The Camp Luther Log

Some will spend the summer making money in their hometown, while others will enroll in unavoidable summer classes. Some might backpack around Europe or binge watch Netflix while lying horizontal on their parents couch.  Others will choose different. They will choose an adventure of meaningful service and growth. They will choose camp. Having carved their way deep within nature, camps are a beautiful world of their own. Unknown to some, yet home to many, they thrive in secluded locations throughout the country. It is a place where silly songs are sung, campfires are sat around, wild games are played, and the unheard of is heard of! But that’s not all. Camp is a life-changing opportunity that invites you to grow, challenge yourself, love others, and serve the Lord. Working on a camp summer staff isn’t a simple walk in the woods, yet through its challenges will be one of the most memorable and rewarding summers your life will have. Those who have served at camp in the past high

Sometimes in life, things happen that we have no control over. You can't always control what the people you care about in your life do – the things that cause much pain and disappointment. Even though you love them very much and have done everything you thought possible to help them, there is still pain you have no control over. Praise God, praise the Father who we can cling to in those times of pain, disappointment and uncertainty. Knowing that God has a plan for us in life, in spite of all of the wrong choices and bad things that can happen, it brings much comfort to know that He is in control. I had the opportunity to meet with a person; her name is Carrie. She was a woman that went to Camp Luther as a child. Her grandparents wanted to make sure that she could experience God in this place, with counselors that would encourage her in God’s Word, and know that she was loved in all circumstances. Throughout Carrie’s high school and early adult years, she made choices that lan

A summer may end, but the memories and blessings are ours forever.  Thank you 2014 Summer Staff for touching and shaping lives of campers, adults, families and your fellow staff members with the love of Jesus.   You have endured sunburn, sleepless nights, homesick campers, messy roommates, mental and physical exhaustion, 10 thousand questions, 10 million mosquito bites, and a schedule that only a college student could handle, all for the sake of the Gospel.  Thank you for giving yourself to the Lord's work and sharing your lives with us.  All summer you have shared our theme "Here We Grow".  As our summer comes to a close, you may now realize that it is you in fact that has grown the most.  Thank you for serving Jesus at Camp Luther and KBC.  You are forever family.  - The Year-round Staff "For this reason, because I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my pray

Camp Luther's Outdoor Ministry Fund provides critical support for summer camps, retreats, and family programs offered throughout the year. It is essential funding that enables Camp Luther to offer high quality programs, counselors and ministry staff, program supplies, and repairs or replacement of equipment. The chart on the right shows how your support impacts the average summer camper experience. Unrestricted gifts to Camp Luther help our ministry meet its annual operating goals. Income generated through camper registrations and cottage rentals alone do not meet annual ministry expenses. Consider supporting the Outdoor Ministry Fund through your annual or monthly gifts to camp. Visit campluther.com/donate today.

It is a very special place at Camp Luther. This unique hollow in the Camp Luther forest was set aside decades ago as a dedicated place of outdoor worship and praise. The Outdoor Chapel or “ODC” holds cherished memories for thousands of children and families who have attended Sunday morning worship, campfire devotions, or Thursday Night Variety Shows. Under the tall pines, we have shared songs of praise, joy, laughter, tears, scripture and words of prayer.  What's your favorite memory at the Outdoor Chapel? We have the opportunity this spring to make the Outdoor Chapel accessible to all.  Current access is limited to a long, uneven staircase of deteriorating railroad ties. Campers and guests with disabilities and limited mobility simply aren't able to participate or have to endure the inconvenience  of being carried by others. The diagram below details the improvements: A new ADA accessible 6' wide paved path will be constructed to the northeast or left of t

Each spring families discover the joy and blessings of Workbee.  Camp Luther volunteer weekends provide a perfect opportunity to help your family discover the joy of serving the Lord.   Here's how your family can be blessed through serving at Camp Luther: Your children or grandchildren will discover the satisfaction of hard work. We live in an age when physical labor is less and less common.  As a result, our children often haven't experienced the satisfaction of that kind of accomplishment.  Not only does completing your work at Workbee provide a great feeling of accomplishment, when shared with others it makes an indelible impression.  How often at camp do we hear the pride in someone's voice when they return to camp and say "We did that!"       You will show your thankfulness to God. Jesus is our ultimate model of true servanthood.  Through His life on this earth he showed his compassion for those in need around him.  Through his death and resurrection, h

As parents, it's exciting to see our children grow. You may have marks on a wall in your home marking their growth over the years. While physical growth is fun to track, it is even more rewarding to see our children grow in other, more important ways. For many, Camp Luther has been a part of that growth. Here's what I have seen: 1.  Campers grow in Self-Esteem Camp provides an opportunity for kids to grow in self-worth. By trying new things, making new friends, and accomplishing challenges, kids gain confidence. When this happens in the midst of a caring, Christian community, it has an even greater impact. Young people who share their camp experiences with us nearly always speak of the love and acceptance they feel in the Camp Luther community; something that may be missing in other areas of their lives. At camp we seek to love and accept every person as a unique, special child of God. Most importantly, we want every camper to know how much Jesus loves them. That's whe

But grow in the grace and the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  To Him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity.    2 Peter 3:18 Our 2014 theme is Here We Grow!  Summer campers, family cottagers, and retreat participants throughout the year will focus on how we grow in Christ.  As the branch grows from the Vine, we grow as God provides the nourishment of His Word, forgiveness in the water of our baptism, and strength through the power of the Holy Spirit.  Just as the farmer expects to yield fruit from his crop, the Lord asks us to “bear much fruit” as his disciples in our congregations, communities and the world.   We pray that all who visit Camp Luther and Keweenaw Base Camp in 2014 are built up and encouraged in their faith through this theme.     Send your kids to Camp and watch them grow! Gary "Woody" Vought  

We received the following comments from some who participated in our recent Instagram contest.  Faith, relationships, and love are common themes.  Camp has had an incredible impact in their lives and their faith.  What was true for so many of us growing up in the 70s, 80s, and 90s is still true today.  Praise the Lord! "There's a special feeling you have at camp.  A feeling you can't recreate back home.  A feeling that everyone surrounding you cares about you." "I really learned more about God.  I grew and will continue grow in my faith. " "Some of my best and favorite memories are from my times at camp.  Without Camp Luther I don't know where I would be today. "Camp.....the place where you make lifelong friends and grow stronger in your faith all while making amazing memories." "Never has a place made me feel so welcomed, loved, changed, worthwhile or beautiful." "I was shown over and over again that I am loved

Let's face it, being a parent isn't easy these days. When your child is resistant to your plans for summer camp, you may find yourself in a difficult and delicate situation. While you may be excited for them to make new friends, have fun, and grow in their faith, they may be dealing with their own  fears, nervousness, and peer pressures. No parent wants to force their child to go. If your child isn't ready for camp, here are some suggestions to help them warm up to the idea: Plan to go with a friend.  Planning for camp with a friend or cousin can ease nervousness and provide that connection to home that your child needs. Discuss camp with the parents of your child's best friends.  Arrange a time to present the idea with all parents and children together. Going with a friend who has already been to camp could be a bonus! View camp photos and videos.  Watch the Camp Luther summer camp video together and look at photos of activities, villages, retreat center, counsel