March-April 2008

Pointing to the Future.....
Opening More Doors Together

The month of April will be a key period for the camp as we move into the Campaign Kickoff Events. The camp staff and leadership volunteers have been working hard to set the groundwork for the coming months. A campaign prospectus has been designed and is currently at the print shop. A capital campaign video is also in production. The video will tell the story of the camp and will also define the projects along with the campaign financial target goals. During the month of April the camp will host six Kickoff Events. We encourage you to attend one of these free events made possible by a grant received through the Thrivent Financial for Lutherans Foundation. (See the invitation below.) The camp is anxious to tell the story behind the capital campaign. We have some wonderful opportunities ahead of us as we look to enhance the common ministry we share with our association churches. The first project is the renovation of the program coordinator’s residence from a crowded, one-bedroom house to a more roomy, three bedroom home. Strong ministry is the result of strong ministry leadership. Providing adequate living accommodations for our Program Coordinator is key to ensuring our ability to attract and retain staff. The renovation and expansion of the Program Coordinator’s residence is a simple solution to this concern. The second project for the campaign is the necessity to rebuild the camp septic system. The new system will include a new pump station and pretreatment center that will help to extend the life of the new drain-field for an indefinite number of years. The infrastructure of the camp utilities is very important to the overall life and health of the facilities. Camper safety has been the driving force behind the third and final project of this capital campaign. The project will involve the construction of a storm shelter with a youth retreat center attached to the upper level. This will be a versatile structure that will serve a number of multiple uses. During the summer months the lower level will serve as the camp storm shelter in adverse weather. The large shelter space will also be utilized for rainy day activities. Staff laundry facilities will be housed in the lower level as well. From September through May the lower level will serve as the gathering space for youth retreat groups. The upper level of the building during the summer months will serve as the summer program office, staff lounge, support staff housing and camp infirmary. In the fall, winter, spring months this level will serve as the sleeping quarters for youth retreating. If sufficient funds are raised a large attached pavilion will also be part of the overall structure. The pavilion will be a covered basketball court area that will serve as a multi-purpose space. Proposed uses include rainy day activities, church picnics, outdoor concerts, quilt auction, outdoor worship space, staging area prior to storms and much more. The capital campaign is divided into two phases. The first phase is the leadership gift phase which will continue through much of 2008. As we move into the coming months, Board and Former Board members will be asked to make their pledge to the campaign. The Women of the ELCA from our member congregations will also conduct a pledge drive with their fundraising focus being the Program Coordinator’s residence with a set goal of $70,000.
Major gifts of $5,000 or more over a three to five year pledge period will also be sought during the leadership gift phase of the campaign. The second phase of the campaign will be the congregational phase. During this time each church council will be visited and invited to participate in the capital campaign. Congregational team leaders will be trained on how to conduct a 4-5 week appeal in their respective congregations during the spring of 2009. The primary goal of the campaign is $1,650,000 with a challenge goal of $500,000 to build the pavilion onto the storm shelter and to make improvements to the Dahlberg Memorial Chapel. The camp staff and Board of Directors are eager to get the campaign off and running. We look forward to having you attend the Kickoff Events in April and we anticipate your generous participation in the Opening More Door Together Campaign. The title of the campaign implies that many people will be needed to help make this campaign a success. Together we can and will Open More Doors to ministry as we continue to Form Faith and Point to Christ.

Luther Point Bible Camp Foundation

As we think about the Luther Point Foundation, let us be reminded of Colossians 2:6-7 that says, "So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness." The Foundation can be viewed as the roots that the camp can be built upon into the future and we should be overflowing with thankfulness as we are reminded of how God has blessed Luther Point Bible Camp.
May we show this thankfulness in our giving to the Foundation so that our roots may grow deeper. Gifts may be given in the form of a cash donation. A future gift can be given through a will, life insurance policy or other bequest. The Foundation Board of Directors would like to hold some cottage meetings to view the camp's video and discuss funding ideas for the Foundation. If your church or family is interested in hosting one of these meetings, please call the camp for more information.
Thanks to all who have donated to the Foundation in the past. We ask you to prayerfully consider how you might help us in our mission…To strengthen and expand the Christian ministries of Luther Point Bible Camp now and into the future by providing funding for:

• Facilities enhancement and expansion
• Staff Education and Scholarships
• Program Development
• Other needs as they arise

Luther Point Welcome Wagon
This summer congregations are invited to gather a group of 5-10 people who will travel to Luther Point to serve as a Welcome Wagon. Each Sunday we need a group to team up with our summer staff in greeting campers as they arrive. Welcome Wagon volunteers will need to arrive at 2PM for a brief orientation. They will then greet campers from 3PM-4PM and are invited to stay for dinner at 5:30PM. Some dates have already been claimed by congregations. Following are the dates still available: June 15, July 5, July 13, July 20, and August 3. Contact us at 715-689-2347 to sign up your group.

Camperships Play a Key Role in Helping Families

The Campership Fund and incentive program continues to be a key part of the camp’s outreach to families who need assistance with camp registrations. The Luther Point Board of Directors and the camp staff are committed to providing assistance to help families and campers. In 2007 the camp provided for over $35,250 in camperships and incentives to campers and families. The camp raised a little over $34,200 to fund these requests. We anticipate that the requests for camperships will be even greater this year especially in light of the sluggish economy. “We are very pleased to have an attitude of generosity as the requests for camperships come our way. Our primary objective is to make it possible for every child to attend Bible camp who has a desire to do so.” stated Craig Corbin, Exec. Director. One camper wrote the following, “Thank you so much for giving us camperships. My family appreciates it very much. I really had fun at camp. My favorite part of camp was the morning and evening worships. I really like to sing." sincerely, Anastasia. She is one of three sisters who received camperships. As camp staff, we are blessed to receive these words of appreciation and thanks from campers who were recipients of camperships. We feel that it is also important for you to hear and read these words of thanks, so that, we can pass those words of appreciation onto you. Thank you to everyone who has given a gift to the campership fund over the past year! You have impacted more lives than you can possibly imagine. During the month of March and April a letter request will be coming from the camp. We are conducting a Campership Phonathon on March 31 and April 1 and several people will be contacted. Please respond generously and graciously to these requests. We want to stress that this is a very important part of the camp’s mission as we seek to form faith and point people (both young and old) to Christ Jesus our Lord.

Camper Cabin Revival Continues

The camper cabin bunk project is back in full swing. After a long, cold winter it is nice to see the volunteers coming back to get the bunk project back on track. The camp received the rough sawn lumber back in February. Over a period of weeks the lumber was cut to rough dimensions and the planing process began. One of our dedicated volunteers from Grantsburg, Wally Sorum, put in over 32 hours of planing boards and produced over 600 gallons of wood shavings in the process. During the week of March 10-14 a group of men from Ezekiel Lutheran Church, River Falls, WI came out for a two day work project. Significant progress was made during those two days. Much of the lumber is now cut to size, planed, routed and sanded. Make no mistake about it though, there is still very much to do and we still need several volunteers over the period of the next several weeks. We are no where near done with this project. We would like to express our sincere appreciation to all the individuals and congregations who have given special gifts toward this project. Many people have heard about and seen this project come to life over the past couple of years and have responded with their generous gifts. Thank you!! This project is only part of the greater Camper Cabin Revival project that was initiated back in the spring of 2005. Several other improvements have already been made to the Camper Cabins. All the cabins have new plumbing fixtures which includes countertop cabinets with built in sinks. Several new toilets were installed as well. Partitions have been built in most of the cabins to maximize sleeping accommodations and to provide more space. Many of the cabins have also been painted and some floor repair has been done. The other advantage to having all new bunks is that each of the bunks will be fitted with new, more comfortable mattresses. Instead of the old three inch mattress, each bunk will have a new firm, five inch mattress. We are still anticipating more work to be done on the cabins including replacing several windows, new shingles for some cabins and more painting of walls and floors. A number of the screen doors will eventually be replaced as well. The camp is also very appreciative to Thrivent Financial for Lutherans through their Care in Communities program for providing a $1,000 grant toward this project. It is expected that several volunteers will be involved in this project over the period of the next couple of months. Back in 2005, the project also received an initial boost from Thrivent Financial with a $5,000 grant along with several gifts from congregations who had conducted fundraising and volunteer projects to enhance the grant.

Consider a Stay at Camp
Some people dream of an exotic vacation in far off places such as Hawaii, the Caribbean, Swiss Alps, or Hong Kong. The Bergs-Stollenwerks are oriented to a little bit of heaven called Luther Point Bible Camp located on Big Wood Lake. Starting in the 1970’s, we have had reunions there from time to time. Since 1996, we have had annual gatherings at Luther Point. We come to strengthen family ties. It is a precious time of recreation and renewal. Every year new memories are garnered. Spiritually, it is a time for re-creation. As the hymn declares, “It’s a foretaste of the joys of heaven.” Heartfelt thanks to Pastor Corbin and his gifted staff for their stewardship of this exemplar camp. Many retreats and events are planned throughout the year. Plan to attend some of these opportunities. Set your sights on the site, Luther Point Bible Camp, where the Lord Jesus will deepen your insights, clarify your hindsight, and illuminate your foresight.
Cordially in Christ,
Mary Berg
Pilgrim Lutheran
Superior, Wisconsin

Note of Personal Privilege
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family of Rev. Don Berg as they mourn the loss of Mary Berg who passed away on Palm Sunday, March 16, 2008. She will be remembered as a beloved wife, wonderful, caring mother and grandmother.
We also want to express our words of celebration and thanks for her life and for her gift to this world. Mary Berg was a faithful believer and follower of Christ. She will be truly missed by many people. We are grateful for the opportunity to have known her here at Luther Point over the years. She had a wonderful sense of humor, warm heart, great love for Luther Point , an a abiding faith in Jesus Christ and so much more.

Wish List
Vehicle-good used, low mileage, preferably an economy car
Laptop Docking Station ($500) • New Laptop ($1.400) • New Computer Monitors ($250)
New 27” TV ($250) • New DVD/VCR ($100) • Small Skidsteer ($6,000) • Steel Snow Scrapers ($20)
Poly Leaf Rakes ($15) • Laminating Machine ($1,400-$2,000) • Garden Rakes ($15)
Motion Activated Paper Towel Holders • White Board Tripods ($150) • New Golf Cart ($2,000)

Additional Program Items
New Coleman Duel-Fuel 2 Burner Stove ($50) • Gently Used Sports Equip.
Kayaks ($350 - $800) • Paddles ($20-$50) • Rhythm Instruments ($20 - 200)
New Board Games ($10-$20) • Children’s DVDs like Veggie Tales • Acoustic Guitar ($300 - $500)
Steel Acoustic Guitar Strings ($5 - $8/set) • CD Players ($75 -$125)

New Camp Opportunities for
Summer 2008

Senior High Servant Camp July 6-11
Our traditional in-camp Senior High program for 10-12 graders will have a new service emphasis this year as campers and counselors spend part of each day off-site serving in the local community. We will be partnering with a couple of local organizations as we put our hearts and hands to work. Throughout the week you will also enjoy all the regular activities offered at camp including Bible study, worships, games, crafts and more. This will be a great opportunity for Senior High Campers to live out the daily Bible study themes as you put your love into action.

 

Choir Camp ~ July 13-18
Are you a 7-9 grader who enjoys singing? Then use your voice this summer to glorify God during Choir Camp. You and your counselors will spend a few hours each day rehearsing songs led by a guest choir director. At the end of the week you will share what you have learned with the other campers and your parents. Throughout the week you will also enjoy all the regular activities offered at camp including Bible study, worships, free time, games, crafts and more. This will be an amazing week as you join your voices to sing praises to God.

Craft Camp ~ July 27-August 1
7-9 graders are invited to attend Craft Camp where you will use your creative side to make four unique crafts. Throughout the week you will decorate and fire a piece of pottery at The Potter's Shed, visit Northwinds Arts where you will make a tile mosaic, stay on site where you will create both a knitted and a beaded project. We will have a special guest artist with us each day to lead us in these activities. Throughout the week you will also enjoy all the regular activities offered at camp including Bible study, worships, free time, games, crafts and more. At the end of your stay you will have four finished craft projects that will reflect the talents God has given to you.

Father-Son Weekend Camp ~ June 27-29 & Mother-Daughter Weekend Camp ~ July 11-13
When families come away to play and pray together at Luther Point a great time is had by all ages. So, it is exciting to add two new Family Camps to our schedule: Father-Son and Mother-Daughter Weekend Camps. These camps will include all the things you love about camp with a special emphasis on the parent- child relationship.

Outpost Offered Weeks 2, 3, 5, 6 & 8 (for dates of weeks see Upcoming Events on page 3)
Our Outpost Program will have a new emphasis this year as we begin implementing the first of a three year plan to teach various levels of Wilderness Survival Skills and Wildlife Education. Throughout the week campers will learn hands on wilderness survival skills including: outdoor cooking, fire building, knot tying and pitching a tent. They will also experience wildlife education in the areas of: wildlife and flora identification and through the building of bird houses. Campers will gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of God's beautiful creation all while enjoying the rustic Outpost setting. We invite you to come and experience God's love through community and creation.

BUDDIES Needed
Building Up Dedicated Disciples Into Experienced Servants
Last summer was the first time we had Senior High Youth serve as BUDDIES at Luther Point. They had a blast serving the Lord and gaining leadership skills. Some are returning this year as summer staff members.
This summer we need 24 young people who will be entering 10th-12th grade in the fall to serve as BUDDIES. Please invite young people you know to go online to LutherPoint.org to learn more and to download an application.
This program is free of charge, but does require an application. Deadline to apply is April 30. BUDDIES is a great way for young people to gain the skills they will need to be a camp counselor in future summers at Luther Point!

Thank You Donors

WHY BIBLE CAMP?
Because it points our youth to Jesus.
Because it points our youth to Christian community.
Because it points ouryouth toward faith in Christ.
Because it provides a place for Christian youth to be themselves.
Because it is experiential, relational faith formation.
Because it is Christians having fun.
Because youth grow in their Christian faith.
Because we sing really cool Christian songs.
Because youth make new Christian friends.
Because youth learn to have a greater appreciation for God’s creation.
Because we are Forming Faith, Pointing to Christ!
What’s stopping you from signing up your child for Bible Camp?
DO IT NOW WHILE THERE

ARE STILL SOME OPENINGS!