Camps and Retreat Centers 2024

Lutherhaven campers encounter creation, create community

A new climbing tower, a summer full of youth and family camps, 600 youth groups serving in the Silver Valley and new facilities are among the ways Lutherhaven will offer opportunities for campers of all ages to "encounter creation, create community and commune with Christ," summarized Rebecca Smith, who is in her second year as executive director of Lutherhaven.

The 2024 summer theme is "Together!"

"In life, one of the best sources of joy, authenticity and faith formation comes from being in healthy community with one another; from being together," said Rebecca.

The theme is inspired by Colossians 3:12-14: "Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you; and over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity."

Rebecca commented that "some days, our world feels like a place where there can be more division than unity, and camp will always be a place where the mission remains the same. It is a space where all may gather to reconnect and experience abundant life, as together we encounter creation, create community and commune with Christ."

"After 25 years, the climbing tower has outlived its lifespan. A new tower is in the works and the exterior is now complete and funded thanks to the camp's endowment," she said, noting that campers can use it this summer.

Lutherhaven needs help to fund the next phase to complete the interior of the tower and allow campers to climb in all kinds of weather.

"That's important for outdoor education students," said Rebecca, sharing the link for that project: givebutter.com/hzJCOU.

Lutherhaven offers a variety of summer camp experiences, including Champ Camp with one-on-one staffing care for children and youth with disabilities.

There are group camps for confirmation and youth groups, families and Idaho Servant Adventures, which is for groups and also individuals.

There are also age-group camps and family camps at Camp Lutherhaven on Lake Coeur d'Alene, at Shoshone Mountain Retreat and Shoshone Creek Ranch. There are offsite adventure camps, Silver Valley day camps, and day camps for congregations.

Details on camps and dates are at lutherhaven.com/programs/summer-camps.

Rebecca expects that students from youth groups across the United States will come to Shoshone Mountain Retreat, Shoshone Creek Ranch and Camp Lutherhaven programs this summer.

"Last year, 521 participants volunteered more than 8,336 hours of simple, significant service through Idaho Servant Adventures," she reported, referring people to learn more about Idaho Servant Adventures at lutherhaven.com/isa.

Last fall, Lutherhaven completed the 9,000-square-foot North Garden Lodge, Rebecca said. "It's luxurious and modern, especially compared to typical camp buildings."

The new eight-bedroom lodge is a waterfront retreat center for board, pastoral and other weekend retreats, for community and environmental gatherings, and for day events such as family reunions and parties. It accommodates groups with eight to 38 guests. 

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