May 2026 Edition
Welcome to Boom Chicka News! Here you’ll find updates from Camp Calumet along with upcoming retreats, community news, ways to connect, and opportunities to support this place we all love.
☀️ What's Going On At Camp?
Did you know Calumet is open nearly year-round? Even when programs aren’t in session, you are always welcome here.
Do you want to help us spread the news about camp to your community?
Feel free to download a flyer and hang it up at your congregation, community center, etc!
Opportunities to visit camp in every season
Interested in hosting your group/congregation at Calumet? Email Julie to make a reservation.
For Everyone
Memorial Day Family Weekend May 22-25
Contact Alice in our Reservation Office for Program Retreats & Summer Campground, Conference Center, and Village Cabin Reservations
🏃♀️ Calumet Obstacle Challenge
From Jackman Ridge to the Outdoor Chapel to wonderful Ossipee Lake, you’ll take on a 5K trail that spans the entire Calumet property with a dozen obstacles built in along the way.
This year, we’re offering both a running race and a walking race, so even more people can get involved, push themselves, and raise money to help send kids to camp. Whether you’re in it to win it or just showing up for a great cause, there’s a spot for you at the starting line.
Challenge yourself. Support camp. Make a difference.
Register here: https://calumet.org/calumet-
👟 At Home Challenge (Boom Chicka Challenge)
If you can't join us in person, we welcome you to join us in celebrating camp from the comfort of your own home.
💌 The 2025 Thank You Newsletter
Our 2025 Thank You Newsletter is out now! You can view it at this link.
🏕️ Give The Gift Of Camp
Calumet’s Annual Fund helps ensure that no child is turned away from camp because of financial need, and that adults and families continue to find rest, renewal, and faith here.
Every gift — large or small — helps make the life-changing experience of camp possible for young people and families.
🙏 In Our Prayers
We remember the members of the Calumet community whose lives touched this place in meaningful ways. We give thanks for their faith, their service, and the memories they leave behind.
Lennart “Len” W. Lindahl, father of longtime Calumet community member Paul Lindahl as well as grandfather to current staff member Kim Bzdafka, passed away peacefully at home on April 14, 2026, at the age of 94. A devoted family man, Len found his greatest joy in time spent together at backyard cookouts, on ski slopes, and through many cherished years at Camp Calumet. A longtime family camper beginning in the late 1960s, Len and his family later spent over a decade as seasonal campers, deepening their roots in the Calumet community.
Len was devoted to his family, his church community, and spent over 20 years in the Army National Guard. Len’s legacy lives on in the strong, connected family he nurtured, one that continues to call Calumet home.
Bob lived a full and remarkable life of 97 years and was, to many in the Calumet community, truly an icon. A faithful and dedicated supporter of Calumet for decades, Bob shared his gifts generously and served the organization in many ways with deep care and commitment. Bob lived a life of service, guided by faith and generosity, and his steady presence helped shape the Calumet community for generations.
Shirley Jean Koulopoulos (Erickson) of Marlborough, MA, passed away on April 6, 2026 at the age of 95. In lieu of flowers, Shirley invites memorial contributions may be made in her memory to Calumet as a place that held special meaning for her & was lovingly attended by her children & grandchildren.
Elaine C. Murphy of Manchester, New Hampshire, passed away peacefully on March 29, 2026. She found joy in music, community, and the many friendships she built through her church, where she was lovingly known as “Aunt Murphy” to generations of children.
Elaine held a special place in her heart for Camp Calumet, where she first attended as a camper and later returned for family camp weekends and women’s retreats.
Lois M. Ness of Brockton, Massachusetts, passed away on February 9, 2026, at the age of 92. A devoted member of First Lutheran Church, Lois lived a life rooted in faith, family, and service. Lois also shared a connection to Camp Calumet through her church community, supporting opportunities for others to experience camp. She shared her love of camp with her family, who have attended as campers and staff members. She will be deeply missed by her family and all who knew her.
May they rest in peace and rise in glory.
Our Memorial Chapel is a place families often gather to remember and celebrate the life of those who have passed. If you’d like more information about memorial stones or holding a service in the chapel please follow the link below.
