Leadership Training Event

Join us for the LOM Learning Training Events, which are typically held each fall.  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.

Who should register:  You, any staff members or those seeking OM as a vocation. Especially helpful as an overview of OM of LOM and resources, and to build a network of support.


Cancellation Policy:  There is a $100 non-refundable processing fee if you cancel before October 10. After October 10, the entire fee is non-refundable.

LOM Members are eligible for scholarship funding via application.  If you apply for scholarship funding, please do not register until you are approved and receive a code for registration!  Please use the application form and criteria forms found at right.  Then please direct all scholarship inquiries to:  Randy Youngquist-Thurow, Events Coordinator email at: eventscoordinator@lomnetwork.org


Why is it important?  Outdoor ministry plays a critical role in forming faith, making disciples and developing leaders.  The LTE provides:

  • Integration of Lutheran theology and outdoor ministry practice.
  • Educational opportunities in core areas of both camp administration and program.
  • A format and schedule that offers a wide variety of general information in effective leadership.
  • Support and encouragement for each other responding to Christ’s call to discipleship.
  • Connections that allow opportunities for informal mentoring.
  • A foundation and understanding of where to begin and where to go.
  • A setting for honest discussion about the joys and challenges that face LOM professionals and organization.

Who will attend?

  • Those new to outdoor ministries, searching for information and needing a general background of information.
  • Those currently in outdoor ministries, but who would like additional education, information, or a different viewpoint.
  • Those interested in year-round positions in outdoor ministries.
  • Those interested in a well-rounded perspective of outdoor ministries.

What will be taught?

The Leadership Training Event format of two tracks (program and administration) has served LOM well for 25 years, and we are thankful for the innovators who brought that vision to reality in the mid-90’s. As we look to the future and the business of operating camp becomes broader, now is the time to look for a new exciting format to meet the growing changes and challenges of the people we serve. After much conversation about how to put more into an already full schedule, the LTE committee found energy and ideas around an expanded program – new core curriculum topics, more time for small group conversation, an opportunity to draw in professionals from LOM as well as other denominations with strong camping programs – and realized a two-track system wasn’t going to work moving forward.

An ongoing goal of the LTE and Education Committees of LOM is to provide an educational program that empowers and equips all leaders within LOM, in any role. We are throwing off the restrictions of “Program” and “Admin”, and developing a three-part model that will give anyone, whether new to Outdoor Ministry, or celebrating year 20, a renewed excitement for this work we do. Some courses will be similar to the past, and some will have a new twist or focus, but all will continue to use the tried-and-true methods of peer teaching and hands-on, small group discovery.

Vision and Identity focuses heavily on the WHY we do what we do, with the thread of Mission and Vision running through the 12 courses being offered. As always, each concentration in the new model will seek to build a broad understanding that all elements of our ministry are driven by our call to provide program excellence.

Service and Program, focuses heavily on the HOW we do what we do both personally and organizationally.  As always, each concentration in the new model will seek to build a broad understanding that all elements of our ministry are driven by our call to provide program excellence.

Structure and Operation hones in on the WHAT Outdoor Ministry Organizations do. The 12 course sessions will use an organizational lens to delve into topics that are an essential part of ministry. We move into a big picture framework while talking about subjects like marketing, Board Structure, inclusivity, policies and so much more!!