Camp Lutherhaven Open House – Event Recap & Recording
Thank you to everyone who joined us for Tuesday evening’s Camp Lutherhaven Open House. It was an energizing night filled with thoughtful conversation, shared passion for the ministry, and valuable feedback that will help guide the next steps in our planning. For those unable to attend — or for anyone who would like to revisit or share the presentation — we’ve made the full recording available below.
Project Prioritization Exercise Results
During the interactive “Lutherhaven Spending Money” activity, attendees allocated investments toward a variety of potential future projects. The seven initiatives that received the most support were:
1. Dining Hall Expansion – $1,695
2. New Staff Housing – $1,010
3. New Indoor Gymnasium – $465
4. New Multi-use Court – $385
5. New Treetop Restrooms – $360
5. Pavilion Updates – $295
6. Trail Network Expansion – $220
These results are already helping shape our planning and prioritization for future phases.
Comment Card Highlights
Participants also shared written feedback across several categories. Below is a consolidated summary of the themes and suggestions we received.
Medical Area & Safety
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Add an emergency shower with hose and floor drain in the medic bathroom
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Add an eyewash feature to the medic bathroom sink
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Invite past medical volunteers to sponsor equipment (otoscope, exam table, oximeter, etc.)
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Address the lack of storm shelters; consider incorporating shelter space into a new building
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Optimize medical storage through cabinets and overhead space
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Include dedicated sleeping quarters for the First Aid Coordinator and program staff
Facility Layout & Design
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Concerns about the proposed location of the camp store and potential congestion on Sundays
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FAC line and store line may conflict; suggestion to create an L-shaped flow
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Interest in expanded or relocated summer staff workspace
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Questions about front-door visibility in the off-season if the store is relocated
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Observations that initial renderings feel “institutional” rather than rustic and natural
Program & Experience Enhancements
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Preserve visibility and use of the playground as a welcoming feature for young campers
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Maintain or expand property across the lake to protect the quiet, undeveloped space
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Create dedicated space for archival displays and historical materials
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Recognition that original cabin concepts included restroom facilities
General Comments
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“We need our history and photos on exhibit!”
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Support for placing archival materials in Burger Cabin or a dedicated store/office
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Multiple mentions of moose(s)
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Encouragement to pursue additional property acquisition
Next Steps: Design Revisions Underway
All comments related to the Agape Welcome Center have been shared with Design Collaborative. Your input has already prompted several significant adjustments in the next round of drawings. While plans are still in development, proposed updates include:
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Removing the camp store from the Agape Center
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Adding an additional restroom
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Reworking the medic area to improve flow and incorporate sleeping space
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Reorienting the building layout now that the store is removed
Your feedback is shaping this project in meaningful ways, and we appreciate your continued engagement.
Looking Ahead: Phase 3 Grant Proposal
The results of Tuesday night’s prioritization exercise will directly inform our planning for a Phase 3 grant proposal. The highest-ranked projects will help guide which capital improvements are pursued as we prepare for future funding opportunities.
Thank you again for your participation, your insights, and your commitment to Camp Lutherhaven’s mission. If you have additional thoughts or questions, we would love to hear from you — your voice truly matters as we plan for the future.