A Ministry of the Wisconsin Conference of the United Methodist Church

Lake Lucerne Camp Activities

Seasonal Horseback Riding

Lucerne now offers seasonal horse programs.  Including pony rides in the arena, "pony" trail ride, beginner trail rides and beginner and intermediate lessons.  Programs are offered from May - October. Trail rides, pony rides or groundwork (leading, grooming and ground control) programs can be arranged in advance for your weekend retreat  or summer camp group.  Contact Laura Hutler (lhutler@wisconsinumc.org) for more information or to schedule horse activities for your event.

Low Ropes & Challenge Course

Facilitated by our trained staff, these experiences can help your group grow community. They will reflect on issues of leadership/fellowship, service, communication, grace, problem-solving, trust/fears, etc. Minimum age is 5th grade. A Low Ropes course is always led as "challenge by choice"; we challenge every participant to be involved in each activity, however, all participation is by choice. The course involves warm-up and group building field games, "low ropes" events from one to five feet above the ground. Low ropes initiative events using similar elements incorporate problem-solving challenges. Two to three hours is ideal to fully experience the course; times must bereserved in advance of your visit. A minimum of 8, and maximum of 15 per group or station. Registration and health forms required.

Nature Program

Naturalist programs can be arranged by appointment. Programs can include
hikes, crafts, environmental games, pond study, orienteering, tree identification,
animal programs, and more. Our staff will design a program to suit your
group's needs; Suitable for any ages; church groups, scouts, and school groups welcome. Contact Laura Hutler for more information or to schedule a Nature Program. (lhutler@wisconsinumc.org)

Waterfront

Lake Lucerne's Main Beach is available to our overnight guests all year round. During the summer season, sand toys, lifejackets, paddleboats, canoes, rowboats, and fun yaks are available free for overnight guests. The waterfront's summer season begins about mid-May up to the end of September (depending on weather). Day visitors must register and pay a $5/person day use fee plus additional $6 per boat rental fee. Swimming in Lake Lucerne is only permitted with a lifeguard on duty and swimmers must attend a beach orientation with Lucerne lifeguards prior to swimming. Lake Lucerne's swimming area has fun and unique water toys to play with including, an Aqua Jump, Log, and Blob. Lifejackets must be worn to play on the water toys as recommended by the manufacturers. All swim and boating times must be scheduled prior to arrival. Special swimming activities that Lake Lucerne offers include: Polar Bear Swims (early morning swims), Water Carnivals (fun water games planned by Lucerne Staff or individually), and Lake Swims (swimming across the lake). All special swim times must be scheduled in advance. Fishing is permitted all year on Lake Lucerne; during the summer season fishing poles and tackle are available for use, just don't forget to bring your own bait and license. Fishing is permitted from the shores of Lake Lucerne or from a boat. No fishing from the piers or within the swimming area. In winter you can enjoy ice skating or ice fishing, however, you will need to bring your own equipment and all ice activities are at your own risk.

Mountain Biking

Mountain Bikes are available to use at Lucerne on various trails and paved areas. Lucerne Mountain Bikes are not allowed to leave Lucerne property. Someone 18 or older must check out the bikes and remain with any younger riders at all times. All riders must be at least 10 years old and 42" to ride bikes. Helmets are provided and must be worn at all times. There will be a $25 charge for a lost helmet. Mountain Bikes are $3 per bike for a half day or $5 per bike for an entire day. If you plan to check out Mountain Bikes, please schedule a bike checkout time prior to your arrival.

Archery

Archery is a great activity as part of the camp experience. It offers the opportunity for campers to learn a new skill, while developing the patience and discipline to "hit the mark". We have National Archery Association Level 1 Instructors trained that will operate the archery range. A counselor or adult must be present with any children participating. Archery must be limited to persons 10 years old and up with no more than 10 people participating on the range during a session. If a parent is present for a child under 10 and willing to assist that child, they will be allowed to participate. Archery sessions are $20 per hour session and must be scheduled in advance.

Trails

Lake Lucerne has numerous trails that weave around the 538-acre property, suitable for hiking and/or seasonal cross-country skiing. Bring your own equipment for all winter activities. Winter activities, such as, cross-country skiing, sledding, ice-skating, and ice fishing are all at your own risk. If you are interested in Lucerne trails please stop by the office (Sherman Administration Building) for a map of existing trails.

Recreational Areas and Equipment

The Dellwood area has a large field with soccer goals for large group games, a baseball diamond with backstop, a sand volleyball court, horseshoe pit, and 2 tennis courts with basketball hoops. In the Hillcrest area, there is sand volleyball court and tetherball area. In the Ridgewood area, there is another large field for activities and one basketball hoop.  

There are also two ping-pong tables and a pool table in Dellwood Lodge. Lucerne sports equipment includes: basketballs, volleyballs, kick balls, soccer balls, footballs, baseball equipment (gloves, bases, bats, helmets, balls, and softballs), tennis rackets, tennis balls, a parachute, and more are available upon request. Please schedule the use of sports equipment prior to your arrival. Board games and puzzles are available in each of the Ridgewood Cabins, as well as, the Ridgewood Retreat Center Library for indoor use by our guests.

Labyrinth

A Labyrinth is an ancient tool of worship. This labyrinth is used as a way to
center participants around the presence of God. It is a wonderful way to
introduce young people to meditation and personal worship. Please schedule
Labyrinth time prior to your arrival. There are also various written Labyrinth
activities to enhance the experience, which should also be requested at time of scheduling. There is a $35 charge for the set-up of the Labyrinth.

Songbooks

Lucerne songbooks, The Faith We Sing, and older United Methodist hymnals are available for guest use. They are located in the Chapel and the Milton Giese Dining Hall. However, they should be requested prior to your visit.

The Cove

The Cove is the camp store where different camp items may be purchased. The Cove carries various items including clothing, cameras, jewelry, cards, beverages, and ice cream snacks during the summer months. The Cove is located in the lower level of the Dellwood Lodge on the north end. The Cove accepts cash, checks, MasterCard and Visa. The Cove is run by trained Lake Lucerne Staff only and open times must be scheduled in advance.