A Home Away From Home
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Cheryl Wescher (right) reconnects with a family during a reunion that she hosted in Emanuel Lodge.

Over ten years ago, Cheryl Wescher and her family got a call from the Upper Peninsula Sports Hall of Fame inquiring about the family of her uncle Lewis Reimann, who was being inducted that year. Although not in contact with those relatives at that time, they set the Hall of Fame in the right direction to find a grandson of Lewis. Later that year, a group of relatives all attended the induction ceremony, both to honor Lewis Reimann, but also to see who they were related to. This meeting proved to be fruitful in bringing this family together and they decided to gather more regularly, enacting a biennial reunion. 

Through the years the reunion has shifted locations, ultimately landing at Fortune Lake. The Reimann Family held their reunion at camp once before the pandemic when they had to put a hold on any gatherings. When it was safe to get together again, the group wasn’t sure if they would return to hosting the gatherings. Ultimately, they decided to try it for another year and return to Fortune Lake to host the event. In the end, the reunion was a great success. There were familiar faces amongst the group and relatives who had not yet had the chance to meet, all arriving from various parts of the country.

Cheryl cites that some of the group’s favorite parts about Fortune Lake were things that ring true for so many people: the truly stunning beauty of the landscape, the ability to connect with each other while also stepping away to explore the site, and the feeling of being at home away from home. She and her siblings grew up on the other side of the lake, so there truly is an element of familiarity in the natural surroundings at camp. The opportunity to reconnect with each other, connect with the staff that hosted them, and the ease of being able to celebrate family while not having to worry about regular household chores made for an incredibly life-giving experience. 

Cheryl and her family already plan to return to Fortune Lake next year for a longer stay in order to explore the Upper Peninsula and spend more time together. She includes that seeing the growth of camp throughout the years has been incredible. For year-round staff, it is a blessing to see groups like the Reimann Family Reunion use the facilities to celebrate love and community throughout the year. Fortune Lake Lutheran Camp continues to be a place that fosters connection for all those who come here.

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A Legacy of Faith at Fortune Lake and Beyond
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The late Rev. Bob and Deloris Langseth

As a young girl, Deloris Langseth recalls that she was privileged to attend a Bible camp in Minnesota, which had great Bible studies, singing, athletic events, crafts, swimming, real faith stories from the counselors, and time for the Holy Spirit to touch her heart. Pr. Bob Langseth had no such background, not until his ordination in 1958 when he brought three confirmands to Fortune Lake for a week. He came face to face with the impact camp had on himself and the confirmands. It hooked him!

Fortune Lake Camp influenced the Langseths’ lives for 65 years, in ways small and profound.. They recalled how Family Camp weeks had their seven children singing camp songs in the station wagon all the way home. Over the years they enjoyed working with others on numerous restoration projects and retreats which have nourished others’ faith and strengthened our witness. And, the Spirit at work through Fortune Lake impacted their family at key points of loss and grief. In their own words:

“A weekend retreat [at Fortune Lake] prepared our daughter for death. Ronda was a senior in high school. She attended a weekend event where Rev. John Linna was Bible leader. She came home with a glow in her body that we had never seen before. But a month later, while playing basketball, she developed a blister on her toe and died of a staph infection. How thankful we are to God for the Holy Spirit wrapping her arms around Ronda and preparing her for her thirteen days of suffering and death. Our son Kirk, at age 46, contracted cancer and we were his hospice team for five months. The song “Jesus Loves Me,”– which he had learned at home and which camp had reinforced — were the words which carried him to the face of God.”

The Langseths have been faithful supporters of Fortune Lake Camp, encouraging others in their generosity as well, because of “an awesome God who accomplishes awesome things at camp.”

Pr. Bob Langseth passed away on Tuesday October 17, 2023. His faith in a good God, in the salvation of Jesus, and resurrection to new life have him encouraging us still. We give thanks to God for the life and legacy of Pr. Bob and offer our prayers and care to Deloris and their family.

An invitation from the Langseths, given before Bob’s passing is for all who love Fortune Lake: “We invite you share in this awesome ministry of the Holy Spirit – coaxing us to believe in Jesus Christ and share God’s love with each generation. – Grace and peace, Deloris and Bob Langseth”

 

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A Case for Camp Pastors
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Pr. Jack shares a message to a group of campers during chapel, Summer 2023.

Like many clergy, Pr. Jack Busche identifies his experiences in outdoor ministry as pivotal in his faith journey and call into ordained ministry. Pr. Jack grew up attending Camp Luther and various camps in the Crossways network as a child before serving on summer staff at Waypost in Hatley, WI. He knew that God had worked through camp in his own life and in the life of his wife Sydney, but what he didn’t realize was how that would continue when he moved to the U. P. to accept his first call.

Pr. Jack was called to Grace Lutheran Church in Gwinn in 2021. He found that the congregation’s identity was rooted in their connection to Fortune Lake through their financial support, their personal connections, and their intentionality in sending campers. Jack was drawn by the expectation that as their pastor, he would be engaging with camp.

This past summer, Jack served as Camp Pastor for a full week. He brought two campers from Grace with him and settled in for the fullest week of the summer. Between running in field games, preaching in chapel, and unsticking the bell from the tower structure (a story in and of itself), he found time to connect with each cabin group and staff member. 

Jack was particularly drawn to a group of Venturer boys, middle schoolers with a reputation for being rowdy and pushing buttons. Their Cabin Leaders, seemingly nervous about being in charge of the group in the woods on their own, invited Pr. Jack on their tenting overnight. Through the challenges of preparing dinner over a fire and integrating many strong personalities into a cohesive group, Jack saw new leaders emerge. He watched as the Cabin Leaders found their groove, and campers extended kindness to their peers. After campfire worship, Jack felt it was time to take his leave, to allow the cabin groups to solidify their bonds, trusting that the group could manage on their own. They did just fine.

Pr. Jack believes that most of the young adults who are in our churches have stuck around due to their experiences in the non-judgemental, supportive communities of outdoor ministry. He felt the call of God through his time at camp as a young person, and he is working to help others do the same through his presence at Fortune Lake. Despite the active, full days, Jack feels personally recharged at camp, and he is grateful to serve a call where his congregation understands that this, too, is a vital part of his ministry.

 

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Just Jump!
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Alexa works in Arts-n-Crafts (ANC) in Summer 2023.

A reflection on Matthew 6:34 written by Alexa Georgina Pérez Soto, 2023 Cabin Leader and International staff member from Mexico

“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” – Matthew 6:34

Time perception is quite different at camp. Sometimes you just don’t know what time or day it is, as long as you’re doing what you need to do, right? But occasionally you find yourself with some extra time, maybe as little as 10 minutes. In my life as a student that amount of time wasn’t really used productively, I used to scroll on my phone or even get anxious because I thought I did not have enough time to work on what I had to do! Here at camp those 10 minutes turned out to be amazing opportunities to try new things, whether if you are having a break or hanging out with your campers, you can find God.

Towards the end of summer, a coworker and I were participating in a Dunk Tank game in the lake. We had time before the hour and activity changed, 10 minutes left. We were already in the water just relaxing after being “dunked” multiple times. The busiest person at camp, who not only found time to serve as a lifeguard, jumped and joined us, our Camp Director, Amanda. She could have left to continue her work, but instead she used that short time to jump.

You can do many things in 10 minutes: Play a new board game with your campers, play Gaga Ball in Vagland, pick wild raspberries or have a drawing contest.

We can find God in different moments of our day. If you have 10 minutes, jump.

 

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Camp Service — It Runs in the Family
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Natalie (top row center) and her Venturer cabin group.

Natalie Wagner’s first recollection of being at Fortune Lake was as an onsite day camper. Her grandparents, Bob and the late Judy Wagner, stayed at Bewabic State Park overnight and canoed their grandchildren across the lake for the day. Their family has a lengthy history of service at camp, stretching back to when her grandparents helped build the camp house and the Village Center. Later, Natalie’s aunt Mandy became one of the hardest working summer maintenance workers we’ve had. Now, it’s Natalie’s turn to see just how deeply that tradition of service runs in her blood.

Since her first visit, Natalie has come to camp many times with her siblings and cousins.   This summer she was a Leader in Training (LIT). She was part of a cohort of eight high schoolers who participated in special training sessions during High School Week and then returned for two weeks of volunteering alongside our summer staff. Natalie’s first assignment was with the Venturers. She wondered if the training she received had adequately prepared her to work with middle schoolers, a group with whom she had little experience. Natalie quickly realized that what works to motivate some people doesn’t work for others. Throughout the week there were challenges. Difficult behaviors needed to be confronted, and patience was tried. The highlight came on the final night of camp during the Faith Experience, the culmination of a week of community building.  Natalie individually affirmed each of the campers in the cabin group, telling them how she’d seen God at work in and through them.  Despite her initial hesitation, Natalie found that she had precisely the right words at the right time for each camper.  She states that she “felt so connected to them through Christ.”

Through her experience in the LIT program, Natalie found a patience, adaptability, and enthusiasm she didn’t know she had. As she returns to her family and home church of Christus Lutheran in Greenville, WI, she will continue to put these skills to use. She is committed to working with the Synod Youth Board in her region and hopes to return for a second LIT year at camp next year. She has big dreams of one day being a travel nurse. No doubt God will use the gifts she has honed at Fortune Lake for the service of others, wherever the Spirit leads. Thanks be to God for the legacy of faith and service that her family inspired, and thanks be to Natalie for responding to the call!

 

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Deep Connection, Deep Faith

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Morgan, Jesse, Reed, & Jacqueline Haid during their private rental

Even as a pastor’s kid, Jacqueline Haid felt awkward talking about her relationship with God.  There was one space that was an exception.  Her parents, Pr. Keith and Karen Kolstad, tell of the first time that Jacqueline experienced the waters of Fortune Lake.  The young family had just relocated to the U. P. for Pr. Keith’s first call, and four month old Jacqueline was stuffed into a lifejacket and taken on a canoe ride. Prior to forming her own memories, the waters of this place of grace seemed to have worked their way into Jacqueline’s soul, and this Holy Spirit work continues to this day.

As a child Jacqueline recalls being Fortune Lake with her dad while he served as camp pastor.  The lodges were not yet built, so they tent camped in the field.  A severe thunderstorm rolled in, eliciting strong fears for both father and daughter.  Keith assessed the situation and determined that they were better off to ride out the storm in their tiny canvas tent than to run for cover to an already full building.  Despite their fears, they made it through the night by fervently praying. They awoke a sense of gratitude to deep puddles and a great story to tell.

Fast forward to 2020.  As a mother parenting two young children through the storm of the pandemic, Jacqueline longed to get her family outside in a safe place where they could build new memories and experience many of the things that they’d missed due to safety precautions.  She jumped at the chance to do a private family rental.  It was in those same waters of Fortune Lake where their son Reid swam for the first time and their daughter Morgan had her first pontoon ride.  There was such joy in those initial encounters with God’s good creation.

Thanks to early exposure encouraged by her parents and congregations, Jacqueline’s connection to camp runs deep.  Now she seeks to provide similar experiences for her own family in a place where it’s easy to explore one’s faith, try new things, and feel wrapped up in the immense love of God.  The Haid family looks forward to an entire week of intergenerational camp – a step-up that was much advocated for after the half-week last summer – where the tradition continues, new stories are being built, faith conversations are the norm, and the deeply rooted  connection comes full circle.

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New Strengths & Skills

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Mark Ehle behind the stage of “One Wonderful Day”

When I was younger, my parents always took me and my family to Fortune Lake. I just thought we went because it was a fun place, which it was, but when I got older, I learned how far back its importance really goes.

My parents first met there about 20 years ago when they started working as counselors. Fortune Lake holds a big spot in our family’s hearts because it has so many memories and experiences and helps us grow in our faith. Ever since Mom and Dad became parents, they brought us to Fortune Lake to make memories of our own and help us grow. 

My skills have grown so much over the years, like being on stage without being afraid, eating new things, and meeting people from multiple different places like England, Singapore, and Central America. I made history by acting in their first ever musical open to the public! I was “Cedar Camper #3/Boy in Canoe.” The musical was to commemorate over 90 years of Fortune Lake fun. It was about an ordinary day at camp, and a girl who overcomes her fears by trying  new things. Just like the girl in the musical, I was afraid at camp when I was younger, but in the end we both overcame our fears and wanted to go back the next summer. I’ve learned to do things I thought I probably never would have done, like meeting new friends from across the globe, swimming in a lake with a water trampoline, and leading campfire songs while playing my guitar. This showed me that new opportunities can expose me to many amazing new things.

Fortune Lake has created many different kinds of camp weeks for different people. Some of the camps are Family Camp, Women and Kids Week, Fishing Camp, Lego and Art Camps, and Vagabond Week, which is in eastern Fortune Lake with tree houses, many trails with berries to pick and eat, and fire pits where you have to cook your own food. Fortune Lake is a big place, so there is always room for everyone.

I plan to have a future with Fortune Lake Lutheran Camp. I plan on becoming a counselor there, play guitar at campfires because I’m already learning how to play, and maybe even work there as a full time job. Fortune Lake has given me so many memories and experiences, and I want to help create new ones for more people. 

 

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Accomplishing the Impossible

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Some Forest Park students brave the cool autumn waters of Fortune Lake.

Kids need camp more than ever, and Fortune Lake has been given the opportunity to extend the camping experience beyond summer. Many U. P. schools have the tradition of offering 6th grade camp – an overnight, communal, outdoor education experience – to their students. The pandemic brought both Washington Middle School (Calumet-Laurium-Keweenaw) and Houghton Middle School to Fortune Lake for their long-standing school camps.  This fall we also welcomed our neighbors from Forest Park.

Due to a generous grant from the Forest Park Youth Fund of the Dickinson Area Community Foundation, Forest Park 7th graders were about to come to camp for 3 days. Traditional activities like saunaing and swimming, nature hikes, gaga ball, campfires, and skits were coupled with outdoor lessons with their teachers. Many of the students had never had an experience like this. As is often the case in 7th grade, peer groups were forming, and some students appeared to struggle to fit in, hanging on the fringes. Allowing everyone to feel included can seem impossible.

A community building activity called “blanket flip” presented a particular challenge. The activity is intended to seem impossible, yet it can be accomplished through perseverance, intentional teamwork and clear communication. Campers struggled, and one even threatened to run away! Eventually, all teams were able to accomplish the task, and we processed the activity to get to its practical application. Pausing to think, listening to one another, including everyone in the problem solving process, and considering outside-the-box ideas are all essential both in “blanket flip” and in life, especially when things seem impossible.

As the students were loading onto the bus on Friday afternoon, one who often hung on the fringes lamented about camp ending. He stated, “I wish we could come to school here every week and just go home on the weekends.” The fresh air and outdoor fun, the connections with teachers and peers, and the camp community had gotten to him.  His teachers will work to incorporate the important lessons – academic and social/emotional –  throughout the rest of the school year. For all these reasons and more, we need camp more than ever!

 

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A Spirit-Driven Moment, A Lifetime of Impact

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Bella (front) with the LIT group in Vagland.

Annabelle “Bella” King came to Fortune Lake by way of Hayworth, West Yorkshire, United Kingdom as an international summer staff member. Her first few weeks at camp brought about the apprehension that often comes with being in a new place far from home. During staff training, Bella quickly made friends and learned songs, camp traditions, and the flow of camp in general.

One of the first camper weeks, Bella was placed as a cabin leader for the Leaders-in-Training Program. The group was small with eight people creating a close knit community for the week. It was during this week in Vagland that Bella would experience a Spirit-driven moment that would impact her life in a profound way.

Midway through the week, Bella and her treehouse campers were enjoying some laid back time in Vagland. Some were playing guitars, some were taking a moment to rest their eyes, and still others were playing games or crafting. It had been raining all morning, but looked like it would let up soon. As the rain drew back, to the delight of the campers and the staff, the sky opened up to reveal a double rainbow. The group made their way out of the pavilion to bask in the sun and the majesty of the twin rainbow. As joy and wonder moved through the group, a mother deer and her twin fawns meandered their way into the clearing right in front of them, under the beauty of the now blue sky.

For Bella, whose favorite verse is Psalm 96:11-12, this display of the beauty of God’s creation was awe-inspiring and gave her confirmation that she was indeed in the right place for the summer.

The rest of the week brought deepening friendships, meaningful time with scripture, many more moments of beauty, and the construction of the Vagland cross, lovingly dubbed “Big Cross.” That week was one of many memorable weeks that Bella spent at Fortune Lake; it served as the foundation for a continued relationship with FLLC’s ministry.

Since that first summer at Fortune Lake, Bella has returned multiple times, as a staff member, friend, and retreat participant. Each visit only cements her connections to the God who called her here and the other people who also call this place home.

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Faith, Peace, and Family

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Christine (right) and her cousin during a hike to Horse Race Rapids at a Fall Wellness Retreat

While Christine Perry grew up in Crystal Falls, she never attended Fortune Lake as a camper. Her youth group at United Lutheran put on weekend retreats, where Christine heard about a sense of peace, time to bond with peers, and special moments apart from the busyness of regular life, but it never quite fit into her schedule. Little did she know, her relationship with Fortune Lake would eventually grow to impact not only her but her loved ones as well. 

Christine recalls that her time spent at Fortune Lake has varied through the years. She was married at Fortune Lake by former director, Pastor Cy Warmanen, and her daughter worked at camp. Eventually, after all those years, Christine became a camper with her grandson during Grandparents and Kids Week in 2019. As it turns out, this time away spent at Fortune Lake became invaluable to her family. Now, her daughter and grandson come for Intergenerational Camp, and Chris stays back to take care of things at home while her daughter gets time away. She highlights that family camps are a true vacation for guardians. They’re weeks where parents can say “yes” while knowing that the staff will be there to keep kids safe while having fun. She speaks fondly of the relationships that have developed between her daughter and her grandson and the Fortune Lake Summer Staff. These bonds, she says, are part of what makes camp so special. 

When Fortune Lake introduced our first Fall Wellness Retreat, Christine’s daughter suggested that she look into going with her sister and her cousin. The women hadn’t spent time together just the three of them in many years, and they decided to reunite at Fortune Lake. Now, years later, this has become a cherished tradition. Not everyone has made it every year, but those who do find peace and joy at camp and in being together. 

By leaning into the opportunities that interested her, Christine has made Fortune Lake a regular part of her faith and family life. She speaks candidly of her renewed and strengthened faith when she leaves camp. Her experiences here inform the way she not only navigates the world, but shares her love of God with others. 

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