A SPECIAL PUBLICATION OF
TUESDAY, JULY 26, 2016
Fun Faith Friendship Campers jump into the sparkling pool at Camp Lone Star – one of the largest pools in the county. On the cover: Campers enjoying the lake in the early days of Camp Lone Star.
Camp Lone Star Celebrates 75th Anniversary Camp Lone Star is 260 acres owned and operated by Lutheran Outdoors Ministry of Texas, Inc., whose purpose supports the work and mission of the Texas District of The Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod. Camp Lone Star was founded in 1941 when property was donated for a Christian youth camp, south of La Grange, along the Colorado River. The Lone Star District of the Walther League, the LCMS youth organization serving congregations until 1969, had held camps, trainings, and seminars on property around the state of Texas since 1929 and had been looking for a permanent home to establish a camp and conference center. The property, located on the Silas Jones league of land, was developed by early volunteers and supporters who erected temporary structures to conduct trainings and host outings of the Walther League. The temporary buildings were remodeled to be more permanent and resident camping continued, a lake was constructed, and in 2 | CAMP LONE STAR 75TH ANNIVERSARY
1950 a dining hall serving meals to campers with cooks’ quarters was added. Basic recreational facilities were placed into service and horseback riding was made available. In 1953 a swimming pool was constructed to serve guests and into the 1960s improvements were made to the property. Two key leaders at Camp Lone Star in its early years were Ted Lammert of Katy, who served as camp director for the summer programs through the late 40s and into the 50s, and Rev. John Socha of Giddings, who served in a similar role during the 60’s. Johanna Pietsch was camp cook for many years giving guests great meals. Pietsch was known for her many homecooked specialties. August Hempel was another servant of the camp fulfilling caretaking responsibilities. Many Lutheran pastors, teachers, Directors of Christian Education and influential lay leaders received training through the LSV (Lutheran Service Volun-
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A horse-riding program from the camp’s early days.
Camp Lone Star Annual BBQ, Auctions and Worship Service & 75th Anniversary is Sunday, July 31
A cross on the camp grounds.
An Historic Milestone Continued from previous page teers) schools and other camp and leadership events held at Camp Lone Star. Garland Midgett (wife Stell) was the first full-time site director at Camp Lone Star and he served from 1971 – 2004. Under his leadership at Camp Lone Star the Johnson Retreat Center (1980) was built for higher comfort camping for conferences, workshops, family reunions and other adult use. The Koop Activities Center (1994), a large multi-purpose room, was added, 12 climate controlled youth cabins (1985-87) were constructed, a Day Camp multi-purpose room (1999) and additional housing was added, and a sports pavilion (1999) was placed near the athletic field. Additional land was secured to provide plenty of “green” space for campers as the site was developed and provided more riverfront access. The camp program grew in campers served and in philosophy. Horseback riding was discontinued and a Team’s Challenge Course program was initiated, the later having a powerful impact on both youth and adults. Keith Lund (wife Jill), Executive Director of Lutheran Outdoors Ministry of Texas since 1995 serves as the current Camp Lone Star director. Camp Lone Star receives support from numerous friends and donors to help maintain the mission and ministry of the camp. This is demonstrated each year at the annual barbecue (last Sunday of July) where worship, fellowship, good food, and live and silent auctions give opportunity for committed contributors to provide direct financial support. Each year Camp Lone Star serves hundreds of summer campers and brings thousands of visitors into the La Grange area for retreats, reunions, workshops, conferences and other directed and hosted programs conducted by the camp each year. “A mission of renewal and outreach in the midst of God’s creation and among His people.”
11 a.m. Outdoor Worship Rev. Dr. Richard Noack 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Drive-thru Plates 12 Noon Barbecue Dinner (free-will offering) 1 - 3 p.m. Live & Silent Benefit Auctions Swimming pool open
We’d love to see you at Camp for this reunion!
Enjoy a few hours or a day at camp to help us celebrate 75 years! Participate in the Live or Silent Auctions—both in the air-conditioned Koop Activity Center to support the camp. And if you can’t stay a while, enjoy a drive-thru BBQ dinner for just $9. Camp Lone Star 2016 Camp Lone Star Rd La Grange (off U.S. 77) 979-968-1657 www.LOMT.com CAMP LONE STAR 75TH ANNIVERSARY | 3
Christian Summer Camps: More Important Than Ever
Attendees at a previous Camp Lone Star barbeque enjoy the sounds of the worship band.
By JOHN HAWKINS
As summer approaches, many kids and their parents start looking at summer camps, including those that focus on sports, the arts, science, nature, etc. Many also consider sending their youngsters to a Christian camp. A question you might ask about Christian camp is: should it be a priority? One area camp director thinks so. “I believe there are two reasons why Christian summer camp is more important 4 | CAMP LONE STAR 75TH ANNIVERSARY
than ever,” says Keith Lund, who oversees Camp Lone Star, a Christian facility in La Grange. “The first is that unlike other summer programs, it is an intentional Christian community. The ‘intentional’ part is that God calls the staff to lead boldly, speak clearly about their faith, and not be shy in telling others about the saving grace we have through faith in Jesus Christ. Christian ‘community’ is built daily by committed counselors, fed through Bible study
and worship opportunities for campers and modeled in daily actions,” says Lund. The second reason is something he calls “pattern interrupt.” “Did you know the average youngster spends over six hours a day in front of some type of electronic screen? When kids come to camp, however, their daily routines are disrupted – no cell phones, computers, etc. Instead, campers are plunged into God’s creation and guided through different activities, other than the
ones they normally experience. The value in a Christian setting comes when this change is filled with faith, such as campfire devotions, prayer, and small group discussions about their personal relationship with Jesus Christ,” explains Lund. The end result? “We see time and time again how these two tools ‘set people up’ faceto-face with their Savior, either for the first time or in a renewing experience,” says Lund.
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A National Church Study Found a Camping/Retreat Experience Can Be One Of the Most Life-Changing Events One Can Have Continued from previous page
What Lund sees at Camp Lone Star is not unique. According to a study conducted by a national church body, a camping or retreat experience can be one of the most lifechanging events one can have in the Lord. Indeed, the study found among those surveyed that two-thirds of members and elders, and nine in ten ministers, recalled a learning or spiritual growth experience that had great significance in shaping their Christian life. (Among those surveyed, one half report this took place prior to age 17). The most common setting cited for this experience is a camp, followed by a retreat. This surpassed other settings, including conferences, the home, small and youth groups, worship, church schools and others. (Source: PCUSA Church Camps and Retreats Survey: 2002) Like many facilities, Camp Lone Star offers both weeklong and weekend sessions for those ages 5-18 from June through August each year. It is located on the Colorado River about 60 miles southeast of the Austin area near the intersection of Highways 71 & 77. The camp draws most of its counselors from college students in Texas. Historically, many are studying to be full time church workers, including pastors, educators, etc. Of course, Christian summer camp is not strictly about Bible study and devotions. Other activities include archery, pool time, canoeing, fishing, arts and crafts, nature center events, and hiking. Camp games include soccer, Flickerball, Darebase and others. Each day also ends with the traditional campfire. “You can’t minimize, either, how important getting out of the house is in this day and age,” says Lund. “I know one report says that kids today spend an average of only four to seven minutes outdoors each day. Can you believe that?” he adds. Something that Keith Lund has noticed in recent years is that many grandparents send their grandchildren to camp. “Many went to camp themselves as kids and know the impact it had on their lives,” he says. “Some also send grandkids who, for some reason, don’t attend church. They know that Christian camp is a great place to learn about Jesus Christ,” Lund added. Camp Lone Star itself is open year round and serves families and adults, in addition to youth. Founded in 1941, the camp is operated by Lutheran Outdoors Ministry of Texas (LOMT), which is a recognized service organization of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod. “While many kids from our church body come to camp each year, hundreds more attend who are members of other churches or not affiliated at all. All kids are welcome,” says Lund. More information on summer camp at Camp Lone Star is available at LOMT’s website at www.LOMT.com, by calling 1-800-362-2078 or via e-mail at lomt@lomt.com. Following are the current camps available through Camp Lone Star and a light description of what to expect at each one.
A day-camper and counselor at Camp Lone Star.
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Campers at the Club Connect day camp at Camp Lone Star.
A CAMP FOR EVERY KID Camp Lone Star offers a variety of camp sessions to fit your camper’s age, interests and desires. One of these is the Alpha camp, designed with variety and imagination to fuel the youth ages 8-12. This is a camp session for children and preteens to spend putting their imagination to the test through daily adventures. Activities include archery, Bible study, canoeing, hiking, floor hockey, 6 | CAMP LONE STAR 75TH ANNIVERSARY
fort building, swimming, and so much more. This is a time for campers to work on cooperation and compromise while enjoying each other’s company in the great outdoors. Another such session is Journey. This is for young teens ages 12-14. This is a week dedicated to recapturing the lost “Rite of Passage” transition that was so common in the past between youth and adulthood. Campers
will be challenged with the ideas of what it is to become a man or woman of God. This will be accomplished through focused Bible study, challenge course, and special activities in cabin groups and day groups that help foster these vital developmental principals. If your campers aren’t quite to that point yet, the Night Owl session might be just the out-of-the-box experience they need. De-
signed for ages 10-12, the Night Owl camp is a completely different session. Campers start the day with supper and go to sleep after breakfast. All night long they will have the chance to explore the nighttime opportunities that Camp Lone Star and the community have to offer. Late night cookouts, astronomy, challenge course, sunrise swimming and
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Camp Offerings Range From ‘Alpha’ to ‘Omega’ Continued from previous page field trips fill the evening in this nocturnal experience. If your camper is anywhere between 13-18 years old, there are multiple sessions
available through Camp Lone Star. The Adventure, Alliance, and Omega camp sessions are all options for teenagers. With the Adventure camp, there are some off-camp outdoor adventures awaiting. Campers will have the chance to build their own shelter outdoors
under the stars. They will also have the opportunity to build their own fire and prepare their own meals. With a mixture of activities both on-site and off-site, campers will learn what an adventure can truly be about. Bible study, devotions and campfires are included
to round out this amazing week of fun and spiritual growth. The Alliance camp session is full of challenge course activities. Challenge, commitment, care and choice are the 4 Cs that summarize the values centered throughout the activities and discussions. You’ll spend a significant amount of time every day in challenge course activities. The week will push you mentally, emotionally and physically as you’re challenged to grow in your relationships, spiritual life and personal character. The popular Teen Program is Discovery which fills up the first few hours registration is open. Wednesday of Discovery is the “Race for Kingdom” competition between the Blue Boltz and Gray Gladiators (campers are assigned to a team first year they attend and stay with that team in subsequent years). Lastly for the 13-18 year-old range is the Omega camp session, which is always popular and always great. Centered around the energy and interest unique to the teens attending, this week includes lots of large group activities sure to encourage close bonds and friendships that may last a lifetime. Campers will be challenged to grow into men and women of God led by college-age mentors already walking their faith. There are also a couple of weekend offerings available for campers. The Expedition session, for ages 5-8, is just what kiddos need if they want a taste of camp, but aren’t quite ready for a full week of fun. Small cabin groups and earlier bedtimes characterize this camp, but it still maintains the same enthusiasm and drive as the Alpha sessions. Another weekend offering is the Endeavor for ages 8-18. This camp is a quick version of our Alpha and Omega camps plugged into a Friday-Sunday schedule. It’s a great bridge camp between two weeklong sessions. There’s not enough time to do everything at camp, but you can try. Of course, there is also a camp available for ages 0-99, and that’s our Family Camp. A weekend at the Family Camp includes a balance of activities scheduled with other family campers and time set aside for just your family. Campfires, s’mores, canoeing and hikes can be a part of your family’s summer memories for years to come. Housing varies, with just one family per room or cabin with bedding provided.
Dads help their kids learn archery skills in a special Father and Child retreat at Camp Lone Star.
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Camp Lone Star Facilities Today
Entrance sign Cabin cluster
Retreat Center dining room
The challenge course climbing wall.
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The Johnson Retreat Center
Cabin interior
2016-17 Calendar of Events
Lutheran Outdoors Ministry of Texas A supportive ministry of the Texas District and a Recognized Service Organization of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod Dates are in 2016 unless noted.
LOMT SUNDAY
Special Events
First Sunday in March Help celebrate the blessings the Lord has given to Lutheran Outdoors Ministry of Texas with special activities, services and offerings.
Women’s Renewal Retreat Annual BBQ/Auctions Father and Child Weekend
March 3-5, 2017 July 31 October 28-30
Auctioneer Nelson “Buddy” Johnson.
Catch the Auction Fun! Each year Camp Lone Star/LOMT serves thousands of guests — children, youth, and families (of many backgrounds, sharing the Good News.) Again this year we’ll have a silent auction (in addition to live auction) conducted on barbecue day with tables of items located around the Koop Center area. You will have plenty of opportunity to take home an item and support Camp Lone Star. The fun and entertaining live auction shouldn’t be missed! The funds raised by the annual live and silent auctions are a major part of LOMT’s fund-raising efforts. But it can’t be done without YOU. Join in the spirit of the day...see you there!
2016 Pioneer Summer Camp Offerings*
Work Weekends Available - Call 800-362-2078 Lutherhostel (senior citizens) April 3-7, 2017
Call the camp office or watch our website for the 2016 Summer Camp schedule and Pioneer weeks available. Online registration begins the first Tuesday in December for the next year’s summer camp season.
Jr. Staff Workshop (ages 15-18) January 27-29, 2017 Summer Camp (ages 5-18) June 5-August 5 (2017 registration begins online at www.LOMT.com on December 6)
Youth Events
Fall Blast Retreat (grades 3-5)* Off-Site Programs One week of 2016 summer camp was offered at Camp Shiloh in the North-east Texas area. Other off-site adventure camps and confirmation-age programs may be offered. Contact LOMT if interested. Outdoor Education Call for Outdoor Education resources and opportunities to fit your needs!
To request registration materials, to obtain information for any event listed, or to schedule your own event, contact the camp. Dates subject to change.
2016 Theme : “Truth Revealed” - “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth." John 1:14 (ESV)
An excited bidder from a previous Camp Lone Star auction.
Adult Events
The Pioneer Camp program offers weeks of summer camp for discounted group registration (5 or more campers) through one central contact person in a congregation. The adult who coordinates this registration receives motel-style lodging for that chosen week at camp at no charge as well as the optional opportunity to have a mini-session with his/her youth each day for community building, etc.
Camp Lone Star 2016 Camp Lone Star Rd La Grange TX 78945 Phone: 800-362-2078 Fax: 979-968-1658 As of 6/16/16
November 4-6
*Church group registration only
Confirmation Age Events* Lifequest (confirmation-age youth)* April 21-23, 2017 2016 Pre-Confirmation Retreats* September 30-October 2 October 7-9 October 21-23 Pre-Confirmation retreats held at Camp Lone Star can be one or two-night events depending on your group’s preference. *Participation in Confirmation and Pre-Confirmation events is through your home church congregation. Check with your pastor or youth director to learn if your church can be involved.
LOMT P.O. Box 457 La Grange TX 78945 lomt@lomt.com The 2016 LOMT Study Theme (taken from John 1:14 ESV)
Register for events online at:
www.LOMT.com “A Mission of outreach and renewal in the midst of God’s creationCAMP and among His people.” LONE STAR 75TH ANNIVERSARY | 9
Outdoor Education at Camp Lone Star By LORRI SANCHEZ Camp Lone Star Program Assistant
A
t Camp Lone Star we are in a unique place to get a closer look at God’s natural creation. Some of the many things to observe include 90+ varieties of wildflowers, grasses and trees; diverse species of birds, such as Bald Eagles, Painted Buntings, Mockingbirds, Cardinals, and various water birds including Great Blue Herons and Black-bellied Whistling Ducks; very distinct habitats, such as woodlands dominated by hardwoods, open fields, as well as riparian areas along the Colorado River, creeks and lake. Mammals, reptiles and amphibians abound, with signs and tracks of Whitetailed deer, raccoons, opossums often found around the water or along trails, as well as many lizards and skinks scampering in the leaves and on trees. Frogs and toads sing out their choruses and their tadpoles are in abundance. Night or day, we are surrounded here by the beauty and wonder of our awesome God. We can experience that with all of our senses, seeing the intense vastness of a starry night sky filled with stars and planets, and the occasional shooting star; smelling the clean freshness of a rainy day or the sun-baked earth on the hot days; hearing the countless birds and creatures calling out to each other; feeling the many textures of the trees, leaves, rocks and soils; feeling the sun or the wind or the rain as you just take the time to realize what a blessing that is; hearing the quiet of a calm day or the breeze in the leaves or the trickle of water in the creek; taste the occasional dewberry and its sweetness or the tangy Mustang Grape. There is just so much to experience in the great outdoors! Catch a butterfly or grasshopper and take a closer look at the complexity and detail that God put into that colorful creation. Sit and listen to the birds and see if you can catch a glimpse or get a picture of the songster. You could walk the same trail every day and see something new each time. Every day and every season brings new wonders to enjoy! You can come and enjoy these things on your own or let our staff help you observe and learn a little more about some of these natural miracles of God. Look through the camp telescope to get a closer look at the 10 | CAMP LONE STAR 75TH ANNIVERSARY
A camper with a frog caught at the Camp Lone Star lake.
planets, moon and other celestial bodies, hearing more information about these from our staff. Let us take you on a wildflower hunt, or a closer study of the Harvester Ants, or investigate the differences in the areas around the lake, creek and river. Visit the hands-on Nature Center to see some of the evidence of wildlife and plant life around camp and touch different pelts from various mammals to feel the different textures. Let us take you on a night hike to experience the many sounds and scents and creatures unique to the night hours. Let’s collect sticks
and make a fire to cook our meal outside, enjoying the beauty of the plants and wildlife around us. “Outdoor Education” seems to get limited to being something for the school experience, which it can be. But it can be for any camp experience, for kids and adults of all ages! “God saw all that He had made, and it was very good.” (Genesis 1:31a) Even God took the time to stop and look at all that He had made! Come away to camp and take the time to look at what God has made and see that it is very good!
Bald eagles, like this one, are often sighted around Camp Lone Star.
Lutheran Outdoors Ministry of Texas: A History
Christ-centered youth rallies and training events were sponsored by the Texas District of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod as early as 1929 through the efforts of the Walther League. Since these outdoor events were conducted on temporary sites, Camp Lone Star was established on property purchased near La Grange in 1941 in order to improve the quality of the programs. The Texas District proudly assumed full responsibility for Camp Lone Star in 1971 and called the first full time director recognizing the positive impact the camp had on the district. Many of the leaders of the church have received training at Camp Lone Star and many of the church workers in the district have entered full time ministry after positive experiences at camp. As Camp Lone Star moved into full year operations in1973, the vision of serving Texas Lutherans through outdoors ministry broadened to include people of all ages. The camp continued to emphasize personal growth in Christ, strengthening the church and leadership development, but went beyond youth centered activities to family and congregational programs. The Texas District Board of Directors voted in 1979 to establish a separate corporation and board of directors to oversee the outdoor ministry program. The corporation was established as Texas Outdoors Ministry then changed in July 1984 to Lutheran Outdoors Ministry of Texas (LOMT). LOMT is a supportive agency of the Texas District, The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, and Texas District Lutherans. In addition to Camp Lone Star, LOMT offers off-site camping events and activities at different locations throughout the state with an intentional purpose being “a mission of renewal and outreach in the midst of God’s creation and among His people.” Although LOMT collects fees for use of its facilities and programs, these revenues cover only approximately 70 percent of its annual budget. It depends greatly, therefore, upon the financial support of Christian friends to maintain and expand its programs and facilities. LOMT/Camp Lone Star serves over 1,850 campers in summer camp programs each summer for a total of 8,500 in summer and year-round programs which includes retreats, after school and outdoor education camps, community meetings/conferences, etc. LOMT works with a $1.3 million budget and brings in additional revenue to the La Grange area through gas and meal purchases plus local purchases of sundries and supplies. Seeing Camp Lone Star t-shirts at Sonic, Dairy Queen, Wal-Mart, etc., is not uncommon as Camp Lone Star campers impact and influence the La Grange area and beyond.
Clockwise from top: A Camp Lone Star cookout from the 1940s or 50s; Garland Midgett, the longest serving camp director; The Camp Lone Star Entrance as it looked in 1951.
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The youth dining hall at Camp Lone Star.
Lone Star Expands Offerings: Not Only For Camps Anymore
Camp programs are not the only things Camp Lone Star has to offer. Throughout the year, Club Connect sponsors movie nights available to all children ages 5 and up. Club Connect is a Camp Lone Star/LOMT program that connects our camp with the community by providing quality, Christ-centered programs for students in the La Grange area. Through Club Connect is a hope to benefit each child spiritually, academically, and socially. During the movies, parents are able to drop off their children for a two hour duration from 7-9 p.m. Kids are 12 | CAMP LONE STAR 75TH ANNIVERSARY
encouraged to bring a pillow and blanket for a comfortable movie watching experience. Snacks are provided with the assurance that all movies are rated G or PG. The cost is $7.00 per child. You can find the title of the next showing three weeks prior to the event at www.LOMT.com. Club Connect also offers select school breaks for first through sixth graders with their Day Camp. This is a chance for children to enjoy a fun day with large group games, canoeing, archery, crafts, songs, Bible study, swimming and water sliding (weather permitting), hikes, and much more.
All activities are supervised by Camp Lone Star staff with lunch and snacks provided! The cost is $27.00 per day/per child from 7:45 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., or $22.00 per day/per child for children signed up for After School program during that month. Spring Break Week is $131 or $106 if already part of the March After School program. Take advantage of all the great opportunities through Camp Lone Star and Club Connect and enjoy the benefits of having your children encouraged and disciplined towards their walk of faith. They’re never too young to start!
Rev. Dr. Richard Noack To Speak At Annual BBQ Rev. Dr. Richard Noack, past Camp Lone Star Summer Vicar and Counselor, will be the guest speaker for the worship service on July 31.
Rev. Dr. Richard Noack, retired pastor from Trinity Lutheran Church in Klein will be the featured speaker at the Annual BBQ Worship Service at 11 a.m. on Sunday, July 31 at Camp Lone Star. This year will also mark the camp’s 75th anniversary, so a special celebration is being planned. All persons from the area are invited.
In addition to the service, the day includes the traditional Barbecue dinner at 12 noon with noodles and all the trimmings. Drive through barbecue plates can also be purchased for $9 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Live and silent benefit auctions follow from 1 to 3 p.m. indoors in the camp’s Koop Center. The barbecue and auction is one of the
main events which support Camp Lone Star each year. At the 2015 barbecue, more than $75,000 was raised thanks to dedicated friends and the local community. For more information on the barbecue, or to donate an item to the auction, call (800) 362-2078 or go to camp’s website at www. lomt.com.
Attendees at a previous Camp Lone Star barbeque listen to worship music.
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Forever Thankful Capital Campaign Improves Facilities
New Christ Cabin and Road Repairs Part of 2016 Projects Two projects in the Forever Thankful Capital Campaign to improve the facilities at Camp Lone Star towards increased ministry opportunities have made progress— despite record-breaking spring rains in La Grange. The goal of the campaign is to raise $2 million over the course of three years. $743,100 has been pledged in the first 12 months of the 36-month campaign. The projects currently being under-taken are the Christ Cabin (which includes the Resurrection Meeting Room) and roadway improvements. Both projects are on track to be finished and usable by the end of summer. The Christ Cabin and Resurrection Room will be dedicated at the July 31st 75th Anniversary Barbecue at Camp Lone Star. We hope you’ll be there then! The new structure will include six sleeping rooms, each containing six to eight bunk beds to make up the lodging section of the cabin. Staff, volunteers and board members set about to construct 40 bunk beds. A central media-equipped multi-purpose space—the Resurrection Room—will
accommodate guests’ meeting needs all under one roof. It will be perfect for youth (or young at heart) church ministry retreats! The drinking water system upgrade as well as the new waste water plant replacement are now in the final stages of completion. If you haven’t already, please prayerfully consider a pledge or donation to the capital campaign. The current projects as well as the envisioned Welcome Pavilion still need funding. We praise God for His blessings in these efforts and we thank the supporters who have already pledged to these improvements that will increase efficiency for more ministries at Camp Lone Star! The Capital Campaign Goals include $100,000 for Drinking Water System Upgrades, $450,000 for Roadway Improvements, $350,000 for Waste Water Management, $750,000 for Christ Cabin, $350,000 for Welcome Pavilion. If you wish to make a contribution, you can do so online at lomt. com/foreverThankful.html.
Construction on the Christ Cabin project in March.
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Fun on the lake at Camp Lone Star.
An earlier version of the Camp Lone Star pool.
Camp Lone Star Memories
Howard Lacey of Austin has something not many people have – a 60+ year relationship with Camp Lone Star. A native Houstonian, Lacey first attended Camp lone Star in 1946 when he was nine years old and attending Immanuel Lutheran School. At that time, it was operated by the Walther League, which was a nationwide Lutheran youth organization that existed until the late 1960’s. At first, Lacey says he wasn’t sold on going to summer camp. “As a young boy, I knew at camp they would have Bible study and I thought, ‘I have enough of this in Day and Sunday school.’ But then, I saw how nice it was to be in God’s creation and do something outdoors,” he said. “At camp, you had the old boys’ dorm with a big fan at one end, and the girls’ dorm set up the same way. You would have cold-water showers and the cabins were made out of this rough lumber from green pine,’ says Lacey. “The old kitchen was at the end of the boys’ dorm – we ate out under the stars.” “The counselors were parochial teachers. I think they were doing it as volunteers, and they did their own thing as far as the program,” he added. In the 1950s, the camp staff started to get paid. Then camp directors Ted and Ruth Lammert recruited them. “In 1952 I got a job at the camp. I ran errands, driving an old Walther League paneled truck. I would pick up the cook in La Grange along with 200-300 lbs. of ice each day and bring them back. One chunk of ice was for the kitchen and the rest was placed near the old camp office for cold drinks during the day,” he said. Then, like now, summer camp offered one-week sessions. “In those days, the kids would leave on Saturday by noon. Our job was then to take Clorox and clean out the kitchen, which was in the old trading post. We did this barefoot. I guarantee you, we had no athletes’ foot-all the bacteria was gone!” he says. Something that was similar then as now was very modest salaries for summer staff. “I made $10 a week plus room and board. The arrangement was the same as it is now – we got paid at the end of the summer,” remarked Lacey. Following graduation from Lutheran High in Houston in 1954, Lacey enrolled in Valparaiso University in Indiana majoring in business. He graduated in 1958. He later went into sales, working in marketing for many years. In 1973, Lacey earned an MBA degree at the University of Houston. In 1985 Lacey took a teaching position at Concordia University in Austin and eventually was named Dean of the Business School. Lacey also earned a Doctor of Business Administration in November 1998. Lacey is now retired, but he continues to teach a course in leadership as an adjunct professor. What does Lacey see as the benefits of Camp Lone Star today for youth?
A Walther League reunion in 1994.
The side of a Walther League camp vehicle like the one Howard Lacey used to drive.
“They get to enjoy God’s creation. They also have Bible study, and have the example of the counselors. They also learn teamwork, and many develop lasting friendships. Lacey also sees that young people have a lot of challenges today. “Peer pressure is tremendous—to be cool, to go along with the crowd, and of course, that often leads to some things they shouldn’t be involved in,” he said. “The great
thing about camp is that it gets campers to think about making their own decisions.” Lacey and his wife Jeanette had four children. They also currently have nine grandchildren, of which four have gone to Camp Lone Star. “A couple of years ago, I said ‘grandpa and grandma will pay for summer camp.’ I said ‘here’s a web address, and all you have to do is sign them up,’” he said. Lacey and his wife also support the camp and LOMT as members of the ministry’s Development Council, which they joined in 2001. Of all camp memories, Lacey particularly recalls the evening devotion on the hill overlooking the lake. He said they would sing: Day is done Gone the sun From the lake From the hills From the sky All is well Safely rest God is nigh. Taken from LOMT Landscape 2010 Vol. 15 CAMP LONE STAR 75TH ANNIVERSARY | 15
Camp Lone Star – La Grange, Texas
“A mission of renewal and outreach in the midst of God’s creation and among His people.”
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