From John Busch, Director

     “What an exciting time at Camp Lutherhoma .  The whole purpose of having a place like Camp Lutherhoma is to have people come here, get away from the rest of life, get closer to God and His Creation, and feel better equipped to return to our homes to be witnesses to the world about the hope we have in Jesus Christ.  I feel we are about to begin a chapter in our history that will be a blessing for thousands of campers well into the future. 

     “Its my privilege to have you walk with me, side by side, as we explore the bright future.  Even though our 75^th anniversary is coming soon in 2009, it feels like we have just begun.  So, please come with us as we begin this exciting chapter, join us in making a legacy for all future summer and retreat campers.”

Year Round Programs at Camp Lutherhoma
Yes, we are open all year long!! Here are a few of the programs at camp!
Challenge Course Retreats – 17 years, about 25/year
Journey In January High School Retreat – 18 years
Fruitful In February Retreat – 12 years
Labor Day Family Camp – Since 1954
Memorial Day Work Weekend – Since 1990
District Junior High Retreat – 4 years
Family Reunions
Great Expectations Principal’s Academy
Sports Team Retreats
Men’s Retreats
Women’s Retreats
Serenity Recovery Retreats
Outdoors Education Programs

Campaign Committee and Board Members
Fellow Servants who help set the direction of Camp Lutherhoma

  These people are volunteering their time and talents, along with their treasures, to fulfill the Campaign Goals:

Myron Harms – Campaign Chair , Rev. Harold Klawitter – Honorary Chair , Sandy Schmidt – Administrative Coordinator
Paul & Debby Brauer – Major Donor Chairs , Rob & Joanne McIntyre - Advance Gifts Chairs
Ed & Karen Meyer – Congregational Phase Chairs , Don & Paulette Owens –Friends and Family Chairs
Mike Means – Corporate Phase Chair

Other Committee Members: Marjorie Theimer , Carl and Katie Schroeder , Bill and Patti Ross, Rev. Will Metz

Brent andSuzet Roggow .Eddie Morris , Gary Schmidt

Many others have also volunteered their time, talents and treasures.  Thanks to all!!!

  Full Time Staff
Dedicated People who serve God by serving others
John Busch – Director , Kristy Haines – Program Director , Daniel Overman – Caretaker , Joan Busch – Summer Registrar

History of Camp Lutherhoma 1933-2007
(Excerpts from 60^th Anniversary Booklet printed in 1994)

     The first Oklahoma Lutheran camp was the Summer Conference Camp of the Oklahoma District Walther League held at ‘Heart-O-the-Hills near Welling, OK  Aug. 5-11, 1928.  Rev. Louis M. Theimer served as dean of this camp and of many others until his death in 1936.  The first permanent campsite was purchased in 1933.  The Oklahoma District purchased 30 acres at Standing Rock along the Illinois River, and the property with its three cabins and residence was called Camp Lutherhoma (Red Lutheran). At this site was Lutherhoma Day School that reached a peak enrollment of 52.  Rev. Walther Haefker served as pastor of Lutherhoma starting in 1937-44 and then returned to Lutherhoma as pastor and business manager from 1947-1957.  In 1950 the camp was forced to purchase a new site 30 miles up river as Tenkiller Dam was built along the Illinois River .  The new property had been purchased in 1948 for about $27,000, and a number of the buildings from the Standing Rock site were moved in 1950 to the new property.  Not one summer was skipped for campers to come and enjoy Lutherhoma.  The first family camp was held in 1954, and has been a favorite program ever since.  Theimer Hall was built in 1961.  As Walther League changed in 1968 ownership was transferred to the Ok Dist-LCMS.  In 1976 the first part-time person was hired.  David Schroeder led camp while also being campus ministry director at OSU.  In 1989 the Oklahoma District called John Busch to be the full time director.  “Lutherhoma is more than a place, it is a ministry, an on-going ministry, where people matter more than buildings, and God guides and leads all in Christian community.” (John Busch)

Improvements Through the Years
Things must keep changing to better ministry to all who visit Lutherhoma
     Over the past 18 years we have…

1. Painted every building
2. Re-shingled every building
3. Replaced almost every piece of plumbing
4. Changed the “house” into the office
5. Added 2 new bathhouses
6. Built 2 huge decks and 2 gazebos
7. Replaced the ‘canteen” shed with a 2 story camp store and meeting room
8. Purchased 180 new mattresses
9. Obtained through donations a new tractor, 3 trucks and a riding mower.
10. Developed one of the best Challenge Course programs in the state
11. Put air conditioning in the main kitchen
12. Rebuilt the Bar-B-Que by the dining hall
13. Added 2 “teepees” for campers to sleep in
14. Installed a new fence around the pool
15. Purchased a double wide trailer house for the caretaker’s family
16. Built a pole barn garage for storage and maintenance
17. Developed a mountain bike program, complete with 14 quality bikes.
18. Purchased publicity equipment, such as computers, still and video cameras, projectors, DVD duplicator and DVD printer
19. Remodeled all the cabins
20. Installed benches around several campfire rings.
21. Many more things that would take up too much space in this newsletter

    Summer and Retreat Stuff
    Summer participants through the years
    Summer Campers have enjoyed the Spiritual growth and outdoors fun since 1934.  Statistics have been monitored closely since 1989. 

    1989-152 campers, 6 weeks, 8 staff
    1995- 604 campers, 8 weeks, 20 staff
    2002- 675 campers, 8 weeks, 25 staff.
    2006- 544 campers, 8 weeks, 24 staff.

      Retreat participants through the years
    The number of retreats grew quickly during the 1990’s, but has seen a drop in recent years.

    1997- 78 total retreats, 42 challenge course retreats
    1999- 62 total, 32 challenge course retreats
    2003- 55 total, 23 challenge course retreats
    2006- 38 total, 21 challenge course retreats

      Even though the number of retreats has dropped, the average number of participants has increased.

    1997- 27.10 participants per retreat,
    2001- 30.7 participants per retreat
    2006- 36.2 participants per retreat.

    Retreat groups have had the option of having camp do their food service or they can do their own.  We have seen a significant shift in our groups over the past few years in regards to food service. 

    2001- 1462 retreat participants no food service.
    2006- 672 retreat participants no food service.
    2001- 408 retreat participants camp food service.
    2006- 702 retreat participants camp food service.

    When we provide food service, retreats average more participants, they stay longer, and fewer retreats want to do their own food service.

    27.74 participants/retreat no food service
    40.83 participants/retreat camp food service
    2.73 units/part. (length of stay) no food service
    3.92 units/part. (length of stay) camp food service
    2001- 52, 2006- 25 retreats no food service
    2001- 12, 2006- 13 retreats camp food service