By Karl Roeske, Camp LuWiSoMo board of directors

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28).

These are the words from Scripture that the Camp LuWiSoMo task force has focused on as we move forward with putting together a solid plan to reopen the camp for ministry. After several meetings in which much time was spent assessing the current situation of the camp, we have begun to formulate a plan to reopen Camp LuWiSoMo for full-time ministry within the next three to five years. In the meantime, the camp will be reopened for limited ministry by April of 2010.

Here is a brief overview of the plan so far:

April-May 2010: Volunteer groups are invited to help make physical improvements and prepare the campground and beach for the summer months. This will take place on several work weekends, when firewood for campers will be cut, water lines will be run to certain sections of the campground, the camp’s beach will be prepared for summer use and other maintenance issues can be addressed.

Also during these months, confirmation and outdoor education groups who would like to use the camp facilities and provide their own programming/meals will be invited to do so.

May-September 2010: The LuWiSoMo campground will be open for use. Don and Sharon Herried will serve as campground hosts once again this year.

Some summer servant events will also take place, where groups can show their support for camp by painting, laying carpet and making other improvements that will help make the facilities ready for a grand reopening of the summer camp program in 2011.

September-October 2010: Once again confirmation and outdoor education groups are invited to use the camp facilities, providing that they supply their own programs and meals.
After October, the camp will be closed for the winter months, as this is the time when the camp has been the most out-of-balance financially, seeing less income but the same financial obligation to staff and facilities.

Phase two of the plan will be to reestablish the summer camp program for 2011. You may be wondering why this won’t be happening in 2010. The main reason is financial. Without the necessary funds, a staff cannot be hired who will do the work of preparing and running the camp programs. There just isn’t the financial foundation built up to run the camp without going further into debt.

Helping to build up that foundation is the work of the development team, who will continue and expand their fundraising efforts that will put the camp back on solid financial footing. Events such as family day, golf outings and dinner auctions will take place, giving you opportunities to gather for Christian fellowship and to give your support to the camp.

While we are disappointed that there will be no summer camp program in 2010, we are also looking forward to 2011, when Camp LuWiSoMo will be reopened in a big way! As a task force, we are eager to get down to work, developing this next phase of the plan.

There are two “sister camps,” Walcamp, located near Rockford, Ill., and Camp Luther in Three Lakes, Wis., that we recommend you check out if you are looking for a quality summer camp experience for your child or grandchild. The camp directors from both have been serving on the task force, providing valuable insights to help get LuWiSoMo back up and running. Go to walcamp.org (phone 815-784-5141) or campluther.com (phone 715-546-3647) to get more information about these two camps.

To receive more information regarding volunteering for a work weekend at Camp LuWiSoMo, please contact the District office at swd@swd.lcms.org or (414) 464-8100. If you would like to make campground reservations, please contact Don and Sharon Herried at (608) 372-5268 or (608) 343-5265. Any church organizations that would like to rent the facilities should contact Craig Hillman at (608) 524-6448.