Rapid Growth 1944 - 1949

Volunteers with enthusiasm, along with gracious financial gifts from congregations and individuals, characterized the Camp’s growth in the 1940s. 

Lutherans from across Montana were eager to be a part of this new spiritual venture that would help strengthen the Christian faith of young people.

Because of the large number of summer campers in 1943 and the widespread interest in the camp, two weeks of camp were held in the summer of 1944. One week was for western Montana youth and one for central Montana youth. 

  • 1944 Boys parents brought a tent
    1944 Boys parents brought a tent
  • On the steps of Cabin 1
    On the steps of Cabin 1
  • During quiet hour each afternoon, campers would find places for prayer, Bible reading and contemplation.
    During quiet hour each afternoon, campers would find places for prayer, Bible reading and contemplation.
In 1945 some Missoula campers came by truck.
In 1945 some Missoula campers came by truck.

In 1947 more than 800 youth attended six weeks of summer camp.  The cost per week was $9 per camper.

In the mid 1940s Flathead County built a rough gravel road from Highway 93 through the camp to the east, where it dead-ends into private property.

  • In 1947 these girls are enjoying midnight snacks in their rustic cabin.
    In 1947 these girls are enjoying midnight snacks in their rustic cabin.
  • The dock on the swimming beach was built in 1947 by volunteers with camp logs and lumber milled onsite.
    The dock on the swimming beach was built in 1947 by volunteers with camp logs and lumber milled onsite.
  • 1947 Campers peeling potatoes for dinner
    1947 Campers peeling potatoes for dinner
  • 1944 Campers dressed up on Sunday.
    1944 Campers dressed up on Sunday.
  • Before there were enough cabins this parent created a pickup camper.
    Before there were enough cabins this parent created a pickup camper.
  • Not all the girls could be accommodated in the colorful tent so this additional wall was erected.
    Not all the girls could be accommodated in the colorful tent so this additional wall was erected.

The Summer Camp brochures of the 1940s were printed in black ink on both sides of a white sheet of paper. Most of the brochures from the different Lutheran Circuits were similar to this 1948 brochure with different dates and different staff. The camp week was from Sunday evening to the next Sunday afternoon.

Be sure to check out the "Camp Day" paragraph on the second page.

The Flathead Flash was a daily summer newsletter written in the 1940s ‘by campers, for campers.'

Read what two campers wrote in July of 1949:

Flathead Flash News   July 19, 1949

“We don’t expect that too much of what has been published in this camper written newsletter will be remembered.  But it is our hope that what is taught this week will not be forgotten and what has been gained through associations and friendships with one another will help to make life richer.”  

The Flathead Flash News July 21, 1949.

“Our camp was bought and built in order that we might develop into young men and women who build their lives around the Bible and our Savior Jesus Christ.  Those responsible for the founding of our camp are interested in providing fun and recreation too, our Bible classes and practical hours are of primary importance.” 

  • 1947 Dressed up campers on kitchen duty
    1947 Dressed up campers on kitchen duty
  • The first outdoor chapel in 1940s included a pump organ and was just across the road from the center of camp. The small cross on the altar is still used in worship 80 years later.
    The first outdoor chapel in 1940s included a pump organ and was just across the road from the center of camp. The small cross on the altar is still used in worship 80 years later.
  • Dr. Tang, a Lutheran Pastor from China spoke about the importance of missions.
    Dr. Tang, a Lutheran Pastor from China spoke about the importance of missions.
  • Before running water
    Before running water
  • The camp choir one week in 1947
    The camp choir one week in 1947
  • Dressed for Sunday worship
    Dressed for Sunday worship

In 1948, the Board of Directors proposed that “Any Lutheran congregation in America, subscribing to the Book of Concord shall be eligible for membership.” That meant Norwegian, Swedish, Danish, Icelandic, Finnish, Slovak, German and other congregations could be members.  Using the United States and Canada as the definition of  “America”, there would be a total of 15,900 Lutheran Congregations with a combined baptized membership of 5,116,807 people that could join this fledging camp’s corporation. The leaders were thinking big in the 1940s!

That plan was later scaled down to invite all the Lutheran Congregations in Montana to be members of the Flathead Lutheran Camp Corporation.