the Good News of Jesus as a chaplain. I also find a place to renew and recharge for my own personal faith journey each time I volunteer. I am thankful for the opportunity to serve at Inspiration Hills.

Matt Dengler (AKA Matt in the Hat) is from Paullina, IA. He currently serves his local community as a bus driver, librarian, and pulpit suppyist!

What brings you back Matt?

The easy answer is that it's part of my calling. It's what God keeps asking me to do (the camp too.) I'm also invested. This place matters to me. More importantly the people of that place matter to me. I love working with the campers but the more years that I come back, I'm even more excited to work and walk with the amazing team of people that serve at camp. Getting to know and share time, testimony, prayers and encouragement with the staff really makes my heart beat. Most of all, I love to tell the Story. I love telling it to whoever will listen and camp is such a great place to tell the Story of Jesus and His love.

Tyler Miller currently serves as a Worship Pastor at Activation Church and the House of Missions and Equipping in Sioux Center, IA.

What brings you back Tyler?

I love the people who run the ministry and summer camp as a ministry in general. It is so important to have a place where young people can go in order to encounter Jesus in a special way that's outside of their everyday experience.

Josh Lucas serves as the Director of Youth Ministries at First Reformed Church in Sibley, IA.

What brings you back Josh?

Inspiration Hills has a brand new dynamic that I truly love. The camp aspect has not really changed, even though they have added a lot of cool stuff to the camp, but their passion and drive, at least from my perspective, is not to gain numbers at the expense of washing down the gospel in anyway, but to grow in the knowledge of Scripture and to pass that along to campers. I have to say this is the greatest staff you could ever work with in the camping world, and I truly mean that. I have been so blessed by working with the Inspiration Hills staff that I encourage my own students to work there every summer. I would chaplain there every week if I could. I am telling you if you have ever been on the fence about being a chaplain at Inspiration Hills, just do it! You will not regret it, my family even loves coming with me and spending the week with me at camp. You will not only see growth from the campers, but I would dare to say you will even see growth within yourself.

These are just a few stories from some of the many chaplains we are looking forward to welcoming to Camp this summer! If you or someone you know may be interested in serving as a chaplain during Summer Camp or any of our year round retreats, please give us a call, visit inspirationhills.org/work to begin your volunteer application, or email lucas@inspirationhills.org .

4 Opportunities for your Church

dj@inspirationhills.org (DJ Runia) — Wed, 27 Mar 2024 20:40:29 GMT

We're Here For You!

As a Parachurch organization, one of our ministry goals is to serve your church as you fulfill your unique ministry goals. After all, your church is the entire reason we exist! Our various meeting rooms exist to be used for your retreats. Our lodging exists to provide a place of solace for your families. Our hiking trails exist to help connect you with nature. Our activities and programs exist to provide meaningful experiences that will point your congregation closer to Christ. If there weren’t a network of dedicated churches across all denominations for us to walk alongside in ministry, there would be no Inspiration Hills. That being said, let’s take a look at a few of the ways your church can get involved this year.

4 Ways Your Church Can Get Involved

1. Run Your Own Retreat Here

Inspiration Hills has seen a lot! We’ve seen Youth Group Retreats, Women’s Retreats, Mens Retreats, Consistory Retreats, and even Quilting Retreats! These types of gatherings are what most of the rooms in Eaglecrest Lodge and the Main Lodge are specifically made for. You can hold a large group gathering in the Fireside room, have a meal in our Dining Hall, hang out for worship around the fire, and enjoy some activities like Axe Throwing, Archery Tag, Swimming, or Hiking! There are plenty of spaces where you can gather, but what makes Inspiration Hills unique is the fact that its set apart with access to the outdoors. It’s a great opportunity to unplug, unwind, and focus on God in a unique location with your church family.

2. Host an Outdoor Sunday Gathering

Churches are always looking for ways to make their Sunday gatherings special. Why not hold your church service in the great outdoors! We have an outdoor stage here for your congregation to pitch up some lawn chairs around and have worship in the midst of God’s creation. Whenever churches do this with us, they’ll typically also share a meal together in the Dining Hall , set up some yard games, and make a day out of it! The vast array of activities available on property provide so many opportunities for your congregation to have fellowship beyond the usual cookies and coffee in the fellowship hall.

3. Hold Your Church Leadership Meeting Here

Why not mix up your elder or deacon meeting by coming to Inspiration Hills? Sometimes that change of pace you get from being in a different location can bring a new perspective for your church leaders meeting. In fact, we’ve designated the scenic Upper Room in Eaglecrest Lodge as a free provision for church leaders to use. Sure, it’s quite the commute to come out her, but there’s something about going out of your way to meet somewhere that makes the meeting feel al the more special.

4. Bring a Volunteer Group

Lastly, volunteering is a great way to unite your congregation through service. There are always opportunities for your church to volunteer. It’s volunteers from churches like yours who built our front deck and constructed our siding. If you’ve got a group with a unique set of skills, please let us know! Even if you’re just looking to simply chop wood or move picnic tables, think of us.

Whenever you’re thinking of ways to build up your church body, strengthen bonds, and encounter God, remember that Inspiration Hills is always an option! We're here for you. Give us a call anytime! We're happy to help you plan your next church gathering.

Is Being a Summer Camp Counselor the Right Fit for Me?

dj@inspirationhills.org (DJ Runia) — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 16:32:19 GMT

Looking for a Summer Job?

For students, summer is a unique time. It's a special few months where you get to decide for yourself what to make of it! So, what are you gonna do? Where are you going to work? Maybe you're interested in Summer Camp and are considering whether or not it will be the best option for you. That's a big decision!

Where do you begin to make such a huge decision? Thankfully, you're not the only one who's ever had to make it. Every college student goes through the process of deciding what to do based on their priorities, desires, and convictions. Let's take a look at the experiences of a few students who chose Summer Camp.

Whenever someone decides to choose Summer Camp, there is always that first pull. How we respond to that pull is different for everyone. For some, it's an exciting thought! For others it's met with reluctance. Check out the video below to hear a few short testimonies on their experience of feeling the initial call to Camp.

One of the reasons why you might want to choose to work at Summer Camp is because of the amazing memories you will make! Let's take a look at a few.

Another reason to choose to work at a Summer Camp is the impact it will have on your resumé. Most of our alumni cite their experience at Summer Camp as being the most talked about part of their resumé when applying for jobs. The truth is, your Summer Camp experience will be immensely beneficial for your career after college.

Most importantly, working at a Summer Camp is a great way to grow in your faith. Time and time again, we hear stories from our staff how impactful their experience has been when it comes to their personal walk with God.

Still on the fence? You're not alone! However, staffers who have been on the fence and ultimately chosen to work at Summer Camp will always testify how much of a blessing it ended up being for them at the end of the day!

Ultimately, what you do with your summer is in fact a big decision. Take the time to pray and seek the Lord's guidance on it. If you feel him nudging you toward working at Summer Camp, don't be afraid to heed that call. As with any decision to follow Christ, we promise you won't regret it.

If you'd like to apply today, click the link below to fill out your application. We'd love for you to join us in our mission to share the love of Christ with the next generation.

Do You Give the Horse its Strength?

lexy@inspirationhillls.org (Lexy Krogman) — Tue, 06 Feb 2024 15:49:09 GMT

How horses can be used to teach us about God's character

Both/And Qualities

My all-time favorite “feel good” movie, Secretariat, opens with anticipatory music, shots of majestic racehorses getting ready to run, and the voice of main character Penny Chenery quoting these words from Job 39:

Do you give the horse its strength or clothe its neck with a flowing mane?
Do you make it leap like a locust, striking terror with its proud snorting?
He paws fiercely, rejoicing in his strength, and charges into the fray.
He laughs at fear, afraid of nothing; he does not shy away from the sword.
The quiver rattles against his side, along with the flashing spear and lance.
In frenzied excitement he eats up the ground; he cannot stand still when the trumpet sounds.

What describing words come to mind when you think of a horse? Powerful, majestic, terrifying? Beautiful, calm, loyal? As a lifelong horse girl, I have always wondered with awe at this animal that can exhibit all those qualities simultaneously. That a creature with such proud strength can at the same time be so gentle and trustworthy, filling you with both deep love and reverent fear.

There are many reasons why horses have been and always will be my favorite animal, but perhaps the most significant reason is because of how the character of a horse, in a small way, mirrors the character of our God. Just as horses in their mighty power demand respect yet invite humans into a trusting relationship, so it is with Almighty God, our heavenly Father. His holiness causes us to bow in reverence and in awareness of our own littleness, while the gospel of Jesus invites us to draw near in His mercy and grace.

In addition to parallels in character, here are some other lessons that can be taught and learned through horses:

Our role and calling as stewards to exercise dominion over creation (Genesis 1:26-28)
Controlling our speech and actions as bridles control a horse (James 3:2-3)
Encouragement and accountability towards one another (Hebrews 10:24)
The necessity of training and discipline (1 Timothy 4:7-8, Hebrews 12:10-11)

Horses provide a uniquely impactful means to teach kids, and even adults, about God and how we are to live as followers of Him. These examples are just the tip of the iceberg – or the manure pile, if you will!

Integration of Horsemanship & Biblical Instruction

The Saddle Up horse camp at Inspiration Hills has been a camper favorite going on 15 years after its launch back in 2009. Since the start, the goal has been to provide instruction in horsemanship along with biblical instruction within the fun camp environment. Speaking as a past Saddle Up camper, wrangler, and coordinator myself, I can attest to the impact that this program has on anyone who gets to experience it - practically and spiritually!

As the program has continued to grow and expand over the years, the question to consider has become this: How can we keep the excitement and draw that the horses bring AND get kids just as excited to learn about Jesus and the Bible?

Our answer? Do more, and go deeper. The goal of providing horsemanship and biblical instruction remains, but our desire is to take it a step further by integrating the two more intentionally in the Saddle Up programming. By implementing live demonstrations with the horses, asking thought-provoking questions, and helping campers make real-world applications, our hope is that campers will come to see and know God through horses in more ways than ever before. What better way to learn it than to experience it?

All in all, as is the mission of everything we do at camp, our goal is ultimately to point campers to Christ and bring glory to God. We cannot do it apart from Him and the enabling of His Spirit, and what a privilege it is to work alongside Him, in and among His wonderful creation, to the praise of His glorious name.

So next time you think about a horse’s flowing mane, hear its proud snorting, or see one galloping in frenzied excitement, I hope you can be reminded of our great God. He is the “Almighty”, the One who “can do all things”, and “no purpose of His can be thwarted” (Job 40:2, 42:2). What a great reminder for us all given through such a beautiful creature!

Hillside Haven

chrisjelken@inspirationhills.org (Chris Jelken) — Thu, 01 Feb 2024 17:06:48 GMT

Finding Comfort and Joy at Inspiration Hills

Imagine coming home after a long, tiring day at work. As you open the front door, the warm glow of soft, ambient light welcomes you in. The familiar, soothing aroma of freshly baked cookies or your favorite home-cooked meal wafts through the air. The sights, sounds, and smells of being home evoke you with an instant feeling of comfort and joy!

Arriving at summer camp also brings forth this unique sense of comfort and joy. One of the first things you see as you approach the driveway to camp is three crosses on a hill – standing still against the backdrop of the sky, carrying a profound sense of peace and belonging. The crosses are more than a physical landmark; they are a symbol of connection, tradition, and the values that define the experiences at Inspiration Hills. More than that, it’s as if the crosses stand as guardians, welcoming each camper with open arms and promising a sanctuary where memories are made, friendships flourish, and peace can be found.

As Christians, we revere the crosses for their deep symbolism. They echo Jesus’ profound sacrifice, representing humility, redemption, and unyielding love. They prompt reflection on how our Father sent His son to die for us, taking our sins and burdens upon Himself. Driving up the Hill to camp, you're instantly reminded of the work done on the cross, and you're invited to leave whatever may be troubling you at the feet of Jesus in exchange for rest.

Whether you are attending Inspiration Hills for a retreat, a reunion, or to relax, our hope is that you will feel God’s presence in this place the second you turn the corner and see the crosses up on the hill. Let the sights, sounds, and the smells of camp fill you and remind you of the comfort and joy we receive from our Lord!

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”

Matthew 11:28-30

Adopt a Bunk!

Wed, 31 Jan 2024 21:06:48 GMT

Adopt a Bunk. Leave your Mark at Camp.

There are 198 total available bunks on Inspiration Hills Property! For the most part, each bed is identical. However, imagine if each bed could have a little something of its own to make it a little bit different from the rest! It would be fitting. After all, each camper who sleeps in those bunks is special, different, and unique in THEIR own way! Well, that’s the vision of the Adopt a Bunk Program!

What is Adopt a Bunk?

If you’re passionate about the mission of Inspiration Hills, Adopt a Bunk is your chance to partner with us in that mission and create a tangible, prayerful reminder of that partnership. In order to become an Adopt a Bunk Member, simply set up a recurring monthly gift through our online giving page. When you become an Adopt a Bunk Member, we’ll reach out to you to share with us your favorite Bible verse! Then, we’ll make a plaque of that Bible verse and hang it up on one of our 198 bunks in the Main Lodge, Wilder, or Saddle Up. Your plaque serves two main purposes.

Encourage the Camper who will be sleeping in that bunk.

During Summer Camp, every camper is going through their own journey with the Lord. When the camper in your bunk sees the scripture on their bed, you never know how much of an impact it can have for them on their journey in that moment.

Remind you to always be praying for that camper.

For every Adopt a Bunk Member, we’ll also mail a duplicate of your plaque to you. We highly encourage you to hang it up in a place where you can see it regularly and be reminded of the significance of that verse to you. Whenever you see your plaque, remind yourself to pray. Pray that in the same way you’ve been impacted by that verse, the camper in that bunk will be impacted as well. Also, feel free to pray for that camper in general! Your prayers make a difference!

The Goal of Adopt a Bunk

The goal of the Adopt a Bunk Program is three fold!

1. Fill the Bunk Room with the Word of God

There are 144 Bunks in the Main Lodge. Our goal is for every single one of those Bunks to have their own unique verse! Our mission statement is to provide an environment for campers to come to know and grow in Christ and be challenged for life in God’s Kingdom. Filling the Bunk Room with the Word of God is a great way to fulfill that mission for summer campers, retreat goers, and guest groups who come onto our property.

2. Build up a core base of faithful givers, generating a steady source of in flow.

Choosing to give on a monthly basis is a great way to provide a steady cash flow that we can rely on from month to month. This allows us to be able to focus on our mission further down the road knowing what to expect. When you take into account how much those donations add up to in a year you can tangibly see just how much of an impact it makes! For example:

- $25 a month is enough to accomplish one of these…

o Send a kid to camp for a week

o Provide scholarships for 5 people to attend a weekend retreat

o Provide 20 sets of sheets and bedding for the private rooms

- $50 a month is enough to accomplish one of these…

o Send 2 kids to camp for a week!

o Provide laundry detergent for a year

o Provide camp with internet for a year

o Provide a summer staffer with food and lodging for a summer

o Provide for 3 months of office supplies

- $150 is enough to accomplish one of these…

o Cover our yearly ropes course inspection

o Provide training for our summer staff each summer

o Fuel and maintain our camp vehicles for half a year

o Insure camp for a month

3. Encourage prayer.

Prayer is one of the most important ways to connect with the Lord and make a difference in the lives of others. Our hope is that through the Adopt a Bunk Program, you will be reminded of the difference that you can make on the lives of others through your prayers as well as your monthly giving. We are also hoping that as campers take time to reflect on the Word of God they see through the many Adopt a Bunk Plaques, they too will be encouraged to pray and further develop their relationship with the Lord.

Together we can fill the Bunk Room with the Word of God, build up this ministry through the power of prayer, and provide a sustainable foundation for Inspiration Hills. Click the link below to sign up now and leave your mark on Camp! On your giving page, you will have the option to select a one time or recurring option. Simply select the recurring option and your donation will automatically be set to process monthly.

Adopt a Bunk FAQs

What makes our Summer Staff amazing?

lucas@inspirationhills.org (Lucas Draffen) — Wed, 31 Jan 2024 20:31:02 GMT

Our Amazing Staff

Nestled into the northwest corner of Iowa is Inspiration Hills. As summer dawns, the Hills become home to a group of individuals from all over the country. For many, their journey begins as they venture by land and air to arrive at their dwelling place for 11 weeks. Traversing from distances of 10 miles to 1,000 miles, anticipation grows for the time that they step foot on the grounds of Inspiration Hills. This group of individuals, as we know them, are the Summer Staff.

Their journeys start long before the first day of training. It starts with a tug. A tug at the heart that eventually becomes a stronger and stronger pull from God that He has a great mission for them this summer. That pull would lead them to apply to work on staff at Inspiration Hills. Through the application process the program directors, through prayer and discernment, decide that this is the place for them, this is where they have been called to. This is the mission that God has called them to. The mission of providing an environment for individuals to come to know and grow in Christ and be challenged for life in God’s kingdom.

Upon arrival our staff is immersed in an environment that is foreign to most, but to returning staff, it is home. The environment is one of love and service, grit and determination, accountability and edification for their fellow children of God. This environment is the basis of the race that is staff training. A full two weeks is dedicated to preparing the staff for the coming campers and for the 9 weeks of camp that are yet to come. Consisting of teambuilding, bible study, games, camp run-throughs, testimonies, etc. training sets the tone for the rest of the summer.

However, nothing that happens during training matters if it wasn’t for the Lord working mightily. God forms a family that breaks down walls, that is centered upon serving Him, and a family that’s greatest goal is to see campers come to know and grow in Christ. All the tools that staff members are equipped with pale in comparison to what the Father does in their hearts.

What makes our staff amazing isn’t that they are dedicated to provide a safe environment for campers. It isn’t their fun personalities that makes anyone feel welcome. It isn’t their training, their wisdom, their lovable natures. These are all great qualities that each and every staff member have, but nothing compares to what truly makes them amazing.

What makes our staff amazing is the amazing call that God has placed on their lives for the summer(s) of service. He knows exactly what Inspiration Hills needs and what the campers need, and He gathers the laborers to the mission field. The amazing things that occur here at camp are not because of the counselors, the coordinators, or any of the amazing staff here at camp. It is the amazing love and power of God at work through our staff.

How Working at Summer Camp Together Impacted Our Marriage

Thu, 25 Jan 2024 15:11:23 GMT

"Summer Camp has this wonderful way of challenging people to work as a team"

Inspiration Hills Summer Staff 2021

When I first came to Inspiration Hills as a Summer Staffer in 2019, I had no idea how many “camp couples” would come out of the summer as a result. It always happens. Even better are the “camp weddings” that ultimately emerge from those relationships! Most summer staffers typically blush when the topic of dating and camp is brought up, but we all know it’s true. Working closely together in a camp environment naturally fosters strong bonds! Those bonds have a way of truly strengthening any relationship, especially your relationship with your partner. This is something I can certainly attest to!

I first met the woman who would turn out to be my wife in college. We both took some classes together and made a connection which would eventually grow into a relationship. She’s from Florida, so naturally by the time summer rolled around, I just HAD to convince her to work with me at camp! I wasn’t about to let her leave me for three whole months! She ultimately agreed to try it out and ended up being co-media coordinator alongside me for the summer of 2021. I remember during her staff interview, our program director asked each of us, “Do you think you can handle working together while being in a relationship?” It was an interesting question because it made me realize how much of a leap of faith we were taking. I was forced to consider the “what ifs”. “What if things don’t work out? What if we get into a fight? Are we taking things too fast?”

However, as we spent the summer together, we had an awesome time! To this day, I consider our time working together at Summer Camp as the most impactful moment for our relationship. Summer Camp has this wonderful way of challenging people to work as a team. During the summer, we were forced to solve problems together, get to know each other’s habits, and just have a good time together! Some of my favorite memories were having her cut my hair late at night because she wanted to learn how (she ended up just shaving my entire head), timing every time we’d ride the golf cart down to Wilderness camp to try to beat our record, and staying up late talking and getting to know each other. In marriage, every couple has to learn how to communicate, solve problems together, resolve conflict, encourage each other, and most importantly, grow Spiritually together. I can’t think of any better place to go through a “marriage trial run” than at Summer Camp!

Our wedding :)

After we got married in the Summer of 2022, it was a powerful moment in my life, needless to say. I remember looking out at the crowd during our ceremony and seeing all the wonderful faces of my camp friends who had impacted my wife and I during that Summer of 2021. Our ushers, photographer, and a good chunk of our guest list were all camp friends! What a blessing! I also remember thinking just how blessed we are to have spent the summer together growing in our relationship. I thought to myself, if we can spend 3 months at Summer Camp and thrive like we did, I can only imagine how awesome it’s going to be to spend the rest of our lives together.

We’ve now been married for over a year and are both employees of Inspiration Hills. I consider it such a blessing to get to spend every day continuing to grow together in the same Christ-centered environment we grew together during the Summer of 2021.

Looking over the Horizon

Mon, 01 Jan 2024 14:35:11 GMT

A message from James for the New Year

Whenever you are standing at the top of a hill looking down the other side, there are usually two possible ways to react to what you see. You can look ahead with fear and dread, knowing that there will be challenges coming. Or you can look with excitement and anticipation in what lies ahead. Either way, the challenges will be there.

The same is true for us at Inspiration Hills. We are standing at the top of the hill looking ahead to the next year. We know there will be some challenges waiting. And there will be a lot of hard work to be done.

But at Inspiration Hills we see only one way to react. We will step out and begin walking through 2024 with excitement and anticipation. The challenges and hard work will meet us along the way, but we will deal with each one as they come and continue in the journey God has laid out for us.

We look forward in excitement and with anticipation because we know that God has a plan for Inspiration Hills. We know that this is His camp, and He has been using this camp to provide an environment for every person who spends time here to come to know and grow in Christ and be challenged for life in God’s kingdom. And we know that His plan will succeed!

As we step into 2024, we invite you to walk with us. Our desire is for you to join with us and become a part of what God is doing. There are many ways that you can participate: work groups, prayer support, financial assistance, and volunteering. You can also spread the word about the camp or sponsor a child who desires to come to camp.

It is going to be an amazing year at Inspiration Hills! God has a plan and we get to be a part of it! Come along with us. We would love for you to be a part of the blessing of being used by God to do an extraordinary work here at His camp.

So even though there are usually two possible ways to react to what is coming in the year ahead, we choose to look forward with excitement and anticipation. We know that in the past God has used this camp in amazing ways to change lives, and we know He has a plan for this year as well. Join us as we do our part in His great plan. Happy New Year, and we will see you in the days to come.

James Koller

Interim Executive Director