Archives: Activities

Led by Lake Lucerne staff, the high ropes course can be used by groups to build community together through overcoming obstacles of physical challenges, group dynamics, and personal fears. Each side of the climbing tower can be utilized in different ways for different individual and group outcomes. Available activities include climbing wall and zip-line, giant’s ladder, Postman’s Walk, and crate stacking. Lake Lucerne staff will work with your group to develop an experience that matches your group’s desired outcomes. Adding this activity to a weekend retreat will be sure to be a memorable highlight.

Lake Lucerne has numerous trails that weave around the 538-acre property, suitable for hiking and seasonal cross-country skiing. Experience the beauty of God’s creation as you walk through a variety of ecosystems including old-growth oak forest, new-growth pine forest, natural prairie, wetlands, and more. Come explore our Psalm 23 prayer walk through the calm of the pine forest alongside the shores of the lake. Bring your own equipment for all winter activities such as skiing or sledding. Trail maps can be obtained in the office.

Lake Lucerne Maps

The Challenge Course is a series of low ropes activities designed for group development. Facilitated by our trained staff, these experiences work to build group skills in community, helping them to reflect on issues of leadership, service, communication, grace, problem-solving, trust,fear, and more. All participants participate at the level of their own ability and challenge. Using the course consists of a sequence of  warm-up and group building field games and low rope initiatives using installed elements with cables, ropes, and lumber from one to eight feet above the ground.  that impels its participants into challenging, risk provoking and occasionally stressful situations. Thus groups will begin to look and identify specific dynamics of individual or group behavior.

The program is open to participants third grade and up. Groups should allow a minimum of one and a half hours as trained facilitators guide your group through an array of activities. Times must be reserved in advance of your visit. A minimum of 8, and maximum of 15 per group or station. Multiple groups may participate simultaneously. Lake Lucerne staff will work in advance with your group to determine desired outcomes and plan the time on the challenge course.

Available low elements: Group Wall; Islands; Vine Walk; Spider’s Web; All Aboard; Ants on a Log; Nitro Crossing; Giant’s Finger; Whale Watch; Meat Grinder

Lake Lucerne’s waterfront is available to guests all year round with a wide range of activities depending on the season.

During the summer season, sand toys, lifejackets, paddleboats, canoes and kayaks are available for guests. Swimming in Lake Lucerne is only permitted with a lifeguard on duty and can be arranged with Lake Lucerne staff prior to arrival.

Fishing is permitted all year on Lake Lucerne with appropriate Wisconsin license and use of personal equipment.

In winter, the frozen lake can allow for ice skating, broomball, ice fishing and more. Personal equipment is required for these activities.

A prayer labyrinth is an ancient tool for meditation, prayer, and personal reflection. Lake Lucerne has a permanent prayer labyrinth located in a common space in the Youth Lodge and two portable canvas labyrinths which can be used throughout camp or can be loaned to churches for special events. Resources for leadership of this activity and/or Lake Lucerne staff guidance are available to create a meaningful experience for individuals and groups of all sizes.

Whether looking for a leisurely ride through the pine forest or a more adventurous trek across hill and prairie, the Lucerne fleet of bikes are perfect to use at camp on various trails and paved areas. All riders must be at least 10 years old and 42″ to ride bikes and supervision by an adult is required. Helmets are provided and must be worn at all times. Use of the bike fleet can be prearranged with Lake Lucerne staff.

Archery offers the opportunity for campers to learn a new skill, while developing patience and discipline. Trained Lake Lucerne staff will operate the archery range and give instruction to help all campers be successful. A counselor or adult must be present with any youth participating. Archery sessions can be scheduled in advance with Lake Lucerne staff.

Featuring centrally located soccer goals, kickball diamond with backstop, sand volleyball court, and tennis courts with basketball hoops, there’s plenty of room for nearly any game, sport, or activity you could imagine in the big field. Gaga ball and 9 square in the air are two unique camp games that are located near the big field.

Available sports equipment for guest use includes: basketballs, volleyballs, kick balls, soccer balls, footballs, tennis rackets, tennis balls,  group parachutes, and more upon request.

Pedal-powered go-karts are an ecologically friendly way to take to the roads, paths, and trails of Lake Lucerne in a new way. Our fleet of ten pedal karts, allows for community building through individual exploration and friendly group competition and play. Helmets are provided and adult supervision is required.