37 Years | A Lifetime of Ministry

by Dave Jarvis

Well this was my first official day of retirement. Hard to believe. The last 37 years have been an amazing ride. Nell and I had thought about taking a trip and waking in another state on my first day of being retired. But as we kept talking, we both wanted some time to reflect and process our time at RTLC. So we got an Airbnb in Westcliffe and spend New Year's Day at camp. We got to the ballfield this morning in time to catch sunrise and just hang out and reminisced and processed the last 37 years for about an hour and a half. The ministry, the community and even the culture have been magnificent. But it is the people that we now know, that have touched our lives deeply, people we would not even know if we had not come to Rainbow Trail, that have been the real gift of the lat 37 years. Staff, staff parents, campers, camper parents, Board members, Pastors and adult leaders, and camp grandparents have all touched us deeply and left an imprint on our hearts. So thank you! We love you all!

We then walked the site and took some photos of some of our favorite spots including Geranium cabin where we stay for most weddings that happen at camp. We were also at camp long enough to see the sunset and we both experienced a sky neither of us have ever seen in our time at RTLC. it was kind of fitting that something new is happening as we finish our time here. I am beyond honored and blessed to have served as your Director for so many years. i am different because I have been here.

Dave Gunnlaugsson is going to be a strong and bold leader for you. I will be working with him in the coming months to keep RTLC's momentum rolling. You are in great hands!

Dave Jarvis reflects on 37 years of ministry serving at Rainbow Trail Lutheran Camp in Hillside, Colorado

The Rocky Mountain Synod supports and partners with three outdoor ministries across the synod, including Rainbow Trail Lutheran Camp for ministry alongside youth, young adults, and families. Our camps are a part of Lutheran Outdoor Ministries (LOM) an association of outdoor ministry organizations, professionals, board members, businesses, and students connected to Lutheran camping, conferences, and retreats.