Following are some responses from Camp Neotez Board Members telling about their service to Camp as a board member and revealing their favorite scripture.
TIM LANDUYT
Maryland Heights Church of Christ
I became a board member in 2014 because I wholeheartedly believe that the fellowship, camaraderie and faith building that happens at camp should be an experience available for every youth, just like it was for me. Romans 12:3-8 is my favorite scripture. “For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you. For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.”
DARYL SIMMONS
Lafayette Church of Christ
I’ve been a board member for years now, and I love camp Neotez. I call camp my happy place. Being outdoors with other Christians and working together to help take care of the campers, is the best part of the summer. Matthew 22:37 says to “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” Those are words to live by each day.
SARAH BUEHRER
Lafayette Church of Christ
I have been teaching at camp since 2001 and became a board member in 2010. I have witnessed how Camp has brought people together from the entire St. Louis area and created bonds between them that have grown through the years. Camp is a unique place where kids can learn about God and grow in their relationships. When you are too old to be a camper you can continue go to camp by volunteering to be a teacher, cook or director! My favorite scripture is “Delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart” found in Psalm 37:4.
VICKIE LIPHAM
Florissant Church of Christ
I joined the board in 2012 as I realized my congregation needed more representation. I enjoy children and I wanted to be a part of watching kids become leaders in the church. My favorite scripture verse is Psalm 17:6-9, “I call on you, my God, for you will answer me; turn your ear to me and hear my prayer. Show me the wonders of your great love, you who save by your right hand those who take refuge in you from their foes. Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings from the wicked who are out to destroy me, from my mortal enemies who surround me.”
NANCY HENLEY
Maryland Heights Church of Christ
I joined the board in 1999, but Camp Neotez has always played a major role in my life and my family. The importance of my lifelong friendships that began at Neotez makes me want the same for generations to come. Years spent at camp have continued to strengthen my personal faith. I want Neotez to be there, helping to train our children and youth in the importance of a faithful walk with Our Lord. My favorite verse is Psalms 46:10 ‘Be still and know that I am God”.
STEVE JONES
McKnight Crossings Church of Christ
I’ve been a board member since 2009. Somehow, Ed Tritchler tricked me into being on the board! Camp has been a part of my family since its inception and I felt I wanted to be a part of seeing its growth and continuation for many years to come. I hope somehow I can help that to happen. The closest I have ever been to actually seeing God’s face has happened at Neotez, and I want that for others. Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 says, “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.”
ALLEN BURNETT
I joined the board in 2009 after being invited to a meeting by Steve Jones. The timing was just right; my son had just spent his first week at Pre-Camp and loved it. It caused me to remember how much I enjoyed camp as a child and teenager, and I wanted to give back. That next summer my wife Angela and I started volunteering at Pre-Camp and this will be our seventh year. Pre-Camp is awesome!!! Those young ones have so much fun and it is such a joy listening to them sing around the campfire. My favorite theme is taken from Psalm 119:105 “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.” We can all take comfort in knowing the Bible is given to us for guidance.
STEVE CONNER
O’Fallon Church of Christ
Unlike many on the board I did not grow up in church or attend a church camp. I personally did not become a Christian until my early twenties. Several years after my own baptism, I began volunteering with the youth group at O’Fallon Church of Christ. It only took me one trip as a volunteer to Camp Ne-O-Tez to realize what a wonderful experience Camp can be! Camp is a place for kids to deepen their relationship with God, and create lasting friendships in a fun and caring Christian environment. Since then, I have had two kids of my own. Both my children have been at Neotez every summer they were old enough to attend and love it. I truly admire Camp and the experiences my children have there. I regret I was not able to experience these things when I was a child, and it makes me that much more fervent to do my very best to support Camp Neotez as a board member. Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” Matthew 19:14
TARA VICKERS
Overland Church of Christ
I’ve been a member at Overland Church of Christ my entire life. I’m a mom to 3 children (Greer, Lennox, & Indie) and absolutely could not wait to start them at camp because I have such fond Camp Neotez memories. My oldest experienced her first session as a pre-camper in 2016 and cannot wait to go back! I value what a remarkable place Neotez is for so many reasons. Being there is such a faith-strengthening, friendship-building, outdoors adventure & I’m just thrilled to carry the torch for my kids and all children who want to go via working through the board. I’d been praying for God to use me in some way to serve and then Daryl Simmons approached Ashlee and I about representing Overland on the board! A wonderful place like Camp Neotez cannot exist without the tireless efforts of workers. I’m so happy to be a worker for camp and namely, for God. I pray He continues to bless the good work being done there summer after summer!
Colossians 3:23-24 “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.”
EVALYN DONLEY
Florissant Church of Christ
Relationship building is one of the best things about Camp Neotez. My three children attended Camp and got to know people from around the St. Louis area. The opportunity to disconnect from the pressures of social media and technology is another benefit of spending time at Camp. I am so thankful that we are blessed with hard-working volunteers who make the Neotez experience glorifying to God and memorable. Please let me know if you have questions or comments about the Camp Neotez website.
I Corinthians 10:31 “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”
CHRISTY HUETER
I’ve often joked that when I think about what Heaven will be like, I imagine Camp Neotez–with air conditioning and less bugs. That’s high praise for a place that I love dearly, and that’s why I choose to get involved. I attended Camp Neotez all throughout my childhood, and my children continue to grow spiritually there as well. I enjoy working as a Bible teacher at various camps with many of the people that I attended camp with in my youth. It’s those connections that are so important in our Christian lives, and I am thrilled to see how Neotez continues to flourish while maintaining many of the traditions I remember as a child. Paul’s words from 1 Corinthians 15 often come to my mind: “Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.”
KARA LIMBURG
Lafayette Church of Christ
I am new to the Neotez board, but not to Camp! I’ve known about Camp for years, as my husband, Rich, grew up in the area and attended camp as a teen (a LONG time ago). My kids, Katherine and Jake, began going when we moved here in 2015 and fell in love. Not content with just a drop-off on Sunday afternoon, I have been cook at Middle School Week since 2017. Church camp is an experience that I have always believed was special starting when I attended Camp Happy Hollow in Southwest Missouri as a child. It was always the highlight of my summer. The relationships built, the time spent growing closer to God and the all around fun at camp combine for an experience that is irreplaceable. I am proud to be part of the Neotez family and look forward to creating many more friendships and memories. “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28
JOSH QUIVEY
Vaughn Hill Church of Christ
My favorite thing about camp is the way Jessica and the kids light up and get excited talking about their experiences there. I want support Camp because it provides a place to grow in their faith and create friendships that encourage that growth. My favorite bible verse is Philippians 4; 6-7 “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
ALISSA ROADES
Maryland Heights Church of Christ
I’ve been attending camp since I was 9 years old and haven’t missed a summer yet. For me going to Neotez is a second home, and I will always go “home” every summer.
Bible verse — Isaiah 40:28-31 “Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”