The text below is a portion of a larger article that was shared in the July 2026 SC Synod Children, Family, & Youth Ministry eNews. We appreciate their continued partnership with the South Carolina Lutheran Retreat Centers! 

“For 50+ incredible years, Camp HUGG [at Camp Kinard] has been a place for teens and adults with intellectual disabilities across Lexington County. It’s more than just a camp; it’s a space where lifelong friendships are forged and every camper gets to experience the true joy and transformative power of community. Director Bill Newmeyer stated: ‘Words can’t fully capture the impact this camp has had on our youth and young adults over the years. Camp HUGG is a wonderful opportunity to grow together alongside our special friends.'”

“As a new staff member at Camp HUGG,” shared first time counselor Shilo, “it was the BEST experience ever. Literally. All of the staff members there are now my best friends!…Camp HUGG truly shows me how to have relationships with so many people. Before camp, I prayed to be able to have healthy relationships with new people. I love Camp HUGG for so many different reasons. During that week, there were so many different emotions that I went through. From being excited to nervous to feeling so loved, I truly felt the Camp HUGG experience. I cannot WAIT to go back.”

We give thanks to our many wonderful supporters JUST LIKE YOU who help make these holy spaces at Camp Kinard & Coastal Retreat available to groups all throughout the year. THANK YOU for being a partner in ministry and helping fund countless life-changing moments like the ones through Camp HUGG! Learn More →

We’re just a few weeks away from this year’s 24th Annual SCLRC Golf Classic, hosted at the Ponderosa Country Club (Leesville, SC) on Thursday, October 1, 2026. 

In addition to Hole/Range sponsorships ($150) and Putting Green sponsorships ($250), SCLRC is also excited to offer a remaining Gold Medal* sponsorship ($3,000). This featured opportunity is the perfect way to advertise and highlight your local business or community organization to the 100+ participants attending this year’s tournament and thousands of SCLRC partners in ministry. 

All proceeds from the tournament will be used to help fund the daily operational costs of each retreat center while benefiting countless individuals all year long! SIGN UP HERE →  

*due to course limits, please contact SCLRC’s main office for additional information on sponsorship benefits and team allocations.

Elementary Retreat
October 10-11, 2026 | Camp Kinard
WHAT ABOUT…? We will explore what it means to pray, know (Bible), forgive and serve. Join us as we play, learn and grow together. There will also be a track for parents! Register Here →

Save the date!
January 8-10, 2027 | High School Retreat @ Coastal Retreat
February 5-7, 2027 | Middle School Retreat @ Camp Kinard
June 12-18, 2027 |  Camp HUGG @ Camp Kinard
Learn More →  

UNSUNG: A Chronicle of Black Lutherans 

Make new friends and learn something new at our annual Laugh, Learn, & Lunch program at Camp Kinard (Oct. 13) and Coastal Retreat (Nov. 10)! Deacon Pegi M Roberts leads this educational program with Dr. Harvey Huntley, Jr. serving as guest presenter. Together, we’ll learn more about the story of Black Lutherans in the Southeast with a viewing of Unsung.

Unsung: A Chronicle of Black Lutherans is the latest feature documentary by Fisher Films. It tells the history of Black Lutherans in the Southern United States as one not tainted by the sin of slavery, but as a story of faithfulness, hope, restoration, and empowerment.

Cost is $30/person which includes lunch and all program materials. Use code “UNSUNG” to get $5 off registration! Sign Up Here → 

Fall Into Mahjong!

A Learning Experience at Camp Kinard over October 30-31, 2026, for beginners to come see what everyone is talking about! This casual overnight retreat is your chance to learn the hottest game in a fun, laid back community. Come on your own, bring a friend, or bring a foursome!

Rev. Mary M. Finklea will walk you through the tiles, teach you the basics, help you learn the etiquette, and prepare you with strategies so you will be game-ready! Now is the perfect time to learn! This is the perfect place! Sign Up Here →  

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!

Friendship Baptist Church (Aiken, SC)
Lexington County Sheriff’s Department
Redeemer Lutheran Church (Greer, SC)
Roman Catholic Diocese of Charleston E-Team Retreat
SC Synod CYFM – Camp GIFT 
Spirit of Joy Church (Weddington, NC)
St. Francis of Assisi Episcopal Church (Chapin, SC)
Third District Sons of Norway
Trinity Oaks (Salisbury, NC)
USC Campus Ministry
Women On A Mission Retreat