May 2025!

As the days grow longer and warmer, signs of spring are everywhere at camp. Volunteers have been hard at work during our recent work weekend—leaf blowers buzzing, rakes in motion, and the scent of fresh air and pine all around. The beach is being cleared and prepped for summer fun, cabins and buildings are being refreshed with a deep clean to welcome campers once again.

Soon, our dedicated summer staff will arrive for preseason training, bringing energy and enthusiasm as we gear up for an unforgettable resident camp season. The excitement is building, and we can’t wait to welcome everyone back for another summer of adventure, friendship, and memories.

There's still lots happening here at Calumet, retreat groups continue to receive the hospitality of our year round staff, our Memorial Day weekend program is filling up, we have staff anniversaries and an installation and so much more... check out the news, we hope you'll visit and celebrate with us!  

In Our Prayers

We pray for the family of Henry "Hank" Ritz and of Larry Thatcher who died in April.  Both loved Calumet and were generous in their support- their legacy of giving has continued through memorial gifts. We are grateful. May they rest in peace and rise in Glory. 

Additionally, we continue to lift the names of other saints who died in recent months and whose families continue to mourn: Dennis Schroeder, Joyce Sweeney, Judith Prills Bartley, Dot Bjork, Dave Dion, Donna Hauge, Bob Johansson, Susan Kane, and Juri Niiler and others whose names are not listed here, but whose circles of love, we pray, will be comforted by God. May they experience peace and comfort...

We pray for leaders throughout our nation ... for leaders in Washington and in state capitals ... for leaders at the county level and those who lead cities and towns ... may they make decisions that are free from fear and which lift up the least among us ...

For Ralph Johansson who is managing ongoing health concerns ...

For Gerald Whiting as he awaits a heart transplant... 

For those who are glad for prayer support -- Elizabeth who struggles with being diagnosed (again) with cancer ... may treatments reduce tumors ... for Tasha who has been undergoing treatment for cancer ... 

For those who are at higher risk of dying by suicide (veterans and LGBTQIA+ youth in particular) ...

For the LGBTQIA+ students and their parents who are having to manage any number of special challenges related to (for some) their healthcare, (for some) navigating challenges related to their government IDs, (for some) seeking support from systems and institutions ...

Those who struggle in quiet ways (prayer for courage, strength, and resolve) ...

Ones who experience fear, anxiety, or worry (prayer for hope and trust) ...

For pastors and congregation members who are experiencing pressures tied to their advocacy and their commitment to journeying with marginalized ones who, for any number of reasons, are in fear ...

For those who struggle with addiction and those who feel powerless as they see the difficulties of loved ones who are addicted ...

And all for whom we pray at this very moment who need your care, wisdom, and touch, we entrust them to you, O God. Amen.

ONE -- Hey! Hey! Resident Camp for Kids 2025 is now receiving online registrations. Calumet 2025 will be the best summer ever! Camp Director Adam Fales shares this:

TWO -- Family Camp

Experience the magic of summer at Calumet! While our resident camp is in full swing, adults and families can enjoy their own unforgettable adventure at Family Camp—a tradition that’s been bringing people together for decades. Whether you’re staying in a village cabin, our conference center with private baths or relaxing at your campsite, you’ll love unplugging, unwinding by the lake, and making lifelong memories!

THREE -- Here at Camp Calumet, the fun doesn’t stop when summer ends — we have Retreats Year Round!

FOUR -- Our spring Fruits & Roots Midweek Retreat for Adults at Camp Calumet just wrapped up, and wow — what a meaningful, soul-nourishing experience it was! Centered on the fruits of the Spirit — Kindness & Goodness — this retreat brought together beautiful people, powerful stories, and unforgettable moments.

Join us this fall for another wonderful Fruits and Roots retreat: Sept 29-Oct 2, 2025

FIVE -- FAMILY CAMP PLUS WEEK is around the corner! August 17-22, 2025 we'll be joined by Chaplain Pr. Susan Minasian 

SIX --Memorial Day Weekend (May 23-26) --Join Pr. Mike Lembke, chaplain for Calumet's annual Memorial Day Weekend celebration! 

The waterfront will be open for swimming, canoeing, and kayaking. There will be fun, family oriented activities in the fields now free from snow and crafts for all to enjoy.

Learn more by clicking below.

SEVEN -- You are invited! Join us Sunday, June 29th, during our 10am worship for the installation of Pastor Sara J Anderson to her call as Associate Executive Director. 

All are welcome. Clergy are invited to join the assembly in bright celebratory summer clothing, no vestments necessary. We thank Pr. Jon Hopkins for preaching, Pr. Anne Roser, Dean of the ME conference for presiding at the installation and John Christianson for his gifts of music shared that Sunday.

EIGHT -- Calumet is HIRING! 

We have open positions for cooks in both our Conference Center and Lakeside Dining Hall as well as for dishwashers in our Conference Center.  

A summer at Calumet could be the perfect fit for YOU!  Interested or know someone who might be? Contact our food service manager, chef Adrien: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

NINE -- Calumet looks forward with great anticipation to the best summer we've ever had down beside the moonlit waters.

We also give thanks as Karl Ogren, our Executive Director, marks his 30th anniversary on year-round staff and continues leading us with a mighty (and if you know Karl, it's really mighty) Boom Chicka Boom. 

TEN -- The Calumet Spirit is vibrant in this place and through it's people, each of you and all of you, every. single. one. 

Your financial support matters. 

We've recently updated our giving page. Be sure to check out this easy and convenient way to give. 

It doesn't matter the size of your gift, when you give what you can, when everyone participates -- that Spirit shines boldly.

Thank you for giving. Thank you for visiting. Thank you for praying- for Calumet, and its leaders, and its programs, and its ministry! 

Boom Chicka Boom!