The LO Down

It's the month of May, and this year there is extra excited energy amongst the leaders of Lutherans Outdoors. After a summer and year without camps or retreats, our camp directors are busy preparing for reopening camp in Summer 2021. In this episode of the LO Down, hear from Teri, Vicki, and Matt about the importance of relationships, safety, and the joys of camp and being camp directors. Support the show (http://losd.org/donate)

Mary Kettl has been captivating campers of all ages through her writing and on horseback for decades. On this second part of a special episode of the LO Down Mary shares three more of her stories, adapted for these strange times. Get ready for more great stories with Mary!Support the show (http://losd.org/donate)

Mary Kettl has been captivating campers of all ages through her writing and on horseback for decades. On this special episode of the LO Down Mary shares three of her stories, adapted for these strange times. Her stories will remind you of being home, at your camps. Support the show (http://losd.org/donate)

In the midst of a broken world, as camps we know it is vital to love one another. On this episode of the LO Down, Nancy Hartung shares how she has seen and experienced first hand how the community at camp is a place that loves and welcomes people, no matter what. As a Camp Mom, leader for Camp Gilbert, nurse, and on the LO Board of Directors, her love of camp and care for people is contagious. Support the show (http://losd.org/donate)

In this episode, Pastor Sarah Goldammer shares a devotion and word of hope during a time of uncertainty. May you be reminded of Christ's presence during this episode of the LO Down. Support the show (http://losd.org/donate)

This episode is coming at you in a new and different way, in a time of new normals. We are experiencing a period of physical distancing due to a global pandemic, changing we gather in community, something that is essential for camp. So, this conversation with Sarah Steinwand Ailts was recorded through a phone call. We give thanks for the ways technology connects us and have an even greater appreciation for the importance of community at this time. Sarah has a long history with outdoor ministries, from camper to counselor as a youth to parent and supporter as an adult. Hear how her experiences shaped her life, and why she would encourage others to make a camp experience a priority. Support the show (http://losd.org/donate)

Lutherans Outdoors in South Dakota welcomes people of all ages and abilities from SD and beyond. Tonya Tomasek and Linda Rambow have brought campers from their congregations in Minnesota to LO camps for decades. In this episode learn why they adventure to the camps of LOSD and what beings them back year after year. Support the show (http://losd.org/donate)

Larry Olson and Karol Baer, known by many as Dakota Road, have a long history of fostering community in song at the camps of Lutherans Outdoors. Their stories begin with Karol as a camper at Klein Ranch and Larry as a camp counselor at NeSoDak, and the rest is history. Camps and congregations throughout the state and the world are familiar with their music. It is always a delight to connect around the table or campfire with Larry and Karol. Enjoy this episode of the LO Down. Support the show (http://losd.org/donate)

In this episode of the LO Down, hear from a number of the year-round staff of Lutherans Outdoors. Meet some new staff members, look back on 2019, and forward into the coming year. Support the show

Lutherans Outdoors in South Dakota is a ministry of the churches in the South Dakota Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and partners with the Synod regularly, even having the Administrative Office housed in the same building. This past June, the Synod elected a new Bishop, Constanze Hagmaier. We are so excited for her new call as the Bishop because of her strong history with the camps of Lutherans Outdoors in her congregations and as a family camper. Now that she has been in this role for a few months, we thought this is the perfect time to sit down with her to chat about all things camp. Get a glimpse into why she would encourage you to go to camp, and what she will be talking about next summer as one of the Resource Leaders for Family Camp at Outlaw Ranch. Support the show (http://losd.org/donate)

In the summer of 2019, a conversation between Mary Kettl and Jerry Manlove was recorded. Anyone who has been a part of Lutheran Outdoor ministry knows these two well and is familiar with the "Common Book of Camping" that the two co-authored. After his passing on December 16th, 2020 we wanted to hear his voice and story again. During this episode, you will hear a humble telling of the history of a truly great man, as well as his impact throughout the years for Lutherans Outdoors in South Dakota. Support the show (http://losd.org/donate)

A group of Klein Ranch Staff Alumni gathered this past summer to celebrate the life of a good friend. As they spent time in community, they had opportunities to share the impact of working at camp, which creates memories and bonds to last a lifetime. Hear about the powerful impact of a staff experience. Support the show (http://losd.org/donate)

This short episode of the LO Down gives you a chance to hear about camp from the campers perspective. Special thanks to Lexy Johnson and Jaimie Odde for collecting and submitting stories for us to share on the podcast this month. We hope you LOve listening and are inspired to ask someone to share their story from camp, or share your own. Happy Summer!Support the show (http://losd.org/donate)

Pastor Chris has a long history with the camps of Lutherans Outdoors in SD. Hear how camp has impacted her life, ministry, and those she connects with both in the church and world. As one of the pastors at Peace Lutheran, Sioux Falls (which brings the most campers to LO camps each summer) she has a unique view of the ways camp, church, and community are seamlessly woven together. Support the show (http://losd.org/donate)

Mark Thompson has a long history with Lutherans Outdoors and so much wisdom to share. As the Facilities Manager at Outlaw Ranch for more than 30 years, there is so much to learn about the life and adventures of Mark, Bonnie and their friends in community. Support the show

In this episode we hear from Nate Kringstad about what it is like to be a part of the Lutherans Outdoors Summer Staff. Nate has worked at Joy Ranch for the past few summers and is moving into a leadership position this summer. Hear his story, learn what happens as young people grow into leaders, and maybe even be inspired to work at camp yourself. Support the show (http://losd.org/donate)

Mary Kettl is a long time staff member for Lutherans Outdoors, spending time both at Outlaw Ranch and Atlantic Mountain Ranch. Throughout her years, she has been capturing and sharing the impact of camp through her stories. Learn more about Mary and hear her stories on this episode of The LO Down. Support the show

Happy New Year! Here at Lutherans Outdoors in South Dakota we are extra excited for the new year as we welcomed Paul Hanson as the new Executive Director of Lutherans Outdoors. Get to know Paul in the newest episode of The LO Down. Support the show (http://losd.org/donate)

There are many people that are vital to making summer camp happen, but the ones who are truly at the center of it all are the Program Directors. These year-round staff members wear so many different hats throughout the year, and are the ones crafting an amazing faith-filled summer camp experience for people of all ages. Get to know them and their roles through the second episode of the LO Down.Support the show

On this episode we are catching up with Neil and Kari Sorensen, LO superstars and camp extraordinaires. Neil led Lutherans Outdoors as both the Director of NeSoDak/Klein Ranch as well as being the Executive Director for the organization. Kari's roles span from Program Specialist to Interim Director of Joy Ranch and everything in between. And the number of year's they have combined in ministry are more than LO has even been in existence. We can't think of anyone better to kick off this podcast. Support the show (http://losd.org/donate)