Camp Concordia has been around since 1957. Camping in the 1960s all the way through the 1980s was the summer thing to do. With the invention of the computer and its intersection with the internet, many camps have seen declines. Camp Concordia declined to the point that in 2004 one of the local banks called in the loan they carried and some tough times began. One man, who chooses to remain anonymous, wrote a check for $100,000 that year and saved the camp. Ten years later, after some initial rebuilding, there were enough changes that the children's and youth camps took off like wildfire. Growing from 125 campers to 541 - surpassing many of the record numbers from the 1960s and 70s.

This growth and improvement has taken place because of awesome summer ministry staff. Staff who choose to give up many other things for the summer in order that in the midst of their staff relationships, staff fun, great personal growth they have created a sanctuary with Jesus. A faith building time in which they themselves grow more than they could anticipate. 

Great camp. Yes. But because of AWESOME staff. During the summer we often hear of groups of summer staff packing up on their weekend off and going to Lake Michigan together and then often that is followed by going to each other's churches together. At least one time per summer they all get treated to Charlie's Ice Cream - a great stand just north of Camp Concordia. 

Since 2014, I (Craig "Doc" Oldenburg) have served alongside dozens of staff members. Each one much different than the other. Each valued by God. Each and awesome friend to the rest of the staff. Awesome camp. Awesome staff!

Each year there is always something new and amazing at Camp Concordia. Sometimes it is simple and fun and at the camp store (Canteen). In 2022, it is Tuck the Turtle (his full name is Tucker). Tucker will be on quality 3" die cut stickers campers can purchase for $1 to put on their Nalgene water bottle (or wherever you permit) and on 3.7" drink coasters (a $1 gift for mom or dad).* Tucker comes with his own Camp Concordia logo shirt. 

We are NOT sticker experts. So we went to the people who ARE sticker experts (Sticker Mule) and they did an awesome job. Even Tucker is happy. Too much fun. Some day we will probably need to try out their laptop stickers (you can even purchase these in bulk for marking your family's belongings). 

More camp store items to be talked about in the future. 

I received a phone call recently asking it Camp Concordia was going to require staff to have vaccinations. A great question. My answer was: I don’t know yet. We are waiting to see what the state of Michigan requires. 

In 2020 and 2021, the state of Michigan figured out a safe way for camps to operate without having the requirement of vaccines or masks. We operated in “cohorts” (which we always did anyway - our cabin, or discipleship groups), and basically had a blast at camp learning and growing in our faith in Jesus Christ. There was definitely anxiety here and there with campers, parents, summer ministry staff, camp director, etc. We wanted to do the right and healthy thing in an atmosphere of uncertainty. 

Our information will be made available as soon as we hear more from our county health department and our camp overseers in the state of Michigan. Thank you for your patience. 

Camp Concordia has been intending to operate exactly the same as we did in 2020. Since younger children cannot get the vaccination, the recommendation we have been given by the State of Michigan is to remain in "family cohorts" - which we call a cabin group. Over the last seven summer this is how Camp Concordia has operated anyway. So we are used to excelling as small groups.

This means check-in will remain similar to 2020 as well - meaning that parents and other family members will stay in their car and drop the camper off at the point closest to the cabins on our camp road. Unless the Michigan law changes, you will be greeted at the front gate, sent to the staff person who will ask the "COVID questions" and take the campers temperature, and then move on to "normal" drive through check-in, including: canteen /spending money deposit, normal health history form questions and medications/vitamin check in (if any). Campers are escorted by Camp Concordia staff to their cabins while parents (and other family members) drive off).

Do not be surprised if the Camp Concordia staff is still wearing masks. We will be taking precautions still since we will have campers coming from around Michigan. 

Unless we all find out something different, please DO have your campers "isolate" prior to camp to avoid any transmission. But know, that when they get to cap their cabin group will be able to share the week together without masks.  

Camp Concordia staff is currently training and getting ready for your children. We are asking them to "isolate" also. This will assure the healthiest situation for your camper this summer. 

​We are grateful to God for experiencing an enormously successful 2020 and value your prayers for 2021.

Greetings from Camp Concordia! We hope and pray you are well during this challenging time in our state and nation. Camp Concordia board members and staff are doing everything in our power to open and run camps beginning July 5th!

We were encouraged on June 1, when the Governor's Executive order 2020-110 opened up day camps for children as of June 8 (subject to guidance issued by the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs). There is some indication of a push to get overnight camps running in July, and Camp Concordia has most of the summer ministry staff necessary for a July start-up. Due to personal financial needs, some of the staff who hoped to join us needed to obtain full summer-long jobs. Although staff training has been delayed, we need to begin training soon so we can be prepared for children's summer camps scheduled to start July 5th.

As of June 5, the Governor's Executive order 2020-115 stated residential camps remain closed for the time being; however, her goal is to get the state to Phase 5 before July 4. There are strong indicators from other members of the state that we should be ready to reopen safely in early July and the day camp publication could help guide resident camps. The publication does not explore specifics on requirements, so we will need to tackle them when they come; however, there still exists the possibility the Governor may say we cannot run summer camp.

What are SOME examples of the things Camp Concordia is doing to reopen safely?

1. ​Check-in: For 2020, dropping off your camper(s) will be a completely new experience, including: staying in the vehicle for camper temperature check and health questions, final payments and cabin assignments, then final camper drop off right near the cabin so you can say goodbye from your vehicle. No entering buildings or standing in line with others.
2. Cabin Arrangements: Bunks have been moved to increase airflow, and partitions added to minimize camper direct contact. The A/C units will operate as needed during occupancy and when unoccupied, windows opened with fans to circulate fresh air. All luggage will be stored under the bunk beds (maximum height of 11”) and additional clothesline’s available to hang wet suits or air out clothing.
3. Cabin Groups: Camp Concordia is already known for using a small group model. As in the past, cabin groups will still get to choose activities, eat together (outside as much as possible), experience Bible adventures, attend camp fire devotions, etc. In the case where traditionally all cabin groups have gathered together for information, in 2020, cabin groups will remain distanced from other cabin groups.
4. Disinfecting: In 2020, Camp Concordia is bringing in a disinfecting fogger (camp already uses a mosquito sprayer) and will have a regular cleaning schedule for disinfecting hard surfaces in bathrooms and public areas.
5. Life Jackets: Each camper will be assigned a life jacket for the week for canoeing.
6. Archery Equipment: A plan for the archery program leader to disinfect equipment between cabin group usage. Whenever possible, each camper will use their assigned bow and set of arrows.
7. ​Hand-washing Stations: Additional “portable” hand-washing stations placed around camp with staff trained to stop by these stations with campers often.
8. What Else?: As July approaches, we could learn more about the virus. The state of Michigan guidelines for reopening could change and cause us to add to or take away any of the plans we have to keep children safe.

What you need to do to send your camper safely.

1. Bring Face Mask: It is not recommended that campers wear face masks constantly but they should be available for inclimate weather when cabin groups need to spend time indoors.
2. Disinfect and Measure Luggage: Please measure that the camper’s luggage can fit under an 11” high bunk, and as the luggage is packed into your car, be sure it is disinfected.
3. Dirty clothes bag: In 2020, cabin group Counselors will be requesting all camper’s dirty clothes go into a dirty clothes bag and be stored away under the bunk beds. Please label bags and clothes.
4. Practice Coughing and Sneezing: In order for your camper to attend camp in 2020, they MUST be able to cough or sneeze into their shirt sleeve as needed, consistently.
5. Practice Washing hands for 20+ seconds: Campers might be asked to share the song they sing to do this.
6. Extra flat bed sheet: We are encouraging you to send an extra light and flat bedsheet for your camper to hang on the side of their bunk for nighttime sleeping.

And...what might your camper do this summer?

• ​Sling shots, swimming, and pick wild raspberries,
• Canoeing, campfires, and Gaga ball,
• Riflery, nature crafts, and Bible adventures
• 9-Square in the Air, Pickleball, and Disc Golf

...the camp experience will be different, for sure, but still very full, very active, and very deep in growing friendships. 

We will be connecting you to a new 2020 Essential Camp Information sheet soon to help you with packing, check-in and check-out details. 

We are scratching our heads and wondering, just like you. We can all pretend to be scientists and/or prophets, but really it would be...just...pretend. God has this. And we are being as observant about what to do and how to move forward as we possibly can be. And so you might ask: What might summer camp 2020 look like?

Good Question!

The Camp Concordia Board of Directors met Saturday, April 25. There has been lot of discussion and prayer around summer camp. No one wants Camp Concordia to be the cause of something bad for any of our families. We know we are dependent on the information given to us by the state of Michigan. So this is our plan:

• May 16: On Saturday, May 16, the board of directors will make a decision about summer camp sessions for June. If there needs to be a change, we will contact you by email. If the state determines camp can not be run in June, we will advise families on open sessions for July. NOTE: Even if camp is able to be open all summer, it may be limited to 50 or less people.
• May 30: On Saturday, May 30, the board of directors will make a decision about summer camp sessions for July. If summer camp is open in July, the first session would begin Sunday, July 5th. NOTE: Even if camp is able to be open all summer, it may be limited to 50 or less people.

​Summer camp would look different than it has the last few years. Team building in close groups would be eliminated for now and there would be more "separated" activities like canoeing. Not too much of a change. We are exploring the idea of tube bandanas for each camper to wear and use when the time is right. Meals would be outdoors as often as weather permits and would be in shifts so campers can spread out. Cabins would have 1/2 the campers (a 12 person cabin would have 1 staff and 5 campers).

All of this will strain Camp Concordia financially, but we believe we can make it happen and there is a good reason to make it happen. Making these changes for 2020 does mean we will not get that $60,000 new roof for the Lodge and will instead buy the $60 can of roofing repair to temporarily fix our leaks. We can live with that if you can. 

If Camp Concordia cannot run this summer, families will be given options for their deposits and payments. 

• Donation - Camp Concordia depends completely upon donations and fees to maintain a sustainable ministry. Please consider contributing what you have already paid as a tax-deductible donation. If this is not possible, please consider donating the $100 deposit.
• Roll-over - Camp Concordia invests your deposit into staff recruitment and program supplies. With the loss of income this year, it will be a difficult year to maintain a sustainable ministry. If you cannot contribute the deposit to the ministry, please roll it over into 2021. The money will remain documented in your online account.
• Refund - Camp Concordia understands that not everyone can contribute in 2020 and will refund your payments and deposits if necessary, less $10 to cover transaction expenses.

At this date, the state of Michigan has not made recommendations or mandates about summer camps in 2020. The CDC should be providing guidelines this week for running camps safely. Thankfully, our summer staff have agreed to work all or part of the summer with some exceptions. Praise the Lord!