Dr. Craig S. Oldenburg, Executive Director

Craig has served as a teacher, youth minister, camp director and college professor. He and his wife Mary have served over 20 years in camp ministry together. Craig wrote a book on safety for youth ministers (Experiencing Safely) and since 1987, both have facilitated groups & teams in team building and challenge course around the United States including: Texas, Alabama, Colorado, Oregon, Nebraska, California, and Michigan.
​
Craig has been trained as an elementary school teacher and certified as a Director of Christian Education through Concordia University Chicago, received his masters in Family Life Ministry from Concordia University in Seward, NE, and completed a Doctorate of Ministry through George Fox University in Portland, OR. His dissertation project is titled Experiential Formations: how experiential education enhances faith formation.

Why did Craig come to Camp Concordia?

(A Personal note from the Director)
Prior to coming to Camp Camp Concordia in 2014, I served 17 years in camp ministry and 8 years in the university setting. Practically and philosophically I have seen proven over and over the power of camp in a family's life and in individual lives when it comes to being grounded in their faith - particularly their faith and following of Jesus Christ. Camp Concordia is the camp I went to as a child, and I'd like the people of Michigan to be able to have a strong camp that offers this opportunity. Since the 1980s, I have dreamed that one day I could direct CC to be a camp like this. Circumstances and timing were not always right, but this time, when my predecessor accepted a Call to serve elsewhere, God saw fit to have the CC board of directors Call me - and the timing was right. I believe my background will support the outcomes and am grateful to be here.
​
Craig "Doc" Oldenburg

Mary Oldenburg, Executive Assistant

Born in Detroit, raised outside of Philadelphia and later New York City, I appreciated all the culture city life had to offer.  Now I find myself enjoying the country of West Michigan, especially in the summer, when the sky is blue!  

I received my BA degree in Secondary Education at Concordia University, Chicago (where I met my husband Craig), and taught in Lutheran schools in Detroit and San Diego.  I also served as Director of Student Activities, Student Life Education at Concordia University, Nebraska, and received certification as a Director of Christian Education from Concordia University, Portland, Oregon.  I enjoy teaching, tutoring, and training children and young adults, especially when it involves everyday skills!  Here the outdoor setting provides a unique avenue that brings God’s Word to the hearts of children and young adults.  I am honored to serve in this growing children's and youth ministry.

Ayla Kennedy, Director of Programs (Begins August 2023)

​Born and raised in the Indianapolis area, I grew up with a heart for the outdoors. Beginning in third grade, I went to summer camp in southern Indiana (Camp Lakeview). It was my favorite week of the year and a place I considered home. It was there where my love for and knowledge of Jesus was truly established. I continued to return to that camp multiple times each year, soaking up every minute I could get. Which brings us to today - I attended Purdue University, graduating with a BS in Psychology in December of 2022 and the summer of 2023 marks my fourth and final summer serving at Lakeview Ministries. I look forward to joining a new community and enjoying all of the many lakes and landscapes God provides near Camp Concordia. 
​
My favorite Bible passage is Matthew 10:29-31 which tells us that God has care for even the sparrows, worth half a cent. If that’s true, imagine how much more our Father in Heaven cares for us, His children! This is a comfort to me that I carry with me everywhere I go.

Sam Schmidt, Director of Operations (Begins August 2023)
​
I attended Hanover College, majoring in Mathematics, and minoring in Computer Science and Theology. Outside of my classes, I loved spending my time in college being involved with a campus ministry, hiking the many trails in my area, and playing disc golf, piano, and ultimate frisbee. 

I was blessed to be able to spend my summers at Lakeview Ministries, a Lutheran summer camp in southern Indiana. Although working at a summer camp is not the first job that people associate with a math degree, I recognized that I was passionate about teaching others about Jesus through Lakeview Ministries, and I decided I wanted to use my skills to continue helping others grow in their faith in a camp setting. I am very excited to be able to serve full time at Camp Concordia, and I look forward to seeing how God will continue to work through this camp. 

My favorite Bible verse is Luke 23:34 which reads, “Jesus said, ‘Father forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.’ And they divided up his clothes by casting lots.” Even though I have heard from a very young age that Jesus loves us and forgives our sins, Jesus’ words in this verse always amaze me. Even as Jesus is painfully put to death and mocked, he prays for our forgiveness. It is the first example I think of when I think of Jesus’ unending love and mercy.