LVR is...
Lutheran Valley Retreat is a year round retreat and summer camp facility for all ages tucked away in the Pike National Forest. We are located 1.5 hours from Colorado Springs and 2.5 from Denver. Our mission is to share God’s grace and glory through His creation.
Focusing on Christ We value:
• The inerrant Word of God
• Loving all people as God Created them
• Relevant ministries that challenge, enrich, and encourage
• Fun safe outdoor activities for all
• Transformed Christ-like leaders who love the people in their community
Executive Director
Meet the team
Steve Johnson
Executive Director
Steve has been director of LVR since 2004. He is the husband of a wonderful wife, Angie, since June 2nd of 2000. Together they have four boys; Sam, Mason, Joe, and Bodie. This is Steve’s dream job where he gets to share Jesus through the wonderful tool of camp ministry. He is a visionary leader and LVR is blessed by his leadership and committment to LVR’s mission and vision.
Steve believes camp is the hope of the church, where children, youth, and families can thrive in their relationship with each other and with their Creator. This connection impacts all of us to live for Jesus!
Todd Kelm
Site Manager
Todd has been with the LVR team since December 2009. He is married to his beaufiul and outgoing wife, Tammy, and together they have five children: Marshal, Bowen, Ruby, Tucker, and Barrett. Todd’s entire family is a huge part of the ministry of LVR and if you’ve ever attended then you likely know them all.
Todd’s primary role is to maintain the site of LVR year-round. Despite the neverending and somewhat overwhelming job duties and requirements, Todd does a great job keeping up with everything that is requried of him. He is skilled in many ways that benefit the ministry and he is an invaluable asset to LVR. His skills keep the behind the scenes ministry of LVR alive and active.
Before LVR, Todd held similar jobs at Camp Lonestar in Texas, Camp Perkins in Idaho, and Lutherhaven in Idaho. We are so blessed to have Todd as part of the team at LVR.
Jessie spehar
Program Director
Jessie was new to the LVR team when she started in May of 2023, but she wasn’t new to the camp world. Serving 16 years across the county at Sanborn Western Camps she knows her way around a campfire. Jessie’s kindness radiates to all guests, young and old alike. She is a devout friend and sure to be there in any crisis with positivity and a home cooked meal.
Her University of Wyoming Degree in Education serves her well as she teaches kids about the outdoors, hiking and survival. She is eager to show the love of Jesus everywhere she goes and, while no one has never-ending patience, hers is as close as it gets.
Michaela Regier
Business Manager
Michaela, AKA Goose, was hired to be a full-time Business Manager for LVR in November of 2021! Michaela has had various positions at LVR as summer staff from 2018-2021 and she’s so good that we just had to keep her on permanently. Michaela attended Concordia University and graduated with her Bachelor’s in Business & Accounting.
Michaela oversees registration, payroll, and bookeeping, in addition to many other day-to-day operations for LVR. We are very excited for the addition of Michaela to the year-round team at LVR!