Caroline Furnace Camp and Retreat Center –
Annual Report to the Synod March 2025
God is Near….Trusting, Blessing, Listening, Serving & Following
We thank you for your renewed and increased commitment to Caroline Furnace in 2024! You met and exceeded our giving goals for 2024 that provided resources for 2,070 people throughout the year. Fulfilling our mission, we were able to provide unforgettable experiences by educating 891 students and scouts, renewing and retreating with 1261 adult guests, and faith building with 586 campers and youth aged guests. Donors – over 350 individual donors and 37 congregations and businesses. Volunteers – over 348 individual volunteers providing 3,776 volunteer hours.
Building in 2024 – We installed the pavilion solar panels, fans, and lighting fixtures to provide a completely off grid outdoor meeting space to gather large groups and summer campers. We built a new archery range shelter/storage area, built privacy stalls in the sukkah bathhouse, and installed a shower and water heater in Cabin 7. We also provided portable air conditioning in all of our cabins during the summer and warm fall days for all of our guests.
Summer Camp in 2024 – With 300+ campers and volunteers and only eight domestic staff and four international staff we could not have done it without the help of many volunteers! Our community really stepped up and took great care of our campers and their families. We introduced tree climbing and ascending at Oak Ridge, continued our two week adventure camp for older campers, and continued the other specialty camps such as acoustic, culinary, and horse camp.
Retreats in 2024 – We had 96 events this year with small and large retreat groups, schools, and outdoor enthusiasts. We had our largest group ever this year with over 220 people gathering under the pavilion to experience the beauty and welcoming pace of life. New and returning retreat groups are currently booking events quickly. Bring your family, friends, nonprofit, or church groups and experience the comfortable adult space available in the Apartment/Loft, Farmhouse, and Cabins 7 and 8.
Faith in 2024 – So many faith moments again this year and, as always, they are fully integrated into all that we do with our programs, guests, and campers. The theme “Created to Be” celebrated throughout the year helped us all to be free, authentic, and brave disciples while spending time together in the great
outdoors celebrating our Lutheran values and love of Christ.
Did you know 55 former summer camp staff from Caroline Furnace are serving as clergy in congregations or synod offices and five more are currently in seminary? Let us not forget the thousands of other adults who have hiked our trails over the last 68 years that are now involved in mission work and leading congregational teams.
Expenses: $513,438 (45% staffing, 22% Operations, 15% programs, 14% Maintenance, 4% Other)
Revenue: $530,667 (40% donations, 26% programs, 24% rental, 2% Grants, 8% Synod Support)
These are just a few examples that demonstrate the impact outdoor ministry has across the ages and well beyond our three synods. What a blessing it is to share this journey with you again this year. Wherever you are in your spiritual and earthly life, there is a place for you here at Caroline Furnace.
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