2025 Summer Camp Series

Lutherhaven celebrates 80th year as a camp

 

While the name of Camp Lutherhaven on Lake Coeur d'Alene's Mica Bay suggests it is connected with Lutheran churches—the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod (LCMS) branches—it also serves Christians from many denominations.

Nicole Vernengo, marketing manager, said the camp marks its 80th summer this year. It will kick off the celebration from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., Sunday, June 8, with worship, blessing bell tower renovations, thanking ministries partners and installing the camp's summer staff. 

"The event is free, but we accept donations and request reservations," said Nicole.

Lutherhaven features four locations—Lutherhaven on the west shore of Lake Coeur d'Alene, and Shoshone Creek Ranch, Shoshone Mountain Retreat and McPherson Meadows on the western edge of the Bitterroot Mountains—that welcome more than 11,500 guests each year.

This year, the five-day summer sessions at Lutherhaven begin on June 22 and continue to Aug. 15, with older campers at a session at Shoshone Mountain Retreat. There are also weekend camps in July and August.

The theme for this year, "The Story," is based on Heb. 12:2: "looking unto Jesus, as the author and finisher of our faith."

Among the 2025 offerings is the Champ Camp from June 22 to 25, a chance for children and youth with disabilities to experience camp.

There are several ranch camps at the Shoshone Creek Ranch that include daily horse time and other activities.

A new SALT Team (Service, Adventure, Leadership Team) for 10th to 12th graders is also at the Shoshone Creek Ranch.

A weekend Wild Women's Retreat at Shoshone Mountain Retreat from July 1 to 7 and 18 to 20 includes a day of river rafting, horseback riding and climbing the natural rock wall.

After the summer season ends, there are two events to entice older folks who like the outdoors. They include a Fall Golden Agers Day Out on Sept. 23, a one-day retreat for retirees, seniors and older adults, and the new Creator's Workshop from Oct. 24 to 26 at North Garden Lodge on Lake Coeur d'Alene, a weekend retreat to experience the Creator through the Word, creative outlets, community and creation.

As an example of the experience of Camp Lutherhaven, Nicole shared the story of a young woman named Lola, who spent three months in 2024 at Lutherhaven.

"Who knew it was just what I needed. I had thought it was going to be a long vacation," she said.

"The people I met, and their faith, were truly inspiring. They taught me to love church and the Word. They taught me to love communion, to love worship and to love everyone unconditionally, no matter what. They taught me I'm here for a reason," Lola continued.

"I already knew and believed all of that, but they helped me understand faith in a new way," she summarized.

During staff training, she went to Shoshone Mountain Retreat, where she felt she could "jump up and touch the clouds. It was the first time I had ever really felt God. God was literally moving me all summer," she said. "The camp helped me decide to devote the rest of my life to God.

"I can't imagine where I would be today if I had never said yes to going to camp. God helped me step out of my comfort zone. I hope others do, too," Lola concluded.

For information, call 208-667-3459 or visit lutherhaven.com