Our Campus History
The Geneva Lakes Community Campus is built on a legacy of gathering, growth, and faith — one that has shaped this property for generations and continues to guide its purpose today.
Life at Camp Augustana — where generations gathered, grew, and built lasting memories along the shores of Geneva Lake.
Camp Augustana: A Place For Formation & Fellowship
For more than 50 years, this property was home to Camp Augustana, a Lutheran summer camp established in the late 1920s. Rooted in a broader movement of faith-based outdoor ministry, the camp welcomed individuals, families, and church communities from across the Midwest.
Set along the shores of Geneva Lake—long known as a place of retreat and renewal—the camp offered something simple, yet meaningful: space to step away from everyday life and reconnect with what mattered most. Life at Camp Augustana was shaped by shared experiences. Days were spent along the lakefront, gathering for meals, exploring wooded trails, and building relationships that often lasted far beyond a single summer. It was a place where faith was lived out in community—through conversation, reflection, and time together.
For many, Camp Augustana wasn’t just a destination. It was a formative experience—one that created lasting memories, deepened relationships, and left a lasting imprint on generations of families.
A New Chapter: Chapel On The Hill
That foundation carried forward when the property entered a new chapter under the leadership of Dean and Lois Griffith.
With a deep commitment to their faith and to the surrounding community, they founded Chapel on the Hill — establishing a consistent place of worship and community where people could deepen their faith and find a sense of belonging. Through their leadership, the campus remained more than just a physical space, continuing to serve as a place of belonging, connection, and growth for all who came.
A Legacy Continued
As founders, the Griffith family didn’t simply establish something new—they stewarded a legacy, ensuring that what had been built here would continue to serve and impact others for years to come.
Today, that legacy is carried forward by Brian Griffith, son of Dean and Lois, whose ongoing support reflects a commitment to honoring his family’s vision while helping position the campus for the future.
A New Season
As the campus entered a new season, there was a clear opportunity — not to replace what had been built, but to build upon it in a way that could serve more people in new and meaningful ways.
Under the leadership of Kelly Gerlitz, the campus began a new chapter — one focused on expanding its reach and reimagining how the space could be used to serve the broader community. This next phase has been shaped by a vision to create a shared platform — bringing together individuals, organizations, and leaders from across the region in a way that fosters connection, growth, and collaboration.
The Campus Today
Today, the property has become the Geneva Lakes Community Campus — a shared platform designed to serve individuals, organizations, and initiatives across the region. At its core, the campus exists to bring people together in ways that lead to growth, connection, and meaningful contribution.
It serves as a bridge across the community — bringing together business owners, nonprofit leaders, churches, and individuals from across the county who might not otherwise connect. By creating space for these groups to gather, collaborate, and support one another, the campus helps strengthen both individual lives and the broader community.
This purpose comes to life through a focus on self-development, spiritual growth, and community enrichment.
What Happens Here
At the Geneva Lakes Community Campus, everything we do is centered around three core areas: self-development, spiritual growth, and community enrichment.
These pillars shape the experiences, opportunities, and connections that happen across the campus every day.
Self-Development
Workshops, classes, trainings, and opportunities designed to support personal and professional growth
Spiritual Growth
Gatherings and spaces where individuals can explore, deepen, and live out their faith
Community Enrichment
Events, partnerships, and initiatives that bring people together to strengthen relationships and serve the broader community
Whether you’re looking to grow personally, connect with others, or bring an idea to life, the campus is designed to support your next step.
