Camp Onomia (MN)

You are invited to the West Midwest Program Share-A-Thon at Shetek Lutheran Ministries Monday January 29th-Thursday February 1st. (open to all territories) The cost is $125 per person. You can call and pay ahead of time 507-763-3567 or you can pay with a card, check, or cash when you arrive. On Monday you can arrive anytime between 4:30-5:45, we will have supper at 6:00pm! On Thursday morning we will serve you breakfast and wrap up in the morning. We are looking forward to hosting you at Shetek Lutheran Ministries for the Program Share-A-Thon! If you are planning on attending, please...

There will be four Symposium events – one in each of the four LOM territories. Each of them will have almost identical program features that will focus on widening the welcome and inclusion for persons who are often marginalized, particularly persons of color, persons who are LGBTQ, and persons who live with disabilities. Each LOM organization will be invited to have their executive director and two program staff members participate. Additional participants will be welcomed as space at the host site allows. For the executive director and two program staff members, all expenses for the program and room & board...

What makes our church camps so uniquely wonderful and sets us apart from other camping organizations is our firm foundation in our beliefs as Christians. This course will enable participants to deepen their knowledge and strengthen their understanding of our biblical and theological roots as the core value for all that we do in our outdoor ministry settings. At the end of this course, participants will: • Articulate Biblical themes that form the foundations of outdoor ministry • Have tools for training staff to lead effective Bible Studies • Learn how theology should shape the practice of ministry in each...

Program is the most important facet of outdoor ministry. From determining the need for a program to evaluating the final product, today’s camp and retreat leaders need to be knowledgeable in how programs are designed and implemented. This course will focus on an overview of human growth and development in relation to outdoor ministry, and will look at program models and how they serve as an extension of a ministry’s mission statement. Participants will also study how our summer programs can be part of a year-round ministry. This course will be held at Columbia Theological Seminary (near Atlanta, Georgia) and...

There will be four Symposium events – one in each of the four LOM territories. Each of them will have almost identical program features that will focus on widening the welcome and inclusion for persons who are often marginalized, particularly persons of color, persons who are LGBTQ, and persons who live with disabilities. Each LOM organization will be invited to have their executive director and two program staff members participate. Additional participants will be welcomed as space at the host site allows. For the executive director and two program staff members, all expenses for the program and room & board...

There will be four Symposium events – one in each of the four LOM territories. Each of them will have almost identical program features that will focus on widening the welcome and inclusion for persons who are often marginalized, particularly persons of color, persons who are LGBTQ, and persons who live with disabilities. Each LOM organization will be invited to have their executive director and two program staff members participate. Additional participants will be welcomed as space at the host site allows. For the executive director and two program staff members, all expenses for the program and room & board...

The ELCA Youth Gathering is a faith formation event for young people including MYLE, the tAble, the Gathering, and the Young Adult Gathering. Find more information at https://www.elca.church/gathering

More Information & to Register: http://www.compasspointsprogram.org/upcoming-courses-fall2024/ Upcoming Courses in 2024 Below is the schedule for upcoming courses and the directed study in Site Administration. The two face-to-face classes will be held back-to-back during the week of September 22-28 at Rolling Ridge Conference Center in North Andover, Massachusetts (participants have the option of taking one class or both). September 22-25             Development September 25-28             Personnel and Leadership

There will be four Symposium events – one in each of the four LOM territories. Each of them will have almost identical program features that will focus on widening the welcome and inclusion for persons who are often marginalized, particularly persons of color, persons who are LGBTQ, and persons who live with disabilities. Each LOM organization will be invited to have their executive director and two program staff members participate. Additional participants will be welcomed as space at the host site allows. For the executive director and two program staff members, all expenses for the program and room & board...

The Next LOM Live Podcast: CONNECTING YOUR OUTDOOR MINISTRY TO THE ELCA FOUNDATION Wednesday, October 2 2 Eastern, 1 Central, 12 Mountain, 11 Pacific   Join LOM and the ELCA Foundation for a webinar focused on the importance of building an intentional planned giving program for your camp and how to go about getting started. Learn about all the services provided by the ELCA Foundation and the benefits of building a strong partnership with the regional gift planner for your region. Representing the ELCA Foundation will be Josh Kerney and Sister Marianne Brock, former camp director at Camp Nawakwa (PA)....

Thursday, October 24 , 1 Eastern, 12 Central, 11 Mountain, 10 Pacific – with ACA A description of what the webinar will cover Join us to learn more about this grant opportunity. This webinar will talk about next steps in this initiative and grant process and how it might apply to you. ACA received from Lilly Endowment Inc. a significant grant, over $20 million of which will be regranted to camps. This initiative will be conducted over the next six years and will include peer learning opportunities, networking, training, and tools. Beginning in 2025, eligible nonprofit camps will have the...

All LOM Outdoor Ministry Professionals and Board Members are invited! Registration for the 2024 LOM Conference will be available in mid-2024. It will be great to get together November 11-15, 2024, at The Maritime Conference Center, Baltimore, MD. The theme of Be More will play out over three days as the gathered outdoor ministry professionals will focus on ways to be BOLD leaders, LOVING leaders, and SENSIBLE leaders in their contexts. Workshops for each day will focus on these themes, and large group engagements will carry the thread through the event so participants will leave with a toolbox that empowers...

Learn Foundational Skills Necessary to Lead Experiential Programs Have you ever…wanted to learn how to lead experiential activities and programs? This three-day training provides an important first step in building the foundational skills necessary to lead experiential programs. Learn More

Registration will open immediately after the November Conference

A vital gathering designed to bring together Board members, committee leaders, territory coordinators, and contract staff for a time of strategic planning, collaboration, and community building.

This session will provide an overview of certain Federal tax energy credits for businesses and related incentives for nonprofit organizations.  The session will include an update on how the Inflation Reduction Act has modified how these incentives will be paid to tax-exempt organizations and explain how these developments have created opportunity for exempt organizations to receive direct payments for investments that reduce their carbon footprint. More Info & Register

About the Course Program is the most important facet of outdoor ministry. From determining the need for a program to evaluating the final product, today’s camp and retreat leaders need to be knowledgeable in how programs are designed and implemented. This course will focus on an overview of human growth and development in relation to outdoor ministry, and will look at program models and how they serve as an extension of a ministry’s mission statement. Participants will also study how our summer programs can be part of a year-round ministry.This course will be held at Columbia Theological Seminary (near Atlanta,...

Learn from a panel of Camp Professionals who are Native American and allies will address the issue of cultural appropriation at Camp and what you can do to bring awareness and guidance to prevent cultural appropriation.  Strategies and Tools will be shared to help in the process.    More Info & Register

Storytelling for Impact “So Faith comes from what is heard, and what is heard comes through the word of Christ” (Romans 10:17) Register Now When you are on a fitness journey, you can work out at home, sure. Sometimes it will be a decent workout. Other times it will be packed with distractions, forcing yourself to keep going, and lack of confidence that you are doing the right things. OR, you can go to a gym and workout where you have time to focus, a coach to help you get the right movements and reps, and the confidence that you...

Saturday, April 5, 2025 at First Lutheran Church in Duluth and Online 9:30am - 5:00pm (see the plan for the day here) Free Childcare Provided​​ The ever-increasing cries of creation in crisis could easily overwhelm us. Instead let them serve as a clarion call to help bring life out of potential death, to help give renewed birth to all creation, to all creatures including ourselves. More Info & Register

April 8, Check-In between 1:30-3:00 pm - April 10, conclusion 1:30 pm; Optional LOM Curriculum Intensive, April 10-11, 3:00 pm - 1:30 PM Cost $99 for Double Occupancy, $149 for Single, and an additional $60 for the Curriculum Intensive Location: Sugar Creek Bible Camp, 13141 Sugar Creek Bible Camp Rd, Ferryville, WI 54628 Primary Lodging: Koinonia Lodge (https://www.sugarcreekbiblecamp.org/rental-facilities/) Registration: https://forms.gle/W9w5747yCLyxPNc59 Open to all staff positions from all LOM territories & to friends outside of LOM.

From ACA: Are you wondering what you might see from campers, staff, parents, and other camp stakeholders this summer as a result of our current polarized world? While your stakeholders all likely believe in your camp's mission, they may bring a wide range of perspectives to camp.  Managing conversations and behavior thoughtfully this summer is more important than ever. This isn’t a political event—it's a practical conversation about preparing for potential challenges that might arise this summer with campers and staff. Hear from an interfaith panel of camp professionals focused on character-building. Walk away with real tips you can use in your organization. All are welcome....

Tuesday, September 23 2 Eastern, 1 Central, 12 Mountain, 11 Pacific Recommendations, Suggestions and Ideas for Maximizing the Effectiveness of the Directors Survey - LOM Findings Report - Using the report to build advocacy among - Camp leaders Association and individual camp Boards of Directors Church body leadership Regional/judicatory leaders Donors, supporters, and granting organizations Camp summer staff The webinar is free. Register here to get the zoom link: https://www.lomnetwork.org/registration/lom-webinar-with-sacred-playgrounds/

We as professionals in outdoor ministry plan for and take care of so many kids year-round! But how do we balance that with caring for our own kids? Join us for a Parents in LOM Zoom on Wednesday, October 29 at 3:00 pm (ET). We will follow up our spring conversation with a debrief and discussion of what camp looked like for you this past summer: work/family balance, childcare, schedules, and “camp kid” life. Other topics and questions are welcome. If you have any questions or topics to add to the conversation, please email Diana Edelblute at diana@mar-lu-ridge.org. We look forward to this camp...

Join us for the LOM Learning Training Events. The LTE is professional development for outdoor ministry leaders. The purpose of the LTE is to provide an entry-level educational opportunity for outdoor ministry professionals. The LTE helps to develop well-trained, committed, and diverse outdoor ministry professionals; enhance the quality of outdoor ministry programs; support professionals through formal and information learning; and assist in the retention of professionals in the network. More about LTE: https://www.lomnetwork.org/lte/

No camp is immune to crisis — the question is, are you ready when it happens? This webinar reveals key trends from the ACA Crisis Hotline and shows you how to prepare your camp, equip your staff, and respond with confidence. Ideal for camp directors, executive leaders, program managers, and risk management teams, this discussion provides actionable tools, strategies, and staff training resources to keep your camp strong when the unexpected strikes. Attend live to ask questions and engage with the presenters, or watch the recording at your convenience, available for 30 days following the live event. https://www.acacamps.org/events-education/event/insights-2025-aca-crisis-hotline

The last several years have brought challenges for camp, retreat, and outdoor ministries. Ranging from the pandemic to changing cultural trends, from economic challenges to denominational evolution, it is clear we are tasked to REIMAGINE. From how we gather and connect to who we serve and how to reach them, from best practices to undreamt innovation, listening and acting accordingly as God continues to make all things new is more important than ever. Join together with ecumenical outdoor ministry professionals to joys, share in losses, and challenge each other to grow, all while supporting each other as we MAKE A WAY IN...

LOM Day at Lutheridge During the OMC Great Gathering A special treat awaits all of us who will be participating in the OMC Great Gathering. On Tuesday, November 11, we will be celebrating the 20th Anniversary of LOM being a legally incorporated organization. On Tuesday, November 11, with box lunches provided by the Great Gathering, all of us LOM folks will be boarding coaches that have been reserved for the short ride to Lutheridge, one of the NovusWay sites. We will be having the LOM Annual Meeting, the Annual Awards Banquet, the Annual Auction, and throughout, commemorating the past 20 years of...

Join us at the Women in Camp Summit, where a vibrant community of camp professionals will come together to learn, connect, and grow. This event is crafted to empower you as a woman in the camp industry, providing the space for meaningful conversations, professional development, and new relationships. Whether you're looking to expand your skills, share your experiences, or enjoy the company of others who share your passion, WICS is the place to be. https://www.acacamps.org/events-education/event/women-camp-summit-2026

The Executive Certificate in Religious Fundraising (ECRF) is an eight-week online course with a practical application project. It provides the research, tools, and customized training to meet the growing needs of leaders in religious communities and fundraisers of faith-based organizations. The focus of the ECRF is on the cultural, organizational, and philanthropic practices unique to religious institutions. These practices in turn enable donors motivated by spiritual and religious values to experience the joy of generous giving. https://lakeinstitute.org/education/executive-certificate-in-religious-fundraising/ecrf-schedule/elca-2026/

Extravaganza is about faith formation. Extravaganza is about helping you in your ministry. Extravaganza is about renewal, education and connection.... Extravaganza is a four day leadership event for ELCA congregational leaders in children's, youth, young adult and outdoor ministry. https://www.elcaymnet.org/ext26

Join us for the 2026 ACA National Conference, February 17-20, 2026, in San Diego, CA. Four-plus packed days of quality education, social and issues-based networking, professional trade-show access and special events are designed to boost your professional development. https://www.acacamps.org/events-education/event/2026-aca-national-conference

Compass Points Presents! Succession Planning for Directors and Board Members About this Online Offering The Compass Points Certificate Program is expanding to add three-hour workshops on various topics related to camp and retreat ministries. These online offerings will be facilitated by Compass Points faculty and guests. These workshops are not core course offerings for the certificate program, but are continuing education enrichment opportunities for seasoned leaders. Our first Compass Points Presents! workshop, “Succession Planning for Directors and Board Members,” will be led by Glenn Svetnicka. This session is designed to equip participants to plan for leadership transitions that honor the past, sustain...

Come join your fellow Program Directors and other program staff as we dig into what it means to be a Program Director at camp and unpack some of our unique challenges and joys! This weekend is centered around community, learning, and sharing! We will spend our days together digging into topics we decide on together, sharing resources, and exploring how we are navigating the ever changing world of programming at camp!

What makes our church camps so uniquely wonderful and sets us apart from other camping organizations is our firm foundation in our beliefs as Christians. This course will enable participants to deepen their knowledge and strengthen their understanding of our biblical and theological roots as the core value for all that we do in our outdoor ministry settings. http://www.compasspointsprogram.org/spring2026/

Brian Scheid, Property & Facilities Director at Bethel Horizons(WI) is developing a LOM Maintenance Consortium.   https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScbsz9ouN4TcRGLzOrR06maR6RMQB0o9vay8SqXnZe3asdCZw/viewform

Join ACA for a bimonthly conversation among others who serve campers with medical challenges and disabilities. We are here to inspire and educate each other. More Info

Rostered Ministers Gathering When The Rostered Ministers Gathering will begin on Monday, July 6 beginning with opening Worship at 6:00 p.m. Eastern time. The gathering will conclude by noon Eastern time on Thursday, July 9. Where We will gather in beautiful Indianapolis, Indiana at the JW Marriot Indianapolis. Rooms, travel, and helpful info is provided below. Register Registration opens Friday, Jan. 9, at 10 a.m. Central time and closes Friday, June 5, at 11:59 p.m. Central time. More Info

Learn More & Apply: https://www.leaderwise.org/shape-of-leadership Download Brochure The Shape Of Leadership for LOM Professionals 2026 Luther Hill, La Grange, TX Retreat One February 9-12, 2026 Leading in a Time of Disruption Zoom One To be agreed upon by the group Orchestrating Change Zoom Two To be agreed upon by the group Leading Amidst Difference Retreat Two September 21-23, 2026 Where Do We Go From Here? Chaos or Community The Shape of Leadership is for outdoor ministry professionals who want to renew their leadership and step up their ability to significantly impact the future of this vital ministry of the church....

Do you know where your ministry is going? Can you clearly articulate for others who you are and why you exist? Identification and implementation of mission, core values, and philosophy are central to all aspects of successful outdoor ministry: program, site management, hospitality, marketing, finances, and more. Participants will delve into their organization’s mission and core values. This course involves organizational introspection and will engage with a wide variety of concepts, ideas, and activities. Coursework will challenge a new or clearer perspective concerning mission, philosophy, vision and core values in your outdoor ministry. More Info

The LTE is an annual professional development opportunity for outdoor ministry leaders. The goal of the LTE is to provide an entry-level educational opportunity to develop well-trained, committed, and diverse outdoor ministry professionals. The LTE strives to enhance the quality of outdoor ministry programs, support professionals through formal and information learning, and assist in the retention of professionals in the network. The LTE curriculum is implemented in a 3-year rotation with different concentrations. It is ideal for participants to attend all three concentrations but each concentration does stand on its own. Structure and Operation This concentration equips leaders to manage people,...

Calling all LOM Executive Directors! Save the date for the Executive Director Gathering in April 2027. Plans are underway for the next Executive Director Gathering, April 5-8, 2027, at Bethel Horizons in Dodgeville (WI). Be on the lookout for more information related to this event, but please be sure to save the date today!