About

You do not have to be Lutheran to enjoy LOMC. We are a retreat center for everybody.

About

LOMC is very grateful to honor and acknowledge the Očhéthi Šakówiŋ, Hoocąk (Ho-Chunk), Myaamia, Sauk/Meskwaki, Peoria, Kiikaapoi (Kickapoo) peoples upon whose ancestral homelands amidst the Rock River Valley we now share ministry as well as all our Indigenous siblings who have and continue to care for this place-this land-and call it their home.

LOMC is a ministry of the ELCA congregations in Illinois. Its 600+ acre site is located in the heart of the Rock River Valley of Northwestern Illinois. It is the focal point for a variety of summer camping programs for youth and children. Throughout the year, people of all ages find LOMC an attractive setting for retreats and conferences.

At LOMC you'll find tent camping, trailer hookups, cabins with bunks and hotel-style accommodations at Freedom Tree Village.
Learn more here... 

Mission Statement

The purpose of Lutheran Outdoor Ministries Center (LOMC) is to be the Church in outdoor settings, nurturing Christian faith and providing experiences connecting the Word of God with the World of God.

Who We Are

LOMC is an outdoor sanctuary and resource for churches and organizations throughout Illinois. We are a unique resource, not a separate entity. We offer an extension of the ministry provided by the Church; LOMC is a different approach to sharing the message of Christ. Our mission statement gives us only one goal: To teach the Word of God in the World of God, no matter what the environment participants are in. LOMC is proud and important part of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA).

LOMC's history dates back all the way to 1927 with the start of Cisco Beach/Camp Augustana at Lake Geneva, WI. In the early 1970s, Camp Augustana and Camp Alpine (Richmond, IL) were eventually closed and the proceeds were used to start OMC (soon to be LOMC) in Oregon, IL. The history and legacy of our two predecessor camps live on at LOMC.

Why LOMC?

Something for Everyone
There is a camp, retreat, or activity for everyone! LOMC isn't just for summer, and it's not just for kids!

Over 600 Acres of the Great Outdoors
Experience the pond, prairie, and forest that that is home to deer, wild turkey, hawks, owls, and other small mammals, reptiles, and amphibians.

Friendly, Dedicated, and Trained Staff
Our staff is committed to providing quality facilities, service, and programming.