Just a Smalltown Girl
Like many of our campers, Lillian Bruchman grew up in a small U. P. community. She worshiped regularly with her family at Faith Lutheran Church of Calumet. Lillian started attending summer camp at Fortune Lake as a youth and was drawn to the group games, the emphasis on outdoor play, and the deepening relationships – both with God and the camp community. As a young person, Lillian had no idea just how profoundly God would work in her life through Fortune Lake!
Beginning in Summer 2022, Lillian was called to be a part of the summer staff. Her first summer was spent as a Cabin Leader, where, like the leaders she remembered, Lillian led games, got kids out in God’s creation, and facilitated growth in campers’ relationships with one another and their Creator. But Lillian’s impact had only just begun.
In Summer 2023, Lillian served as the Vagland Coordinator, the primary person responsible for all of the programming – including Vagabonds and Night Owls – in our rustic treehouse village.
Lillian states, “Through Fortune Lake, I have been challenged in many ways. I have learned what it means to be an example of Christ, to love others and persevere through hard work. I am currently going to school to be a Social Studies teacher. Fortune Lake is the perfect way for me to prepare myself in the field. I learned what it was like to manage a group of people that are all diverse with different needs. I became comfortable with the role of “wearing many hats” and working with things that were out of my control. I learned how to work best with the things I could control, and let God take care of the rest. I learned how to be a better communicator, to look out for others and be there for them. I can’t think of a similar summer job that prepares me so well for my future career, in an environment where I constantly feel supported and I feel safe to make mistakes to help myself grow.”
Lillian returned in Summer 2024 to serve as our Youth Camp Coordinator, where she continued to shine the light of Christ and be there to meet the needs of our diverse camper population. She also brought the fun! Parents and caregivers could rest well knowing that Lillian is at the helm.
Like so many before her, Lillian felt God’s call over her life at an early age, which was deepened through her experiences at Fortune Lake. Thanks be to God for all of the lives touched through this important ministry!
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