FULTON — Rod Pearce began attending Lutheran Summer camp as a three-year-old and that affiliation evolved into 37 years of professional service in camping ministries. The past 11 of those years have been as director of the Lutheran Memorial Camp.
An announcement from Penny Christensen, director of Lutheran Outdoors Ministries in Ohio, states that Pearce will be resigning his post as director of the LMC effective Dec. 31.
Looking back, Pearce credits the camp’s two annual public events, the Maple Syrup Festival and the Apple Butter Festival, for helping to provide funding for the “camperships,” giving youngsters the experience of camping which other wise they would not have had.
“We never turned anyone away,” he said.
Pearce said, “It’s been a pleasure working with the community and meeting local folks during the festivals. I appreciate the support the local people have given LMC through the years.”
“My experiences have been immeasurable and life changing. Throughout that time, I have met and been associated with thousands of camp related people that remain as gifts in my life.”
“Every year has presented itself with unique challenges, rewarding encounters and countless laughter and highlights. I have been truly blessed and eternally grateful for the opportunities I have been given. While I look forward to enjoying retirement, I will miss the interactions with those connected to outdoor ministries.”
Pearce and his wife, Cindy, plan to spend time traveling and more time with their son and three grandchildren, he said.
Christensen, LOMO Executive Director, also announced that the new director of the LMC will be Jenny Frantz, who has been serving as director of Camp Luther.
“When I accepted the call to be Director of Camp Luther, It was a dream for me,” said Frantz “I was thrilled to be able to lead at a place that has shaped so much of who I am. I said many times that I would stay there until God called me somewhere else, always imagining that it would be many years down the road.
“I will admit it was unexpected that I felt the tug towards Lutheran Memorial Camp, but I wasn’t completely surprised. I am excited about the vision for the future and the opportunity to lead at a pivotal time for LMC. I have a lot to learn, i will be challenged but I also think I have a lot of gifts to share as we lean into the future of this special place. I look forward to meeting all of you soon at Lutheran Memorial Camp.”
Christensen commented, “Rod, Jenny and I have been a great team who dreamed big, laughed, cried and enjoyed working together. It has been a gift to work with both of them.”
