Expanding Programs 1980's

Rev. Gary Cockrell, Executive Director and family 1980
Rev. Gary Cockrell, Executive Director and family 1980

Rev. Gary Cockrell and his family moved from Palo Alto, CA where he was a Pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, to Kalispell as the new Executive Director.

While serving congregations in California, Pastor Cockrell was on the board of directors of the Southern California Lutheran Camping Association and also served as the Director of the Sierra Wilderness Camping Program in Northern California. His hobbies were skiing, rock-climbing, backpacking and sailing.

1980's Dining hall addition by Cecil Noble Construction
1980's Dining hall addition by Cecil Noble Construction

In 1981, Audrey Mars of Kalispell became the first full time, year around office manager. 

In 1982, the board of directors, under the direction of Dick Sayther of Gronlund and Sayther Associates, created a master plan and launched a capital campaign “A Camp for All Ages – A Camp for All Seasons.” With the funds the Camp expanded and remodeled the dining hall; updated the kitchen; built new winterized camper cabins and construct a state-of-the-art sewer system for the entire site. 

  • Kai Christensen of Polson, MT horse logging for a Camp building site.
    Kai Christensen of Polson, MT horse logging for a Camp building site.
  • Boulders excavated for the basement in the 1980s expansion of the dining hall
    Boulders excavated for the basement in the 1980s expansion of the dining hall
Camp Manager Sonny Boon on left and volunteer Ray Rogge, both of Somers
Camp Manager Sonny Boon on left and volunteer Ray Rogge, both of Somers

In 1982, Brook Freudenberg began as camp manager. Brook redesigned the amphitheater, removed the temporary benches and built log seating. 

The ARK, a 40’ x  80’ steel building, was erected. Named Noah’s Ark, it became a place of refuge from the drenching summer rains of the early 1980s. 

Sonny Boon of Somers, MT joined the staff as camp manager.

  • Christ Lutheran Church in Big Sandy, MT began a Memorial Day Work retreat at the Camp that is still ongoing 40 years later.

  • On their first work weekend in the mid 1980s, Big Sandy Lutheran members sided the newly enlarged dining hall and stained the interior Pine paneling.

  • Big Sandy Church members worked with children in back pack carriers and older children wielded paint brushes inside. All ages were involved in furthering the ministry of Camp that weekend.
Campers rafting on the Middle Fork of the Flathead River.
Campers rafting on the Middle Fork of the Flathead River.

Many youth today are often described as "information rich and experience poor," navigating a world filled with data but lacking the transformative power of hands-on experiences. Recognizing this, the Glacier Wilderness Adventure program was established to engage high school students in immersive, experiential learning with the Christian faith as the basis.

The program uses the wilderness journey as a metaphor for life’s spiritual journey, promoting both personal and spiritual growth within a supportive Christian community. Activities such as sailing, canoeing, kayaking, river rafting, rock climbing, backpacking, and service trips are designed to challenge and inspire participants. These outdoor adventures are intertwined with Bible study, moments of personal challenge and spiritual reflection, creating an experience aimed at nurturing spiritual and personal growth.

Children are having parachute fun at a Flathead Lutheran led Day Camp in a congregation.
Children are having parachute fun at a Flathead Lutheran led Day Camp in a congregation.

The Day Camp program began in 1986.  The first Day Camp director, Rhonda (Houlberg) Kalvig, organized and wrote the program and trained the summer staff to conduct Day Camps. The staff traveled to Lutheran congregations across the state to deliver a 5-day Vacation Bible School experience for grade school children. The program focused on teaching the Gospel and combining faith-building activities with fun and fellowship, as well as bringing the essence of the camp experience to local communities.

"The Partners," a dedicated group established to support the Camp's ministry, has become a vital part of sustaining its mission. This growing network of individuals contributes annual financial gifts to fund building projects and essential programs. Since camper fees alone do not cover the full cost of operations, these donors generously ensure that the Camp continues to thrive and effectively serve youth and adults alike.

The inaugural annual banquet to honor the Partners marked a significant milestone in celebrating their contributions. This event set a lasting tradition of gratitude to those individuals committed to supporting the Camp's mission.

  • Margerette Dahlgren Office Manager
    Margerette Dahlgren Office Manager

    In 1988 Margarette Dahlgren, of Kalispell became the office manager.  She computerized the office with financial spreadsheets and data programs.

  • Rev. John Hanson Assistant Director, Julie Hanson Program Director and their son Peter
    Rev. John Hanson Assistant Director, Julie Hanson Program Director and their son Peter
  • 1988, Steve Babcock Camp Manager, Carolyn Babcock Food Service Coordinator and daughter Amanda
    1988, Steve Babcock Camp Manager, Carolyn Babcock Food Service Coordinator and daughter Amanda
  • Boat dock in the mid 1980's
    Boat dock in the mid 1980's
  • Sailboats quickly replaced the ski boats of the 60's.
    Sailboats quickly replaced the ski boats of the 60's.

An Urban legend of the 1980s is a Site Committee meeting that was called to order by a chainsaw.  It seems that the crystalline waters of Flathead Lake were not very visible from the Camp’s dining hall because of the overcrowded trees in the way.  So at one Site Committee the Chairman asked the committee members to sit on the dining hall porch. He said “tell me when you can see the lake.”  Then he started his chainsaw.  Members of the site committee were professional foresters, so they knew how to properly thin the stand of trees.
    Over the years thousands have come to lift their hearts in worship together in the Camp's amphitheater.
    Over the years thousands have come to lift their hearts in worship together in the Camp's amphitheater.

    In 1989 there were:

    • 50 summer staff hired 
    • 1,457 summer campers in all the programs 
    • 2,123 non summer retreaters
    • 14 day camps held in congregations across Montana
    • 32 Pastors who helped with the summer program
    • 12 adult youth leaders
    • 8 Health care professionals who cared for campers and staff

    In the early 1980s, a new camp logo was introduced, rich with meaning. The sunrise represents God’s creation of the world, while the lake and wheat fields symbolize Baptism and the Lord’s Supper. The mountains signify Christ as the solid rock, and the empty cross proclaims the resurrection.