AN APPEAL TO RENEW AND STRENGTHEN THE MINISTRY OF LUTHERANS OUTDOORS IN SOUTH DAKOTA
Lutherans Outdoors in South Dakota welcomes all to explore and experience Christ’s love in community and creation.
Let’s Be Clear About This Ministry For more than 60 years the camps and programs of Lutherans Outdoors in South Dakota have been impacting the lives of thousands of children, families and adults each year. Great programs have reached people of all ages, abilities and walks of life. Above all, Lutherans Outdoors has been Adventure Based, Worship Focused, and Christ Centered. As LO’s ministry begins to move toward full operation in the months ahead, these emphases will continue.
Through all the years, the campfires have been the galvanizing highlights for most everyone’s camp memories. Campfires have been times of inspiration, joyous celebration, spiritual contemplation and sometimes, the centerpiece of meal preparation and s’more-making. We need to keep the campfires burning!
These Difficult Times The Covid-19 pandemic that has affected lives worldwide has had a great impact on the ministry of Lutherans Outdoors and the thousands that participate in its Christcentered programs each year. LO was closed to all onsite and group gathering ministry for all of 2020 and the first half of 2021. While virtual events were offered, the revenue generating programs that support facilities, core staff, utilities and infrastructure were eliminated. Program expenses were greatly reduced, however, fixed overhead and operating costs continued. Additionally,
fixed overhead, operating costs, and program expenses are expected to increase as a result of retrofitting LO sites and facilities due to pandemic protocols and precautions. The loss of all income for 2020 and anticipated loss for at least a portion of 2021 include rentals, conferences and other hosted ministries. This places LO in jeopardy. This income loss compromises the capacity to prepare for our hoped for 2021 summer programs and other future ministry activities. It inhibits outreach to congregations, and limits LO’s ability to maintain and improve facilities.
The Lutherans Outdoors Board of Directors - Committed and Capable Leadership Top Row (Left to Right): Nancy Hartung - Secretary Mark Schlueter Annelies Seffrood - Vice President Dr. Craig Uthe Rev. Cassandra Lamb
Middle Row (Left to Right): Dr. Rand Schleusener Kim Rieger Rev. Jonathan Steiner Jan Ambler Rev. Jared Rakness - Treasurer
Bottom Row (Left to Right): Melissa Waldner Rob Oliver - President Darcie Bien Dennis Larson Judi Schwerin
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Keep the Campfires Burning
A Time to Renew and Regenerate Ministry Let's keep the campfires burning.
“When they landed, they saw a fire of burning coals there with fish on it, and some bread.” John 21:9 The disciples were out fishing on the sea of Tiberius – days after the crucifixion. And they were beckoned to shore where Jesus was tending a campfire and cooking fish. They didn’t know what to say! Their faith in the Risen Christ was dramatically renewed around that campfire. Not all campfires are that dramatic - unless you have heard or been a part of campfire stories of campers, young and old, who have witnessed to their personal The pandemic has created significant financial challenges. Retreat facilities, all summer programs were closed throughout 2020 and fall and winter closures of all facilities also resulted in significant revenue losses while many of the costs of operation continued. Significant facility improvements and enhancements have been
“campfire faith renewal” experiences. Yes, campfires have been a central feature to the impact of the Christ centered ministries of Lutherans Outdoors. But there were no campfires last summer and there have been none in the fall, winter or spring of 2020 and 2021. All programs were cancelled. Plans are to rekindle the camp fires and bring the ministry of LO alive in summer of 2021. Your help is needed to keep the campfires burning for thousands more children, adults and families in 2021 and the years ahead. The generous financial support from donors and friends will be crucial if this is to happen. made to meet Covid-19 protocols so that campers and retreat and event participants can enjoy a safe and welcoming environment. The resultant losses for 2020 and projected lost revenue anticipated for 2021 total $2.1 million.
Keep the Campfires Burning
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Keep the Campfires Burning Goal $1.2 Million by January 31, 2022 The Board of Directors has authorized a special campaign to recover past and anticipated losses over 2020 and 2021 and to stabilize Lutherans Outdoors’ ministry for future service – to “Keep the Campfires Burning!” The total needed to recover losses and stabilize ministry is $2.1 million. BUT the good news is that $900,000 in gifts and pledges were already committed in 2020 from among loyal donors and supporters. This leaves a balance of $1.2 million to be secured by the end of 2021 fiscal year - January 31, 2022. Gifts will be received from individuals and families, businesses, organizations and from the congregations of the South Dakota Synod. Gifts can be in the form of cash, marketable securities, Required Minimum Distributions (RMD) from IRAs as well as other assets readily convertible to cash.
Two tax years option! Because LO’s fiscal year spans two calendar years, donors may choose to complete their gift over two tax years. One payment can be made in 2021 and another in January of 2022. This option will be available to donors making contributions by means via their RMD’s as well.
This Is What It Will Take! In order to Keep the Campfires Burning through receipt of $1.2 million by January 31, 2022, the following gifts and in the quantities listed will be needed: Number of Gifts
Amount
1 gift
$100,000 or more
$100,000
2 gifts
$50,000
$200,000
4 gifts
$25,000
$300,000
10 gifts
$15,000
$450,000
20 gifts
$10,000
$650,000
50 gifts
$5,000
$900,000
100 gifts
$2,500
$1,150,000
And many other gifts of other amounts
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Cumulative Total
Keep the Campfires Burning
$1,200,000
Keep the Campfires Burning Campaign Leadership The Keep the Campfires Burning appeal will be led by long-time supporters, volunteers and the current leadership staff of Lutherans Outdoors. Other volunteers from across South Dakota will also join the effort to contact individuals, families, and congregations and invite their participation in this important effort.
A P PR OX IMATE TI M E TA B LE FEBRUARY – Solicitation of leadership gifts begins APRIL – JUNE – Presentations to Congregations JUNE – Congregation appeal efforts begin DECEMBER 31 – All campaign efforts completed
C A M PA IGN C O-C H A I R S
“…they’re just kids at camp… seeing what LO does for them in their lives - you just can’t put into words.”
“The experiences that Lutherans Outdoors provides can’t be found in many other places… the faith formation, the community and experiences in God’s creation…”
–Susan Leddy C H A I R F OR C ON GR E G ATI ON GI FTS
“Something happens when somebody goes to camp. I think God happens, … Jesus happens… the Holy Spirit happens.”
–Darcie Bien
STAFF LEADERSHIP
Paul Hanson
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
–Rev. Dwight Stensgaard Keep the Campfires Burning
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The Congregations of the South Dakota Synod – The Faithful Founders and Sustainers
From Bishop Constanze Hagmaier “I now invite you to join me, your Synod Council and all people who have a heart for outdoor ministry to help keep the campfires burning.”
This is the suggested three-step process that congregations may follow to Keep the Campfires Burning: STEP 1 Receive a congregation council presentation (virtual or in person, as preferred) to learn the specifics of the campaign. STEP 2 Select a member of the congregation to serve as the campaign leader. Multiple virtual training events will be offered to the leader in both print and electronic media. A campaign video (in both DVD and via internet link) will be provided to the congregation. STEP 3 Set a goal* for the congregation and then conduct a five-week campaign effort that offers every member family of the congregation an opportunity to participate through a contribution. Commitments may be made as one-time gifts or pledges to be completed by January 31, 2022. A “fillable form” will be available as well as hard copy form for pledges.
Congregation Goals* Each congregation will be asked to set a non-binding goal to be met by January 31, 2022, for their campaign effort. Recommended goal levels are proposed on the basis of the average weekly worship attendance of the congregations since most pastors and lay leaders consider that statistic to reflect the effective size of their congregation. The following are the proposed goal levels for congregations. Challenge Goal
$75 per worshipper
Advance Goal
$50 per worshipper
Basic Goal
$25 per worshipper
For example, a congregation with an average weekly worship attendance of 100 persons could select from among the following goals: Challenge Goal
$7,500
Advance Goal
$5,000
Basic Goal
$2,500
Donors may make pledges to be completed by January of 2022. 6
Keep the Campfires Burning
“I invite all of you to join my wife and me and other members of the Board in supporting this campaign. We look forward to keeping the campfires burning.”
–Rob Oliver, President of the Board of Directors
Joy Ranch – A Christ Centered Vision That Needs New Energy and Leadership The Lutherans Outdoors Board, after much consideration and deliberation, has determined that Joy Ranch, a beautiful site with many amenities, does not fit our operational model of seasonal outdoor camping ministries. As a result, Lutherans Outdoors has entered into a Transfer Agreement with a new 501(c)3 organization in Watertown, subject to contingencies. A Watertown-based organization will be better positioned to operate Joy Ranch into the future and create and deliver the programming that will make it successful. Lutherans Outdoors will now be able to invest its resources into NeSoDak, Outlaw Ranch, and Klein Ranch and ensure successful Christ-centered ministry for future generations. “Over the years the market for church camps has continued to change, making it more challenging for Lutherans Outdoors to maintain and operate multiple camp settings. Three of our camps have defined summer seasons, which can be staffed accordingly, with shoulder seasons in spring and fall for church groups and family retreats. Joy Ranch, however, has more investment in infrastructure which requires it to operate year-round in order to be successful. This is significantly different than our model for NeSoDak, Klein, and Outlaw Ranch, making it more difficult to fit into our portfolio of camp offerings. Given our need to be good stewards of limited resources, we believe it best to seek another entity to operate Joy Ranch that can more broadly define its program offerings and make it successful and sustainable into the future.” -Lutherans Outdoors Joy Ranch Task Force Lutherans Outdoors is proud to have been a partner with Joy Nelson and her generous vision for this beautiful property that increases the quality of life for all who gather. Lutherans Outdoors thanks the thousands of supporters who have participated in the development of Joy Ranch. With these changes, Lutherans Outdoors is confident that Joy Ranch will be successful into the future and will faithfully honor its many supporters. The net proceeds from the transfer of Joy Ranch will be used by Lutherans Outdoors to further support the ministries of NeSoDak, Klein Ranch and Outlaw Ranch. Joy Nelson, representing Joy Ranch of South Dakota, wishes to thank Lutheran Outdoors for their years of work in the start up of Joy Ranch and wish them much success with their other existing camps. Joy Ranch of South Dakota wants to assure all the visitors, participants and donors of Joy Ranch that the mission as initially presented will most definitely continue with the new entity in addition to even more programs for quality of life issues for people. We sincerely hope you will continue to come to Joy Ranch and Lutheran Outdoors has expressed an interest in continuing some of their camps at Joy Ranch with the new entity. Upon transfer, Joy Ranch of South Dakota will be provided with the contact info for all of you and you will all be hearing from us at that time about the new exciting future for Joy Ranch of South Dakota. Our motto will continue as well to everyone “All Are Welcome” We look forward to seeing you there.
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experiences of warmth, comfort and inspiration
“There really isn’t any place like camp to experience the love, the faithfulness and the presence of Christ.”
–Dwight Stensgaard
“Consider how generous you can be in this time of need.” –Bishop Constanze Hagmaier
Lutherans Outdoors In South Dakota 2001 South Summit Avenue Sioux Falls SD 57197 605.274.5326 www.losd.org/campfires
“This ministry will need to continue.” –Paul Hanson