Our Story – Lutherdale Retreats

October 30, 2020

Lutherdale Bible Camp is a more recent part of New Life’s history!

This camp was formed in 1944 and now serves over 240 ELCA congregations and other ecumenical faith partners. Centrally located between Milwaukee, Madison, and Chicago, Lutherdale serves Southern Wisconsin and Northern Illinois as a summer camp and conference center for youth and adults.

This beautiful 52-acres of rolling farmland, woods, and pristine shoreline in Elkhorn WI, is open year round. Lutherdale is a place for spiritual growth, rejuvenation, learning, fellowship, and recreation. On the shores of Lauderdale Lakes, waterfront activities, field games, archery, the farm, low & high challenge course activities, and a 3-sided climbing tower provide opportunities for people of all ages to enjoy God’s creation.

As you might imagine the pandemic has caused them to cancel nearly all their programming for the spring, summer and fall. Even with reducing staff and cutting salaries, the challenge to continue operations is significant. We are offering a special collection if you would like to donate to help ensure that this camp, as well as LOMC in Oregon, IL will be there next year and for future generations. You can give online thru our website by using the Giving tab. There is a special category listed for Pandemic Relief: Lutheran Camps. Or if you prefer to donate by check, simply write Lutheran Camps in the memo line and send in to the church office. All donations will be split between the two locations.

As you will see from the pictures, camps and retreats at Lutherdale have offered different kinds of adventure for our youth. We hope to continue having this location be a part of people’s faith journey in the future.

2015: Youth and Pastor Rakel attending ski/snowboard retreat