Blessings of Land 2000 - 2009

Boaters on the calm water of Lindberg Landing in Hughes Bay
Boaters on the calm water of Lindberg Landing in Hughes Bay

The Lindberg family...

of Shelby, MT, gave a major gift for the purchase of a new waterfront area adjacent to the Camp in Hughes Bay.  It was named Lindberg Landing in honor of Marc Lindberg who was instrumental in the early building of the Camp.  Lindberg Landing is the kayaking center for the Camp.

Campers canoe in Turtle Bay, the area gifted by the Larson Family.
Campers canoe in Turtle Bay, the area gifted by the Larson Family.

The Larson family of Kalispell including Hollister Larson, Peter Larson, and Adeline Larson Sparling gave the Camp adjacent waterfront property which had been in their family since 1942. The gift was in memory of Hans and Alma Larson and their involvement in purchasing land for the Camp.  The property, affectionately called Turtle Bay, is nestled in the northern area of Hughes Bay and is a calm water area where campers now kayak and canoe.

Jensen Harbor and the Camp's sailboats
Jensen Harbor and the Camp's sailboats

As a young child Vera Jensen survived a tragic boating accident on Flathead Lake in which her father and brother drowned.  A Lutheran from Polson, Vera gave a major gift to the Camp in order to purchase an adjacent waterfront property in Hughes Bay.  Boating safety was her primary concern.  Now called Jensen Harbor, it is the sailing and boating center of the camp with an emphasis on water and boating safety.

Brooke Ells Program Director and Aaron Ells Wilderness Director
Brooke Ells Program Director and Aaron Ells Wilderness Director

The Ells family joined the staff, Brooke as year around Program Director and Aaron as year around Wilderness Director.  Brook’s grandfather,  Dr. Reidar Daehln, was a Bible study presenter at the first camp week in 1943.

In the late 2000s, the United States Forest Service approved Flathead Lutheran Camp as a Forest Service Outfitter and Guide. This was an important step in continuing the camp’s ministry in backpacking and rafting in the National Forest.

  • Rick Gilsoul Camp Manager in front of Swan Cabin
    Rick Gilsoul Camp Manager in front of Swan Cabin

    Designed by Rick Gilsoul, camp manager, Jana Pursell, and Tom Able, the Swan Cabin was built with the help of many volunteers.

  • Art barn smiles
    Art barn smiles
  • Tonja Erickson
    Tonja Erickson

    Tonja Erickson, former summer staff and former Wilderness Director, joined the full- time staff in 2008 as Chef and Foodservice Coordinator.

  • Ready for a backpack trip into the Bob Marshall Wilderness
    Ready for a backpack trip into the Bob Marshall Wilderness
  • Summer counselor and young camper smiles
    Summer counselor and young camper smiles

  • In 2005, an updated Master Plan was put in place with the guidance of Mosaic Architecture of Helena, MT and architects Ben Tintinger and Gretchen Krumm. The "Firm Foundations" capital campaign, under the direction of Dick Sayther was launched to provide funding for the dining hall expansion and other phases of the Master Plan. 

    Construction of the dining hall addition was completed in the late 2000s under the direction of board member Jim Lake and Swank Construction Company.  The remodeling created more dining and meeting room space and expanded and updated the kitchen. Expansive lakeside decks were built for eating, gathering and enjoying the views.  

    Jedd Larson became camp manager in the late 2000s. With his building skills he designed and built the pump house for the new water wells and remodeled several cabins, adding bathrooms.

In the years from 2000 to 2009 with the increase of programs and campers, 50 to 60 Summer staff were hired each Spring to work as cabin counselors, program directors, kitchen staff, maintenance staff and wilderness counselors.

  • Colorful tie dye shirt craft project
    Colorful tie dye shirt craft project
  • Girls face painting fun at the camp carnival
    Girls face painting fun at the camp carnival
  • Prayer of the Cross is an evening meditation for older children. This cross was a part of worship services in 1943.
    Prayer of the Cross is an evening meditation for older children. This cross was a part of worship services in 1943.
  • Kayak smiles
    Kayak smiles

New camps and retreats in the 2000s:

First timers camp for younger children, Beginning Rock Climbing, Advanced Rock Climbing, Outback Camp, Rock n Raft, Mountain biking and Canoeing,  Habitat for Humanity high school work trip,  Girls only Backpack and Rafting, Calgary Service Event, Spokane Service Event,  Kayak and Climb, Adult Sea Kayaking, Adult Canoe trip, Adult Sailing weekend,  Men’s Fly Fishing weekend, Women on the Whitewater trips, and Family Advent Celebration weekend.