Shown is the new exterior of Ulrich Lodge, which will be dedicated Sunday, Aug. 20. An open house will follow the dedication/ribbon cutting. Photo provided by Camp Mack.

News Release

MILFORD — Camp Alexander Mack, a faith-based camp and conference center located in Milford, will celebrate the opening of the newly renovated Ulrich Lodge with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 4 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 20. The ceremony will be followed by an open house.

Ulrich House was originally built in 1948 as a house for summer staff and for winter retreats, making it the first winterized building at Camp Mack. In 1970, an addition was added to provide housing for a camp manager. In 2017, an estate gift allowed the camp to install new windows and vinyl siding.

In July of 2010, a major fire destroyed Becker Lodge at Camp Mack, taking out the offices, food and dining services, and adult retreat space. The office and dining operations were quickly replaced the following summer with a new Welcome Center; however, the adult retreat space was not rebuilt.

In response to the need to provide a comfortable space for adult retreats and other capital needs, the camp embarked on a $1.1 million dollar capital campaign in March of 2018. That goal was achieved in 2022.

Volunteers work on installing a door. Bev Weaver, Goshen, is shown on the right helping an unidentified volunteer, while Jerry Wartler from Sturgis, Mich., is shown on the right. Photo provided by CampMack.

Beginning last Labor Day, a mainly volunteer effort resulted in a building that is more comfortable, accessible, and useful. The building is brighter and more functional with new lighting; ADA compliant restrooms, doorways, and hallways; air conditioning; an elevator; a new roof; and more comfortable sleeping rooms and beds.

This transformation will be complete as camp officials rededicate the former Ulrich House as the new Ulrich Lodge.

The mission statement of Camp Mack is: Camp Alexander Mack provides a sanctuary where all people are welcomed to connect with God, experience creation, and build Christian community. Originally chartered by the Church of the Brethren, the camp continues to serve the Churches of the Brethren in Indiana as well as other churches and denominations, community groups, youth services, schools, colleges and universities, businesses, and families.

Camp Mack welcomed its first campers on July 4, 1925, and will celebrate 100 years of service throughout 2025.

An interior view of Ulrich Lodge. Photo provided by Camp Mack.