2020-2023

Masking in 2020 during pandemic
Masking in 2020 during pandemic

Due to the...

coronavirus pandemic, the Camp was closed from March through Mid-June of 2020 and summer camp was refocused on family weeks and family weekends.

In 2021, as a Covid 19 safety measure, the Camp reduced its summer numbers by 50 percent.The staff and campers wore masks and practiced distancing and sanitation procedures. 

A grant from the M J Murdock Charitable Trust and government programs allowed FLBC to sustain its ministry through the pandemic and emerge in a strong position for future work with children and adults. 

The first FLBC golf tournament in 2021 at Eagle Bend Golf Course, Bigfork MT
The first FLBC golf tournament in 2021 at Eagle Bend Golf Course, Bigfork MT

The first Camp Golf Tournament was held at Eagle Bend Golf Course in Bigfork and successfully raised money for camperships.

Grace Schroeder-Scott Senior Development Consultant
Grace Schroeder-Scott Senior Development Consultant

In 2020, Grace Schroeder-Scott, with an extensive background in College and University charitable giving and philanthropy, joined the staff as the Senior Development Consultant.   

The Camp’s computer hardware and software were upgraded through a technology grant by the M J Murdock Charitable Trust. This enabled the Camp to communicate more efficiently and effectively with campers, guests, and donors.

  • Don Stadler remodeled Cabin 1 next to the swimming area into a Sauna.
    Don Stadler remodeled Cabin 1 next to the swimming area into a Sauna.
  • Volunteer Eric Svennungsen remodeling the Bitterroot cabin
    Volunteer Eric Svennungsen remodeling the Bitterroot cabin

Volunteers Don Stadler and Eric Svennungsen have been dedicated to remodeling camp cabins and completing other important site projects over the years. Don Stadler, along with several volunteers, led the remodeling of Cabin 1 into a sauna.

Cabin 1, adjacent to the swimming beach, was the first cabin built in 1943 and is proudly standing on its native rock cornerstones.  Remarkably, after eighty years this historic structure was remodeled into a sauna under the guidance of Don Stadler and several dedicated volunteers. 

  • 1950s Cabin 1
    1950s Cabin 1
  • Cabin 1 is transformed into a sauna.
    Cabin 1 is transformed into a sauna.

According to urban legend, in 1983 the Camp Board of Directors approved a motion to convert Cabin 1 into a sauna, though no timeline was set. Forty years later, the vision was realized.

  • Relaxing after completing the high ropes course
    Relaxing after completing the high ropes course

    Additional high ropes elements were built, a climbing wall constructed, a disc golf course created, and a water trampoline splashed into place in the swimming area.

  • Tent cabins are used by wilderness groups before they leave on trips and when they return.
    Tent cabins are used by wilderness groups before they leave on trips and when they return.
Shalom Home architectural drawing
Shalom Home architectural drawing

Tim Rogee Construction Company of Lakeside, MT, began work in 2023 on the Shalom Home. Designed by Gretchen Krumm of Mosaic Architecture, this new building is situated above the sailing dock with views over Hughes Bay.

The M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust has provided a grant to support the construction of the Shalom Home, planned for program and retreat housing with FLBC donors matched these funds.

 

Afternoon kayak paddle
Afternoon kayak paddle

The Holy Ground Campaign was launched to provide funding for: the new Hughes Bay property, a new  swimming dock with an ADA lift chair, underground electrical service to the upper bath house, new water lines to cabins, and tree thinning.

Rev. Amanda and Rev. Grant Applehans were called to share the position of Associate Director.

  • Renda Doney Administrative Assistant retired in 2023.
    Renda Doney Administrative Assistant retired in 2023.

    Renda Doney retired after five years serving as the Administrative Assistant. 

  • The annual quilting retreat affords a weekend of fun, creativity, visiting and food.
    The annual quilting retreat affords a weekend of fun, creativity, visiting and food.

Back row, left to right: Dave Doney - Maintenance Coordinator; Nancy Smith - Cook; Amanda Applehans - Co Associate Director; Grant Applehans - Co - Associate Director; Grace Schroeder Scott - Sr. Development Consultant; Jan Greenwald - Registrar; Kellie Sanford -Events Coordinator; Richie Withyecombe - Wilderness and Environmental Education Director; Vicky Lewis - Cook 

Front row, left to right: Elizabeth Faircloth - Community Staff; Karen Rumage - Program Director; Charlyn Anderson - Community Staff; Jess Eroh - Food Service Director; Margie Fiedler - Executive Director  

New Camps, Programs, Events 2020-2023:

The Camp partnered with Angel Tree Camping (a ministry of the Prison Fellowship) welcoming to camp children of incarcerated parents, Cooking Camp,  Cross Country Running Camp, Onsite Day Camps, a Holy Land Journey to Israel, a Luther Lands and a Reformation trip to Germany, Backpacking with the Bishop Camp (The Montana Synod Bishop), STAR camp (Singing, Theater, & Art), Montana Youth Diabetes Association camp, Life Camp (for children who have lost a parent in the military), Grief Camp, (for children who have lost someone close to them), Grand Canyon backpack trip, Cooking Camp, Grandparent - Grandchild Camp, Servant Kayak, Staff in Training Camp, Minnesota Boundary Waters Trip, Adventure Camp, Gymnastics Camp, and Inter-Mountain Home Camp

  • Archery teaches safety, patience, concentration, and coordination skills.
    Archery teaches safety, patience, concentration, and coordination skills.
  • There are many opportunities to be creative in the Art Barn at Camp. This young camper is learning the art of pottery making.
    There are many opportunities to be creative in the Art Barn at Camp. This young camper is learning the art of pottery making.
  • High school campers heading into the Bob Marshall Wilderness
    High school campers heading into the Bob Marshall Wilderness
  • An evening view to the south with the Mission Mountains in the background
    An evening view to the south with the Mission Mountains in the background
  • Summer staff singing for guests in the Dining Hall
    Summer staff singing for guests in the Dining Hall
  • Dusk at the campfire
    Dusk at the campfire

During 80 years of ministry:

Thousands of camp staff and volunteers have shared the Gospel with over 100,000 young campers.  

Thousands of volunteers have contributed to building and maintaining the facilities and grounds.

Countless pastors, teachers, professors, and leaders have shared and taught the Christian faith during summer camp sessions and year around retreats. 

Physicians and healthcare professionals have graciously volunteered their services to ensure the well-being of both campers and staff through the years. 

Thousands of donors have graciously provided financial gifts to build and sustain this important ministry. 

We are deeply grateful to all the saints through the years who have given their valuable time and gifts to this vital ministry.

Thank you!

On June 1, 2023, Flathead Lutheran Bible Camp commemorated eight decades of ministry with a celebration and worship service. Film clips from the 40s, 50s and 60s were featured. A special video featuring photos and slides from each decade was shown, documenting the Camp's eighty year journey of sharing the Gospel with thousands of children and adults.