About us

Heit's Point was the vision of Mr. & Mrs. Henry Heitman to provide outdoor ministry for all to enjoy.

History of the land

March 12th, 1979, Mr. and Mrs Henry Heitman donated the original 48 acres to the Missouri District. Resolution 1-101, at the 1980 district convention initiated the development of Heit's Point. The ministry has grown from occasional campers to camps and retreats for all ages and all seasons.

In 1983 the Anderson property was purchased adding 62 acres and 4 cabins. This area, with it's cabin and later irmprovements, has been the center of summer camp.

In the fall of 1984, a bathhouse pavillion was completed. The area offered adequate restroom, shower, and lodging for about 40 people

March 1985, Mr. Leonard Haase, built the Directors house, now known as the Lodge. It has been modified over the years, but has served well for numerous directors.

In 1988, the first summer camp was held, 2 weeks of outdoor education, 37 students and 6 adults for 3 days/2 nights. The first Outdoor Festival occurred with over 500 people attending.

The campground was built, known as "Heitman Ridge Campground." 14 spots built by AAL branches and volunteers.

In 1989 the Outdoor chapel was built - named "The resurrection of the Messiah."  The A frame roof and stained glass were from Messiah Lutheran church in Independence, MO and the limestone chancel fixtures were donated from Redeemer Lutheran in Atwood, KS. Many worship services, devotions, and weddings have been blessed with this facility.

In 1991, the William's property was purchased, which added 5 acres and a two bedroom stone house with out buildings. 

In 1998, a special gift was given to purchase the adjoining 53 acres, lakefront property. This brought the total to 168 acres of God's beautiful creation. The "Rock house" on this property serves well for respite for anyone who needs to get away.

In 1998, members of Ascension Lutheran of KC built a pavilion in  the campground. The "Ascension Haus" has served many groups, and is perfect for enjoying Heit's Point.

In 1997-1999, The Dr. Paul Spitz center was built with gifts from many supporters. This facility realized the emphasis of serving all ages in outdoor ministry.  It is the central facility for all that happens now at Heit's Point.

Summer camps continued to grow and in 2001 through a generous gift the Gospel Hostel bunkhouse was built, increasing capacity by 48.

In 2002, another generous gift from the Blunk family in honor of Marvin Blunk, resulted in another bunkhouse called the Blunk house, increasing capacity by 60. Also in 2002, the Cedar house and 12 acres was purchased and donated.  

Many waterfront and campground improvements have been done over the years, led by Ellis Moore and his dedicated volunteers.  Numerous other volunteers have been invaluable to the success of the ministry here.

 In 2002, Heit's Point Lutheran Ministries Incorporated was formed and in 2006, Larry Lumpe led the board in a fundraising effort to purchase the property from the District to allow the district to concentrate on new ministries.

In 2006, the bathhouse was converted to a bunkhouse now lodging 24 and named the Bell House.

In 2007 the original Heitman house was restored. It has a very cute lemony decor! Come get away!

Roger Hink had the GCL - God Changes Lives - cabin built in honor of his wife, Ruth. 

In 2023, Mark Nolte who faithfully ran and maintained Heit's Point retired after 20 years of ministry. Thank you so much Mark! Rev. Dr. Rocco Mallardi and his family are now the resident directors and are happy to help you line up a wonderful retreat, reunion or service project. 

Heit's Point Lutheran Ministries

is a part of National Lutheran Outdoor Ministries Association. There are 29 AMAZING Lutheran camps for you to be blessed by! We love God and love helping kids grow in their faith! Check out all the camps at www.nloma.org!

           Heit's Point Lutheran Ministries                              

is a RSO - registered service organization - of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod. May God richly bless you and keep you as He strengthens your connection to himself, the Vine, as you spend time here in His beautiful creation.

For more info on the Lutheran Church go to www.lcms.org