Lutherlag 2008: Harmonize Your Life
Vaaler / Richardson Family to host annual summer vacation and learning program for alumni and friends of Luther College
Back in 1999, Juanita and Tom '62 Vaaler (a.k.a. "Nana" and "Papa") called us in San Francisco to find out if their California grandchildren (our kids, Amara, then 9, and Aaron, 7) would like to spend some time with them (and their other cousins) that summer. Their plans included a week at Lutherlag.
They experienced the campus, residence halls, classrooms, Decorah, Nordic Fest—and precious time with their grandparents. They visited the "Whippy Dip," danced to the Foot-Notes and ate Mabe's pizza in Phelps Park, splashed in the Decorah swimming pool, visited the trout hatchery, and made many new friends. They had a wonderful time.
The next summer all of us attended Lutherlag, along with Anne's siblings and families. Two years later, with our new baby, Kaia, in tow (she took her first steps at Luther), we were back, and then again in 2005.
That is our Lutherlag story in a nutshell. Of course, we all love the chance to return to Luther, to be with our family, but we could choose many places to gather. The whole truth is that Lutherlag offers something of interest to everyone, and we don't have to plan meals or cook and clean, pitch tents, negotiate traffic, or stand in long lines at amusement parks.
Occasionally there is a line at the waffle iron, but that's about it. We get to spend time with interesting people, enjoy great classes, and know that our family members are doing the same. More importantly, we don't all have to do the same thing at the same time, but we can if we want—a revelation in family travel!
Anne really loves hands-on classes like "Grown-ups with Crayons" and creative movement, while Phil enjoys the outdoor field trips. Amara and Aaron have enjoyed the children's program, and more recently, the teen track; and as they have grown, they enjoy more freedom to just hang out. Kaia was well cared for in the on-campus childcare program, and this year will participate in the children's program as a "big kid." Mealtime conversation is always interesting as we share our experiences of the day. Evening activities like theatre trips and picnics, and even chasing fireflies, have become special family memories.
The dictionary defines the word "harmonize" as "to blend pleasingly, be in a pleasant combination, or make things combine pleasantly." To us, that sounds like Lutherlag. Maybe you'll dance a bit, or make some music. Maybe you'll create artistic or culinary harmony, or even find the key to inner peace…world peace? (A pretty tall order—but worth a try!) Find some harmony with your family or just for yourself. We invite you to join our family and "harmonize your life" for a few days this summer.
Anne Vaaler '84 and Phil Richardson, Amara, Aaron, and Kaia
The Vaaler/Richardson family lives in Grass Valley, Calif. Anne and Phil are the music department for the Pleasant Ridge School district, with Anne teaching K-5 classroom music and 6-8 choir and Phil covering the 5-8 grade band and general music program. Phil is also a professional musician (French horn) and raises bonsai trees and turkeys. Amara (17) and Aaron (15) attend Bear River High School and Kaia (6) attends Cottage Hill School. They are members of Peace Lutheran Church in Grass Valley.
Lutherlag Program
Lutherlag is a multi-generational gathering of people interested in lifelong learning. Designed to give alumni and friends of Luther access to the top-notch facilities, faculty, and qualities that make up the college, it's a wonderful way to reconnect with Luther and introduce children to Luther. Most attendees have a Luther connection of some kind, although that is not always the case. Everyone is welcome.
The program gives individuals the freedom to explore their interests and provides opportunities for families to spend time together for a truly meaningful vacation and educational experience. Adults and teens may choose from a variety of course offerings taught by Luther faculty, staff, alumni, and others.
Teen Track: "Taking the Road Less Traveled!"
Teens (ages 12 and up) are eligible to participate fully in the adult
courses and participate in the "Teen Track," which includes a variety of daily recreational options: from excursions on the Trout Run Bike Trail, to running the high adventure ropes course at Eagle Bluff with skilled leaders, and climbing Luther's own 30–foot climbing wall in the Regents Center.
The Environmental College Discovery Camp staff will assist with the teen programming, providing opportunities for interesting outdoor activities and environmental education.
Other sessions are outdoor adventures to unique places and remote natural areas, like training in horseback riding at the Natural Gait and an overnight stay in a log cabin on the Yellow River, or a boating expedition along the bluffs of the Mississippi River with experienced birders as guides.
Children's Program
Entertaining and educational activities are planned for children ages 5 to 11. Their days are filled with field trips to local parks and historic sites, campus exploration and recreation, music, art, storytelling, games, swimming at Decorah's marvelous municipal pool, and much more. The Environmental College Discovery Camp staff will also work with the children's groups this year. Children are divided into age-appropriate groups and are led by certified teachers and college-age assistants. Ten- and Eleven-year-olds will also be invited to Eagle Bluff's high-ropes course for a day!
On campus pre-school child care will be provided for children ages four and younger during the class periods from 8:15 a.m. until noon and again from 1:15 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. each day. The children will be involved with age-appropriate activities throughout their time in care, focusing on all areas of development. Each day, weather permitting, will also include outside movement time in a space attached to the care center. Snacks will be included throughout the day and a nap/resting period will be necessary for each child. The children will be in the care of Katherine Whitsitt, an experienced early childhood educator and mother of three with years of experience working with young children.
There really is something for everyone at Lutherlag!
Evenings offer a host of family and group activities and a variety of off-campus excursions—including a theatre production in Lanesboro, an evening wine tasting at the Seed Savers Exchange with Scandinavian and Scandinavian-American old time dance music by the Foot-Notes, and a family picnic at Phelps Park featuring Mabe's and Happy Joe's pizza, and good old rock 'n' roll music performed by The Benefits.
“Sense of Vocation” Church Leader Retreat
For the seventh year running, Lutherlag will also include the Sense of Vocation Church Leader Retreat curriculum as an integral part of the classroom program. Pastors, youth leaders, church musicians or other church professionals apply for one of the 10 supporting grants of $250 each to attend Lutherlag and the Church Leader Retreat. Participants in the Sense of Vocation retreat are invited to enroll other family members (including children and teens) and friends in the Lutherlag program if they choose to pay the fees for Lutherlag for those additional persons. Any and all classes listed are open for all participants. Download a pdf format Church Leader Retreat Application
Wellness at Lutherlag 2008
Wellness is a relatively recent concept in our culture. Many people think of health as the absence of disease, but wellness transcends this concept of health to encompass several dimensions. The basic five areas of wellness are: emotional, intellectual, physical, social, and spiritual. Lutherlag is an environment that promotes all of the dimensions of wellness.
This year we would like to infuse the wellness concept into the Lutherlag curriculum by offering programs such as yoga, creative movement, dance, birdwatching, and biking, in addition to opening the Legends Fitness for Life Center and the Decorah Municipal Pool to Lutherlagers each day. We encourage you to try something new that may incorporate one of the other wellness dimensions. Participants are encouraged to make a personal commitment to wellness at Lutherlag this year.
Greg Lonning '83, director of the Nena Amundson Lifetime Wellness Program at Luther will be available throughout the week as a resource for all participants.
Meals
The meal plan (13 meals and daily snacks) includes meals from supper Sunday, July 20, through lunch on Thursday, July 24, and the Lutherlag closing breakfast on Friday, July 25. All meals, except the Lutherlag picnic Tuesday evening, Thursday's dinner-on-your-own, and Friday's closing breakfast will be served cafeteria-style in college dining facilities.
Off-campus participants may purchase individual meals in the Dahl Centennial Union dining facilities; they may also pay an additional fee to attend Tuesday's picnic and Friday's closing breakfast.
Housing
Lutherlag guests may stay in campus housing or make off-campus arrangements. Guests staying on campus will be in two-bed (or single rooms if requested) air-conditioned rooms with shared bath facilities in Farwell Hall. Requests to share living units with other families can be made on the registration form. We will do our very best to see that families with children are located near other families with children, and vice versa. Pillows, linens, and blankets are provided, but it is a good idea to bring a blanket or two of your own in case of cool weather. Guests not staying for Nordic Fest must check out of rooms by 10:00 a.m., Friday, July 25. Nordic Fest housing is separate from Lutherlag fees and is an additional charge. Nordic Fest housing fees are paid on a per room basis.
Free-Time Activities
Thursday afternoon is set aside for recreational opportunities; here are just a few of the possibilities for free-time activities during Lutherlag: tubing or canoeing on the Upper Iowa River; swimming, fishing, biking, hiking, or shopping; playing tennis and golf; or visiting local parks, Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum, Decorah's historic district, Effigy Mounds, Burr Oak, Bluffton, Spillville, or Fort Atkinson. Thursday evening is dinner-on-your own—an opportunity to sample the fare on the streets at Nordic Fest and local eateries.
Commonweal Theatre Tour and Dinner
On Monday evening we will offer an optional trip to the Commonweal Theatre performance of Dale Wasserman's Man of La Mancha. The legend of Don Quixote comes vividly to life! Follow the misadventures of the Knight of the Woeful Countenance and his sidekick Sancho Panza, while enjoying some of the most memorable music in theatre history. Tickets for the performance, including motorcoach transportation to Lanesboro, catered dinner, and an insider's tour of the Commonweal with founding artistic director Eric Bunge '84 are included in the package price. (More information about the evening can be found in the course descriptions). Additional costs are $25 for children and teens and $40 for adults. (Commonweal season ticket holders and Million Dollar Club members subtract $10 for children and $15 for adults.) Check the appropriate box on this registration form and include payment with Lutherlag fees.
Fees
The program registration fee is $275 for adults and $200 for teens,
$160 for children ages 5 (by 1/08) to 11, and $140 for children 4 and
younger. Program fees should be mailed with the registration form.
Room and board fees are $260 for adults and teens, $135 for children ages 5-12; and no charge for children 4 and younger.
Nordic Fest housing fees for Friday, July 25, and Saturday, July 26 (if you wish to stay on for the weekend) are $35.00 per night for a single room and $60.00 per night for a double room. (Includes breakfast; children may sleep on the floor for free).
Pottery, Quilting, the Art of O'Keeffe, Twilight Garden Tour, Life on the Mississippi, Riflery, Metal Casting, and Bonsai Gardening courses require additional fees for materials or transportation. Transportation costs, dinner, and tickets for the Commonweal Theatre production on Monday night is not included in the registration fee.
Registration
Registration deadline for Lutherlag 2008 is June 15. Complete and return the registration form with a check payable to Luther College for the total registration fees. Room and board fees and Nordic Fest housing fees are due July 15, 2008.