Make new friends and learn something new at our annual Laugh, Learn, & Lunch program at on April 21, 2026 at Camp Kinard. Hosted by Pegi Roberts, guest speaker Pastor Jim Kinsler will share more about his adventure hiking the entire Appalachian Trail and his quest to complete the 2,197 mile footpath in the slowest known time (SKT) in recorded history. 

Pastor Jim started hiking the AT before he graduated high school in 1973. He reached Katahdin on August 19, 2025, but he is still not finished! Bring a friend or register as a group and join us for this fun event! Sign Up TODAY → 

For a limited time, use the code “SLOW” and receive $5 off your registration, which includes lunch and all program materials.

“Many of you have already been part of this vision, and I am grateful to keep you informed as the project continues to move forward. The campaign was officially launched in 2021, right in the middle of COVID, because it had already been placed on the Synod calendar.

At the time, none of us knew exactly what the future would hold, but we moved forward with faith and hope. Since the beginning of the campaign, we have received $1,909,079 in gifts and pledges toward our goal of $2,750,000. That means we are now only about $840,000 from reaching the full campaign goal.

What is particularly encouraging is that $1,102,307 of those gifts and pledges have come in just the past nine months. At this point we have approximately $480,000 in cash on hand, with about $713,000 in outstanding pledges that will continue to come in over time. Because of this generosity, several major parts of the project are already complete.” Continue Reading →

Earlier this month, we had the immense pleasure of gathering at Pisgah Lutheran Church (Lexington, SC) with friends and supporters of the South Carolina Lutheran Retreat Centers to celebrate and recognize the 20+ years of Dallas Shealy’s ministry as Executive Director.

Thank you to everyone who dropped by to share stories of her tireless leadership, faithfulness, and dedication to furthering these holy spaces at Camp Kinard & Coastal Retreat.

As previously shared, Dallas will be retiring on March 31, 2026. The SCLRC Board of Trustees has announced Lori Bode as the organization’s next Executive Director, effective April 1, 2026.

For those wishing to send Dallas notes of gratitude, fond memories, or thanksgiving, we invite you to mail them to the SCLRC main office at: 6053 Two Notch Road, Batesburg-Leesville, SC 29070. See photos from event →

Mark your calendars for Tuesday, October 1, 2026 and plan to join us for the 24th Annual SCLRC Golf Classic at the Ponderosa Country Club (Leesville, SC). This day of “Good Ol’ Lutheran Fun” supports the South Carolina Lutheran Retreat Centers’ ministry at Camp Kinard & Coastal Retreat as we seek to provide holy spaces for God to change lives.

We hope to see you there!

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!

Scout Troop #316 / Pack #400 (Prosperity, SC)
Boy Scout Troop #331 (West Columbia, SC)
Boy Scout Troop #507 (Lexington, SC)
Chi Alpha At The University of Virginia (Charlottesville, VA)
Cox Family Retreat
Cub Scout Pack #411 (Chapin, SC)
Davidson College Bonner Scholars (Davidson, NC)
Every Thursday Quilters
Kasko Family Retreat
Ministerios Nueva Esperanza
More Abundant Ministries Women’s Retreat
St. Clare of Assisi Catholic Church (Charleston, SC)
SC Synod – CYFM Middle School Retreat
SC Synod – Women of the ELCA
Siena University Habitat for Humanity Chapter (Loudonville, NY)
St. David Lutheran Church (West Columbia, SC)
St. Phillip’s Lutheran Church (Newberry, SC)
Wild Dunes Yacht Club (Isle of Palms, SC)
Women On A Mission Retreat