A Journey That Began with Camp: Red and Karen Mastin

For decades, Green Lake Lutheran Ministries (GLLM) has been more than a summer camp—it has been a home, a sanctuary, and a launchpad for faith-filled lives. On a cold Saturday in February, Executive Director Travis Aufderheide sat down with longtime alumni and dedicated supporters, Red and Karen Mastin, to reflect on how camp has shaped their lives and continues to inspire future generations.
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Red and Karen’s connection to camp started in the 1980s. Karen, who grew up in northern Minnesota, first attended White Earth Lutheran Camp, following in the footsteps of her brother, who worked at Green Lake Bible Camp. Red discovered camp through his church’s pastor, Howie Skulstad, and with encouragement from his parents. Neither of them could have predicted the lasting impact camp would have on their faith, friendships, and even their future together.

Like many who step onto the sacred grounds of GLLM, Red and Karen found more than just fun in the sun. They found community, deep relationships, and ultimately, each other. They met in 1984, and in 1985, as Red puts it, “Karen decided she could tolerate me,” and they began dating. Even during years apart in graduate school, camp remained a touchstone for their relationship, offering a place to reconnect and reaffirm their shared values.

From Thursday night banquets and the staff musical to chapel singing and talent shows, camp traditions remain woven into the fabric of Red and Karen’s story. Red recalls Camp Joy week with a chuckle, remembering the joy and camaraderie that made that time special. Separately, he fondly remembers helping set up musicals, running lights, and working microphones because, as he admits, “I couldn’t sing.” For Karen, the emotional goodbyes at week’s end highlighted the depth of connections built at camp.

Red and Karen’s love for GLLM extends far beyond their time as campers. They have remained deeply connected as dedicated volunteers, generous donors, and proud camper parents. Red served on the GLLM board, helping shape its future, while both have continued to give their time and resources in countless ways to ensure camp’s impact reaches new generations. They understand firsthand the profound effect the summer camp experience has—not just on campers, but on the young staff members who dedicate their summers to guiding, mentoring, and leading others.

Camp has evolved over the years, adapting to shifts in society, camper demographics, and staffing challenges - its essence remains the same: a place of joy, belonging, and growth. Red and Karen have proudly watched their children, Kris, Ana, and Eli, follow in their footsteps, experiencing camp’s power to nurture leadership and faith.

For Red and Karen, GLLM is more than just a place—it’s a mission. They stress the importance of holding true to GLLM’s vision and resisting external pressures that could shift its focus. At the same time, they acknowledge the need for camp to evolve while remaining rooted in its core values and steadfast in their purpose, to embrace the joy of ministry, and to be present in every moment.

We are so grateful for Red and Karen Mastin. Their reflections underscore an undeniable truth--Green Lake Lutheran Ministries is not just a camp. It is a community, a family, and a place where faith and friendships flourish for generations to come. To join Red and Karen in preparing for generations to come, consider making a gift at www.gllm.org/give-today!

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