Our History
The Vision and Early Beginnings
The Vision of a Bible Camp began in the 1930’s with a dream by two men: Pastor Arvid Larson of Zion Lutheran Church, Trade Lake, Wisconsin, and Mr. Ed Dahlberg, the landowner that would become Luther Point. Lutheran congregations from the ELC, UELC, and Augustana Synod were among the charter members. The articles of incorporation for the Lutheran Bible Camp Association (Luther Point Bible Camp) were signed in July 1946.
Initial Development and Expansion (1947-1956)
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First Construction and Operations:
Construction of the first cabins began in October 1947, and the first campers attended in July 1949. -
Luther Lodge:
Luther Lodge, originally the faculty cabin and now serving as a year-round retreat center, was built in 1951. -
Chapel and Organ Donation:
The chapel was built in 1956, with Zion Lutheran Church of Trade Lake donating their pipe organ to be placed in it. -
Expansion of Camp Land:
Ed Dahlberg donated forty acres of woods across County Road M, increasing the camp's acreage.
Early Camp Leadership and Volunteer Staff
In the early years of the camp, counselors were strictly volunteers, and the program operated only during the summer months. Bob and Erna Berthelsen from Albert Lea, Minnesota, served as the camp managers for several summers, overseeing the camp’s operations during this time. In 1970, the camp hired its first paid counselors, marking a significant shift in staffing. The following year, in 1975, Gary Loktu became the camp’s first year-round director, and a residence for the director was built. Tragically, in 1976, Gary Loktu passed away during heart surgery, marking a sorrowful chapter in the camp's history.
Leadership Transitions (1977-1992)
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Rev. Chip Salzgeber's Leadership (1977-1979):
Rev. Chip Salzgeber was hired as the second camp director in 1977. Under his leadership, the camp expanded its programs to include group retreats and canoe trips. The camp dining hall (now the Gary Loktu Retreat Center) was winterized in 1977, and it now accommodates up to forty people overnight. -
Rev. Ted Berkland's Leadership (1980-1991):
In 1980, Rev. Ted Berkland became the camp director. Under his direction, significant improvements were made to the facilities, including a new septic system and the addition of bathroom and shower facilities to the Gary Loktu Center. The camp also grew in staff and programming. Berkland retired in October 1991. -
Rev. Craig Corbin's Leadership (1992-2013):
In May 1992, Rev. Craig Corbin became Executive Director. Under his leadership, the camp saw major improvements, including a beautiful new Retreat Center and remodeling of most buildings (except the camper cabins). He also initiated a campaign to build a Storm Shelter/Multi-purpose building. Corbin retired in October 2013.
Recent Leadership and Staff Changes (2013-2017)
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Jesse Weiss (2013-2014):
After Rev. Craig Corbin's retirement, Jesse Weiss served as the Term Executive Director from November 2013 to September 2014. -
Rev. Mark Peters (2014-2016):
Rev. Mark Peters served as Executive Director from September 2014 to 2016. -
Jon Hoyme (2016-2017):
After Mark Peters' departure, Jon Hoyme was hired as Interim Executive Director, serving from the end of 2016 until October 2017. Hoyme brought over 30 years of outdoor ministry experience and began leading the camp into the future. -
Sam Campeau (2017-Present):
In October 2017, the Board of Directors hired Sam Campeau as the Executive Director.
Camp Programs and Services
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Summer Camp Program:
Luther Point’s summer program includes day, half-week, and week-long sessions for children in grades 1-12, as well as a special week for families. The camp can accommodate up to 140 campers each week and offers canoe trips on the Namekagon and St. Croix Rivers for junior and senior high youth. -
Retreat Groups:
Retreat groups use the camp on weekends during the eight weeks of Bible Camp sessions. In the fall, winter, and spring, the camp hosts retreat groups during weekends and weekdays. -
Community and Denominational Open Door Policy:
Luther Point opens its doors to community groups, family gatherings, and retreaters from any church denomination
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Board of Directors and Staff
A volunteer Board of Directors, elected from the camp’s constituency at the annual meeting, provides direction and supervision of the ministry. The Board also hires the Executive Director. The camp employs five year-round staff members and hires approximately 35 summer staff, primarily college-age adults.