Our Mission

“Red Willow Ministries is a community for all people to hear God’s call to live in relationship with God and one another.”

Our Values

Camp should be a place for rest, retreat, and renewal
Hospitality and program are important components of camp business, but self care and our relationship with God are even more important
To show that we, as a camp, are a theological venture, so that our visitors, guests, and clientele can experience hope
To give God credit in the 21st century…what is He up to today?

Our Legacy

Red Willow Bible Camp was founded in 1926 and is alleged to be the oldest continuously-operating Lutheran Bible Camp in the United States.

1920's

The Beginnings

1926 – Luther League girls from Edmore camped on the shore of Devil’s Lake under the leadership of Pastor R.A. Ofstedal.

1927 – Fourteen boys from Edmore camped at Devils Lake for four days with Pastor Ofstedal conducting a study on the Lords Prayer.

1928 – The first camp was held at Red Willow Lake. There were 35 young people in attendance.

1940's

The Growth

1940 – Pastor M.B. Ordahl was instrumental in securing first tract of 20 acres of lake front property for a camp. Pastor Ordahl referred to the site as “Outlook Point”, where young people’s outlooks on life could be changed. Tents were the only facilities.

1949 – The camp chapel was constructed from lumber.

1960's

The Development

1963 – The first camp director was hired.

1967 – The Ofstedal Retreat Center was constructed.

NOW

The Now

The camp has been further developed with a boys’ village of 4 cabins, girls’ village of 7 cabins, outdoor swimming pool, water front, hospitality house, adventure course, and girls’ and boys’ bathhouses. Today we serve over 1,000 youth during the summer and have retreats, meetings, and seminars for all ages throughout the calendar year.

Ways to Support

Volunteer

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