Facilities

LUTHER SPRINGS CAMP AND RETREAT CENTER

The master plan for Luther Springs has been designed to accommodate throughout the year a wide variety of groups and ministries. In addition to our many programmed camp and retreat offerings during the summer and non-summer months, Luther Springs Camp and Retreat Center is a rental facility available to groups such as church congregations, schools, and other organizations.

A Recreational Vehicle/Travel Trailer area and Tent Campground was dedicated in April 1997 with 14 RV sites (all have water and electrical hookup; 4 with sewer hookups) and can be enjoyed year round. Also available: charcoal grills, fire ring areas, picnic tables, 10 primitive tent sites with centrally located water and nearby full service shower and toilet facilities. An RV dump station is on site. There is also a second tent camping area located closer to the lake, which also has its own fire ring, picnic tables, and nearby restrooms. All sites are wooded. The Kinports Retreat Center is available for meetings or rental (with advance reservation) to groups using the campground.

The Way of the Cross Devotional Walk was begun with five of the intended fourteen mediations areas completed in 1998. These areas include a large sculptured cross by Terry A. Thommes, constructed on solid blocks of coral, welded bronze plate, or a combination of the two materials. Benches and/or seating areas are incorporated into the work to add to the contemplative nature of the site. Currently, the constructed crosses include: St Andrew, Botonee, Calvary, St Peter's, and Jerusalem.

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. Kinports also offers a comfortable lounge with a gas fireplace, a large screened in porch with rocking chairs with a great view of the woods, commercial kitchen for meals provided by food service staff for groups of 10 or more, laundry and restroom facilities. This retreat center can accommodated 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, and more.

Morgan Village Cabins, a group of 4 cabins each with sleeping accommodations for up to 11 people, was completed in June 2000. Each cabin is carpeted, heated/air-conditioned, and has their own restroom facilities; on cabin is fully handicapped accessible. The four cabins surround a centrally located fire ring and picnic tables. Bed and bath linens are available for an extra charge. Morgan Village is a great place for larger groups to stay during then-summer season.

St Peter House was the first adult housing unit completed (2001), which is comprised of six hotel-style rooms, each room is carpeted, heated/air-conditioned, has a queen bed, bunk bed and private bath.

Fair Haven and St Stephen Houses are the newest additions to Luther Springs. These three units (including the St Peter House), have a total of 18 rooms that can accommodate up to 48 people at a time in high comfort facilities. Bed and bath linens are provided for guests. Connecting these two buildings is the Schmertmann Meeting Room.

The Morgan/Westfall Pavilion is a large covered area ideal for worship, meetings, games and day use. The concrete floor is appropriate for all occasions. The addition of a shuffleboard and four-square area, canteen and rest rooms make this a great facility for any group outing.

The St Matthew's Dock gives access to Lake Vause for boating and canoeing. A fleet of canoes, a few paddle boats, and some sailboats provide water activities. The dock is a nice place to simply sit and relax, enjoying the beautiful surroundings at the lake.

The Schmertmann Welcome Center, which includes a registration and reception area, our camp offices, and restroom facilities, was opened in November 2002. This is the first stop when coming to camp.

The Summers/McPhail/Stavros Swimming Pool was completed in 2005 and includes the 65,000 gallon pool, lounge chairs, covered seating area, and restroom facilities. What a great way for our campers and guests to cool off and have fun.