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HOW DOES LRC SUPPORT OUTDOOR MINISTRIES?
We have three purposes:
1. To offer stories and reports about ELCA camps and retreat centers care for Earth.
2. To provide resources to foster a comprehensive approach to care for creation.
3. To promote networking among the ELCA outdoor ministry sites. ECO-RESOURCES FOR OUTDOOR MINISTRIES
Mission Statement
Consider a mission statement for your outdoor ministry site. Here is an example from LOMC in Oregon, IL.You can use this statement as a prototype to develop your own mission statement. Please share it with us by sending it to Todd Garcia-Bish at leep@lutheryn.com.
LRC Guidelines for LOM Sites
This is a brief checklist of items you might consider for a comprehensive approach to brining care for creation into the programs, life, and mission of your LOM site. We are eager for you to add suggestions for this manual and for you to send actual resources and examples for us to include in the manual. Submit to Todd Garcia-Bish at leep@lutheryn.com.
Networking Contact List
If you have a desire to network with other Lutheran Outdoor Ministry camps and retreat centers about matters related to care for creation, consult the comprehensive list we have compiled. Please look at the list and tell us if the information for your LOM site is correct. Send corrections to Todd Garcia-Bish at leep@lutheryn.com.
REPORTS
Please send a story or report from your outdoor ministry location. We are looking for all green features such as programs for participants, actions for building and grounds, as well as conservation guidelines, food service, green cleaning, educational programs, worship resources, hands-on experiences, public witness/outreach, partnerships, and other environmental practices and commitments. Send to David Rhoads (Director of LRC) at drhoads@lstc.edu. Lutheran Outdoor Ministry Center at Oregon, IL. See list of items already accomplished.
Bear Creek Camp in PA See a list of their Earthkeeping Practices
Agape Kure Beach Ministries in Fuquay-Varina, NC, Workshop at Woodlands Center with list of Earthkeeping features.
Camp Ewalu, Strawberry Point, IA. List of green actions, including geothermal energy.
Crossways Camping Ministries--Waypost on Mission Lake in Hatley, WI. See tyheir focus on "Sustainable Living" in program and practice. Hallowood Retreat and Conference Center in Dickerson, MD. The center itself has been a green project from its beginning.
Camp Frederick in Rogers, OH. Care for the natural resources of the location.
Luther Crest Bible Camp in Alexandria, MN. Note the Extensive Environmental Education Program.
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STORIES
We are currently collecting stories of care for creation programs and actions at Lutheran Outdoor Ministry sites. We will collect theses stories and then combine them to create an article for The Lutheran Magazine highlighting care for creation actions taking place at Lutheran Outdoor Ministry sites. Click here for our invitation to you to contribute a story. Thank you for your cooperation!
NEW Nebraska Lutheran Outdoor Ministries Hosts Environmental Educators
 Luther Crest's environmental education program has been re-envisioned with respect to the camp’s mission statement, “We are called and committed to a Christ-centered ministry through Creation and Community.” The camp's "Grounded In" environmental stewardship program is divided into three focus areas: On Hallowed Ground, On Common Ground, and On Sustainable Ground. [Full Story]
 Camp Garden Promises Healthier Meals, Giving and Learning Opportunities
Metigoshe Ministries, in the Turtle Mountains of North Dakota, offers year-round opportunities to connect with God though the wonders of nature – and this year campers and staff can get even closer to nature by digging in the ministry’s new garden. "Digging in the dirt offers fun and exciting ways to dig into scripture! And it is amazing to watch all of the foods that youth will try (and like!) when they are involved in planting and harvesting the food," Executive Director Jon Halvorson said. [Full Story]  Twenty miles south of Youngstown, Ohio, Camp Frederick is a scenic center for spiritual renewal in the forests of northeast Ohio. The camp is implementing a plan to connect camp participants and visitors with creation. [Full story]
 Garbology -- Helping Serve Creation Through Faithful Patterns of Daily Living
(Holden Village, Washington State)
Holden Village is a singular community - reachable only by boat and bounded by the Glacier Peaks Wilderness area. "As special as this place is, it produces garbage just like any other community," Holden Village’s full-time garbologist said. [Full story]
Earthkeeping Stories: Inspiring stories from ELCA camps gathered by Nancy Michaelis of the ELCA Hunger Education Program.
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