Updates from Camp Kinard & Coastal Retreat

SCLRC eNews – August 2026

A Word of Gratitude from Lori

As we begin to say goodbye to the long, warm days of summer, I find myself reflecting with deep gratitude on the wonderful season we have shared at both Camp Kinard and Coastal Retreat.

This summer, our spaces have been filled with laughter, light, meaningful conversations, and the joy of gathering together. We have welcomed communities seeking energy and renewal, as well as individuals and groups needing a peaceful place to pause, breathe, and find rest in the midst of stressful, difficult, and challenging seasons of life. These moments are at the heart of who we are and why SCLRC exists.

I am especially grateful for our dedicated staff, whose hospitality, care, and hard work provide the resources and welcoming spaces that make these gatherings possible. Their commitment helps create an environment where people can step away from the demands of everyday life and experience connection, renewal, and God’s presence.

I am also deeply thankful for you—our friends, supporters, and donors. Your generosity and encouragement make this ministry possible. Because of your continued support, the life-changing ministry that happens at SCLRC continues to touch lives in ways that reach far beyond our retreat centers. 

As we welcome the arrival of fall, we look forward to continuing this spirit of hospitality and gathering. We are grateful for the changing seasons and for the beauty that God gives us in each one. May this next season bring opportunities for rest, renewal, connection, and a renewed awareness of God’s presence among us.

Thank you for being part of the SCLRC family and for helping make this ministry possible. We look forward to welcoming you this fall!

With gratitude,
Lori Bode
Executive Director

Register TODAY for these upcoming events!

The South Carolina Lutheran Retreat Centers primarily serves groups on retreat by providing lodging, meeting spaces, and exceptional hospitality. Below are events open to the public and hosted by Camp Kinard and Coastal Retreat. We invite you to register and attend one of these fun programs!

24th Annual SCLRC Golf Classic →
“UNSUNG” Laugh, Learn, & Lunch at Camp Kinard →
“Fall info Mahjong” Retreat at Camp Kinard →
Creativity at the Coast →

Picnic Table Project at Camp Kinard

In last month’s SCLRC eNews, we highlighted the need for new, accessible picnic tables at Camp Kinard. The goal of this project was to update many of the current picnic tables around camp to create a more welcoming space for our many diverse groups and guests. 

We give thanks to the individuals who have already reached out and shared this need in their communities! Because of YOUR support, we have already been able to purchase lumber and supplies for several new picnic tables.

Those interested in this project are encouraged to contact Camp Kinard Resident Director Nevin Rodgers to learn more. The cost for each table is around $150 and individuals are invited to donate funds or can purchase materials and volunteer to build then deliver tables to camp. Support this project! → 

*When donating, please select “Picnic Table Project at Camp Kinard”

Updates at Coastal Retreat 

Thank you to Lutheran Disaster Response Carolinas for their recent grant award to the South Carolina Lutheran Retreat Centers.These funds were used in part to purchase back-up batteries for emergency lighting as well as a brand new AED cabinet here at Coastal Retreat.

We give thanks for their partnership in ministry!

Thank you to our August groups!

The following groups have recently hosted events or are scheduled to stay at Camp Kinard or Coastal Retreat this month. We appreciate their support of this ministry of hospitality!

Affinity Health Center Board Retreat
Alateens
Boy Scout Troop #76
(Pomaria, SC)
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church
(Columbia, SC)
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church WELCA
(Columbia, SC)
Gum Stand Baptist Church
(Pigeon Forge, TN)
Hooker Family
Roman Catholic Diocese of Charleston
E-Team Retreat
SCLRC Mahjong Retreat
St. James Lutheran Church
(Leesville, SC)
St. Paul’s Lutheran Church
(Gilbert, SC)

Building+Renewing+Believing Capital Campaign

Support this ministry!

Pledge your support TODAY for the Building+Renewing+Believing: Holy Spaces Campaign and create a lasting impact.

There are many different ways you can support the Holy Spaces campaign. We invite you to invest in the future of Camp Kinard by using the link below. You can also contact SCLRC Executive Director Lori Bode directly to learn how you can support this exciting project!