Policies and Accreditation

Non-refundable Deposits

To register for retreats and camps through any of the sites of Lutherans Outdoors in South Dakota, a non-refundable deposit is required. Deposits vary by cost of the program. Cancelations must be made with our Registrar. Contact info@losd.org for more information.

No Discrimination

In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA. 

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g. Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.), should contact the Agency (State or local) where they applied for benefits. Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English. 

To file a program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, (AD-3027) found online at: www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html, and at any USDA office, or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by: 

(1) Mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
1400 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; 

(2) Fax: (202) 690-7442; or 
(3) Email: program.intake@usda.gov. 

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

Equal Opportunity

Lutherans Outdoors in South Dakota is an equal opportunity provider and is operating on the Black Hills National Forest under the terms and conditions of a Special Use Permit from the Forest, USDA.

ACA Accreditation

ACA serves as the industry standard for guidance on health, safety, and program excellence. Accreditation is a year-round process and practice.

Two of the sites (NeSoDak and Outlaw Ranch) of Lutherans Outdoors in South Dakota are accredited by the American Camp Association.

Due to the short seasonal nature of Klein Ranch, ACA accreditation is desirable, but not feasible. The practices of health and safety are adhered to at Klein Ranch.

Confidentiality

All contact with news media is coordinated by the Executive Director or the Marketing Director. Unless specifically instructed, users are not authorized and therefore are restricted from speaking to the news media or others on behalf of LOSD. Users are expected to protect the privacy of LOSD and its employees and clients and are prohibited from disclosing personal employee and non-employee information and any other proprietary and nonpublic information to which employees have access. Such information includes, but is not limited to confidential, proprietary or restricted information about LOSD, its employees, participants or donors. In the event that such information must be disclosed, prior written consent must be obtained from the Marketing Director or Executive Director.