We are hoping that camps and retreat centers throughout the ELCA will celebrate the 100th Anniversary on July 5, 2019, and for the succeeding 365 days to a culmination on July 5, 2020. For more on the history of this important event, click here. Please submit your plans and/or activities that you have implemented on the by filling out the form here.
Here are the IDEAS that have been shared so far:
- Share a meaningful impact story, have a camper of staff member get up and share how camp has helped them individually connect to faith and grow as a person.
- Photos … 100 photo wall, create a wall show-casing 100 different photos of your camp, photos from various years of your ministry.
- Collect 100 stories from your camp … ask different groups of people related to your ministry; donors, campers, parents, staff members, alumni, Pastor’s, etc. Gather these in a book to be shared and used as you feel called.
- Connecting to the nature connection to outdoor ministry and care of creation, plant a tree, or several, at your site to celebrate the anniversary and the future growth of the ministry in the next 100 years. Can we plant 100 or more trees across LOM!!
- Encourage campers to donate 100 pennies, $1 at the end of the week to be donated to LOM or for scholarships at your site to ensure the future of outdoor ministry for all.
- Video campers of all ages at your site this summer, having them answer the question, “What is your dream for the next century of LOM?”
- Equip campers at camp to go home and share the impact of camp at their congregation. Encourage Pastor’s to create space to share during summer services. Have camper video record their story if possible!
- 100 years ago night … can you serve a popular meal potentially enjoyed at camp 100 years ago, how about an all-camp game highlighting games popular 100 years ago!
- Honor important former staff members … collect stories of a favorite memory of camp and share monthly via social media or in a newsletter.