“It was early in the day for a storm to be pushing over the mountains. We were crossing a long narrow ridge, with a climb still ahead of us and a long exposed hike behind us. There were few options available when the storm hit. As the rain pounded, lightning flashed, and thunder crashed around us, I thought about Martin Luther crossing that fabled field before he became a monk. We spread out, pushed around the peak trying to stay as low as possible, and finally started downward. As we watched the storm pass from the sanctuary of the trees a bright rainbow appeared reminding everyone of God’s love for us. We saw both the immense power and the quiet grandeur of God that day; and needless to say, learned to pray a little more fervently.” –Camper Ben after an adventure journey
Wilderness journeys are still an important aspect of faith formation. Consider including wilderness experiences to build strong foundations of faith in new and exciting ways. Like the Israelites, young people are guided through new lands and learn to live with less. Reaching breath-taking peaks or navigating a canoe across remote lakes, campers learn to rely on each another and find strength in God when they feel like they can’t go any farther. Exploring God’s creation, camping next to pristine lakes, and sharing in the work of living together, campers experience service and live a life that shows appreciation for all that God has given them.
For more on what it means to be an ACA accredited camp, click here.
California
Mt. Cross Ministries: Surf Camp, June 23-28, 2024
Find God in the waves! Our surf camp is for individual campers or youth groups grades 6-12. This camp has two full days at the beach with professional surfing lessons, picnic lunches, and other beach adventures as well as two full days at camp for hiking, the climbing wall, and all the other fun parts of overnight camp at Mt. Cross.
Contact: Samuel Garcia
Email: sam@mtcross.org
Phone: 831-336-5179
Website: www.mtcross.org
ACA Accredited: No
Colorado
Rainbow Trail Lutheran Camp: Compass Points
Hike through the breathtaking Sangre de Cristo Mountains, raft the white-water of the Arkansas River, take a leap of faith, or work on a service project. Compass Points, the wilderness adventure program at Rainbow Trail Lutheran Camp, offers you the opportunity to do all of this in a supportive Christian environment that will challenge you to try new things and grow in your own faith journey. Each week-long adventure is centered on a 3-5 day wilderness backpacking experience led by trained guides and is tailored to make the journey your own. Whether you are are an individual or a group, adult or youth, new to backpacking or a seasoned pro, there’s a trip that is right for you. Contact us today!
Sky Ranch Lutheran Camp: High Wilderness Backpacking
Step away from the usual and start exploring God’s creation in the spectacular Rocky Mountains. Sky Ranch has a long history of taking youth out on trail to see parts of the mountains enjoyed by few others. Experience the thrill of summiting a peak and seeing for miles in every direction. Challenge yourself as you walk through a high alpine meadow. Feel the peace of sleeping next to a mountain stream. All trips leave directly from camp into more than one million acres of public land that surrounds our property. There are exciting route options for everyone; if it’s your first time on trail or if you’re a seasoned hiker, a life-changing trip is calling at Sky Ranch!
Contact: Cole Hemmah
Email: cole@skyranchcolorado.org
Phone: 970.493.5258
Website: www.skyranchcolorado.org
ACA Accredited: No
Idaho
Luther Heights Bible Camp: SALT (Servant & Adventure Learning Teams)
The SALT program is designed for small groups of youth and young adults to come experience adventure and service opportunities in the beautiful mountains of Idaho. Each experience is unique and customized to the groups needs and desires. The week-long program can have only adventure components, only service oriented projects, or a mixture. Opportunities for service at camp, with the national forest, and in the local community can be arranged. Adventure opportunities include white water rafting, horseback riding, a day or overnight hike in the Sawtooth Mountains, rock climbing, low ropes course, and canoeing mountain lakes. Camp serves as a home base for each group with daily adventures or service opportunities see the group leave site. Group bible study and worship are part of each day. Come learn through experience and community how we are all called to be SALT of the earth, based on Matthew 5:13-16.
Contact: Kelly Preboski
Email: director@lutherheights.org
Contact Phone: 208-644-0779
Website: www.lutherheights.org
ACA Accredited: Yes
Minnesota
Camp Emmaus (Pathways Lutheran Outdoor Ministries): Houseboat Program
For 50 years, groups from all over the country have come to the northwoods of Minnesota to explore the power and splendor of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness with the guidance of Voyageurs Lutheran Ministry staff. Our staff are trained to lead your group into the wilderness to discover the beauty and wonder of creation and the beauty and wonder of faith. Through daily Bible studies, guided conversations, and times of reflection, your guide will help connect each day’s experience to your personal journey of faith.
Contact: Brooke Klemetsrud
Email: Brooke@PathwaysBibleCamps.org
Phone: 218-987-2600
Website: www.PathwaysBibleCamps.org
ACA Accredited: No
Voyaguers Lutheran Ministries: Voyageurs Canoe Country
Voyageurs Canoe Country, a wilderness canoe program of VLM, offers the opportunity to leave all of the day to day things behind and to enter into the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness where one can immerse themselves in the cool clear waters, solitude and silence of this amazing treasure in northern Minnesota. The program works with young people, families, church groups, adults and others to create a memory-filled experience. Each trip is fully outfitted with a trained wilderness guide, equipment, food, permits, maps, and customized trip planning to maximize your group’s experience. Beyond the basic outfitting, staff will also lead group development, faith conversations and provide opportunities for personal growth. Pre and post trip lodging also provided.
Contact: Brett Amundson
Email: brett@vlmcamps.org
Phone: 218-780-2696
Website: www.vlmcamps.org/canoe-country/
ACA Accredited: No
Wilderness Canoe Base: Boundary Waters Canoe Trips
Come to Wilderness Canoe Base and let the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness rejuvenate your soul. Our goal is for every person who visits Wilderness Canoe Base to realize that they are strong, loved, and welcome. We know that a retreat to wild places can help open our hearts to this reality. From the lakes to the trees, streams, and community, your time at Wilderness Canoe Base will leave you amazed at God’s marvelous creation and inspired after a Christ-centered wilderness experience. Because of our unique program and location, there are many different opportunities to consider. Our most popular program is a canoe trip, in which a group will spend 5 nights in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW). Throughout the week, everyone has an opportunity to learn and reflect on God’s creation, strengthen faith, build teamwork and come away with more confidence in themselves and in their group. We also offer opportunities for groups to more time on base, with day excursions into the Boundary Waters. Let us help you customize your perfect experience!
Contact: Nathan Berkas
Email: nathanb@campwapo.org
Phone: 218-388-2241
Website: http://campwapo.org/camp/wilderness
ACA Accredited: Yes
Montana
“Life together at the top of the world: during five-day trips in Montana’s Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness Area just north of Yellowstone Park, participants explore life together, the life of faith, and some of the world’s loveliest mountain country. Senior high youth and young adults move camp most days; junior high and other adult groups hike from back country base camps. Two Christikon staff lead each group of up to twelve guests. Creation Care trips add a environmental stewardship component to a week of backpacking, see our website for more information.
Flathead Lutheran Bible Camp: Glacier Wilderness
Our Glacier Wilderness program offers a unique opportunity to explore the stunning beauty of Northwest Montana. With experienced guides and a focus on safety, you’ll have the chance to adventure in one of the most breathtaking landscapes in the world. Choose from backpacking, whitewater rafting, sailing, sea kayaking and rock climbing or create a custom trip that suits your groups interests. This adventure of a lifetime is not only about outdoor recreation, but also about spiritual growth. Daily devotions and Bible studies provide a chance to connect with God in a deeper way while surrounded by God’s creation. You’ll leave with not only memories of incredible scenery and fun activities, but also
with a renewed sense of faith.
These trips are specifically designed for high school youth groups and adult groups
North Carolina
Lutheridge: Outdoor Adventure
Explore the outdoors through our summer camps! We’ve got something for all ages elementary through adult. From canoeing the French Broad River, exploring Worley’s Cave, and rafting on the Nolichucky River, come explore the outdoors with us!
Contact: Drew Yoos
Email: dyoos@lutheridge.org
Phone: 828-209-6333
Website: http://lutheridge.org
ACA Accredited: Yes
Lutherock: Outdoor Adventure Program
Pennsylvania
Kirchenwald: Adirondack Backpack Trip
Take in the beauty of God’s creation from atop the highest points in the entire Adirondack park. This challenging backpacking adventure leads participants through the High Peaks region and to some truly breathtaking vistas, including and ascent up Mount Marcy. Community building and faith lessons are integrated into hiking, rustic camping, and jumping in waterfalls. This program leaves from and returns to Kirchenwald just in time for some camp favorite activities. For Grades 7-11
Contact: Zach Weiss
Email: zweiss@lutherancamping.org
Phone: 717.964.3121
Website: www.lutherancamping.org
ACA Accredited: Yes
Kirchenwald: Adirondack Canoe Trip
Many of Jesus’s most memorable ministry moments take place on a boat. It’s no wonder campers claim a sense faithful rejuvenation on this week-long paddling trip through the Fulton Chain of Lakes in the Adirondack park. Days are filled with canoeing, games, and community activities. Nights are spent under the stars, marveling at the vastness of creation. A stop at a rope swing and the aqua wonderland are always on the agenda. This program leaves from and returns to Kirchenwald just in time for some camp favorite activities. Grades 7-11
Contact: Zach Weiss
Email: zweiss@lutherancamping.org
Phone: 717.964.3121
Website: www.lutherancamping.org
ACA Accredited: Yes
Kirchenwald: KirchenQuest
Challenge yourself in the diverse, adventure race-style camp program. Camp staff drives your group to the woods at the start of the week and you have to make your way back to camp by hiking on the historic Appalachian Trail, canoeing down the Susquehanna River Trail to camp on islands overnight, and peddling your bike past the scenic farm fields of Central Pennsylvania. This trip includes a stop at the Wittel Farm where you can take part in the local effort to feed God’s people through the harvesting and donation of fresh produce. Grades 7-11
Contact: Zach Weiss
Email: zweiss@lutherancamping.org
Phone: 717.964.3121
Website: www.lutherancamping.org
ACA Accredited: Yes
South Dakota
It’s all about adventure! Faith, fun, peddling a bike, trekking on a scenic trail, exploring at the lake, and saddling up on a horse – all packed into a week set in the beautiful Black Hills. Adventure Camp offers exciting activities and opportunities for spiritual growth. Our staff will lead engaging Bible studies, worship sessions, and devotions, weaving together the awe-inspiring beauty of nature with the rich tapestry of scripture. Grades 8-12Virginia
Caroline Furnace: Adventure Camp
Grades 4-6: 2 Week Adventure Camp-Week 4 | July 7th-12th-$1,000
In addition to the usual camp fun, each morning campers will get to learn about different acoustic instruments. Some include guitar, ukulele, drums, piano, and more! If you have your own instrument, bring it! Campers will help lead worship for Thursday night chapel!
Grades 4-6: Outdoor Living Camp-Week 7 | July 30 – August 4-$575
In addition to the usual camp fun, campers will sleep out in different spots over camp in shelters campers will get to build, visit the Frontier Culture Museum in Staunton, VA, learn native peoples and local frontier history, cook over a campfire using iron dutch ovens, and create natural crafts.
Grade 7-12: Shenandoah River Camp-Week 1 | June 16th – 21st-$575
Prepare for a week of fun on the river! Camping/canoe gear provided. We will spend a full day orienting ourselves to the proper outdoor equipment, canoe basics, and packing everything for our out trip. You will spend three nights sleeping under the stars and canoeing down the river, even taking on class II rapids. Camping and canoe equipment provided.
Contact: Monica Springman
Email: monica@carolinefurnace.org
Phone: 540-449-0012
Website: carolinefurnace.org
ACA Accredited: Yes
Wisconsin
Amnicon: Voyageur Canoeing on Lake Superior It’s a team building experience like nothing else! Your high schoolers will explore the Apostle Islands on the Biggest Lake In The World while they are literally all be in the same boat together…a 34′ Montreal-style Canoe. They’ll connect deeply with each other and the natural world, and experience God’s presence in awe-inspiring ways. Amnicon Adventures are always affordable, and easy to plan!
Luther Point Bible Camp: Outpost Adventure Group Trips
Kayak through the Apostle Islands of Lake Superior or canoe down the St. Croix & Namekagon Riverway. Our Outpost Adventure program is designed to grow participants closer to God & closer to each other through a unique & challenging experience in God’s creation. The relationships formed through teamwork, fellowship, seclusion, and devotion will strengthen the faith lives of your group. Visit our website for complete details.