Camp Blog

Hey...what's up? I'm Mark Radloff (I rarely wear a tie, by the way) and I am the Director of Lutheran Outdoor Ministries-Indiana/Kentucky--overseeing things at Lutheran Hills, Lutherwald and Lake Luther.

This friend of mine from California calls me and says I should start a "blog."

At first I say "FORGET IT!" But he goes on to tell me all the ways it would benefit LOM-IK if I kept track of interesting things that happen in and around camp. He talked me into it, so here goes...

Summer Camp REGISTRATION UPDATE....ALL WEEKS in July & August currently have openings.

Our 2010 summer theme links one's personal faith journey to a Wild West Adventure. So "saddle up" and get registered for a week of fun this summer!

Ted & Co. Theaterworks will present weekend comedy, music and drama at this summer at Lake Luther Fest --July 30-August1. Ted was a hit last year--this time he's bringing his friends. You won't want to miss it! Check out details on the "Family Camp" website page.

Lutheran Outdoor Ministries Indiana-Kentucky officially began today. Our camps separated from the Indiana-Kentucky Synod and became a new entity. We now go "back to the future" in that we revert back to congregational ownership, support and governance. We will celebrate this new ministry throughout 2010 with a special "kickoff breakfast" at each camp in April and at our BBQ Sundays this summer

Friends and family of Pastor Rod Willeke celebrated his 50th anniversary of ordination with a picnic at Lake Luther last August and surprised him by establishing a scholarship endowment in his honor. Starting this year, the "Pastor Rod Willeke Scholarship Fund" will be managed by LOMIK and provide annual aid to summer campers--a wonderful tribute to a long-time servant and friend of outdoor ministry!

Just installed in the Hanes Lodge entraceway is a new cabinet that will display items from Lutherwald's 60 year history. The walnut cabinet was built by Pastor John Peterson (Chaplain, Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne) with wood taken off the Lutherwald property. Historical items from the camp's archives will be gathered and displayed starting this summer. Thanks, John!

The quilting group from Bethel-Gilead Community Church/Bronson, Michigan are making new bedspreads for all 48 beds at the Kempski Retreat Center. They made the first delivery today--27 quilts in all. Thank you ladies for your dedication and hard work!

The brick walkway along the north side of Wick Hall at Lutheran Hills has been completed. Bricks to honor the "Friends of Lutheran Hills" submitted by families and congregations are included in the walkway. We are still taking orders. If you would like to honor someone with a brick, contact LOM-IK at (260) 667-7750.

Charlie Seng contacted me recently with Lutherwald pictures from 1950. Mr. Seng, whose father was pastor of St Lukes Lutheran Church in Ft Wayne at the time, recalls that he was one of 10 campers the very first week of Lutherwald's existence. He remembers that while at camp he heard on the radio the news that the Korean War had begun--June 1950. Thanks for the pictures, Charlie!