A Bold Vision for Voyageurs Lutheran Ministry:

Our Direction for 2027

Dear Friends of VLM,

Change is a natural part of growth, and stewardship is at the heart of our mission. Following an extensive community-wide listening process and prayerful discernment, the Voyageurs Lutheran Ministry Board of Directors has approved a roadmap for 2027. This new direction is designed to protect our financial health, maximize our staffing sustainability, and ensure both of our beloved properties remain vibrant centers for Christ-centered ministry.

To guide VLM through this pivotal transition, the Board is excited to welcome Aaron Burnside as our new Executive Director. Aaron brings a deep passion for outdoor ministry and a commitment to collaborative leadership.

Why Change is Happening Now

During our listening sessions, our community sent a clear message: preserve VLM's core ministries, but make the immediate changes necessary to be better stewards of our financial resources.

To spend less money while maintaining the high-quality hospitality and programming VLM is known for, we can no longer operate both camps identically. Instead, we are specializing our properties to lean into their distinct strengths.

Two Unique Properties, Two Unique Strengths

Camp Vermilion: The Youth and Wilderness Hub

Camp Vermilion will serve as the dedicated center for our summer youth and wilderness ministries.

  • Canoe Country: This historic program remains a core ministry and top priority.

  • Summer Youth Camp: Summer youth programming will center here with a reduced, focused schedule designed to maximize program quality and ensure staffing sustainability.

  • Expanded Rentals: During weeks not dedicated to youth camps, Vermilion will expand its capacity for retreats and rental groups.

Camp Hiawatha: The Hospitality and Family Hub

Camp Hiawatha will focus on its strengths as a premier site for community gathering, rejuvenation, and hospitality.

  • Retreats and Events: Hiawatha will become our primary venue for retreats, family reunions, and weddings.

  • Family Camp Ministry: We are investing in our Family Camp programs here, creating expanding opportunities for faith formation across multiple generations and multiple family and friend groups.

Reaching Out to Our Alumni and Friends

This vision cannot be realized by our leadership team alone. We are inviting our vast network of alumni, donors, and congregational partners to play an active, hands-on role in VLM’s future. We need your advocacy, your volunteer hours, your financial support, and your help in recruiting staff.

Together, we will ensure that the ministry of VLM thrives for generations to come.