GROW Time happens three times a day and is a time for spiritual formation. It's an acronym that stands for Gather and Reflect On the Word. Morning GROW time is called 'First Light' and includes reading the scriptures assigned for that day and reflecting on the theme. Evening GROW time is called 'Eventide' and gives campers a chance to get creative with what they learned in the morning. The day ends with cabin or all-camp worship, offering praise and petition to God around the day's theme.
Belonging and inclusion — CML as a place for every camper
I think of a longtime camper who was neurodivergent. He was a little older than most other campers, but he wanted to try camp. At our executive director's encouragement, he signed up. He came to camp, loved it, and returned for many years. The kids in his cabin group treated him like one of their own and helped him out when he needed it. No one judged him. No one made fun of him. He was perfectly welcome. One camper reported that this sort of empathy and compassion doesn't always happen at school, but it happens at camp!
Camper testimonial — activities and community at CML
Camp Mount Luther is very special to me because I love learning about and being with God in his creation. I have made many friends at camp, and I still keep in touch with some of them. All the activities at camp are really fun. My personal favorites are gaga ball, hiking, fishing, down and out, campfires, and overnights, but there are so many more. These are some of the reasons I love CML.
At camp, we learn about using God's creation for recreation. We play in the field, serve volleyballs, swim, play Frisbee golf and Gaga Ball. The sun beats down on our heads and we feel the cool summer breeze on our skin. We also remind our campers that a walk in the woods, slowly breathing in the air, and laying in the field at night are ways to re-create. Connecting with our creator in these ways help us to feel God's presence.
Setting and facilities — 400 acres, 14 cabins, full outdoor amenities
Camp Mount Luther's 400 acres are the perfect place to grow closer to God, form new friendships, and learn about yourself. Camp Mount Luther boasts: 14 cabins, 6 outdoor worship spaces, 6 camp sites, 3 Adirondack shelters, 2 bath houses, a retreat cottage, an administrative center, a dining and activities center, a canoeing and fishing pond, a pool, a disc golf course, a gaga ball pit, a nine square court, numerous woodland trails, and several feral camels (rumored).
Faith formation — worship woven throughout the week
Each week at camp is bookended by worship services. Opening campfire introduces new campers to each other and to the camp culture and introduces the curriculum theme for the week. Thursday night's campfire provides more worship experiences focused around the theme, and Friday's closing worship service sends campers off grounded in the spiritual lessons they've learned throughout the week. In addition, worship and learning are happening in other intentional gatherings at least three times a day.
ACA accredited camps like Camp Mount Luther are probably one of the few and best places for kids to learn safe independence. Campers are supervised so that their physical safety is not compromised, but they are also free to do and act how they please. If a camper struggles with the consequences of his or her own actions, a camp counselor is nearby to help them process and make decisions.
SALT — leadership training program for senior high campers
One of our core values at camp is leadership development. SALT (Service And Leadership Training) is our program for senior high campers. For half a week, the senior higher campers talk and learn about leadership — time management, working as a team, leadership types, good teaching skills, and program planning. Then they are put into service as a 'junior cabin leader' working with our staff to learn the ropes.
At Camp Mount Luther, we encounter God through neighbor, creation, and self in good S.O.I.L.: Spiritual Formation, Outdoor Adventure, Intentional Community, and Leadership Development. Camp Mount Luther is a Reconciling in Christ organization, accredited by the American Camp Association, and affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and Lutheran Outdoor Ministries.
Whether it's canoeing, swimming, fishing, low ropes course, gaga ball, four square, nine-square-in-the-air, capture the flag, disc golf, hiking, camping, singing, birdwatching, stargazing, crafts, Lego, or camel spotting, we've got something for everyone! Come spend a week with us and we suspect you'll probably never want to leave.
We are excited to premiere an all-gender cabin option for all programs. Providing more choices for housing allows us to accommodate campers in safe, welcoming, and inclusive spaces. Everyone who comes to camp has unique needs and this is another way we can provide experiences to meet our campers' needs. All our staff aged 18 and older undergo background checks, interview screening, and multiple references are checked. All campers and counselors are required to change in private. All cabins have a changing tent.
Cabin Faith Five — nightly spiritual practice with counselors
Nightly at camp, our counselors do Faith Five with our campers. The five steps are: SHARE your highs and lows; READ a Bible verse or story; TALK about how the Bible reading might relate to your highs and lows; PRAY for one another's highs and lows; BLESS one another.
Camper medical and dietary info — CampBrain system
With all our data consolidated in one location, we will have instantaneous access to camper information (including medical needs, food allergies, etc.) all in one place. No more juggling paper work. Everything is logged right here in our system so that we can take better notes and be even more attentive to each camper's needs. Rest assured that this information is all secure and only accessible by camp staff on a need-to-know basis.
