Reconnecting with God and Friends
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Derek McEachern has been coming to Fortune Lake since before he can remember. His mom Stacy was attending Women and Kids week when she was pregnant with him. Eventually, Derek started coming to camp on his own, recalling Rocket Camp as his first youth camp experience. 

Derek recalls feeling closer to God and growing in his faith every time he comes to camp. He values making meaningful connections with staff and fellow campers and appreciates that they come from all different towns and backgrounds. Often at the conclusion of the week, his friends make sincere efforts to stay in touch. Inevitably, their young lives get busy, and communication wanes. That’s where Fortune Lake’s youth retreats come in.

Each fall and spring, Fortune Lake offers one-night retreats for youth. These fast-paced, fun, faith-filled events provide a perfect way for Derek and his friends to reconnect with God and with one another. They also give Derek an opportunity to invite new friends to camp, as it is less intimidating to commit to a one-night retreat versus a full week of summer camp (which often comes later).

As young people grow up, camp activities sometimes conflict with other events. It could be easy for Derek to prioritize football, track, or academic pursuits, but he always makes room for camp. Recently, when the youth retreat landed on the same weekend as Derek’s high school prom, many assumed he’d skip the retreat, but not Derek! Rather than miss out on the retreat altogether, Derek did both. He participated in the games, Bible study, campfire worship, and outdoor activities before leaving early to get ready for his special night at the prom. Derek provided a great example of how to make room for important relationships and to nurture his faith in God while still partaking in the important milestones of high school. Join us – and Derek – for these fantastic retreats!

This spring Fortune Lake will be offering two fantastic youth retreats!

Friday-Saturday, April 4-5 for grades 3-6

Friday-Saturday, April 11-12 for grades 7-12

 

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Inspired Youth Shares About Camp
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Created to Be

By: Clara Eslinger

Created to be, hmmm…  what does that really mean?  Sure, maybe some people say “Oh, I was definitely created to be a football player, or a veterinarian. I know how to do three backflips in a row, so I am created to be in a dance competition!” It’s great to have those thoughts!  Perhaps God did give you great football throws or gave you the talent to help animals big and small. But, the trick is… TO NOTICE THAT YOU HAVE SO MANY OTHER BLESSINGS!  

Blessings, wow! What a powerful word. God has blessed us all in gifts. Not like a new bike or a pair of shoes you get for Christmas. When God blesses you, he gives you talents! Like doing backflips and crazy dances. And why I wanted to bring up the fact you have so many other blessings, is because some of them are hidden and you have to discover them. Others are already there and you know it. Some you don’t notice you have, but you do! 

So, to wrap it up… for the next few days, when you see a new thing, or see a game you’re good at, or even hear “CREATED TO BE” said out loud, think of blessings and how God gave us all of them!  USE THEM! 

 

Fortune Lake Lutheran Camp: a poem

By: Clara Eslinger

Fortune Lake Lutheran Camp,

full of fun and plenty of sun!

Learn about God 

as you make a new pod, full of friends! 

So, go ahead…sign up

I promise you’ll be totally fine!

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Created to be Brave
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Maggie Bruchman set foot on the holy ground of Fortune Lake Lutheran Camp for the first time when she arrived to start the new role of Mental Health Support Coordinator in May. She had long heard about Fortune Lake from her cousins, but this was Maggie’s first time here. She felt uncomfortable for a while. The sights and sounds were new. Nobody had been in the position before her to provide guidance. Even as she was still getting acclimated herself, Maggie quickly found that there were many campers and staff who, like her, needed community support, encouragement, and time to adjust to life at camp.

One particular night, Maggie was called into a Village cabin, where our youngest campers stay, to assist with a girl who was having a difficult time with bedtime. The camper was hesitant to share what was going on, so Maggie tried some of the age-old tricks like counting stars or sharing about activities she was looking forward to. None of the tricks worked.

Eventually Maggie asked, “You’re homesick, aren’t you?” The camper responded, “Yes!” Once the problem was identified, the camper opened up about missing her parents; she hadn’t expected camp to be this hard. Maggie encouraged her to write down her feelings, and she wrote that she was feeling sad, confused, and upset. On the other side of the page, Maggie encouraged her to expand. She wrote, “Even though I feel these ways, I am also brave, smart, and capable. I can get through tonight.” Feeling better about the situation, the camper thanked Maggie and went to bed. Not only did she get through the night, she did great for the rest of the week, and she enjoyed a joyous reunion with her parents at the end!

Even though Maggie was new to Fortune Lake and still adjusting herself, the Holy Spirit worked through her to share comfort with this young camper, and many others throughout the summer. Because of concerted efforts by Maggie and the rest of the staff, every camper was successful in completing their week of camp. The staff might not be able to take away a camper’s concern, but as Maggie demonstrated, they can be present, listen, and help the campers use their strengths to meet their challenges. Thanks be to God for an amazing summer at Fortune Lake!

Fortune Lake is currently hiring for Summer 2025. Visit https://fortunelake.org/about/employment-opportunities/summer-staff/ to learn more and apply today!

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The Gift of Camp for All Ages
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When Lois Blau saw a post about Evergreen Camp, she was very excited. She had fond memories of going to camp when she was young. While the camp memories of her youth were not at Fortune Lake, it seemed like the perfect opportunity to take time to revisit the full camp experience.

When Lois arrived at Fortune Lake, she was surprised to find herself full of apprehension. Despite the welcoming faces at check-in, Lois began to question whether she had made the right choice. The anxiety that comes with committing to a week at camp can get to all of us, regardless of age. Her fears dissipated within hours as she started to interact with the group. By the end of the week, she found herself not only sure that she would come back, but hoping that everyone else would too. Nature, the Bible Studies, and the activities that filled the schedule were highlights. She appreciated the “choose your own adventure” model of adult programming. She was able to choose what resonated with her and take time to rest during what didn’t, allowing her to be more fully present when she was with the group. The most surprising thing to Lois about her week at camp was how much she enjoyed the meals. Lois lives alone, and the opportunity to sit with different people at every meal and converse was special. The participants made up a vibrant group with many stories, and there was much sharing throughout the week.

On Tuesday night, the group gathered for Holden Evening Prayer at Resurrection Ridge, the campfire site that overlooks the lake. Lois was familiar with the liturgy from singing it in her congregation, but this experience was different. With about twenty gathered, the group was led and accompanied by summer staff. The sinking sun was just beginning to set behind Fortune Lake, closing out another beautiful summer’s day. Lois called this Holden Evening Prayer a “true vespers experience,” noting that the litany was all the more powerful in such a lovely setting. Like so many others, Lois was deeply moved by the beauty of God’s Creation at Fortune Lake.

Lois left Evergreen Camp feeling connected to the community that had formed and feeling renewed as she returned to her daily life. She can’t recommend the experience to others enough and intends to return next year. We are so thankful for Lois and the others who made Evergreen Camp the incredible week that it was. Fortune Lake is committed to offering Evergreen Camp in 2025. Might we see YOU there? Visit the Evergreen Camp page to learn more.

 

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Just a Smalltown Girl
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Like many of our campers, Lillian Bruchman grew up in a small U. P. community.  She worshiped regularly with her family at Faith Lutheran Church of Calumet.  Lillian started attending summer camp at Fortune Lake as a youth and was drawn to the group games, the emphasis on outdoor play, and the deepening relationships – both with God and the camp community.  As a young person, Lillian had no idea just how profoundly God would work in her life through Fortune Lake!

Beginning in Summer 2022, Lillian was called to be a part of the summer staff.  Her first summer was spent as a Cabin Leader, where, like the leaders she remembered, Lillian led games, got kids out in God’s creation, and facilitated growth in campers’ relationships with one another and their Creator.  But Lillian’s impact had only just begun.

In Summer 2023, Lillian served as the Vagland Coordinator, the primary person responsible for all of the programming – including Vagabonds and Night Owls – in our rustic treehouse village.  

Lillian states, “Through Fortune Lake, I have been challenged in many ways.  I have learned what it means to be an example of Christ, to love others and persevere through hard work.  I am currently going to school to be a Social Studies teacher.  Fortune Lake is the perfect way for me to prepare myself in the field.  I learned what it was like to manage a group of people that are all diverse with different needs.  I became comfortable with the role of “wearing many hats” and working with things that were out of my control.  I learned how to work best with the things I could control, and let God take care of the rest.  I learned how to be a better communicator, to look out for others and be there for them.  I can’t think of a similar summer job that prepares me so well for my future career, in an environment where I constantly feel supported and I feel safe to make mistakes to help myself grow.”

Lillian returned in Summer 2024 to serve as our Youth Camp Coordinator, where she continued to shine the light of Christ and be there to meet the needs of our diverse camper population.  She also brought the fun!  Parents and caregivers could rest well knowing that Lillian is at the helm.

Like so many before her, Lillian felt God’s call over her life at an early age, which was deepened through her experiences at Fortune Lake.  Thanks be to God for all of the lives touched through this important ministry!

 

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Resting and Reconnecting
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Bev and Dan Wilcox are community members in Crystal Falls who were recently presented with a unique problem: Their three sons, three daughters-in-law, and seven children were coming to town for the Christmas holiday and they didn’t have enough space to house them. While exploring their options, Bev decided to check out Fortune Lake based on the suggestion of a friend. Bev and Dan had been connected to Fortune Lake for a long time, bringing their kids to events throughout the years, enjoying Second Sunday Folk Dances, and attending Senior Days in more recent years. After getting connected with the staff, it was a go. The Wilcox family would spend the week of their Christmas holiday at Fortune Lake. 

Bev and Dan noted the comfortable accommodations, access to outdoor spaces, and time together as some of the highlights of their stay at camp. Emanuel Lodge afforded them both private rooms and a large gathering space that hotel lodging would not have provided. Given the time of year, the family had come expecting ice fishing and sledding, but the unseasonably warm winter meant that they enjoyed fishing (free of ice), nature walks, and the fully stocked recreation area. The ability to choose what they wanted to do and when they wanted to do it was not lost on them as they took the time to reconnect. Bev shared that God was present as the family was able to spend time together, pray together, and relax together. They even had their own Christmas service in Emanuel Lodge, complete with a Nativity scene put together by the grandkids. 

The Wilcox family is one of many families who are able to escape their busy schedules and spend quality time with each other at Fortune Lake. Bev and Dan are already excited about the possibility of returning the next time the whole crew comes to town. The facilities and beautiful surrounding nature turned out to be the perfect fit for them. Have you considered having your next family gathering at Fortune Lake? We have lodging options to accommodate groups of various sizes and can even provide meal service for a minimum of 15 people. If you’d like to learn more, visit fortunelake.org or call Charlotte at 906-214-2267 to check for availability.

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Building Bridges
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In Summer 2024 Henry Zuehls came to camp as a Sr. High Night Owl camper.  Upon arriving, he noted that he wasn’t feeling great about the week ahead.  Many of the other campers seemed “weird” singing songs and acting silly.  Henry admitted that he was feeling a bit “judgy.”

However, he knew he was here for the week, so Henry committed to making the most of it.  Before long, he found himself right in the mix.  The songs, games, and activities had convinced him that some of the “weird” stuff was actually pretty fun.  By embracing the experience, Henry quickly built abiding friendships and ended up having one of the most memorable weeks of his summer.  He learned that instead of judging others because they appeared to be different from him, it was better to get to know them for who they are.

Henry has taken the important life lesson that he learned at Fortune Lake and applied it to his everyday life.  As a high school student, he now strives to be a bridge builder and a peacemaker.  Instead of making snap judgements, he makes an effort to get to know others who are different from him.  He even has worked to break up arguments and fights amongst his peers, encouraging them to try to communicate and get to know each other instead of jumping to conclusions.

God worked in such a transformative way during Henry’s week at camp that Henry chose to come back and serve as a Leader-in-Training (LIT) the following summer.  After participating in High School Week and some intentional training and preparation, Henry practiced his leadership skills as he works alongside the young adult staff throughout two weeks as a volunteer.  In doing so, Henry continued to encourage others to build relationships and trust, and camp is the perfect place for that.  Henry inspires great hope – both at camp and beyond!

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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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