About Us

Lutheran Outdoor Ministries of Florida

A Short History

HISTORY:

The Florida-Bahamas Synod organized LOMF in December 1989 as a corporation with a Board of Directors. LOMF serves the 200 plus congregations of the Florida-Bahamas Synod, ELCA. A 350-acre site named “Luther Springs” was purchased in April 1990. A capital campaign, Now is the Time, was launched in October 1990 with program and site development goals. In 1996 the Connections capital campaign allowed LOMF to complete the infrastructure, and the mortgage was reduced from $570,000 to $300,000. A five-year budget commitment from the Florida-Bahamas Synod and two Lutheran individuals retired the mortgage on March 1, 2001. Foundations for Faith, a three-year capital campaign for continuing development at Luther Springs, was launched in 2001. The campground was opened in 1997. The first phase of the Kinports Retreat Center (meeting and eating space) was dedicated in January 2000. The Morgan Village cabins were constructed in 2000, housing 5 weeks of new summer programming. St. Peter House with motel-style sleeping rooms was constructed in 2001. The following year, the Schmertmann Welcome Center (camp office and store) and the outdoor pavilion were dedicated. In 2005 the lakefront restroom facilities and the new 65,000-gallon Summers/McPhail/Stavros swimming pool complex were completed.

The Rev. Robert W. Kuehner was called as the first Executive Director in January 1991 and served until May, 2006. The Rev. Ronald A. Nielsen was called as Interim Executive Director in October, 2006 and is serving in that capacity today.

Don Pelt has served as Camp Director for Luther Springs since 2004, and Chad Campbell has been Program Director for LOMF since 2005.

The Tampa office has been managed by Registrar/Office Manager, Katie McClay since 2000.

Arden and Kathy Norum have served as our Luther Springs retreat season campground hosts and site volunteers each winter since 2004.

SITE/LAND DEVELOPMENT:

Luther Springs is 350 acres of beautiful property 30 miles East of Gainesville, and is the home of our camp, conference, and retreat center.

A recreational vehicle/travel trailer area and tent campground was dedicated in April 1997. Each of the 14 RV sites has water and electrical hook-ups (4 with sewer hookups). An RV dumpsite is conveniently located near the front of the camp. Enjoy the playground for younger children, charcoal grills, fire ring areas, and picnic tables. For tent campers there are 10 primitive tent sites with centrally located water and nearby shower and toilet facilities. Hikers can trek through the pristine wooded areas and along natural marshland abundant with wildlife.

The Kinports Retreat Center, named in memory of Pastor Paul Kinports, was dedicated in January 2000. The first phase of this facility includes meeting and eating space for up to 100 people. One 6-bedroom unit (St. Peter House) was completed in October 2000. This retreat center can accommodate several types of groups including retreat groups, week-long youth camps, congregation councils, Women of the ELCA, men's groups, Lutheran Men in Mission, families, older adults, college groups, singles and single parents.

The retreat facility is a multi-purpose building, with porch, deck, full service kitchen, and eating/meeting space. Our programming allows us to be in harmony with creation and God's blessings through a natural setting. It is a place apart, away from our every day places and activities. Sleeping rooms in three separate buildings will accommodate between 36 and 54 people in high comfort facilities.

Morgan Village, a group of 4 youth cabins each housing 10 campers and 1 counselor, was completed in June 2000. St. Peter House was completed in 2001 and provides very comfortable sleeping rooms with a private bath. The outdoor pavilion, dedicated in 2002, provides an open air gathering place, horseshoes and shuffleboard. The St. Matthew’s dock gives access to Lake Vause for swimming, boating, and canoeing. A fleet of canoes, paddleboats, 2 catamarans, and a pontoon boat provide water activities. The Schmertmann Welcome Center, which includes a registration and reception area, camp store, and small meeting room, was opened in November 2002. Construction of the Summers/McPhail/Stavros swimming pool complex is the newest addition to Luther Springs.

PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT:

• Since 1991 Full summer youth program schedule (Mini Camp, Junior Adventure Week, Beach Camp, Key West Servant Weeks) plus special retreats for youth (Fall/Winter/Spring), adult trips (Year-Round), and weekends at our Luther Springs site. Travel trips to Europe/Guyana and Fall Foliage trip for older adults.
• 1994 November Adult Retreat in the Gainesville area.
• 1996-1997 Strengthening Your Serve, a one-day retreat seminar for adults working in youth ministry established in four locations throughout the Florida-Bahamas Synod.
• 1997-1999 College Spring Break Bike Trip and Servant Event. Three days of biking on the east coast of Florida and 2 days of servant work (Habitat for Humanity).
• 1998-1999 Outpost Camp at Luther Springs was initiated for junior and senior high youth.
• 2000 Mini Camp moves to Luther Springs. Discoverers Week (upper elementary), Mavericks Week (junior high), Faith Ventures Week (senior high), Family Camp initiated at Luther Springs.
• Since 2001 Eight weeks of summer programming at Luther Springs, in addition to the Day Camp, Beach Camp and Servant Week programs.
• 2007 A new Surf Camp program and a Day Camp at Our Savior in Freeport, Bahamas were developed.

LOMF TODAY

LOMF offers a variety of experiences for youth and adults to live for a day, a weekend or a week, in a Christ-centered community, learning about themselves and others through Bible reflection, discussion groups, and recreational activities.

As our ministries continue to grow, more children, teens, adults and families can experience spiritual growth, recreation and renewal. An outdoor setting can provide the experiences and opportunities for a person to discover the importance of faith in his or her life. This supports congregational ministry to nurture more involvement and inclusivity in their church as they continue to serve as active members and leaders.