Although it wasn't much, the Lahti's were impressed by the work performed by the Franklin Street men, now known as the Camp Lahti Carpenters. They bought back the property they had previously given to the Apostolic Lutheran Church Federation and presented it to the Franklin Street Church. It was their desire to establish a Christian Bible camp for local children to use to learn more about Jesus Christ. Through the years many volunteers have given their time to make the Lahti dream a reality. A small sauna was built, then a chapel, two dormitories, Camp Jacob (by Minnesotans), a larger sauna, the Rautiola Staff House, and a new dock (by the Laurium and Negaunee crew). Most recently the Esko men started another dorm.

People look at all these buildings and think what a wonderful thing we have. It is a beautiful place that keeps growing, although not fast enough for some. There is a vision of new dormitories and a new kitchen and greatly improved facilities. People are quite impressed by what they see.

BUT, though the buildings are very nice and the future for more is bright, they are all so insignificant. Camp Lahti is not a bunch of buildings. It is a bunch of individuals (men and women) who have given of themselves to make the Lahtis' dream come true. In so doing they have benefited so much by their participation in its development that all their work and time is overshadowed by the camaraderie, fellowship, and love for each other that every worker has gained just by being there. Men that never would have met have become great friends. People who were greeted only by a Sunday handshake now sit at a table and enjoy each other's company. They have learned mutual respect and admiration for each other through knowledge shared and hard work. More lasting friendships have been made by helping one another, traveling with one another, and eating and sharing stories with one another, than could ever have been made sitting in silence in a church.

Thank you, Stella and Alfred Lahti for your gift to the Franklin Street Church. May the facilities continue to grow and improve until your dream is fulfilled. It is my hope that these structures, so appreciated by the eyes of man, may always be secondary to the fellowship, joy, and love they have provided for those who took it upon themselves to help make your dream come true. May God always dwell within its gates.

The Lahti Retreat Center would not be what it is today without the hard work and dedication of the Camp Lahti Carpenters.

A Salute to The Camp Lahti Carpenters...

LAHTI RETREAT CENTER
RABBIT BAY, MICHIGAN

APPLICABLE FEES FOR USE OF LAHTI RETREAT CENTER

Note: Special approval must be obtained for groups of more than 50 people.

Overnight Rates:  (The charge is per individual person per night.)

Ages 16 through adult (non-member)       $10.00 per person per night

Ages 6 through 15 (non-member)            $5.00 per person per night

Ages 0 through 5                                  No Charge

Ages 16 through adult (Zion Member)       $5.00 per person per night

Ages 6 through 15 (Zion Member)            $2.50 per person per night

Ages 0 through 5                                  No charge

In addition to the overnight charges, for groups of more than 50 people, use of the chapel/kitchen building is $200.00 per event for non-members, $100.00 per event for Zion members.

Daytime-Only Rates:

The rates for a group’s exclusive use of Lahti Retreat Center for meetings or daytime-only activities vary with the size of the group.  The fee may range from $50 to $400.   Ministry events may be granted free use of the facility by the Zion Lutheran Church Board of Directors.  The Chairpersons of L.R.C., Bob and Norma Nominelli (906) 482-3691 may make decisions based on past situations.  The Board of Zion Lutheran Church will decide charges in new situations.

Weddings, Anniversaries, Reunions (non-member)  $400.00 per day
(This fee includes setting up for the event the evening prior to the event.)

Weddings, Anniversaries, & Reunions for Zion members and members of Apostolic Lutheran Congregations that participate in volunteer work at L.R.C. $100.00 per day

1)  All rentals are subject to board approval.
2)  Our facility comfortably accommodates 50-60 overnight guests.
3)  Routine reservations will be accepted no more than four months in advance but special consideration will be given to large reunions or weddings that may need reservations a year in advance.
4)  All reservations for events at L.R.C. require a non-refundable deposit of $100.00 made payable to Lahti Retreat Center at the time of reservation.

RULES FOR USE OF LAHTI RETREAT CENTER

1. All groups using Lahti Retreat Center (L.R.C.) for overnight stays must have one person designated to be responsible for compliance with these rules and for payment of applicable fees to Zion Lutheran Church.  This person is responsible for completing the Guest Registration Forms and the Camp Clean-up forms.

2. Use Lahti Retreat Center at your own risk.  Stay off the old dock. Do not enter the barn or storage buildings.  Respect Lake Superior.

3. Anyone using L.R.C., even for an afternoon outing, must sign in with the Zion Lutheran Church office at (906) 482-1945.  If the office is closed, sign in with L.R.C. Committee Chairpersons, Bob and Norma Nominelli, (906) 482-3691.

4. Keys for the gates and buildings can be picked up from the Zion church office.  Keys must be returned promptly.

5. No alcohol or illegal drugs are allowed on the premises.  Smoking is not permitted in the buildings.

6. Animals are not allowed indoors except for guide dogs.  Board all other animals in the yard and clean up after them.

7. Everyone using L.R.C. must bring your own bedding, and personal supplies for your stay.  Bring your food, plastic ware, foam cups, plates, paper toweling and coffee.  In an emergency you may use our church supplies, but SOMEONE FROM YOUR GROUP MUST REPLACE the borrowed items within TWO days of your group’s departure.

8. Please leave L.R.C. better than when you arrived.  Take all food that you brought, take all garbage, unplug and wash coffee pots, mop bathroom floors, close fireplace doors, vacuum carpets, and pick up debris on the grounds.  Remember, there is no garbage pick up.

9. No long distance phone calls are allowed unless you use a personal calling card.

AGREEMENT FOR USE OF LAHTI RETREAT CENTER

I hereby verify that I have received and read copies of:

1)  The Rules for use of Lahti Retreat Center

2)  The Fee schedule for use of Lahti Retreat Center

3)  The Checklist for Lahti Retreat Center Cleanup

4)  The Lahti Retreat Center Overnight Guest Worksheet (if applicable)

My group that plans to use Lahti Retreat Center is:

Dates of planned use:

Approximate arrival time________ Departure time______

I agree to uphold all rules for use of Lahti Retreat Center, to see that the facility is properly cleaned when our group is done, and to see that prompt payment is made to Zion Lutheran Church based on the current fee schedule.  I agree to be personally responsible to see that the facility is free of alcohol and illegal drugs.

Date:                                                                                   

Signature of Person Responsible for Group:

Mailing address:                                                                   

Please notify the church if you discover damage or if some problem arises. 

Emergency Contact Information
Zion Lutheran Church 906-482-1945 or
Contact the church secretary to obtain the emergency contact numbers for the dates of your stay.

Note: Camp Cleanup Checklist and Overnight Guest Registration forms are also available in PDF format (see printable forms above).

email: zionsec@pasty.net
Phone: 906-482-1945
Fax: 906-482-2621