Camp News

Camp Okoboji and the Camp Okoboji Auxiliary would like to say a big thank you to the congregations and individuals who brought food for the Grocery Shower that was held on April 7th during the Annaul Meeting.

Everyone at Camp Okoboji appreciates the support that you provide as Camp gets ready for its busy summer season! 

God's blessings to you all!

Camp Okoboji is excited to announce that Kirk Warnke will the new Executive Director! Read the Press Release to learn more about him!

Camp Okoboji, Lutheran Church Missouri Synod, is pleased to announce that Kirk Warnke has been hired to serve as its new Executive Director. Kirk will begin his duties on February 12, 2018, with official designation at the Camp Okoboji Annual Meeting to be held April 7, 2018 at Camp Okoboji. Kirk will be transitioning into the Executive Director position as Doug Kading will be retiring. Doug has served as the Executive Director for 30 years.

After a thorough hiring process conducted by the Executive Committee of Camp Okoboji’s Board of Directors, Kirk was identified as the successful candidate. The process resulted in a pool of 10 qualified candidates, three finalists were invited to Camp for formal interviews. With information from the formal interviews, the Executive Committee recommended Kirk to the Board of Directors as the new Executive Director. The Board of Directors unanimously approved the recommendation.

Mr. Warnke has previously served as Vice President at Heartland Bank in Somers, Iowa. He has been with Heartland Bank since August 2003. Prior experience includes opportunities to develop a history of management within the banking industry and in private enterprise as controller and CFO.

Mr. Warnke is a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Pomeroy, Iowa. At Immanuel, he has served as President of the congregation, Board of Directors member, Elder, Finance Committee, Education Committee, Trustee, Sunday School teacher, Usher, Camp Okoboji delegate, and District Convention delegate. He has served on the Board of Directors at Camp Okoboji for 20 years and its Treasurer for 15 years. He is presently serving as a member of the Board of Directors of the Iowa District West Endowment and Legacy Committee.

Kirk is married to Delaine. They have 3 grown children and 3 grandchildren. In his free time, Kirk enjoys golf and time with his family. He is excited to be named the next Executive Director and looks forward to meeting the challenges of continuing the growth, development and legacy of Camp Okoboji, and developing relationships throughout Iowa District West and its surrounding area that are and can be served by Camp Okoboji.

Please help us welcome Kirk and his family to Camp Okoboji. He would be very interested in discussing camp Okoboji with anyone. Feel free to contact him at:

June is offering many events and programs to enjoy! Check'em Out!
Sunday Worship    Omelet Brunch    Day Camps    Kids Kamp   Technology Camp   JOY Camp    
Adventure Camp     Girl's Sports Camp    Minneboji Youth Camp     IDW Convention    LWML Convention
Check out the whole 2018 Program Schedule for July, August, and other events.

Here's the buzz around Camp. 

May_Messenger_2018.pdf

Discover is up and running.  It was Dedicated May 28, 2017 (It was a beautiful day and event!). Campers and guests thoroughly enjoyed it this past summer. It is also available year-round for a variety of uses and events.
 
A Future Vision for the next Generation of Campers and Guests. The DISCOVER CAMPaign OKOBOJI goal was to replace the Hauck and Crafts buildings with a single facility called 'Discover'. The over-all goal of the campain was to raise $2,800,000. The campaign was unveiled at Camp Okoboji's Annual Meeting in April 2015. To date, the first $1,400,000 phase one goal has been raised and exceeded!  

2017_Discover_Newsletter_Fall.pdf

Participation and gifts are still needed and appreciated! A few unexpected expenses and cost over-runs need to be covered. Gifts and pledges can be made payable to: DISCOVER CAMPaign OKOBOJI and sent to camp.

Congregations were asked to support the campaign along with individuals and families.  Several congregations stepped forward with 'pledges' ranging from $5,000 to $30,000 with nearly half of IDW Congregagations supporting Diascover. What a Blessing! 

Congregation 'Ambassadors' are church members willing to help Camp Okoboji share the campaign within their congregation.  If you are interested in serving, Ambassador information can be down-loaded or mailed.