LEC Board Statement of Closure
Dear Lake Ellen Friends, Supporters, and Campers
On June 2, 2021, the Board of Lake Ellen Camp and Retreat Center made the difficult decision to shut down the ministry immediately and permanently. Many factors have contributed to this decision, and it was not made lightly. For the past five years Lake Ellen Camp has struggled to build camper and staff numbers, improve its donor relations, and increase its network of church and individual partners. Attempts were made to overcome these difficulties and the staff worked very hard to build a great camping experience. However, our organizational and financial weaknesses were exposed by the impact of 2020’s shutdown, and we have been unable to recover.
We are very thankful for our supporters and partner churches and for the support of Converge Great Lakes over the past years. Our staff have worked hard to try and turn things around and we are very grateful to them for all the hard work and commitment. The staff has gone above and beyond what was expected over the years.
We want to assure you that the staff is being cared for during this transition. However, last week a grieving staff member sent an email with inaccurate information. We assure you that despite the difficulties surrounding the closure of a ministry we are taking steps to ensure that all things are done right before God and man (2 Corinthians 8:21).
The board of directors has been communicating with the Lake Ellen Staff and responding to queries related to the closure since the Facebook announcement.
The formal steps of closure have been handled primarily by the chairman of the board with any questions or needs directed to those staff or board members who could best answer or secure needed information.
The staff will receive one final paycheck paid as per our normal payroll process. The paycheck will be direct deposited to the staff on June 15th. The pay period was for their work May 21 to June 5th.
The staff are receiving a severance package payable in accordance with the upcoming payroll schedule.
The staff have 90 days from closure to find new housing.
Any donations received after June 2, 2021, will be refunded. Registration refunds will begin to be processed the week of June 14, 2021. We appreciate your patience as this process may take a few days.
Additional questions are welcome and we will do our best to answer your questions in a timely manner. You may reach the board of directors at the link below.
It has been a privilege to serve the Lord over many decades preaching the Gospel, strengthening the faith of God’s people, and serving this community. Whatever the future brings we are confident that the closure of this ministry does not hinder the work of God in our region. Dotted throughout the north-woods are faithful churches committed to the same mission, who are well equipped to make disciples and preach the Gospel. We know the Lord remains faithful and we will trust him when he gives and when he takes away.
David Wahl
Chairman
Lake Ellen Camp and Retreat Center