Spring 2022 Vol 35, Issue 1
News for the Friends of Lutherans Outdoors in SD Keep the Campfires Burning Appeal is a Big Success! THANK YOU!!!
The response from individuals and congregations was tremendous! Our goal has been reached, and even surpassed, with generous gifts from thousands. This is truly humbling, and truly promising, for the future of Lutherans Outdoors. The Keep the Campfires Burning Appeal began at the end of 2020, and continued throughout the 2021 year. A goal of $1.2 million was created to help recover losses due to closure of our camps during this mentioned time period, and to stabilize the ministry for future service. Meeting this goal would allow Lutherans Outdoors to begin 2022 debt-free from any financial losses due to the pandemic. Campfires have been the galvanizing highlight for most everyone’s camp memories at Lutherans Outdoors. The campfire provides a time of inspiration, a time of joyous celebration, and a time of spiritual contemplation. These campfires needed to, and will continue to, keep burning at NeSoDak, Outlaw Ranch and Klein Ranch. THANK YOU to the many individuals and volunteers who helped in surpassing our goal. Keep the Campfires Burning Appeal Co-Chairs, Susan Leddy and Darcie Bien, along with Chair for Congregation Gifts, Rev. Dwight Stensgaard, need to be congratulated for moving the Appeal along for success. The biggest THANK YOU goes to YOU, all of the individuals and congregations that participated in a special event or responded to an ask. YOUR support makes it possible to continue burning these important, life-giving campfires at Outlaw Ranch, Klein Ranch, and NeSoDak. Lutherans Outdoors is excited to be a part of your life in 2022!
THE DIRECTOR’S PERSPECTIVE Paul Hanson, Executive Director
My favorite President of the United States was Josiah “Jed” Bartlet. President Bartlet was a fictional President from one of my favorite television shows of the early 2000’s The West Wing. President Bartlet’s catchphrase was “What’s next?” As we begin the year 2022, I ask the question, “What’s Next?” for Lutherans Outdoors. The transfer of ownership of the Joy Ranch site is completed. A successful Keep the Campfires Burning Appeal has resulted in $1.2+ million gifts from wonderful supporters of the ministry, allowing LO to begin 2022 debt-free. Lutherans Outdoors staff is complete with the addition of a new Associate Director, Randy Youngquist-Thurow, who started in January.
So, ”What’s Next?”... ...a complete 2022 summer camp schedule is in place for Outlaw Ranch, Klein Ranch, and NeSoDak. Registration is open and over 600 campers have registered by February 1st. Safety is the number one priority with the Christ-centered programs as we will continue to follow Covid-19 protocols. These protocols can be found at www.losd.org/safety. ...Outlaw Ranch and NeSoDak continue to offer year-round programmed retreats as well as opportunities for groups to rent the facilities. LO is hoping to return to 75% retreat occupancy as well. ...your continued prayers and monetary support. Your gifts enable Lutherans Outdoors to continue offering summer camp at low fees, hiring talented summer and year-round staff, and maintaining a large number of buildings and land. Your support is vital in keeping LO vibrant in sharing God’s love. ...and the biggest “What’s Next?” for Lutherans Outdoors is the beginning of an intentional deep dive into everything Lutherans Outdoors. Audits of each facet of Lutherans Outdoors will begin. Audits will be performed in areas including current Program, Staffing, Facilities, Governance, Marketing, Financial Development, and Philosophy. We will seek honest feedback from congregational leaders, individual supporters, participants, and staff to hone in the future of this great Outdoor Ministry. This is a very exciting endeavor! I want Lutherans Outdoors in South Dakota to not only brag that we are the first choice for dynamic and innovative Christ-centered ministries…but to BE that first choice. Please join me in “What’s Next?”…the reimagining of Lutherans Outdoors. Be Good,
Lutherans Outdoors in South Dakota welcomes all to andD experience W W W . explore L O S . O RChrist’s G love in community and creation. ~ Mission Statement of Lutherans Outdoors in South Dakota