What are Camp LuWiSoMo’s Mission and Core Values?
Camp LuWiSoMo is dedicated to providing faith-growing opportunities for people of all ages in a Christ- centered outdoor ministry setting.
All employees and volunteers at Camp LuWiSoMo agree to work to uphold the following Core Values in their interaction with other staff, volunteers, and guests.
- We are Christian in our behavior, beliefs, motivations, and attitudes.
- We are Servants in both our management style and our focus on others.
- We are Stewards of the resources God gives us.
- We are passionate about our mission, while remaining humble about ourselves.
- We demonstrate mutual respect.
- We strive for clear and timely communication.
- We build a positive team and family spirit.
- We don’t take ourselves too seriously; we have fun.
- We create remarkable experiences that inspire and refresh people.
- We glorify and give thanks to God in all we do.
What is Camp LuWiSoMo’s summer camp ministry focus?
Camp LuWiSoMo has two main focuses for its summer camp ministry. First and foremost is to encourage, educate and excite campers about their faith walk. This is done through daily devotions, Chapel Time, Bible Studies, and campfire and cabin devotions. Learning about God and Scripture is also incorporated into the majority of our daily activities.
Our second focus is on exposing and educating campers to a variety of activities they would not normally have a chance to try outside of a camp setting. During each activity campers learn the basics, have a chance to practice, and then apply the new skill to some sort of challenge or game. Some of the activities a camper may participate in, depending on age, include animals facts & identification, arts & crafts, sports, games, archery, astronomy, boating, compass skills, cryptography, fishing, GPS, horse riding, knot tying, low ropes team building, orienteering, service projects, tree identification, working with disabilities, and camping/survival skills. Activities vary each summer to keep the campers growing in their knowledge base.
What training do counselors receive, and how old are they?
Counselors are over the age of 18 and typically under 25 years old.
They receive a variety of training regarding camper safety, interaction with campers, and programing during a 10 day training period. Safety is one of our biggest focuses. Counselors are trained in emergency procedures for missing campers, waterfront emergencies, and appropriate actions in case of severe weather. All counselors and program staff are also certified in CPR, AED, and First Aid for adults and youth. All staff need to clear a background check as well.
Counselors are trained in the activities they are leading as well as in the Chapels and Bible Studies. Any staff leading higher risk activities such as horseback riding and archery also have additional training for those specific activities.
What are the desired qualities in summer camp staff?
First and foremost we look for staff who have a desire to share the Good News with others and enjoy working with children and young people. We also look for staff who exhibit good judgment, high moral standards, a focus on safety, and a passion for outdoor ministry.
How are behavioral and disciplinary problems handled?
At camp we address behavioral and discipline problems as outlined in Matthew 14:15-16: “If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over. But if they will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’ “
Our counselors are instructed to meet with the camper one-on-one in a public area or within view of others and address the concern with them. It is stressed that counselors explain why the rule that was broken was put in place so that the camper understands the situation. Depending on the severity, the first time is just a warning and to help the camper make better decisions. If discipline problems continue, or are severe, a call home is made by the Summer Camp Director.
How many campers attend each week?
The average number of campers varies each week between 50 and 80.
What is the campers-to-counselor ratio?
LuWiSoMo provides a minimum of one counselor for every ten campers between the ages of 7 and 18. For campers 6 years and younger, LuWiSoMo provides a minimum of one counselor for every 5 campers. Most cabins will also have a CIT (Counselor-In-Training) who stays with the cabin group. CITs are trained high school students who are learning to be counselors.
What does a typical day look like?
6:45am Wake Up / Get Ready
7:30am Cabin Cleanup
8:00am Breakfast
8:45am Devotions / Songs
9:00am Activity Period 1
10:00am Activity Period 2
11:00am Chapel
12:00pm Lunch
12:30pm FOB (Rest Time)
1:45pm Bible Study
2:30pm Canteen
3:00pm Activity Period 3
4:15pm Activity Period 4
5:00pm Dinner
5:30pm Small Group Games
6:30pm All Camp Games
7:45pm Canteen
8:15pm Campfire
9:00pm Bedtime Prep
9:45pm Cabin Devotions
10:00pm Lights Out
What if my child needs medical care?
A Health Supervisor is part of our camp team to help provide care for campers and distribute needed medications. All counselors and program staff are also trained and certified for CPR, AED, and First Aid. For more serious injuries or medical needs, or emergencies, those listed on the camper’s health form are contacted and campers are taken to local urgent care or emergency assistance contacted as needed, as per our health care plan.
Can Camp LuWiSoMo accommodate special dietary needs?
We do our best within reason to accommodate campers with food allergies or medically required dietary restrictions, as long as this information has been provided in advance as part of the registration. In some cases, this may include campers bringing some of their own supplementary food.
Can I send a care package?
Care packages and letters can be sent to the camper c/o W5421 Aspen Road, Wild Rose, Wisconsin, 54984. However, please note the time required for delivery by the USPS. Packages or letters received after a camper has left camp are not forwarded or returned.