By Rev. Derek Roberts, Pastor at Praise Lutheran Church in Maryville, TN and Campfirmation Director at Camp Linn Haven, NC.
For over 80 years, Camp Linn Haven has provided a sanctuary of faith, fellowship, and Christian community along the Linville River in Avery County, North Carolina. Nestled 3,600 feet up in the Blue Ridge Mountains, this 52-acre retreat center has long been a crown jewel of outdoor ministry. While historically affiliated with our neighbors in the Southeastern District, it has also been a vital regional resource for the Mid-South District—particularly for congregations in East Tennessee looking for a driveable retreat location in the mountains.
This summer, from July 5–11, 2026, youth ages 12 and up gathered at Camp Linn Haven for Campfirmation 2026. Note that the word “campfirmation” is a portmanteau, combining camp and confirmation. They joined their peers from Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, and Tennessee for an intensive week of catechesis, liturgical worship, and communal life.
Catechesis in Creation: The Apostles’ Creed
Unlike a standard recreational summer camp, Campfirmation operates with a distinct Biblical and confessional Lutheran theology. The curriculum brings Luther’s Small Catechism to life. The theological anchor for the 2026 season directly addressed the core confession of the ancient Church: “I believe in the Triune God” and the focus was the three articles of the Apostles’ Creed.
Throughout the week, a dedicated team of LCMS pastors, DCEs, teachers, and laymen led students through plenaries and breakout sessions about gender, family, technology, redemption, the end times, and God-pleasing vocations. This rigorous study wasn’t left on the whiteboard; it was immediately woven into the rhythm of daily life. Campers framed their days with corporate Matins, Evening Prayer, and Compline along with two Divine Services. Campers talked about the sermons and the teachings as they hiked and when they met in small groups at family time. Private Confession and Absolution was offered daily so that students could fully experience all aspects of the means of grace that they learn about at church and at home.
A Story of Multi-District Resilience
For Mid-South workers and parents who monitored the devastating regional impact of Hurricane Helene, the very fact that Campfirmation 2025 and 2026 ran smoothly is a profound cause for thanksgiving. The mountain facility suffered catastrophic floodwater and structural damage during the storm.
However, the body of Christ rose to the occasion. Intensive recovery deployments throughout late 2024 and early 2025—heavily supported by LCMS Lutheran Early Response Teams (LERT) and volunteer networks across multiple districts—cleared debris, stabilized the waterfront, and repaired the camp’s infrastructure. Thanks to these tireless servants, the camp’s 18 modern cabins, dining hall, and Mountainside Lutheran Church were fully operational, safe, and ready to welcome youth by the time summer arrived in 2025 and now again in 2026.
Fellowship Without Borders
For young people in the Eastern side of the Mid-South District, the benefits of a regional camp are immeasurable. Worship, study, hiking, and campfires alongside other Lutheran youth and church workers reminds catechumens that they are part of a larger, vibrant confession of faith that extends far beyond their home pews.
Furthermore, the camp provides an exceptionally low-barrier financial framework for individual and congregation budgets. It is one of the most accessible and affordable week-long summer youth retreats available.
Because the camp handles all meal preparation and facility maintenance, the visiting pastors, DCEs, and laymen can focus on teaching and interacting with the youth. They spend the week doing what matters most: proclaiming Christ crucified and risen and building deep, lasting pastoral relationships with the students during a pivotal time in their lives. Leaders from the participating churches note how Campfirmation inspires more youth towards church vocations than any other activity they plan throughout the year.
Mid-South District representatives and pastors at Campfirmation include Rev. David Graves (4th Vice President and Pastor of St. Paul Lutheran, Wartburg) who served as the Dean of Chapel for the week, Rev. Chase Lefort (Knoxville Circuit Visitor and Pastor of Faith Lutheran, Oak Ridge) who taught and preached during the week, Rev. Ed Maanum (First Lutheran, Knoxville) who taught Middle School Plenaries and preached at camp, and Rev. Derek Roberts (Praise Lutheran, Maryville) who served as the Camp Director for the week.
Looking Ahead to 2027: Loved and Loving Others (The Ten Commandments)
Campfirmation week has consistently hit capacity over the last several years with approximately 10 churches participating, nearly filling every bed available. Though Campfirmation leaders would certainly love to share the teachings and life together with more people, they currently cannot invite any more and provide sufficient accommodations. They do, however, covet prayers as they prepare for 2027 and for the LCMS youth (and adults) who are impacted by Campfirmation.
Next year’s theme is Loved and Loving Others–teachings on The Ten Commandments with Luther’s explanations.
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