"Fire on the Mountain": Lutheran Valley Retreat staff reunion
July 3-6, 2025
“Oh God, from my youth you have taught me, and I still proclaim your wondrous deeds. So even to old age and gray hairs, O God, do not forsake me, until I proclaim your might to another generation, your power to all those to come.” (Psalm 71:17-18)
This staph picture of 2009 is one of many summer staph crews! Send us in your summer staph photos! Email lvr@lvr.org
Beginning in 1959, camps were run by program staff at Lutheran Valley Retreat, until Wes Vissar became LVR’s first onsite director; followed by a quick succession of Bert Schirmer, “Red” Shell and Jim Blase. Next, during Craig & Mary Oldenburg’s directorship, with the construction of the current kitchen building, year-round programming began in 1995. This year under Steve Johnson, LVR is celebrating 66 years of staffing Lutheran Valley Retreat! Whether you were a program staff, year-round staff, counselor, cook, maintenance, or medic, this reunion is for you and your family!
Expect:
- To camp in the campground Thursday and move onto camp Friday afternoon.
- Singing songs led by or along with Dr. Craig “Squishy” Oldenburg
- A campfire devotion with Luke “Trigger” Kunze
- Sharing stories every night with past staff
- The chance for your family to choose your adventure for activities
**As this is a family event we ask you please leave pets and alcohol off site. Thank you.
Housing Options:
– Stay on site:
- Camping in Campground Thursday night (Limited electrical hook-ups)
- Onsite Lodging with other families beginning Friday afternoon
– Stay off site at your expense – coordinated by yourself
Pricing: Your housing option does not change the price of the weekend
– $150 per adult
– $75 per kid (5-17 years old)
– 4 and under are free
*If you need financial assistance, please complete the Campership Form or consider donating to the campership fund to assist a family attending.
Sample Schedule:
Thursday Evening, July 3, 2025
6:00 Arrive LVR campground; set-up camp
7:30 Welcome, getting to know you!
8:00 Campfire devotions-Amphitheater
Singing, sharing stories, marshmallow roast
Night Hike overlook to Cedar
Friday, July 4, 2025 and Saturday, July 5, 2025
7:30 Breakfast at Campground (Friday only)
9:00 Morning Devotions
9:30 Choose Your Own Adventure (Hike Cedar, Archery, High Ropes, Rappelling)
12:30 Lunch at Campground (Friday only)
2:00 Choose Your Own Adventure (Team Challenge, Zip-line, Servant Event)
3:30 Country Store Open!
5:30 Dinner in the Dining Room
6:30 All Camp Activity (i.e. Shine Time on Saturday)
8:00 Campfire Devotions
Singing, sharing stories, s’mores
Star Gazing
Sunday, July 6, 2025
7:30 Breakfast in Dining Hall
8:30 Worship planning
9:30 Worship
Pack-up, Clean-up Camp!
Go Kindle New Fires!