What is the H.E.L.p. Camp-aign?

Whereas, Lutheran Retreats, Camps and Conferences (LRCC) has been in faithful partnership with the congregations of the Southwest California Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America for more than 60 years; and,

Whereas, more lay and rostered leaders in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America discern their call to ministry at one of our Lutheran Bible camps than any other place in our church; and,

Whereas, Lutheran Retreats, Camps and Conferences (LRCC) has faithfully followed all state and county health department guidelines, causing the Board of Directors of LRCC to close both the El Camino Pines (in the Southwest California Synod) and Luther Glen Farm (in the Pacifica Synod), beginning in March of 2020; and,

Whereas, 70% of the operating income that funds the ministry of LRCC is earned by hosting various user groups at both our Bible camps, and that the real impact of the Covid-19 pandemic closures of our local Lutheran Bible camps has resulted in over $1,000,000 dollars in lost revenue; therefore,

Be it resolved:

That the Southwest California Synod, in assembly, calls on the congregations of the Southwest California Synod to fully support the ministry of Lutheran Retreats, Camps and Conferences with special focus over the next few years as it recovers from the impact of of the Covid-19 pandemic by supporting the HELP Camp-aign, and thus pledging to:

1. Help children, youth and adults from Southwest California congregations to attend our Lutheran Bible camps by promoting the character building programs of LRCC, and by offering campership money to prospective campers; and,
2. Encourage youth and young adults from Southwest California congregations to serve as Bible camp counselors and camp volunteers; and,
3. Lean in to support the financial recovery of our local Lutheran Bible camps, in such ways as: initiate a fund raising event; support LRCC through the congregation’s annual budget; host a Camp Sunday and/or, encourage your congregational members to support LRCC; and,
4. Pray for God’s blessing on the partnership of the Southwest California congregations and Lutheran Retreats, Camps and Conferences.