SUMMER 2021 EDITION
FIRE STARTERS Stories of generosity, faith-formation, and the impact of planned giving
POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT - Darcie Bien "THE HOLY SPIRIT IS AT WORK AT LUTHERANS OUTDOORS CAMPS, LIGHTING OR RE-IGNITING SPARKS OF FAITH." I’ve experienced Bible camp in many ways: from when I was 10 years old going to summer camp, through working at camp in college, to taking my family and my own kids to Lutherans Outdoors camps. Yet, each time upon return, there was no way to describe what had just happened to - and in - me. I couldn’t put into words the power of the Holy Spirit. One of my favorite experiences was in 2004, when families from Ascension in Brookings, SD, decided to take our families to Family Camp at Outlaw Ranch. Eight families (including 20 children) made the trek across South Dakota and descended on Outlaw for a wonderful week of camp activities. The bonds that formed that week still exist today. Many of those families are our closest friends now, because of our shared faith experiences starting with that week at Outlaw Ranch. The Holy Spirit is at work at Lutherans Outdoors camps, lighting or re-igniting sparks of faith through the music, campfires, counselors, food, caring conversations, Bible studies, adventures, and creation. There are very few places where this type of environment exists. And I’m so thankful that it does. By Darcie Bien - Campaign Co-chair
This issue: Director's Perspective PAGE 02 Joy Ranch Update PAGE 03 Heritage Story Kurt Jacobson PAGES 04-05 The Parable of the Banana Bread Patty Buechler PAGES 06-07 Lutheran Planned Generosity PAGE 08 Campfire Story Klein Ranch, Hannah Hortness PAGE 09 Heritage Society PAGE 10 Heritage Society Members PAGE 11
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Introducing Fire Starters Greetings from your Lutherans Outdoors camps and retreat centers! Fire Starters is a semi-annual publication created to share stories of generosity, faith-formation, and the impact of planned giving. Christ-centered experiences in community and creation at camp spark something in the faith lives of youth and families. As donors and supporters of Lutherans Outdoors in South Dakota, you ignite those sparks. YOU are the fire starters! There’s something powerful and life-changing that happens in the lives of children and families gathered around a campfire. These campfire gatherings are transformative experiences in many ways. Your generosity transforms the faith lives of youth and families. The impact of the camp community, rooted in the love of Christ, transforms lives for the greater good. YOU make that transformation possible. Together, we can ensure that there are many more gatherings around the campfire in the future!
"YOU are the fire starters!"
Ensuring the success of LO ministry...
BY PAUL HANSON, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR My youngest daughter had not one, but two imaginary friends! One was named Honey. The other was John, John, Buckle My Shoe. These friends, very real to her, traveled with us to many places. Honey actually fell off of a large ship as it went under the lift bridge in Duluth one year! Yet, Honey was a good swimmer and survived as we had many future excursions together. It seemed like I was always stepping on one of them at times. My daughter daughter's friends played an important role in her life, even though I never saw them. There are many individuals who have chosen to play a large role in the future of Lutherans Outdoors by becoming a Heritage Society Member and including a gift to Lutherans Outdoors in their estate plans. These individuals are not invisible by any means, but I have never met nor seen many of them, as they would like to stay anonymous. But something at Outlaw Ranch, Klein Ranch, or NeSoDak was special to them at some time in their life to make such an important decision. I don’t think I can say THANK YOU often enough to these individuals who are currently Heritage Members and to those of you who will do so in the future. And I hope I can meet you sometime soon, yet I respect those of you who would like to stay anonymous, or unseen. This support is a vital element to the ministry as we look to continue in the years ahead. Look further inside this newsletter for more information on how to become a Heritage Society member. Be Good! Paul J. Hanson Executive Director
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An Update on Joy Ranch In November of 2019, the LO Board of Directors formed a Joy Ranch Task Force assigned to evaluate Joy Ranch and bring forth possibilities to help make the camp fiscally sound. From the many hours of work from the Task Force, another major decision was made by the Board. The Lutherans Outdoors Board, after much consideration and deliberation, has determined that Joy Ranch, although 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 Christcentered 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 Ranch, 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." - Annelies Seffrood, Rob Oliver & Members of the 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. The Transfer of Property will occur during 2021. Please contact Paul Hanson, Executive Director of Lutherans Outdoors, at paul@losd.org or 605-274-5326 to discuss this decision. “Joy Nelson, representing Joy Ranch of South Dakota, wishes to thank Lutherans 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 Lutherans 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.” - Joy Nelson
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Heritage Story In the early 1990’s I was a young pastor serving Trinity Lutheran Church, Eau Claire, WI. This wonderful congregation had a large population of families with children. My colleague and spouse had been on summer staff of Outlaw Ranch during their college years. One day Linda said to me: “Kurt, Outlaw Ranch out in the Hills of South Dakota would be a great place for you to take families for camp.” From that simple word, a tradition began. Over the next generation, hundreds of parents, children and youth, grandparents, singles, couples without children and single parents from Trinity experienced all the joys and graces of family camp at Outlaw Ranch. Life-long friendships developed. Intergenerational bonds were born. Stewardship of the environment was inspired.
Holy play was prospered. And the joy of Christian community was imprinted upon the lives of my folks forever. Over my nearly 30 years serving Trinity, it was the ministry of family camp at Outlaw which had the most profound impact upon people of all ages.
Kurt Jacobson '...the joy of Christian community was imprinted upon the lives of my folks forever'
I have since retired, but the connections that were born and grown at Outlaw Ranch continue to bless. Today the children that I hiked with to Harney Peak (now known as Black Elk Peak) and the Rock are now parents and they are readying to bring their children to family camp. Good things pass through the generations.
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Heritage Story - KURT JACOBSON Con't Today, I live with stage 4 ALK-positive lung cancer. New, effective targeted therapies extend the quantity and bolster the quality of life that was not available to people like me just a few years ago. So, I hope there is a reunion week at Outlaw ahead sometime. But before that, I realized I had a responsibility and an opportunity. The responsibility comes out of the truth that applies to us all. Someday we all will be 100% donors. The opportunity we have today is to direct our future donation. That involves planning now so your values and the nonprofits you care about, like Lutherans Outdoors, will receive from your estate a legacy that will go on to impact future generations. The joys from all the years of summer weeks at Outlaw Ranch are rich and wonderful memories. The new joy for me comes in knowing part of my estate will live on so that Lutherans Outdoors will continue strengthening faith and community and living in awe and protection of God’s creation.
Kurt Jacobson, pictured bottom left, with families from Trinity Lutheran Church in Eau Claire, WI
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The Parable of the Banana Bread by Patty Buechler A parable is a short story that is used to teach a lesson and open our eyes to deeper insights. Modern day parables have this same foundational idea. They are stories with meaning that are easy to understand. For the past 30 years we have been family campers at Outlaw Ranch family camp each summer. It’s our home sweet home away from home. At family camp each year we slow down and experience the gifts of each day with family and friends who have become family. Meaningful moments and traditions happen in this place. When Matt, the Director of Outlaw Ranch, called me and asked if I would be interested in helping the kitchen staff this summer I said, “Yes”. I immediately packed my bags in preparation to head off to camp. I have always been an early packer. At our training meeting, Matt talked about the importance of the dining hall. He said, “It is a critical point of the camp experience. Our families need to be cared for, listened to and fed.” Food and relationships around the table are so important. Food feels like home. When I arrived, I was asked to help with the baking. This is a high calling. You see, I have always appreciated and watched with admiration at the bakers at camp through the years. I wondered if I was qualified for such a prestigious role. As a baker in training, I learned the tools of the trade, the importance of safety precautions in the kitchen, and the whereabouts of recipes and supplies. I love the baking corner with the big bins of flour, sugar, oats, and more importantly, the massive mixer. After a quick lesson in how that big machine operates, the baking corner was officially my new workspace. At our meeting around the table, I was assigned the task of making banana bread. I can bake pies, cookies and I have mastered the art of Gram’s Kringles. However, in all my years I have never made a successful loaf of banana bread. Nick, my son-inlaw, is the Master of the banana bread in our family. My attempts always sink in the middle and end up with a terrible texture. I typically blame humidity and keep a safe distance from baking banana bread. Without the excuse of humidity in the beautiful Black Hills and since I tell my kids, “Confidence is Key”, I fearlessly said yes to the banana bread challenge.
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I went to my station, gathered the ingredients, and placed them in order in the giant machine that so many loaves of bread have been made through the years. This all made me think about the wonderful saying on the wall in the dining hall, ‘Be gentle when you touch bread’. I never quite understood the phrase until I realized the deep-rooted connection between bread and community. You see, bread is so much more than a simple loaf. It’s something to be treasured and it’s something to be gentle with. As the banana bread was baking, the aroma drew in a crowd. That familiar banana bread smell reminded people of home, their memories, and of camp. For me it did all of those things and it also reminded me to go see if my loaves sunk in the middle. Outlaw Ranch is special for many reasons but that day I added my first successful banana bread to that list. As I think about Outlaw and banana bread this is what I know for sure. Outlaw is bigger than all of us. What we bring and do is so important. The work we do here is life changing and has a bigger purpose. Families come here for renewed strength and rest. They come here to recharge and replenish. In the kitchen, we are tasked with feeding families. However, it’s more than just food. People are coming from a pandemic where they have experienced pain, crisis, loss, isolation, and fear. Food is not only protection and regulation for us all, but also connection and community. The dining room is always welcoming and truly is the heart of camp. After all, most of camp happens around those beloved dinner tables. When I was teaching, I always spoke about the importance of the culture for learning and relationships in the classroom. The same holds true in the camp dining room. This year we have a huge role to play in moving forward as we look at the past year in the rear view mirror. We get to be the light. We get to be the difference makers. One loaf of banana bread at a time.
“Outlaw Ranch is the best thing we do for our family!!! In a few weeks my family will join me for year 31 of family camp to continue the tradition that keeps us grounded in good things. We have been blessed beyond measure through the years.” ~ Mamma Buechler
Patty aka. Mamma B. is pictured here, third from the left with her family at their beloved Outlaw Ranch.
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What is Lutheran Planned Generosity? Planned generosity and estate planning is a joyful experience. After all, YOU are planning a gift that will make an impact for generations to come. Your gift ensures a legacy of camping ministry opportunities for youth and families from all corners of South Dakota and beyond. Whether you are planning to make that gift today, tomorrow, or sometime in the near future, Lutherans Outdoors wants to make sure the planning process is as smooth and joyful as possible. To make that happen, LO partners with Lutheran Planned Generosity of South Dakota. LPGSD is a professional estate planning resource for LO’s donors and is sponsored by the South Dakota Synod and ELCA ministries across the state. LPGSD provides customized tools that include tax efficiency and gifts for your loved ones as well as support of God’s work. There are no fees or minimums—this is a gift and a resource to you.
For more information, contact: Kathy J. McHenry, Executive Director, LPGSD 2001 S Summit Ave, Sioux Falls, SD 57197 605.274.5030 | kmchenry@sdsynod.org www.lpgsd.org LPGSD is a partner of Lutherans Outdoors in South Dakota.
ENDOWMENT FUNDS Multiple established endowment funds exist that support Lutherans Outdoors and ensure a future of camping ministry opportunities. South Dakota Community Foundation The SDCF is home to established endowment funds that generate important dollars supporting LO’s campership (scholarship) funds and operating needs. ELCA Foundation The ELCA Foundation is the primary location of endowed funds supporting the Lutherans Outdoors in South Dakota organization. LO has a long-standing history of investing endowment dollars in the ELCA Foundation.
As you consider making a long-term impact on the Lutherans Outdoors organization through a planned gift, connect with us to discuss options and ideas for where your gifts may be best designated and make the greatest impact!
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The power of working at camp BY HANNAH HORTNESS
This summer, I had the opportunity to work in South Dakota as a wrangler at a church camp. I worked at Klein Ranch and I wouldn’t trade the world for the summer I had here! I gave trail rides everyday, taught kids how to saddle up a horse, and ride. I was so happy I got to share my love for horseback riding with others. Along the way, I was gifted with a new family that I will never forget. I made friends with all the staff and they're some of the best people I’ve ever met! I never thought I would get so close with them, but I’m glad I did. I grew closer to God and learned more about the Bible. Before I went, I was so nervous about it all and didn’t know what to expect. I was so blessed to be able to do something like this. I also met a lot of great advisors who I will never forget. Tonya, Erin, Linda, and Jeanne, thank you so much for being so kind to me and making me love my job even more! You will all have a special place in my heart. This has always been a dream job for a long time and I’m so happy I got the chance to do it! Thank you Teri, for taking a chance on me and for being one of the best bosses ever! Thank you for helping me grow my faith in God and grow more as a individual. Thank you for always being there for me and helping me answer questions along the way in my journey with God and Jesus. You will always have a special place in my heart, and for making Klein my second home. I’m thankful for all the great memories I made and all the bonds I have made with the fellow staff & campers. I can’t even begin to tell you how much these kids have made me feel good and love my job even more each day! When I first arrived there I didn’t know what to expect at all but in the end I will never forget this summer ever. It’s more than I could have ever asked for. I hope to go back next year and even with the same staff. Before I left on Saturday morning, July 10th, Teri baptized me. It felt like the right time to do this based on my journey there and build a strong relationship with God. This summer has forever changed my life in so many ways and I will always remember this experience.
Your generosity makes camp possible At camp I experienced God, "Through conversations, through nature, through stories shared, through staff members' messages at campfire, through the joy of children." Thank you for your support of the ministry of Lutherans Outdoors.
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The heritage Society The Heritage Society exists to recognize individuals and families who choose to make a long-lasting financial impact on the ministry of Lutherans Outdoors by naming LO in their estate plans or in a planned gift. These gifts are invested permanently into the organization’s endowed funds. The earnings from these investments directly impact the many youth and families who partake in camping ministry experiences each year. These gifts pass the heritage and tradition of camping ministry along for generations to come. Become a member of the Heritage Society today! To include LO in your estate or planned gift, our organization’s legal name is Lutherans Outdoors in South Dakota, Inc and our EIN # is 46-0320561 This information is offered by Lutherans Outdoors in SD is for educational purposes. LO does not offer specific personalized legal advice and LO recommends that you consult your attorney and/or financial advisor when completing your estate plan.
Did you know there are more ways to support LUTHERANS OUTDOORS in SD than writing a check? Here are some tax-saving* ways to be generous and support the ministries of Lutherans Outdoors in South Dakota:
GIFTS OF GRAIN A few bushels or a truckload. APPRECIATED STOCK ZERO capital gains tax. IRA CHARITABLE ROLLOVER No income tax.
Estate Plan--Will, Charitable Trust, Beneficiary Designation or Endowment *Consult your tax professional and legal counsel for advice regarding your personal situation.
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HEritage Society Members THANK YOU TO THE FOLLOWING FOR INCLUDING LUTHERANS OUTDOORS IN YOUR ESTATE PLANS. YOUR FORESIGHT ENSURES THE FUTURE OF THIS MINISTRY FOR YEARS TO COME. Anonymous (15)
David & Linda Hommes
Jeff & Marilee Pederson
Anonymous † (2)
Darrell & Bette Johnson
Lyle & Marvelyn Peters †
Steve & Geeg Aaker
JoDean Joy
Virginia "Lee" Peterson †
Lynelle Aanestad
Brian & Joyce Kaatz
Evelyn Peterson †
Joe Alvestad †
Jeff & Melanie Kjellberg
Louis & Joyce Profilet †
Cindy Anson Eilers
Carmen Klumb †
Franklin & Marit † Pudas
Phyllis & LeRoy † Arhart
Michael & Gina Kontz
Jeff & Betty Rohr
Lois Bellows
Denny Pearson & Karen Kraus
Lowell & Florence Ronning †
Orlin Berge †
Ada Kretschmer †
Roy & Dorothy Satre
Kermit Black
Dennis & Shirley Larson
Nina & Don † Brockel
Martin & Betty Larson †
David Brunkow
Elvira "Vera" Larson †
Dick & Marillyn Campbell
Beverly Lentz †
Rebecka Chase Estate †
Karl O. Lee †
Ray & Sandy Cheney
Patricia Lee
Rod & Wendy Christman
Erika Lehmann
Herb & Connie Cleveland
Don & Sharon Lehmann
John Cleveland Trust †
Vi Lightfield
Dorothy Delicate †
Gene Loken †
Hilda Denke †
Rolland & Ella Loon
Gary & Donna Dettman
Cheryl Lundeen
Roe & Pat Eidsness
Melford † & Janet Lyso
Norris & Carolyn Einertson
Wanda McNeill †
Norm & Clarice † Eitrheim
H Walter & Lillian Miller †
Dave & Marvene Evenson
Irene Moxness †
Paul Evenson
Bill † & Ginny Myers
Tom Farmer
Marilyn & Rudy Nef
Margie Fiedler &
Doug & Cindy Nelson
Alan Reindeau
Joy Nelson
Jim & Nancy Schade Jim † & Judi Schwerin Brad Scott Karyn Scott Bob & Connie Scott Sol & Mary Jo Semmler Jon & Kristy Sogn Jerry & Deb Soholt Neil & Kari Sorensen Lee & Liz Stadem Brent & Agnes Steffens Dwight & Kathleen Stensgaard Kent & Holly Stillson Charles & Delores Storm Otto Storm † Norman Sunne † Crystal Swenson Mark & Bonnie Thompson Gary Thoreson † Eldon & Lillian † Thurow Maxine Tofte †
Lee & Karin Friewald
Layne & Jennifer Nelson
Fremont Forsberg †
Jeff & Trudi Nelson
Aaron & Margaret Gob †
DeMaris & Erv Nesheim
Diana Glover
Roger & Jan Noer
Arlette Villaume
Donald Gommer †
Sidney Norin †
Fern Williams †
Dirk & Constanze Hagmaier Orris Olson †
Dennis Tranberg Manda Twete † Unity Lutheran Church †
Oliver & Junice Woldern †
Phyllis Hanse †
Keith Osberg †
June Young †
Robert & Suzanne Hansen
Delores Osborne †
Charles Yuill †
Stanley & Jean Hawthorne † Ron & Bonnie Ostby Russ & Ann Hillman †
Connie Palmer
Doris Ann Hodgen
Estelle Pearson
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Bruce & Ila Zellmer † Dave & LaDonna Zellmer
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Lutherans Outdoors in SD 2001 S Summit Ave Sioux Falls, SD 57197
Connect With LOSD OnlinE Thanks for your support and passion for the ministry of Lutherans Outdoors! Please share your stories of camp and ignite a campfire for friends and family. Contact us at 605-274-5326 or info@losd.org.
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