Camp Arcadia
Camp Arcadia is a 501(c)(3) Lutheran family retreat center on Lake Michigan in Arcadia, Michigan, owned and operated by the Lutheran Camp Association's 1,000+ member families. Founded in 1922, it delivers week-long Family Week Retreats, teen retreats, confirmation retreats, and adult retreats to the LCMS community.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1922
- HeadquartersArcadia, United States
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What Camp Arcadia does
Camp Arcadia is a 501(c)(3) non-profit Christian family retreat and resort center founded in 1922 and located on a 110-acre lakefront campus in Arcadia, Michigan. The organization has been owned and operated by the Lutheran Camp Association (LCA) since 1969, with more than 1,000 LCA member families constituting its governance, volunteer base, and primary customer pool. The core product portfolio consists of nine week-long Family Week Retreats (Memorial Day through late August) supplemented by two Summer Teen Retreats (Alpha and Omega), three October Confirmation Retreats, and a series of adult-only retreats (Summer Starter, Lutherhostel, Women's Retreat, Men's Retreat). Onsite infrastructure includes a 44-room Inn, five Oak Street cottages, the historic Assembly and Wigwam buildings (constructed 1923-1925), recreation facilities, and a Trading Post retail outlet. The supporting technology stack is intentionally minimal and non-proprietary: CampBrain for registration, Constant Contact for email, and Bloomerang for donation processing. There are no proprietary software platforms, no AI components, and no third-party developer integrations of strategic significance.
Revenue is generated through three primary streams: per-guest retreat registration fees (ranging from $135 for confirmation youth to $788 for adult onsite Family Week), retail sales at the Trading Post, and charitable contributions from individuals, LCA member families, and institutional donors. Pricing operates on a one-time, pay-per-retreat model with minimum deposits and a 50%-of-fee scholarship program for qualifying families. The go-to-market motion is predominantly direct-to-consumer through the CampBrain registration portal, supplemented by paper registration forms and word-of-mouth driven by deep community loyalty within the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod ecosystem. Distribution is gated by LCA membership priority registration, which fills up to 75% of each retreat week through an early-access random drawing. The planned three-year "Spirit of Arcadia: Growing Together" campaign launching August 2026 seeks $5 million to fund accessibility improvements, new housing, and staff infrastructure.
Seasonal headcount consists of approximately 40 college-aged summer staff plus roughly 16 additional staff per teen retreat week, supported by a year-round leadership team of 14 individuals. Leadership includes Executive Director Chip May (since 2000), Assistant Director Shelly Gallo (since January 2025), and a Director-level team covering registration, development, facilities, food service, archives, and programming. The Arcadia Foundation, an affiliated entity, is projected to exceed $1.6 million in assets in 2026 and distributed $41,456 in general funds in 2025.
Camp Arcadia firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Camp Arcadia
- Legal name
- The Lutheran Camp Association
- Website
- https://camp-arcadia.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1922
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Camp Arcadia is a 501(c)(3) Lutheran family retreat center on Lake Michigan in Arcadia, Michigan, owned and operated by the Lutheran Camp Association's 1,000+ member families. Founded in 1922, it delivers week-long Family Week Retreats, teen retreats, confirmation retreats, and adult retreats to the LCMS community.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Camp Arcadia industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Faith-Based Family Hospitality and Retreat Services
- NAICS
- Recreational and Vacation Camps (except Campgrounds) (721214)
- SIC
- Hotels, Rooming Houses, Camps & Other Lodging Places (7000), Services-Amusement & Recreation Services (7900)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Family & Recreation Campgrounds (Amenities/Activities Focus) (THAMAJAJ)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Family & Kid-Friendly All-Inclusive Resorts (THAGAKAA), Multi-Activity Enrichment Camps (Academic + Arts + Sports) (EDAMALAA)
Keywords
Where Camp Arcadia is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Arcadia
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
Camp Arcadia business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Supply Chain, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D
Revenue model
- Retreat Registration Fees: Camp Arcadia generates primary revenue through registration fees charged to guests attending week-long and weekend retreats. Fees vary by retreat type, accommodation choice (onsite vs. offsite), age of guest, and housing upgrades (cottages, private bath rooms). Family Week retreats range from $788 per adult (onsite) to $499 (offsite); teen retreats are $595; adult retreats range from $225-$645 depending on length and accommodation. A minimum deposit is required at registration.
- Charitable Giving and Donations: Camp Arcadia, operated by the Lutheran Camp Association (a 501(c)(3) nonprofit), receives charitable contributions through an annual fund, the Spirit of Arcadia: Growing Together campaign ($5 million goal over three years), the Arcadia Foundation (currently ~$1.6 million in assets), and the Camp Arcadia Historical Society. Donors can give online, by mail, by phone, or in person. Additional giving mechanisms include employer-matched gifts, securities/stock donations, Thrivent Choice Dollars, IRA transfers, and Donor Advised Funds.
- Food and Retail (Trading Post): The Trading Post (soda shop/ice cream counter) within the Wigwam building sells Camp Arcadia merchandise and ice cream treats to guests. Revenue from retail sales supplements the retreat fee model.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Family Week Retreats (Weeks 1-9) - Full Week, Onsite |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Family Week Retreats (Weeks 1-9) - Full Week, Offsite |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Labor Day Weekend - Onsite |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Labor Day Weekend - Offsite |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Summer Teen Retreats (Alpha & Omega) |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Summer Starter (Adult, Full Week) |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Lutherhostel (Adults 65+, Late August) |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Women's Retreats (Fall Weekend) |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Men's Retreats (Fall Weekend) |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Fall Confirmation Retreats (October) |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Housing Surcharges (Family Week) |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels6 records
Camp Arcadia product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Camp Arcadia operates a Christ-centered family resort and retreat center on Lake Michigan offering all-inclusive week-long and weekend retreats. Core offerings include nine Family Week Retreats per summer, two Summer Teen Retreats (Alpha and Omega), three Fall Confirmation Retreats, and multiple adult retreats (Women's, Men's, Summer Starter, and Lutherhostel for seniors). The product bundle includes family-style meals, lodging in the 44-room Inn or five Oak Street Cottages, daily spiritual programming led by deans, recreational activities, and supervised children's programming.
Product overview
Camp Arcadia is a single-location family resort and retreat center operating since 1922, offering a unified portfolio of faith-based vacation and retreat experiences along Lake Michigan. The core offering consists of Family Week Retreats (9 weeks of week-long family vacations with programming), Summer Teen Retreats (Alpha and Omega weeks), Fall Confirmation Retreats, and Adult Retreats (Women's, Men's, Summer Starter, and Lutherhostel). Accommodations include the 44-room Inn and five Oak Street Cottages. On-site amenities encompass recreation facilities (sports courts, ropes course, beach activities, craft shop), the Trading Post soda shop, and multiple worship spaces. The organization also produces two podcasts (Campfire Conversations and Arcadiacast) and operates a scholarship program supporting up to 50% cost reduction for qualifying families. The Lutheran Camp Association is the governing membership body of over 1,000 families who co-own and operate the camp.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Family Week Retreats Week-long family vacation retreats held nine times throughout the summer season (June-August). Includes family-style meals, daily spiritual programming led by deans, supervised children's activities (Morning Youth Program, nursery, Ark preschool), recreational options, and Christ-centered worship experiences for multi-generational families.
- Summer Teen Retreats (Alpha & Omega) Week-long residential programs for high school teenagers including Alpha Retreat (entering grades 8-10) focusing on faith exploration and Omega Retreat (entering grades 11-12 and recent graduates) focusing on deeper faith questioning and life application. Both feature Bible study, team-building, worship, and Christian community building.
- Fall Confirmation Retreats Weekend retreats in October for 6th-8th grade confirmands accompanied by their pastors and adult chaperones from LCMS churches and schools. Includes Bible study, group discussion, team-building, and worship led by deans and church leaders.
- Women's Retreats Fall weekend retreats (September) designed for adult women featuring speakers, breakout sessions, Bible study, and free time for reflection and fellowship along the Lake Michigan shoreline.
- Men's Retreats Two annual fall men's retreats: LLL Men's Retreat (Lutheran Laymen League) and Arcadia Men's Retreat. Weekend format featuring spiritual growth sessions, fellowship, and recreational activities for adult men.
- Summer Starter Retreat First retreat of the season (late May/early June) for adults seeking a more independent Camp Arcadia experience. Flexible daily schedules with optional activities (golf, hiking, biking) plus evening fellowship and Bible study.
- Lutherhostel Retreat Late-August five-night retreat for older adults (65+) featuring morning Bible studies, discussion sessions, afternoon field trips, crafting, shuffleboard, and fellowship with off-site excursions included.
- Inn Accommodations 44-room inn offering traditional rooms with shared bathrooms and four private bath rooms. Built in 1925 and refurbished in 1999, with lake and woodside views; rooms include sink, mirror, beds, dresser, and shelving units.
- Oak Street Cottages Five vacation cottages (Aspen for 1-2 guests, Birch for 6-8, Spruce for 4-6, Cedar for 8-9, Juniper for 12-16) offering 1-4 bedrooms with kitchenettes, dining areas, living spaces, and private bathrooms.
- Trading Post Old-fashioned soda shop located in the Wigwam Building serving afternoon refreshments, ice cream treats, and Camp Arcadia merchandise to guests during retreats.
- Campfire Conversations Podcast Podcast featuring deep conversations about Christian faith and life, hosted by Ryan Tinetti and Chip May. Available on Apple Podcasts and Spotify with episodes featuring engaging leaders who visit Camp Arcadia each summer.
- Arcadiacast Podcast Podcast featuring lectures and sermons from Camp Arcadia retreats, posted twice monthly. Designed to help guests remember teachings from Camp sessions and connect with spiritual breakthrough beyond the camp season.
- Lutheran Camp Association (LCA) Membership Lifetime membership organization with over 1,000 families who own and operate Camp Arcadia. $600 one-time or $150/year for four years. Benefits include voting rights, early registration access via priority drawing, newsletter, and eligibility for board service.
Quantifiable outcome
- Families report deepened faith and spiritual hunger after attending Family Week Retreats (testimonial evidence from The Brunes family)
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use Camp Arcadia
Customer profileNamed customers3 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
Camp Arcadia technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration4 records
Camp Arcadia partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Three partnerships are on record, tiered minor.
- Higher Grounds Trading CompanyminorHigher Grounds Trading Company, located in Traverse City, MI, supplies coffee served in the Camp Arcadia dining room. This is a local supply relationship supporting Camp's food and beverage program.
- Cream Cup DairyminorCream Cup Dairy, located in Kaleva, MI, supplies milk served in the Camp Arcadia dining room. This is a local agricultural supply relationship supporting Camp's commitment to locally sourced foods.
- Steve Lagerquist (Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy)minorSteve Lagerquist, Trail Manager at the Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy, designed the biking trails at the Arcadia Dunes Trailhead and is consulting with Executive Director Chip May on the design of Camp Arcadia's new on-site mountain biking trail. The new 1.5-2 mile beginner-friendly loop will be built within Camp's woods using a bench cut design.
Scale indicators8 records
Recent moves2 records
Camp Arcadia competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Lake Yale Baptist Assembly: Florida Baptist retreat and conference center providing family camps, youth retreats, and adult programming on a lakeside campus — similar faith-rooted family retreat resort model serving a different Protestant denomination.
- Pine Cove: Multi-site Christian family camp and retreat operator in Texas offering week-long family retreats, summer teen camps, and adult retreats — directly comparable faith-based family resort model with multi-generational programming.
- Kanuga: Episcopal retreat and conference center in Hendersonville, NC operating on a lakeside campus with family, youth, and adult programming — a near-identical faith-based retreat resort model serving a different Protestant denomination.
- Epworth by the Sea: Methodist retreat center on St. Simons Island, GA hosting family, youth, and adult retreats with on-site lodging and programming — comparable denominational family retreat resort model.
- MO Ranch: Presbyterian-affiliated retreat center in Hunt, TX offering family, youth, and adult retreats on a multi-hundred-acre property with lodging, dining, and recreation — highly comparable faith-based family retreat operating model.
- Sky Ranch Christian Camp: Christian family camp operator in Texas/Oklahoma running multi-week summer family and youth retreats with all-inclusive lodging and meals — comparable Christ-centered family camp operating model.
- Lutheran Outdoor Ministries (LOM) Camps: Network of Lutheran-affiliated camps and retreat centers that share the same LCMS-rooted faith-based family retreat model, seasonal programming calendar, and member-driven governance structure as Camp Arcadia.
- Luther Springs: Lutheran retreat center in Clermont, FL offering family, youth, and adult retreats with on-site lodging and recreation — direct Lutheran-denominational peer with the same LCA-style member-driven retreat model.
Emerging players
- CAMP (Christian Adventure Mountain Program): Multi-site Christian family camp operator with focus on family adventure retreats and youth summer programming — overlapping faith-based family retreat offering with a more adventure-oriented programming mix.
Broad incumbents
- YMCA of the Rockies: Large established family resort and retreat operator in Estes Park, CO and Granby, CO offering family lodging, youth programming, and recreation on multi-hundred-acre campuses — comparable family resort retreat format at much larger scale under a non-sectarian mission.
Market position
Strengths4 records
Weaknesses4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Camp Arcadia social profiles
Digital presenceCamp Arcadia financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Camp Arcadia leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles14 records
Camp Arcadia funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Camp Arcadia M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Camp Arcadia
What does Camp Arcadia do?
Camp Arcadia operates a Christ-centered family resort and retreat center on Lake Michigan offering all-inclusive week-long and weekend retreats. Core offerings include nine Family Week Retreats per summer, two Summer Teen Retreats (Alpha and Omega), three Fall Confirmation Retreats, and multiple adult retreats (Women's, Men's, Summer Starter, and Lutherhostel for seniors). The product bundle includes family-style meals, lodging in the 44-room Inn or five Oak Street Cottages, daily spiritual programming led by deans, recreational activities, and supervised children's programming.
Is Camp Arcadia a public or private company?
Camp Arcadia is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was Camp Arcadia founded?
Camp Arcadia was founded in 1922. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Camp Arcadia based?
Camp Arcadia is headquartered in Arcadia, United States, in the North America region.
How does Camp Arcadia make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Retreat Registration Fees are the primary driver. The others are charitable Giving and Donations and food and Retail (Trading Post).
Who are Camp Arcadia's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Lake Yale Baptist Assembly, Pine Cove, Kanuga, Epworth by the Sea, MO Ranch, Sky Ranch Christian Camp, Lutheran Outdoor Ministries (LOM) Camps and Luther Springs. CAMP (Christian Adventure Mountain Program) is listed as an emerging player. YMCA of the Rockies is listed as a broad incumbent.
Does Camp Arcadia have an API?
No public API is recorded for Camp Arcadia.
What industry is Camp Arcadia in?
Camp Arcadia's product category is Faith-Based Family Hospitality and Retreat Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is THAMAJAJ, Family & Recreation Campgrounds (Amenities/Activities Focus), with a secondary code of THAGAKAA, Family & Kid-Friendly All-Inclusive Resorts. Its NAICS code is 721214 and its SIC code is 7000.