Located in the serene landscapes of Slayton, Minnesota, Shetek Lutheran Ministries offers a spiritual sanctuary amidst the natural beauty of southwestern Minnesota. Nestled near the shores of Lake Shetek, their camp provides a picturesque setting with easy access to the largest lake in the region, making it a perfect spot for both reflection and recreation.

Since its foundation, Shetek Lutheran Ministries has been dedicated to nurturing faith and fostering community through immersive camp experiences. Their mission is rooted in the philosophy of providing a safe, inclusive, and spiritually enriching environment for all attendees. They strive to embody the values of compassion, community, and personal growth in every aspect of their programming.

Shetek Lutheran Ministries is a camp that welcomes boys and girls across various age groups. By offering a range of activities and programs tailored to different age levels, they ensure that each camper finds a place where they can thrive, learn, and connect with others in a meaningful way. Whether it’s exploring faith, building lasting friendships, or developing new skills, their camp provides a nurturing ground for all children to explore their potential.

Join us at Shetek Lutheran Ministries, where faith meets fun in the great outdoors, creating experiences that last a lifetime.

Programs Offered by Shetek Lutheran Ministries

Shetek Lutheran Ministries offers a variety of programs designed to cater to the diverse interests and needs of their campers. Each program is carefully structured to provide enriching experiences that foster personal growth, spiritual development, and community building.

Program Descriptions

Faith Exploration: This program focuses on spiritual growth through Bible studies, prayer sessions, and worship services. It encourages campers to explore their faith in a supportive community setting.
Outdoor Adventures: From hiking and canoeing to fishing on Lake Shetek, this program takes full advantage of its natural surroundings to teach campers about environmental stewardship and outdoor survival skills.
Arts and Crafts: Campers express their creativity through various art projects, including painting, drawing, and crafts that they can take home as mementos of their time at camp.
Sports and Recreation: This program includes team sports and physical activities that promote fitness and healthy competition among campers.

Length of Sessions

One-Week Sessions: Ideal for younger campers or first-timers, these sessions provide a snapshot of all their core activities.
Two-Week Sessions: These sessions offer a more in-depth experience, allowing for deeper exploration of personal interests and extended community building.
Full Summer Programs: Designed for those who wish to fully immerse themselves in the Shetek experience, these programs span several weeks and include leadership training opportunities.

Specialty Programs

Leadership Development: Tailored for older campers, this program focuses on developing skills in leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving.
Environmental Science: Through hands-on activities and experiments, campers learn about local ecosystems, conservation, and the impact of humans on the environment.

Typical Daily Schedule

Morning: After breakfast, the day starts with a morning assembly or worship, followed by the first session of selected program activities.
Midday: Lunch is followed by some free time or guided meditation, providing a peaceful break before afternoon activities.
Afternoon: Campers engage in a second session of their program activities, often focusing on more interactive and group-oriented tasks.
Evening: Dinner is followed by either an evening program, which might include campfires, storytelling, or night hikes, or free time for campers to socialize and relax.
Nighttime: The day concludes with a night reflection or prayer session before heading to bed.

At Shetek Lutheran Ministries, each day is thoughtfully planned to balance activity with downtime, ensuring that campers remain energized and engaged throughout their stay.

Accommodations in Shetek Lutheran Ministries

At Shetek Lutheran Ministries, they prioritize comfort and convenience to ensure that their campers have a pleasant stay while participating in their programs. Here’s an overview of their accommodations, including sleeping arrangements, dining options, and bathroom facilities.

Sleeping Arrangements

Cabins: Their primary accommodation consists of well-maintained cabins that blend rustic charm with modern comforts. Each cabin houses 8-10 campers and is equipped with bunk beds. Cabins are organized by age group and gender to create a safe and supportive environment for all campers.
Dormitory-Style Lodging: For larger groups or special events, they offer dormitory-style accommodations that can host larger numbers of campers. These facilities include communal sleeping areas with individual beds.
Tents: For those interested in a more traditional camping experience, they provide tented accommodations during specific sessions. Tents are set up in designated areas of the camp with easy access to camp facilities.

Dining Options

Meal Plans: They offer three well-balanced meals per day, served in their communal dining hall. Meals are prepared by their skilled kitchen staff with an emphasis on nutrition and variety to keep campers energized throughout the day.
Dietary Accommodations: Understanding the importance of catering to various dietary needs, Shetek Lutheran Ministries provides options for vegetarians, vegans, and those with specific dietary restrictions such as gluten-free and dairy-free diets. they strive to ensure that all campers have delicious and nutritious meals according to their dietary preferences or requirements.

Bathroom and Shower Facilities

Bathrooms: Each cabin cluster has its own centrally located bathroom facilities, which are equipped with multiple stalls and sinks to accommodate the needs of campers quickly and efficiently.
Showers: Separate shower facilities are available, featuring individual shower stalls that ensure privacy and convenience. These facilities are gender-segregated and are regularly cleaned and maintained to uphold the highest standards of hygiene.

At Shetek Lutheran Ministries, they take great care to ensure that all aspects of their accommodations contribute to a safe, comfortable, and memorable camp experience for every participant.

Activities in Shetek Lutheran Ministries

Shetek Lutheran Ministries provides a wide array of activities designed to engage campers of all interests and encourage them to explore new skills and hobbies. Here’s a breakdown of the activities, special events, and skill development opportunities available.

List of Activities Offered

Swimming: Enjoy their supervised swimming sessions in Lake Shetek, perfect for cooling off on hot summer days.
Hiking: Explore the natural beauty surrounding their camp through guided hikes along various trails that offer both challenging and leisurely options.
Crafts: Engage in creative arts and crafts sessions where campers can make everything from friendship bracelets to custom camp t-shirts.
Canoeing and Kayaking: Paddle around the serene waters of Lake Shetek, a perfect way to see the lake’s beauty up close.
Fishing: Try your hand at fishing from the docks or a boat, and learn about the types of fish that populate local waters.
Archery: Summer camps teach the basics of archery or refine your skills under the guidance of experienced instructors.
Campfires: Gather around the campfire for storytelling, songs, and marshmallow roasting, an ideal setting for making new friends and sharing experiences.

Special Events or Traditions

Opening and Closing Ceremonies: These ceremonies bookend the camp experience, fostering a sense of community and celebration.
Talent Shows: Campers get a chance to showcase their talents and enjoy performances by their peers, creating a fun and supportive environment.
Themed Days: From superheroes to international days, themed events add a fun twist to regular activities and meals.
Camp Olympics: A day of friendly competition where campers participate in various sports and games, promoting teamwork and sportsmanship.

Skill Development Opportunities

Leadership Training: Older campers can engage in leadership programs designed to develop essential skills such as decision-making, team management, and conflict resolution.
Environmental Education: Through activities like bird watching and nature walks, campers learn about local flora and fauna and the importance of conservation.
Creative Arts Workshops: Special sessions in painting, music, and drama allow campers to explore their artistic side and develop new creative skills.
Sports Clinics: Specialized clinics in sports like soccer, basketball, and volleyball help campers improve their skills with the help of experienced coaches.

At Shetek Lutheran Ministries, their activities are carefully planned to not only provide fun and entertainment but also to foster personal growth and learning. Whether it’s through artistic expression, physical activity, or environmental stewardship, their camp offers numerous opportunities for campers to explore their interests and develop new skills.

The staff of Shetek Lutheran Ministries

At Shetek Lutheran Ministries, they pride themselves on their dedicated and highly qualified staff who ensure that every camper has a safe, enjoyable, and enriching experience. Here’s an overview of their staff-to-camper ratio, hiring process, staff qualifications, and the training and certifications their team possesses.

Staff-to-Camper Ratio

General Staffing: They maintain a staff-to-camper ratio of 1:8, ensuring that each camper receives personalized attention and supervision.
Specialized Activities: For activities requiring more intensive supervision and instruction, such as swimming and archery, they adhere to a lower staff-to-camper ratio of 1:5.

Hiring Process and Staff Qualifications

Recruitment: Their staff is carefully selected based on their experience, qualifications, and passion for youth development. Recruitment involves a thorough application process, including detailed interviews and reference checks.
Background Checks: All potential staff members undergo comprehensive background checks to ensure the safety and security of their campers.
Experience and Skills: They prioritize hiring individuals with prior experience in camp settings, education, or child care. Specialized skills related to specific camp activities, such as sports coaching or arts and crafts expertise, are also highly valued.

Training and Certifications

Mandatory Training: Before the camp season begins, all staff members attend a rigorous training program. This includes sessions on child psychology, emergency response procedures, and effective communication strategies.
CPR and First Aid: All staff members are required to be certified in CPR and First Aid. These certifications are kept current to ensure that staff can respond promptly and effectively in case of an emergency.
Activity-Specific Certifications: Staff leading specialized activities such as canoeing, archery, or swimming possess relevant certifications. For example, aquatic supervisors have lifeguard training, and those leading high-adventure activities have specific safety training pertinent to those activities.

Ongoing Professional Development

Continuous Training: Throughout the camp season, they conduct ongoing training sessions to refresh skills and introduce new methodologies in youth engagement and safety.
Feedback and Evaluation: Regular feedback sessions help staff to continually improve their skills and adapt to the evolving needs of campers and the camp environment.

At Shetek Lutheran Ministries, their staff are more than just employees; they are mentors and role models dedicated to making a positive impact on the lives of young people. Through their expertise and compassionate approach, they create a supportive and engaging environment that encourages campers to learn, grow, and have fun.

Safety and Health in Shetek Lutheran Ministries

Ensuring the safety and well-being of their campers is their top priority at Shetek Lutheran Ministries. They implement comprehensive safety protocols, maintain on-site health facilities, and adhere to stringent policies for handling emergencies. Here’s how they safeguard the health and safety of everyone at their camp.

Safety Protocols and Procedures

Routine Safety Drills: Regularly scheduled drills ensure that both staff and campers are familiar with procedures for fires, severe weather, and other potential emergencies.
Activity-Specific Protocols: Each activity offered at the camp has tailored safety protocols, which are rigorously followed. For instance, water-based activities have specific lifeguarding measures and boating safety rules.
Secure Campgrounds: The camp is equipped with controlled access points to ensure that only authorized personnel and campers are present on the grounds. Regular patrols by trained security staff help maintain a secure environment.

On-site Health Facilities and Staff

Health Center: Their on-site health center is staffed by licensed medical professionals, including nurses and/or a part-time doctor, who are available 24/7 to address any health issues or injuries.
Medical Supplies and Equipment: The health center is equipped with the necessary medical supplies and equipment to handle a wide range of medical situations, from minor injuries to more serious health emergencies.
Health Screenings: Upon arrival, all campers undergo health screenings to identify any existing conditions or needs, ensuring that individual health plans are in place if required.

Policies on Handling Emergencies

Emergency Action Plans: Shetek Lutheran Ministries has detailed emergency action plans for various scenarios, including natural disasters, health emergencies, and security threats. These plans are regularly reviewed and updated to align with best practices and local guidelines.
Communication System: In case of an emergency, a reliable communication system is in place to notify all staff and, if necessary, parents and local emergency services promptly.
Evacuation Procedures: Clear evacuation routes and procedures are established and communicated to all staff and campers. Regular training ensures that everyone knows their role and the steps to take in an evacuation.
Partnerships with Local Emergency Services: They maintain strong relationships with local emergency services (police, fire department, and medical facilities) to ensure a rapid response when additional support is needed.

The comprehensive approach to safety and health at Shetek Lutheran Ministries ensures that all participants can enjoy their camp experience with the assurance that their safety and well-being are prioritized. Through ongoing training, proper equipment, and vigilant monitoring, they provide a secure and healthy environment conducive to learning, growth, and fun.

Cost and Registration in Shetek Lutheran Ministries

Shetek Lutheran Ministries is committed to providing an enriching camp experience at an accessible price, with options for financial assistance to ensure that all interested campers have the opportunity to attend. Here’s a detailed look at the cost of attendance, registration details, and their financial policies.

Cost of Attendance

Inclusive Pricing: The cost of attending Shetek Lutheran Ministries varies depending on the session length and program type. Generally, fees cover all aspects of the camp experience, including lodging, meals, activities, and program materials.
Typical Cost Range: Prices can range from $300 for one-week sessions to $1,000 for full summer programs. Specialty camps or leadership training sessions may have different pricing due to their unique offerings and resources.

Registration Process and Deadlines

Online Registration: Registration is conveniently handled online through their secure camp management system. Prospective campers can access registration forms on their website.
Deadlines: Early registration typically opens in January, with deadlines varying by session. It’s advisable to register early as some programs fill up quickly.
Required Documentation: Alongside the registration form, parents or guardians will need to submit health forms and, in some cases, a camper conduct agreement.

Payment Plans, Refunds, and Cancellation Policies

Payment Plans: Understanding that families have different budgeting needs, Shetek Lutheran Ministries offers flexible payment plans. These plans allow families to spread the cost of camp over several months leading up to the session.
Refunds: Full refunds are available up to a month before the session begins, minus a non-refundable deposit. Partial refunds may be available closer to the start date, depending on the circumstances leading to cancellation.
Cancellation Policy: In the event of cancellation due to unforeseen circumstances such as illness or family emergency, they work with families to either refund as much of the fee as possible or apply the fee to a future session.

Scholarships and Financial Aid

Scholarships: A number of scholarships are available each year to assist families in need. These scholarships can cover part or all of the camp fees.
Application for Financial Aid: Families seeking financial aid can apply through a separate form available on their website. This process involves providing some details about the financial situation to ensure aid is allocated to those who need it most.
Community Support: They also partner with local organizations and churches that may offer additional financial support or sponsor specific campers.

At Shetek Lutheran Ministries, they believe cost should not be a barrier to experiencing the joy and growth that come from attending camp. Their registration and financial assistance processes are designed to be as accessible and accommodating as possible, ensuring that all interested campers have the opportunity to join us for a memorable summer experience.

Parent and Camper Preparation in Shetek Lutheran Ministries

To ensure that both campers and parents are well-prepared for the camp experience at Shetek Lutheran Ministries, they provide detailed guidance on what to pack, their camp rules and policies, and tips for first-time campers and their parents. Here’s everything you need to know to get ready for a successful camp experience.

Packing List

To make the most out of their time at camp, campers should pack the following items:

Clothing: Weather-appropriate clothing including t-shirts, shorts, long pants, and layers for cooler evenings. Include a rain jacket and swimwear.
Footwear: Comfortable walking shoes, water shoes, and flip-flops or sandals.
Bedding: Sleeping bag or sheets and blankets, and a pillow.
Toiletries: Toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, soap, and other personal hygiene items. Don’t forget sunscreen and insect repellent!
Accessories: Hat, sunglasses, and a reusable water bottle.
Optional Items: Books, journals, or small games for downtime. Cameras are also welcome for capturing memories.

Rules and Policies

Technology Use: To maximize engagement and ensure safety, the use of cell phones, tablets, and other electronic devices is restricted at camp. Devices may be used at designated times and areas.
Visitation: Parents and guardians are encouraged to visit during specific visiting days, which are communicated ahead of the camp session. Outside of these times, visits should be scheduled with camp management to avoid disruptions.
Behavioral Expectations: Campers are expected to follow all camp rules, show respect to staff and peers, and participate actively in scheduled activities.

Tips for First-Time Campers and Parents

Preparation: Discuss what camp will be like focusing on the exciting activities and new friendships to be made. Address any anxieties with positive reinforcement.
Communication: Explain how and when you’ll communicate during camp. Campers appreciate knowing when they’ll next hear from their parents, whether through emails, letters, or during visitation days.
Independence: Encourage your child’s independence by practicing certain skills at home, like packing their own bag or managing basic personal care.
Emotional Support: Let your child know it’s okay to feel homesick and that it’s a natural part of being away from home. Assure them that camp staff are always there to help.

By following these guidelines and preparing appropriately, both parents and campers will feel more confident about the upcoming camp experience at Shetek Lutheran Ministries. This preparation helps ensure that campers can fully engage with the programs, make new friends, and create lasting memories while away from home.

Shetek Lutheran Ministries stands as a beacon of community, faith, and personal growth in the beautiful setting of Slayton, Minnesota. With a comprehensive range of programs, activities, and accommodations tailored to meet the needs of each camper, Shetek provides a unique environment where children can safely explore their interests, develop new skills, and deepen their spiritual understanding.

Their dedicated staff ensures that every camper receives individual attention while fostering an atmosphere of inclusion and respect. The health and safety protocols they adhere to are stringent, ensuring that every parent can feel secure in the knowledge that their child is cared for in a safe environment. Additionally, their commitment to accessibility through scholarships and financial aid programs ensures that no child is left behind due to financial constraints.