Outdoor Ministry
The church in a time and place apart
Who We Are
Outdoor ministries encourage spiritual growth for the whole person by providing encounter with scripture, experience and care of the environment, staff witness, and opportunities for worship, re-creation, and relationship development through intentional Christian community. There are approximately 145 ELCA outdoor ministry programs in the United States and Puerto Rico.
The Value of Camping
Camp experiences help build skills necessary to prepare youth to assume roles as successful adults. Parents, campers, and camp staff report growth in areas such as self-confidence, independence, making friends, exploring and learning new activities, and spirituality. Camp provides growth experiences for youth that can benefit them through adulthood.
The Impact of Outdoor Ministry
Outdoor ministries offer a wide vareity of programs that provide growth experiences for people of all ages, many of whom become leaders in the church and their communities. In partnership with congregations, outdoor ministries strive to strengthen, support and lift up the body of Christ through building relationships with others and with God while enjoying creation.
...outdoor ministries strive to strengthen, support and lift up the body of Christ through building relationships with others and with God while enjoying creation.
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Find an ELCA Outdoor Ministry
Pinecrest

Since 1927, Pinecrest Lutheran Leadership Ministries has been providing leadership training to Lutheran youth
Pinecrest
Mission and Program
Sojourners Week

Sojourners provides opportunity for adventure, community, learning, and growth for at-risk youth at Christikon
Christikon
Sojourners Camp