Coronavirus Updates – May 15, 2020

Dear Friends of Calumet Nation:

Last night, I met with Calumet’s Board of Directors to discuss the status of Calumet’s iconic Resident Camp for Kids. Many of these leaders have been part of the Calumet community for a very long time. Some board members were campers, leadership training participants, and staff members. Some are parents of campers and parents of staff members. Our love of camp knows no bounds and it is our love for Calumet’s children that guided the evening’s difficult discussion. We listened to a review of the facts as we have them now and considered all options before us. Though the CDC’s and ACA’s guidelines for overnight camps are still in the development stage, we — like all kinds of camps here in New Hampshire that are just like Calumet — find that we have no alternative but to announce: Resident Camp for Kids and all other programs we offer for children will not take place this summer.

In recent days, we have consulted with the state of New Hampshire, the American Camp Association, other New England summer camps, and the ELCA’s Lutheran Outdoor Ministries Network. The health and safety of our campers and staff is our priority. Already having put a hold on preparations for a successful camp season, Calumet can no longer wait an uncertain amount of time for the possibility of hopeful data.

This is a huge disappointment for campers and staff who look forward to spending part of their summer at camp. We — Calumet Nation as a whole — share this sorrow. For over 60 years, Calumet has been a place that is chock full of happy splashing, worshipful singing, and relationship building. It’s been about loud cheers and the constant, holy noise of goodness. The idea that Luther Hall, Johnson Hall, and the ODC will be quiet this summer is simply unfathomable.

We need time to figure out all of the implications related to this announcement. In the beginning portion of June, we will be sharing announcements related to registered campers, our training programs, and staffing. We commit to reaching out to you by June 5th.

Friends, these are tough times. The fact that Calumet won’t have kids at camp this summer will make it even tougher for Camp Calumet. But in all things, we put our trust in God. We lean on God’s gift of community. Calumet Nation is strong and resilient. With lots of prayer and lots of creativity, we will persevere. My prayers are with you as we digest this news. I pray for every child who looks forward to their time at Calumet every year. I pray for our staff and participants in our training programs who so look forward to giving back to Calumet. I pray for parents who will have tough conversations with family members.

Calumet’s leaders will continue to monitor options and possibilities regarding our ministry related to the Family Campground and the Conference Center. Pray for Calumet’s leaders who are working hard to determine what’s best for the summer ahead. On their behalf, I want to thank you for your support. Be well, be smart, be safe, be healthy, and make good choices.

Karl Ogren, Executive Director

Calumet Lutheran Ministries

Coronavirus Updates – May 5, 2020

May 5, 2020

Dear Calumet Friends,

We hope this finds you and your loved ones healthy and safe.  We are so grateful for all you do every day for your family and for our greater communities. This is a challenging time for us all. Many of us are challenged to do things differently — and in different places. In conversations with many from Calumet Nation, I’ve heard expressions of gratitude for this time with their families, for meals together, for health, and for all who are providing the essential services to help keep us safe. That perspective should serve as an inspiring reminder that whatever happens in the months ahead — Calumet Nation is a community that sees the blessings. As we move ahead, being able to see the blessings is what will help Calumet Nation persevere.

We are actively following data and recommendations from regulatory agencies related to COVID19 with a focus on camper and staff safety. Due to the rapidly changing situation of COIVD-19, Calumet’s leadership has made the decision to delay the opening of our family campground. We continue to listen to guidance received from federal, state, and local authorities.

Looking ahead we know this summer will be different for us all — including Calumet’s awesome Resident Camp for Kids.  The safety of Calumet’s campers, their families, and our staff is our first priority.  We want you to know that the Board of Directors is learning from the medical experts and the camp professional organizations to understand the impact of this pandemic. We will update you as we have more information and our goal is to communicate the summer plan to you by June 1. But here’s what we know today:

Will Calumet open as scheduled?

First thing’s first. Due to Emergency order #40 pursuant to executive order 2020-04, an update to emergency order #17, Calumet has suspended all guest operations through the end of May. We are regularly monitoring all that comes from the State of NH as it relates to our work as a campground, a Resident Camp, a hotel (Conference Center), and a Restaurant (the Dining Room).

We continue to prepare for Resident Camp at Calumet to open this summer. Depending on the guidance of the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the American Camping Association (ACA), and the NH Health Department (DHHS), we may be able to figure out a shortened season starting later in the summer.

When will we decide definitively if and when Calumet will open?

Our goal is to decide in the beginning days of June, but it may be even later. We promise to keep you in the loop as decision making unfolds. We have the ability to get Calumet open very quickly.

What safety precautions will be put in place this summer?

We are watching closely as the CDC develops COVID-19 guidance for camps for this summer. The CDC’s guidance will help state public health authorities to utilize best practices in health screening and camp operations. We are monitoring the availability of quality testing for families and staff. Excellent hygiene, social distancing, and significantly increased cleaning standards will need to be part of our plan.

Do I still need to complete my paperwork 3 weeks prior to start of Calumet?

Yes. If your annual physical exam date is after the due date or your usual pediatrician visit has been postponed related to COVID-19, please leave ONLY the physical exam section and immunizations incomplete in the record until you have the documentation and signed form(s). Once you have completed the physical exam and form, send it in to Julie here at Calumet. In the meantime, we ask that you please complete the rest of the camper health questions so that the Calumet’s Health Team can review and prepare for the summer.

What information will help support Calumet’s decision to operate this summer?

Calumet’s communicable disease plan for COVID-19 will be developed using information provided by CDC, ACA, DHHS, and Association of Camp Nursing (“ACN”). Once it is developed, it will help determine whether it is safe and possible for Calumet to operate and, if so, under what restrictions.

Is there additional financial aid for camper families impacted by COVID-19?

Yes, we recognize that COVID-19 will have a financial impact on many families. Please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if your family now needs consideration for financial aid for the 2020 season due to COVID-19. Our hope is to give every child the opportunity to attend camp regardless of their family’s economic situation.

How will our Leadership Training programs and Leadership Development strategy be affected by COVID-19?

If Calumet does not operate in 2020, we will provide opportunities for all who had planned on being here this summer to be here in 2021.

Can Calumet survive a summer without camper tuition?

Due to excellent work on the part of Calumet Nation for so many years, Calumet’s financial situation has been strong. We have always had generous support from donors and Calumet’s spending plan has always been very careful and conservative. In response to the potential disruption from COVID-19, Calumet:

Immediately froze all spending except for salaries, health benefits, and utilities.

Calumet applied for and secured funding through a low interest loan.

Calumet has some savings which we talk about as our endowment fund. It is incredibly well-managed. A portion of the fund may be available.

Calumet Nation will need to step up again this year and our Development Team is working on what that looks like.

If Covid 19 does not allow campers to gather in 2020 …

We will explore all possibilities of supporting and connecting our Calumet community this summer in brand new ways.

In closing — Thank you for your patience as we move through this difficult time together. We remain grateful for the strength of our Calumet Nation. Be in touch with the appropriate staff person if you have any questions or concerns. We’re doing the best we can. We put our trust in God who is bigger and stronger than any of the challenges we are facing. God is working through each one’s kindness and commitment toward neighbors. Pray for patience. Have hope. And know that God is with each one of us. Be well, be smart, be safe, be healthy, and make good choices! Boom Chicka Boom!

Karl Ogren, Executive Director

March 30

Dear Calumet Friends,

Trusting God’s grace and goodness, we send these lines to you with warm greetings and thankful hearts. Our thoughts are filled with warm, summer memories and our hopes are focused on connecting with friends, old & new, as soon as it is possible. We hope everyone is doing well and we urge you to be in community with Calumet Nation through Facebook and Instagram. Those connections can bring comfort, connection, and support. We are staying up-to-date on the COVID-19 situation and are responding as is appropriate and necessary. We will provide periodic updates on the front page of our website which will be a great way for you to be in the loop about what’s happening at Calumet. At the moment, simply put, there’s so much we just do not know.

This is a time of non-stop information. Much of it is helpful, but much of it is unhelpful. We must all do our best to be mindful of our children, our older adults and vulnerable populations, those who are sick, and those who may struggle with anxiety. The way we navigate these strange days can seriously impact the ones in our midst. Please pray for those who are in positions of vulnerability, for everyone who is providing care, for the people who are making decisions, and for the people communicating important information to the broader community.

What about camp?

Projects: Though we still have some snow on the ground and the lake remains (mostly) frozen, we are starting to see signs of spring all around. Todd and his team have many projects underway. The Girls Senior End bathroom, lovingly dubbed “The Treehouse,” is complete as is the other brand new bathroom next to the Snack Barn.Other projects: New metal roofs on the Girls Cabins; a replacement deck and new doors at the Conference Center; Construction on “The Oasis” has begun.

About the Year-Round Staff:

Though office staff members are working from home, they continue to be available to you through email. Phone calls will be returned on a regular basis, but please be prepared for a slight delay.

To our Summer Staff:

Some of you are finishing this college semester at home, some are remote learning through your high school, some are working from home, and some of you are continuing with normal routines because your job is considered essential. Know this — Our thoughts and prayers are with you as you navigate these challenging days and weeks. Each day, we will continue to pray for you. You are not alone. Stay connected both to each other and to God whose love is certain and true.

To our Campers:

We are sending a great, big Boom Chicka Boom! You are strong and we will get through this together. As with everything, during these days of unknowns we put our trust in God. We look to Jesus who is regularly engaged in our lives through the connections we have, the kindnesses offered, and the hopes shared. We feel God’s Spirit which gives us strength. We can’t wait until we meet again. We hope you are following Calumet on Instagram as some of Calumet’s awesome staff begin sharing activities and such. Stay connected to your Calumet friends!

Is camp currently open to visitors?

In response to NH Emergency Order #17, pursuant to Executive Order 2020-04 issued March 27th by NH Gov. Chris Sununu requiring all non-essential organizations to close and discouraging unnecessary travel, Calumet has made the decision to close our property to guests at this time. Summer camp does not begin until the end of June and we will continue to update the Calumet community as our view of the immediate future begins to clear.

There is no lodging or camping open at camp, but for local and day visitors: We will not discourage those who wish to walk the property as a way of getting exercise (and we ask that you follow all CDC guidelines as you do). In fact feel free to pick up some sticks, rake a pile of pine needles, and tidy up as you wander. Should the time come that this changes, we certainly will update you.

Is camp accepting phone calls and emails?

Yes. Our staff is currently working remotely (for the most part) and we are actively monitoring emails and phone calls. Send an email, leave a message. We will certainly get back to you as soon as we can.

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COVID-19 Resources

We continue to monitor several reliable resources of information about COVID-19 and share them with you here:

Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

American Camp Association (ACA)
New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS)

Johns Hopkins University & Medicine Coronavirus Resource Center

Thank you for the support, the care, and the prayers you have offered all of us here at Calumet. These are strange days, but we are continuing our work of building and growing relationships. Follow us on Facebook and see that ways we are engaging Calumet Nation!
Boom Chicka Boom!

Karl