2025 LCA Annual Meeting Summary

Welcome & Devotion

President Alison Franke welcomed both online and in person meeting attendees beginning at 10:01am CT and introduced LCA Board Chaplain, Brad Hubbard from St. Lorenz in Frankenmuth, MI. She shared that Pastor Hubbard was completing his service as Board Chaplain as of this meeting, thanking him for his encouragement and faithful leadership in that position.

Pastor Hubbard started the meeting with a devotion on Jesus’ Affirmation (John 11:25-26) and Jesus’ Promise (John 14:2-3) for all those who are in Christ. 

Pastor Hubbard then presented the names of LCA members who had received the Crown of Glory in 2025: Joyce Bailey, Lois Breimeier, Donna Dinkmeyer, Jane Dinkmeyer, Marlene Hagedorn, Beth Hamada, Ruth Breimeier Haynes, Pam Karnatz, Paul Maier, Ken Mangelsdorf, Martha Roskam, Wayne Schmidt, John Volle, and Stan Woell. 

Pastor Hubbard then shared an encouragement from Paul in Romans 8:38 and closed with a prayer and blessing. 

At this time, President Alison Franke returned to thank Pastor Brad Hubbard once again for his service, and announced that the next LCA Board Chaplain will be Pastor Gabe Kasper of University Lutheran Chapel in Ann Arbor, MI.

Affirmation of Quorum & Approval of Agenda 

After an introduction of the current LCA Board members, LCA Secretary Kristin Jass Armstrong affirmed quorum: There were 988 members of the LCA eligible to vote as of this election, with 247 votes needed to reach quorum. Total votes were 322, surpassing that number. There was a motion and second to approve the 2025 LCA Annual Meeting agenda. Kristin also introduced Motion I, the approval of the 2024 Annual Meeting Minutes.

President’s Remarks

President Alison Franke returned to share remarks emphasizing the importance and far-reaching nature of Camp Arcadia’s ministry impact – that Camp’s thriving has a far-reaching impact on the communities of all those who seek rest and renewal at Camp each season.

New Business

LCA Board Member and Nominations Committee Chair Jackie Bywater presented the LCA Board Candidates: incumbents John Basler, Kim Eveler and Adam Thies. She opened the floor for questions. None were voiced. 

Next, LCA Board Member Nissa Ricafort reviewed Motion II to accept changes to the LCA Bylaws as proposed and opened the floor for questions. None were voiced. 

Finally, Ali Franke read Motion III, the addition of workforce housing to the Spirit of Arcadia: Growing Together Master Plan and campaign. Executive Director Chip May joined her as they opened the floor for questions. Several questions were asked and responses were provided.

• Is the township aware of these plans? (Yes, they are aware, but we have not formally presented these plans to the township yet.)
• Will these homes be connected to the existing water system or have their own wells? Septic systems? (They will be connected to the existing water system. They will have their own septic field.)
• Are there any concerns about drainage? I thought the proposed land was pretty swampy. (We have done research into the area and do not believe drainage will be an issue.)
• In regards to the water system, is there a loop planned so there is not a dead end line of supply? (This will be taken into consideration as plans develop further.)

With no other business or questions, there was a call for floor votes and the dismissal of tellers to count the ballots.

Reports

Executive Director’s Report – Chip May

Chip started off by thanking Jon Leetz and Indiana Beverage Company for hosting the LCA Board and meeting and Annual Meeting. Chip continued by giving thanks to God for another great season of ministry at Camp. Retreats continue to be full with waiting lists, and Camp’s Net Promoter Score – scoring how likely guests are to recommend Camp to a friend or family member – was 94% (industry average is 55%).

Chip highlighted a number of celebrations at Camp this summer including Dean Travis Hartjen’s final year serving as Alpha Teen Retreat Dean, the Archives Program’s 25th Anniversary under Ryan McKenna’s leadership, and Janice McCraner’s final season serving as the Ark Director – a role she held for 27 years. 

Chip highlighted cottage improvements in both Birch and Aspen this year, complimenting Franco Marano & his team for their renovations and Ryan McKenna for the thematic decorations in each.

Chip reviewed staffing – thanking the 2025 Summer Staff and End of Season Staff for their dedication and service to Camp this season. He highlighted the benefit of having a large number of returning staff this summer (with shout outs to Camp’s two fifth year staffers: Josh Christensen and Matt Froehling). He highlighted that it takes almost three times as many staff to maintain Camp’s programming into the fall as it does to run our summer programming. 

Chip included an overview of several projects to be completed during the upcoming offseason including reroofing the Wigwam and Craft Shop. 

He closed with some final thoughts and gratitude for this season: a notable increase in Teen Retreat attendance, increased access to scholarships to attend Camp Arcadia retreats – specifically for families in professional ministry, and strength in Camp’s leadership including the addition of Shelly Gallo, Assistant Director, in her first year in this position. He thanked the LCA Membership for their love and support for Camp Arcadia.

Chip then invited Sarah Olson, Development Director, to share some updates on the Spirit of Arcadia: Growing Together campaign. Sarah began by highlighting the generational ministry of Camp – a place of Christian community, family togetherness and joy – which is what we want to carry forward for generations to come. 

At this time, the Spirit of Arcadia: Growing Together campaign has a working goal of $5 million (a campaign goal will ultimately be approved by the LCA Board of Directors) and is currently in the Quiet Phase of the campaign, meaning Chip and Sarah are meeting with major ministry partners to connect on their involvement in the campaign. Sarah gave thanks to God for the $2.45 million in gifts already committed to the campaign at this time, with hope to launch the Public Phase of this campaign by the 2026 season. Sarah shared a tentative timeline for the campaign projects and clarified that this is dependent on many factors.

The LCA Board will approve major decisions and provide oversight on this campaign (budget, scope, etc.) – including a Facilities & Grounds Improvement Committee, who will offer their expertise in project management and oversight. There is a Spirit of Arcadia: Growing Together Advisory Committee providing insight and feedback on our communications and campaign strategy, and the Camp Arcadia staff will be instrumental in planning and organizing around the operational impacts of the campaign.

Sarah closed with an invitation to keep Camp and this campaign in your prayers and to begin to consider what your participation in this campaign may look like when the time comes. 

Questions were received and responses given:

• What kind of roof will be on the Wigwam? Is a metal roof being considered? (Metal roofs were thoroughly researched, but the cost – approximately 3x traditional roofing, a strong recommendation from our local provider to move forward with traditional materials and other factors led to a decision to continue with traditional shingle roofing at this time.)
• What about investing in solar power generation on a roof of that size? (Solar power generation can be considered again in the future – at this time, the design of the Wigwam is such that, while there is lots of surface area, it is non-contiguous, which makes it a less viable option for solar power generation.)
• Difference between Oak Street Cottage and Staff Housing again, please? (The Oak Street cottage is larger and intended for guest use – for larger families or groups.  The Staff Housing along Spruce is intended to provide housing for a full time management staff member and their family year round.)
• This timeline is all still contingent on 90% being pledged and 50% being collected before beginning construction, correct? (Yes, this is correct.)

Treasurer’s Report – Kim Eveler, LCA Board Treasurer

Kim Eveler reviewed the LCA’s financial position with the membership, noting Camp’s strong position financially and expressing gratitude for this – especially considering the current climate for Christian camps nationwide. See Kim’s slides for the detailed financial reports.

Arcadia Foundation Report – Rick Blum, Arcadia Foundation Committee Chair

Rick Blum gave a brief update on the Arcadia Foundation’s 2025 activity – including the distribution, highlighting the opportunities the Foundation had to make an impact this year on Camp’s accessibility, continued master site planning, and seasonal staff leadership development, noting this as an important investment in Camp’s future. 

Rick reported that the total number of Legacy Builders is 137, recognizing 6 new Legacy Builders this year. He also shared a brief note on the benefit of the Investment Oversight Committee – a joint committee between the LCA and Foundation Committee formed to monitor and provide oversight on the strategy and performance of our investments, especially as the Arcadia Foundation’s assets continue to grow beyond $1.5 million.

Arcadia Cottage Colony Association (ACCA) Report – David Wilkins, ACCA Chair

David Wilkins offered a brief review of ACCA business, including facilities improvements – new benches and a picnic table at Weiherman Park – provided by memorial gifts from the McKenna and Prestidge families, preparations and activities in anticipation of ACCA’s 100th Anniversary in 2027, and extending thanks to the many cottagers who served Camp this season as volunteers and staff members!

Announcement of LCA Board Elections & Motions 

Kristin Jass Armstrong reported the results of voting:

John Basler, Kim Eveler and Adam Thies were reelected to their positions on the LCA Board of Directors.

Motion I passed.

The next two motions required a two-thirds majority to pass (214 votes).

Motion II (Bylaws Changes) passed with 299 yeas, 20 nays, and 3 abstentions (92.8% in favor).

Motion III (Staff Housing) passed with 281 yeas, 40 nays, and 1 abstention (87.3% in favor).

Membership Questions & Feedback, Final Remarks, Closing Prayer & Adjournment

There was an opportunity for any further questions or membership feedback. None were voiced. 

President Alison Franke thanked all gathered in person and online, inviting in person attendees to gather for lunch following adjournment. Pastor Brad Hubbard closed the meeting with prayer.

The LCA Annual Meeting was adjourned at 11:29a CT.