Calumet Lutheran Ministries Camp & Conference Center
In the summer of 1960, New
England Lutheran Camp Inc., under the authority of the New England Conference of
the Augustana Synod, began an outdoor ministry program centered on a philosophy
of Christian education.
The camp’s mission statement is
as follows:
Together we say YES to God’s abundant life:
growing in faith
inspiring service
caring for each other and all creation
What began as
a summer camp for kids in 1960, has now grown to be a year-round vacation and
retreat spot for families and adults as well. Its facilities are used all year
for various programs ranging from LutherHostels, Mom’s Mother’s Day
weekend, Sunday School retreats, Family vacation weeks and more. In 1965,
Calumet purchased a plot of land across the street from the camp which now serves
as the family campground, increasing their outreach beyond just children. The
camp continued to grow and develop through the 70's and 80's and in 1985 the
conference center was built.
Another key
development at Calumet was the creation of the special needs outreach of the
camp. Every third and fourth week of every summer are designated as special
needs weeks. This allows children with disabilities to join in with other
campers and participate in nearly all the activities of their peers.
In 2004,
Calumet’s summer program also added Vacation Bible school to its schedule. One
or two VBS programs are run each week at various churches throughout New England.
Counselors from Calumet go to the churches and provide the curriculum-based projects
with the help of volunteers from the church.
Camp Calumet
continues to build and expand, serving more people each year with constantly-evolving
programs in the name of Christ. The Camp has in fact changed its name to Calumet
Lutheran Minstries to better encompass the variety of programs. To learn more about the programs Calumet has to offer or to enroll your child in camp please visit:
Down beside
the moonlit waters of Lake Ossipee
Lies our
beautiful Camp Calumet, dear to you and me.
Swell the
chorus, speed it onward, 'till the echoes ring.
Let our Camp
go down in history, Calumet we sing!
(author
anonymous)