The Role of LLC Camp Boards

Phil Jurmu | The Voice of Zion March 2025 - Camp Matters Article --

Camp operations at Laestadian Lutheran Church (LLC) facilities play a vital role in supporting believers in their life of faith. Behind the scenes, LLC Camp Boards work diligently to ensure that these facilities function smoothly, providing a place of rest, fellowship, and spiritual growth through various camp events.

Strengthening Camp Board Collaboration

In October 2024, the LLC hosted a workshop for Camp Board members. Over two days, participants engaged in discussions about best practices, exchanging insights on what works well for different Camp Boards and how others can adapt these ideas to meet their own needs. The workshop provided an opportunity to clarify the responsibilities of board members and explore how Camp Boards can best serve the membership.

The Dual Role of LLC Camp Boards

LLC Camp Boards operate with a twofold purpose: event coordination and planning and facility maintenance and operations. Camp Boards oversee the organization of events such as weekend camps, youth camps, and special gatherings. Their responsibilities include selecting directors and assistant directors, filling staff vacancies, and maintaining clear communication with the LLC office or local liaisons to ensure smooth event execution.

Camp Boards also manage the upkeep and operations of camp facilities. They oversee staff, monitor budgets, and guide capital improvements, ensuring that facilities remain in compliance with state laws and effectively serve the membership.

Camp Board Membership and Structure

Each Camp Board consists of representatives from congregations within the camp’s support area. Additionally, the LLC Facility Manager and camp caretakers participate in board activities, ensuring coordination between daily operations and long-term planning. In addition, board members are assigned from time to time as camp staff, which gives hands-on experience of how camps operate.

Board members serve three-year terms with no term limits, allowing for both continuity and commitment. Leadership roles within the board include a chairperson and a recording secretary, who are elected from among the members to facilitate effective communication and decision-making.

Responsibilities of Camp Boards

The Camp Board charter outlines specific duties, categorized into two main areas, as mentioned above:

1. Event Coordination and Planning

Camp Boards collaborate closely with event staff to support core LLC events and regionally organized activities. While some boards, such as Kamp Kipa, utilize a liaison committee for communication, others, like Stony Lake and Hasscib Lake, handle these responsibilities directly.

2. Maintenance and Operations

The LLC Facility Manager plays a key role in supporting camp caretakers and core camp staff while also coordinating kitchen operations teams. Camp Boards are responsible for monitoring budgets, overseeing capital improvements, and ensuring compliance with permits and state regulations.

A Stewardship of Faith

LLC Camp Boards are more than administrative bodies; they serve as stewards of the LLC mission, the work of God’s kingdom. By maintaining facilities, organizing events, and ensuring compliance with necessary regulations, they help create welcoming spaces where believers can gather for fellowship and spiritual nourishment.

As we reflect on the role of Camp Boards, we are reminded of the words of Colossians 3:23,24: “And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.”