The Lor-Ray Camp Association had its beginning in the spring of 1965 when Rev. Robert Moldstad and Dr. William Langrader, both of St.Timothy in Lombard, IL, met and decided that they would endeavor to interest others of our confessional fellowship in forming an association to purchase and develop a campsite that might serve the Illinois and Michigan based congregations of the ELS and WELS.

Later that same spring, the first parcel of campgrounds became available from the state (23 acres, including a 15 acre man-made lake). This timely development stirred considerable enthusiasm and the Association became a reality on May 22, 1965. Two adjoining parcels of land were subsequently purchased and by the fall of 1965 Lor-Ray Camp Association could point with pride to the 165 pine scented acres embracing a placid private lake.

The name "Lor-Ray" is a contraction of Lorlie and Raymond Reiser, youth minded members of St. Timothy who lost their lives in an automobile crash in 1963. "Lake Setterbo" has been named in memory of Mr. & Mrs. Albert Setterbo, members of our ELS church in Suttons Bay, who also became the victims of an auto acident while in route to serve at camp. The entrance road is "Pioneer Trail" in honor of the - Lutheran Pioneer Trains and Caravans, which worked so hard during the spring of 1966 to make the trail passable.