Firm Foundations

Our “parents and grandparents in the faith” sacrificed to build this Camp. Over sixty years ago, in the middle of a World War when money was scarce and building materials in short supply, this Camp was built on a firm foundation. The founders were determined their children and grandchildren would be anchored in the Christian faith.

Down through the years and generations, the Bible Camp ministry has served and served well. People are living out their Christian faith – faith that was fashioned through experiences at camp. Flathead Lutheran Bible Camp is guiding children to develop a foundation of faith for their lives.

Now is the time to rebuild the Bible Camp’s foundations – literally. Many of the buildings are worn out and have outlived their usefulness. Many are more than 60 years old. New areas of the land will be utilized to provide further ministry with campers.

The capital campaign, titled “Firm Foundations,” has a goal of $1.25 Million which will fund urgently needed improvements. You are cordially invited to join in this effort which will strengthen foundations in the lives of young people and the church.

Your Invitation
You are cordially invited to participate in the Flathead Lutheran Camp Firm Foundations Campaign. With your generous and timely support, the goal will be reached. The Bible Camp will be improved and equipped to keep on serving for many years to come. Please pray for this Campaign and give generously as the Lord leads you. Thank you.

A Plan Whose Time Has Come

During the last twenty years money, time and energy have been invested primarily in program development. The life-span of almost all the buildings has been maximized. Now is the time to invest in the camp facilities. This visionary plan:

• Solves the problem of congestion and overcrowding.
• Provides dining and living spaces to accommodate more campers.
• Replaces worn-out camper cabins.
• Improves vehicle and pedestrian traffic for safety and accessibility.

I. Expand and Remodel the Dining Hall

Current capacity of the Dining Hall is 175. The camp regularly feeds 240 people in the Dining Hall; people must eat outside, on the back steps, in the basement, and in the program office. Every space is used.

• An expanded Dining Hall will allow for 250 people to eat together and will provide covered outside eating areas.
• More Restrooms will be added in the Dining Hall. Currently there are only two restrooms for 250 people.
• The Kitchen will be enlarged with a better serving area, more storage, more refrigeration, and a walk-in freezer.
• A Covered Front Porch off the Dining Hall will over look the Court Area. New decks, wrapping around the building, will provide a view of the lake while creating additional space for eating and gathering.

II. Build a Wilderness Program Area for Summer Use

The Wilderness Program Area is growing in popularity. Currently each week an extra 60 - 100 youth crowd into the center of camp. They use restrooms and showers as they prepare for and return from Adventure Trips.
A new isolated area with facilities for arrival, pack-out and deployment, along with all the associated storage, bathroom and sleeping spaces are designed. Located outside the center of camp and close to the main entrance, this easily accessed area will consist of:

• A new summer use Wilderness Program Lodge with bathrooms; outdoor eating and gathering pavilion; equipment and food storage.
• Eight new platform tent cabins will house up to 80 Adventure Campers.
• Parking area for youth groups and camp vehicles, moving these vehicles out from the center of camp.

III. Create A New Camper Village

Adequate and safe housing of campers is a priority. Presently there is not enough room for all the campers. Because of overcrowding,
some counselors and staff sleep on the floor in the cabins. All age groups are mixed together. Most cabins are over 60 years old and in rough shape. Some cabins are supported on rock outcroppings and wooden footings.
A Pathfinder Village will be created on the site of the present Wilderness Program Area. The new village will free up the other two village sites. Included will be:

• 8 new cabins, each one accommoding nine to thirteen people.
• New bathhouse, septic system and a pavilion.
• Camper group gathering areas and fire pits.