C.A.R.M.E.L. Camps – Mount Carmel Ministries

Adult-Only Retreats · Lake Carlos, MN

C.A.R.M.E.L.
Camps

CChrist-Centered
AAdult
RRetreats
MMusic
EEducation
LLake

Gather on the shores of Lake Carlos for a week of faith, fellowship, music, and renewal. 2026 camps are open for registration.

2026 Schedule

This Summer's Camps

Dr. Beth Hoeltke
August 10–14, 2026

Speaker: Dr. Beth Hoeltke·Musician: Patsy Baglien

"Lay Me in God's Good Earth: Reclaiming the Christian Hope in the Face of Death"

The promises of the Christian gospel shine brightest in the shadow of death. In this week of teaching and conversation, Dr. Beth Hoeltke will guide us to face death with honesty and hope, grounded in the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Drawing from her expertise in end-of-life care, she will help us reclaim a distinctly Christian vision for death, burial, and eternal life—moving beyond euphemisms like "passed away" or "celebration of life" to speak boldly of death and the promise of resurrection.

TheologyEnd-of-LifeResurrectionMusic
Dr. Beth Hoeltke

Guest Speaker · August 2026

Dr. Beth Hoeltke

Beth Hoeltke currently serves as an adjunct faculty for the Institute of Lutheran Theology and Jefferson College. She earned her PhD in Doctrinal Theology in 2014. She, along with her co-author Kent Burreson, has been teaching the practicality of natural burial for over 10 years and reminding the Christian of the hope we have in the resurrection of the body.
Sample Schedule (based on 2025 — subject to change)
Monday
3:00 pmRegistration & Check-in (Front Desk)
5:30 pmSupper (Lodge)
7:00 pmWorship
8:30 pmCampfire
Tuesday
7:45 amMorning Prayer (Library)
8:00 amBreakfast (Lodge)
9:30 amSpeaker Teaching (Chapel)
12:00 pmLunch (Lodge)
7:00 pmEvening Worship
8:30 pmCampfire
Wednesday
7:45 amMorning Prayer (Library)
9:00 amHymn Sing & Daily Texts
10:00 amSpeaker Teaching (Chapel)
3:00 pmMuseum Outing (sign up)
7:00 pmTalent Show (Chapel)
Thursday
7:45 amMorning Prayer
9:30 amSpeaker Teaching (Chapel)
1:30 pmWatercolor Painting
3:00 pmPontoon Rides
7:00 pmEvening Worship
Friday
7:45 amMorning Prayer
9:30 amSpeaker Teaching (Chapel)
11:30 amClosing Celebration & Group Photo
12:00 pmLunch (Lodge)
Gracia Grindal
September 20–23, 2026

Speaker: Gracia Grindal·Musician: Tim Peterson

Fall Hymn Festival

Return for another beloved week of hymns with Gracia Grindal—scholar, poet, and hymn writer. You'll learn, you'll laugh, and you'll find yourself woven into a warm community of song. This fall gathering has become a cherished tradition for many regulars and newcomers alike.

HymnsFall RetreatCommunityMusic
Gracia Grindal

Guest Speaker · September 2026

Gracia M. Grindal

Gracia Grindal is Professor Emeritus of Rhetoric at Luther Seminary, where she taught from 1984 to 2014. A prolific hymn writer, poet, and scholar, she has served on the hymn text committees of the Lutheran Book of Worship and several other mainline hymnals. She maintains a weekly hymn blog at hymnfortheday.com.

Full profile at Luther Seminary →
Sample Schedule (based on 2025 — subject to change)
Sunday
3:00–5:00 pmRegistration & Check-in
5:30 pmSupper (Lodge)
7:00 pmOrientation & Hymns (Chapel)
8:30 pmCampfire
Monday
8:00 amBreakfast (Lodge)
9:30 amHymns with Gracia Grindal
12:00 pmLunch (Lodge)
7:00 pmHymn Celebration (Chapel)
Tuesday
8:00 amBreakfast (Lodge)
9:00 amHymns with Gracia Grindal
11:00 amWorship with Hymns
7:00 pmHymn Celebration (Chapel)
Wednesday
8:00 amBreakfast (Lodge)
9:00 amHymns with Gracia Grindal
11:30 amClosing Celebration & Group Photo
12:00 pmLunch (Lodge)

2026 Pricing

Cost Estimator

Select your camp and housing to see a full cost breakdown instantly. All rates include meals for the duration of your stay.

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Payment Schedule
Today — $300 deposit
By June 1 — Half of total bill
At Arrival — Remaining balance

The Setting

Life on Lake Carlos

Mount Carmel sits on the serene shores of Lake Carlos in Alexandria, Minnesota — a place designed for rest, reflection, and reconnection.

View Housing Options →
🛏️
Air-Conditioned Cabins
Brand-new cabins with modern comforts, lake views, and quality bedding for a truly restful stay.
🌊
Lake Access
Direct access to Lake Carlos for swimming, boating, and peaceful lakeside time.
🍽️
Dining
Nourishing meals served in a warm, communal atmosphere — no cooking required.
⛪
Chapel
A dedicated space for worship, prayer, and quiet reflection throughout your stay.
🌲
Outdoor Activities
Hiking trails, bonfires, and open recreation spaces surrounded by Minnesota nature.
🏛️
Conference Rooms
Well-equipped gathering spaces for teaching sessions and group discussion.
👥
Community Spaces
Common areas for fellowship, conversation, and the friendships that form at camp.
📶
Wi-Fi
Available for practical needs — though we hope you'll be too occupied to use it much.

Ready to Join Us?

Register for 2026

Spaces fill quickly. Secure your spot for a week of music, teaching, and renewal on Lake Carlos.

Estimate Your Cost
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$460
$300 deposit today
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