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.
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.