File:Mar-lu-ridge chapel.jpg

Summary

The Salem-on-the-Mountain Chapel at Mar-Lu-Ridge with its renowned view of the Potomac River and valley below. BHS alumni fondly remember weeklong excursions to the camp as part of Mr. Frank Mullen's 8th grade science curriculum.

Mar-Lu-Ridge was founded in 1959 as the Outdoor Ministry of the Maryland Synod of the Lutheran Church. The initial construction efforts included a lodge for dining and four cabins the first year that summer camp was held. In 1962, the chapel was constructed and in 1970, the Ridge Inn was completed, offering 16 hotel-style rooms with kitchen and dining facilities.

Several happy memories were shared:

Jenny Burd Rogers So many family memories here 😍 Babysitting for the care takers children, staying in cabins on windy winter nights, fireplaces, that view, family funerals/celebrations of life, my son getting his first job in the kitchen and of course Lodge 3 aka “cousin camp” every Thanksgiving! Thanks for the memories!

Cheryl Beachley Varkalis Attended church camp in the mid 70s with Gwen McAllister Hoebeke and Debra Huffer Moler. I think it cost $40/week. We made name tags with a slab of wood, alphabet noodles & mason cord. Still remember camp songs like 'pour a little watermelon on my grave, let the juice trickle thru.' We hiked thru 'tick valley' and spent hours in the mess hall burning ticks in empty tuna cans. For years, I was pen pals with campers from Baltimore & DC. Counselor Missy Harshman taught me how to embroider jeans. In 8th grade, night hikes to the power lines were make-out fests for young lovers. 8th grade girls were crazy in love with the senior counselors. Don't remember any actual science.

Kathy Hale Cage I remember a snowball fight through one of the cabins ... door open on each end ... fun! I used to be able to see this cross from the back of my house in Boss Arnold Village.

Pamela Terry Draper Lived down below the camp on Fry Road, remember the cross being lit every night! It was very comforting. Loved going to Mar-Lu-Ridge in 8th grade.

(Photo and history courtesy of Mar-Lu-Ridge Camp & Retreat Center)