As we begin the year of celebrating a century of outdoor ministry for Lutherans and their friends and neighbors in the USA, we send best wishes from everyone who’s part of LOM to everyone connected with LOM! We hope you enjoy this short video birthday card to commemorate the occasion!
READ SOME OF THE HISTORY!
History Lutheran Camping, 1919-1949 – by Mark Burkhardt
History Lutheran Camping, by Ralph Yernberg, Volume 1
History Lutheran Camping, by Ralph Yernberg, Volume 2 P1-54
History Lutheran Camping, by Ralph Yernberg, Volume 2 P55-108
History Lutheran Camping, by Ralph Yernberg, Volume 2 P109-164
The first recorded organized camping program of the Lutheran Church originated in Pennsylvania with the Lutheran Inner Mission Society of Pittsburgh. This social service agency provided services for the spiritual and physical care of those who were lonely, living in poverty, sick or otherwise in need. Among their programs was a commitment to serving disadvantaged youth.
The idea for establishing a summer youth camp was proposed as early as 1915 but did not come to fruition until 1919. It was in this year that arrangements were made to use a piece of property offered by a layperson, Mr. Sidney Passavant, for swimming, boating and fishing and hiking. This first camp, located 28 miles north of Pittsburgh, was easily accessible by public streetcar. The camp began on July 5, 1919. The camp was called Camp Wa-ba-ne-ki. (Source: Burkhardt, Mark, A History of Lutheran Church Camping in the United States, 1919-1949., The Pennsylvania State University, 1982, pp. 21-24) To read more about the first Lutheran camp in the United States, click here.
The aim of the 100th Anniversary year is to provide education for church leaders, participants and the church at large on the history of the many Lutheran outdoor ministries that have impacted congregational life and mission and to strengthen our resolve for outdoor ministry to remain relevant and impactful during the next 100 years. During the year, we intend to clearly articulate the sustaining values of Lutheran outdoor ministry amidst a changing world. Our purpose is to facilitate awareness of and advocacy for Lutheran outdoor ministries in the future and to highlight the importance of financial support in order to ensure this future.
The goals of our year of celebration called are as follows:
- To encourage LOM members and Lutheran Church leaders to affirm the significance of outdoor ministries to faith formation in the life of the Church.
- To educate outdoor ministry leaders, participants and the church at large about the history and contributions of the outdoor ministry experience.
- To equip outdoor ministry organizations to gather and unfold their unique history in order to better articulate their story and recognize the influence of their leaders.
- To empower members of Lutheran Outdoor Ministries to be proud of and claim their unique role in an impactful future dedicated to advancing Christian community and the stewardship of creation.
Theme: Abounding in Grace – 100 years of Lutheran Outdoor Ministries
“And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things in all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” (2 Corinthians 9:8 – Revised Standard Version)
The experiences offered by Lutheran outdoor ministry organizations represent a century of blessings to the Lutheran Church. Their stories are filled with God’s abundant grace; their work has nurtured the faith of generations of Church leaders. Most of these organizations began with humble resources yet the heart-felt commitment of early pioneers was remarkable. In beautiful outdoor settings, tens of thousands of participants have felt their faith renewed and sensed a stronger connection to God. These outdoor ministry experiences have invited people of all ages into Christian witness and service.
Together, these leaders have developed a supportive and constructive organization known as Lutheran Outdoor Ministries to strengthen outdoor ministry leaders and enhance their commitment to the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
The 100th Anniversary of Lutheran Outdoor Ministries is a celebration of our partnership; we are committed to an innovative and creative future that practices servanthood, discipleship and Christian stewardship fully aware that it is God’s abounding grace that has provided our guiding foundation.