| Camp Emmaus P.O.Box 128 3011 W Camp Rd. Mt. Morris, IL 61064-0128 | Spring 2003 | Editors |
Saturday, March 01, 2003
Manager's Corner
As I write this, the dutchman's breeches are just past prime, the spring beauties are at their fullest bloom, and the shooting stars are just beginning to show their color. This is a sure sign that summer is just around the corner.
These last few months have been very frustrating with the Retreat Lodge flood and the 56 year old well not producing enough water to meet the camp's needs. Both problems are being dealt with and both will be operating at full capacity before camping season starts.
Our summer staff is hired and ready to go with both new and returning people.
It hardly seems possible this summer is our 38th year here. Time sure flies when you are having fun!
Bill Hare
Camp Manager
As I write this, the dutchman's breeches are just past prime, the spring beauties are at their fullest bloom, and the shooting stars are just beginning to show their color. This is a sure sign that summer is just around the corner.
These last few months have been very frustrating with the Retreat Lodge flood and the 56 year old well not producing enough water to meet the camp's needs. Both problems are being dealt with and both will be operating at full capacity before camping season starts.
Our summer staff is hired and ready to go with both new and returning people.
It hardly seems possible this summer is our 38th year here. Time sure flies when you are having fun!
Bill Hare
Camp Manager
Property & Maintenance Committee
It has been an interesting winter! By now most of you have heard of the major water damage to the retreat lodge due to a loose solder joint in early February. That problem has been addressed and we are again open for business with a newly refurbished kitchen, baths, and living room floor and carpet. The board has decided to replace both electric ranges (even though they were not damaged and are not covered by insurance) due to their age and worn condition. Mike has been working closely with Bill and the insurance people and we are very pleased with their work and cooperation.
It is often said that every cloud has a silver lining - and this incident showed that our well is no longer adequate for the heavy usage of a camping season. Therefore, plans have been made to have a new well drilled before camping season begins. The cost will be approximately $10,000. (This is NOT covered by insurance, as was the water damage.) We are thankful that the problem was exposed BEFORE the camping season began to avoid major difficulty later on.
Most of the damaged kitchen cabinets from the retreat lodge were reconditioned by Bill and volunteers and are now installed in the maintenance building completing a much needed work shop area (with a Formica covered workbench!)
Bill, along with volunteers, has been very busy with preventative maintenance and improvements. Many dangerous trees have been removed and worked up into firewood (the retreat lodge had to be heated ALL WINTER to dry it out and for the workers to complete the refurbishing); the spillway of the lake was repaired with more concrete; new garage deer opener installed in the maintenance building; permanent "yard swing" installed near the lodges' a new and larger fan installed in cabin 9; and the sinks in both the boys and girls bathrooms raised to proper level.
As the new camping season approaches, we are again asking the churches for their help in cleaning the facility. Each congregation will be assigned a specific task as we prepare for another year of providing an "Emmaus experience" for the incoming campers.
The Property and Maintenance Committee
Mike Schnierla
Aaron Gerdes
Don Post
Doug Firebaugh
It has been an interesting winter! By now most of you have heard of the major water damage to the retreat lodge due to a loose solder joint in early February. That problem has been addressed and we are again open for business with a newly refurbished kitchen, baths, and living room floor and carpet. The board has decided to replace both electric ranges (even though they were not damaged and are not covered by insurance) due to their age and worn condition. Mike has been working closely with Bill and the insurance people and we are very pleased with their work and cooperation.
It is often said that every cloud has a silver lining - and this incident showed that our well is no longer adequate for the heavy usage of a camping season. Therefore, plans have been made to have a new well drilled before camping season begins. The cost will be approximately $10,000. (This is NOT covered by insurance, as was the water damage.) We are thankful that the problem was exposed BEFORE the camping season began to avoid major difficulty later on.
Most of the damaged kitchen cabinets from the retreat lodge were reconditioned by Bill and volunteers and are now installed in the maintenance building completing a much needed work shop area (with a Formica covered workbench!)
Bill, along with volunteers, has been very busy with preventative maintenance and improvements. Many dangerous trees have been removed and worked up into firewood (the retreat lodge had to be heated ALL WINTER to dry it out and for the workers to complete the refurbishing); the spillway of the lake was repaired with more concrete; new garage deer opener installed in the maintenance building; permanent "yard swing" installed near the lodges' a new and larger fan installed in cabin 9; and the sinks in both the boys and girls bathrooms raised to proper level.
As the new camping season approaches, we are again asking the churches for their help in cleaning the facility. Each congregation will be assigned a specific task as we prepare for another year of providing an "Emmaus experience" for the incoming campers.
The Property and Maintenance Committee
Mike Schnierla
Aaron Gerdes
Don Post
Doug Firebaugh
Summertime Means Campingtime
The camp board and leadership has been busy this winter gearing up for the summer campers. Children's age group camps, women's camp, and family camps are all planned for the coming months. We invite you to take advantage of the many opportunities to worship God in a natural setting. You'll make new friends, share new experiences, and learn new things. In fact, bring a friend or two and create meaningful memories that will last a lifetime.
Ed Garrison
Board President
The camp board and leadership has been busy this winter gearing up for the summer campers. Children's age group camps, women's camp, and family camps are all planned for the coming months. We invite you to take advantage of the many opportunities to worship God in a natural setting. You'll make new friends, share new experiences, and learn new things. In fact, bring a friend or two and create meaningful memories that will last a lifetime.
Ed Garrison
Board President
Did You Know...
Brethren camps are linked by a professional organization called the Outdoor Ministries Association? Their mission statement is, "Outdoor Ministries Association is an association of persons committed to the educational ministry of the Church of the Brethren camps, in partnership with congregations, districts, the denomination and ecumenical groups. OMA supports the total ministry of the church including education, evangelism, peace education, and stewardship of all resources."
OMA supports the outdoor ministries of the Church of the Brethren by initiating and coordinating:
- Ed Garrison
Brethren camps are linked by a professional organization called the Outdoor Ministries Association? Their mission statement is, "Outdoor Ministries Association is an association of persons committed to the educational ministry of the Church of the Brethren camps, in partnership with congregations, districts, the denomination and ecumenical groups. OMA supports the total ministry of the church including education, evangelism, peace education, and stewardship of all resources."
OMA supports the outdoor ministries of the Church of the Brethren by initiating and coordinating:
- Sharing of information, resources, and expertise on issues related to outdoor ministries
- Professional growth experiences such as national conferences and leadership training events
- Programs and events requiring specialized leadership or resources
- Assistance to districts and camps in determining trends, goals, and priorities for their programs
- Ed Garrison
Lord Bless Our Camp
As you taught the crowds on the side of the mountain, may you teach us;
As you healed the blind man along the road, may you heal us;
As you walked with the disciples on the Emmaus Road, may you walk with us;
As you revealed yourself to friends in their home, may you reveal yourself to us;
Lord, make our camp a bastion of light and life to all who come in search of your grace and glory.
- Ed Garrison
As you taught the crowds on the side of the mountain, may you teach us;
As you healed the blind man along the road, may you heal us;
As you walked with the disciples on the Emmaus Road, may you walk with us;
As you revealed yourself to friends in their home, may you reveal yourself to us;
Lord, make our camp a bastion of light and life to all who come in search of your grace and glory.
- Ed Garrison
Program Notes
Finally its summer, it's camping season. We're excited this year. More than in the past. This year the board came up with an idea to have a contest for the youth. We would like the youth to come up with a logo for the camp. The logo would be used on items sold in the camp store, camp shirts, etc… The contest starts now. It will end August 31. The entries should be turned in to Bill or Betty Hare, any camp board member or your camp director if you are coming to camp this year. The winner will be announced later this fall.
The scholarship program has been changed starting this camping season. Instead of contacting the Program Chair, you contact Betty Hare. Betty will keep track of the youth that attend camp. At the end of the camping season you will need to call Betty and she will verify that all the criteria have been met.
I hope that you and your youth have an enjoyable and spirit led summer and camping season.
Bill Williams
Program Chair
Finally its summer, it's camping season. We're excited this year. More than in the past. This year the board came up with an idea to have a contest for the youth. We would like the youth to come up with a logo for the camp. The logo would be used on items sold in the camp store, camp shirts, etc… The contest starts now. It will end August 31. The entries should be turned in to Bill or Betty Hare, any camp board member or your camp director if you are coming to camp this year. The winner will be announced later this fall.
The scholarship program has been changed starting this camping season. Instead of contacting the Program Chair, you contact Betty Hare. Betty will keep track of the youth that attend camp. At the end of the camping season you will need to call Betty and she will verify that all the criteria have been met.
I hope that you and your youth have an enjoyable and spirit led summer and camping season.
Bill Williams
Program Chair
Wednesday, January 01, 2003
Manager's Corner
Here at camp we attempt to be good stewards of the land and its resources so we have the least negative impact on the environment as possible. This article will attempt to explain some of these practices.
Our 3 winterized buildings, the Log Cabin, the Retreat Lodge, and the Manager's home all have wood heat as the primary source of heating. This not only reduces dependency on fossil fuels and their importation, but also enables us to literally grow our own fuel here in the 60 acres of timber.
There are 2 sets of black tanks near the pool that provide solar heat. One set on the east heats the pool water and the west set is a solar pre-heater for the LP gas water heaters for the bathhouse. The 55-degree water from the well is heated 20 or 30 degrees in these black tanks before entering the LP heaters thus saving gas.
Camp Emmaus is a registered tree farm, which means we care for trees just like any crop. This means planting time, thinning, removing undesirable trees and exotic plants, and eventually harvesting. All this happens with a lot of time and energy.
Of the three fields here, two are in the 10 year Conservation Reserve Program with the Federal government, which enables us to keep them in permanent grass for soil building, run off and erosion reduction and cover for wildlife. The third field is in hay, which is sold.
For several years we have had grass carp in the lake to feed on the plants in the shallow areas. These giant plant eaters have totally eliminated the need for chemicals in the lake.
If you ever wondered why there are so many "speed bumps" on the drives here, they really are small terraces to divert the water off of the driveways to reduce erosion. They really do work!
We make every attempt to recycle as much as we possibly can from containers, 38 large trash cans of steel cans, glass containers, plastic and non-can aluminum were taken to the recycling dumpsters. Paper, corrugated cardboard and aluminum cans were taken other places. In addition, 1,020 pounds of light sheet steel was taken to the salvage yard.
We try to be good stewards. We hope you agree.
Bill Hare
Camp Manager
Here at camp we attempt to be good stewards of the land and its resources so we have the least negative impact on the environment as possible. This article will attempt to explain some of these practices.
Our 3 winterized buildings, the Log Cabin, the Retreat Lodge, and the Manager's home all have wood heat as the primary source of heating. This not only reduces dependency on fossil fuels and their importation, but also enables us to literally grow our own fuel here in the 60 acres of timber.
There are 2 sets of black tanks near the pool that provide solar heat. One set on the east heats the pool water and the west set is a solar pre-heater for the LP gas water heaters for the bathhouse. The 55-degree water from the well is heated 20 or 30 degrees in these black tanks before entering the LP heaters thus saving gas.
Camp Emmaus is a registered tree farm, which means we care for trees just like any crop. This means planting time, thinning, removing undesirable trees and exotic plants, and eventually harvesting. All this happens with a lot of time and energy.
Of the three fields here, two are in the 10 year Conservation Reserve Program with the Federal government, which enables us to keep them in permanent grass for soil building, run off and erosion reduction and cover for wildlife. The third field is in hay, which is sold.
For several years we have had grass carp in the lake to feed on the plants in the shallow areas. These giant plant eaters have totally eliminated the need for chemicals in the lake.
If you ever wondered why there are so many "speed bumps" on the drives here, they really are small terraces to divert the water off of the driveways to reduce erosion. They really do work!
We make every attempt to recycle as much as we possibly can from containers, 38 large trash cans of steel cans, glass containers, plastic and non-can aluminum were taken to the recycling dumpsters. Paper, corrugated cardboard and aluminum cans were taken other places. In addition, 1,020 pounds of light sheet steel was taken to the salvage yard.
We try to be good stewards. We hope you agree.
Bill Hare
Camp Manager
From the Board Chair
Camp Experiences Financial Challenge
Over the years, Camp Emmaus has been blessed with a variety of financial sources. Most of our funds come from Brethren camp fees and rental to non-Brethren groups. This is supplemented by generous donations from individuals in the IL-WI District and other friends of the camp. A healthy economic picture relies on good stewardship. Our recent past has allowed us to pay our bills and build a limited reserve. Unfortunately due to reasons beyond our control, we have lost a large rental group and some other groups have decreased in size, thus reducing our income. Brethren camps have stayed approximately the same size, even in a National Youth Conference year. At the September meeting, the board spent significant time on the budget. We anticipate that we will need to dip into our reserves to pay the bills this year. Obviously, this pattern cannot continue, so we will work diligently to find a way to improve our situation. We are extremely grateful for those who continue to support our camp.
Board Members Finish Terms
We want to take this opportunity to express our gratitude to those board members who are completing their three-year terms. Doug Firebaugh, chair of the property committee, is completing his first term. Ann Risden, board secretary, and Bonnie Wood, program committee, are completing their second term. Serving the church can take many forms. Camp Board responsibilities include attending meetings, making decisions; working together to promote and operate the camp effectively. Thanks Doug, Ann & Bonnie!!
Ed Garrison
Board Chair
Camp Experiences Financial Challenge
Over the years, Camp Emmaus has been blessed with a variety of financial sources. Most of our funds come from Brethren camp fees and rental to non-Brethren groups. This is supplemented by generous donations from individuals in the IL-WI District and other friends of the camp. A healthy economic picture relies on good stewardship. Our recent past has allowed us to pay our bills and build a limited reserve. Unfortunately due to reasons beyond our control, we have lost a large rental group and some other groups have decreased in size, thus reducing our income. Brethren camps have stayed approximately the same size, even in a National Youth Conference year. At the September meeting, the board spent significant time on the budget. We anticipate that we will need to dip into our reserves to pay the bills this year. Obviously, this pattern cannot continue, so we will work diligently to find a way to improve our situation. We are extremely grateful for those who continue to support our camp.
Board Members Finish Terms
We want to take this opportunity to express our gratitude to those board members who are completing their three-year terms. Doug Firebaugh, chair of the property committee, is completing his first term. Ann Risden, board secretary, and Bonnie Wood, program committee, are completing their second term. Serving the church can take many forms. Camp Board responsibilities include attending meetings, making decisions; working together to promote and operate the camp effectively. Thanks Doug, Ann & Bonnie!!
Ed Garrison
Board Chair
Property and Maintenance Committee Report
The campers are gone, cabins are empty, and the lodge is quiet. Another camping season has drawn to a close. Now comes the implementation of the many repair jobs that need to be done to prepare for another season. Bill is proactive in his approach to maintenance and emphasizes "preventative maintenance" i.e. "fix it BEFORE it breaks''. Hence, trees around and hanging over cabins and fences are removed, culverts are replaced or enlarged before they wash out, windows are puttied and painted before they rot and need replacing, and better lighting and electrical wiring is installed before the state inspector 'writes the camp up'.
With this approach and the many hours of volunteer labor, we have managed to save considerable money and insure a fine and safe facility for our campers. We appreciate the many financial donations, volunteer hours and your continued prayers as we strive to be good stewards of our camping facilities.
Doug Firebaugh
Chairman - Property & Maintenance Committee
The campers are gone, cabins are empty, and the lodge is quiet. Another camping season has drawn to a close. Now comes the implementation of the many repair jobs that need to be done to prepare for another season. Bill is proactive in his approach to maintenance and emphasizes "preventative maintenance" i.e. "fix it BEFORE it breaks''. Hence, trees around and hanging over cabins and fences are removed, culverts are replaced or enlarged before they wash out, windows are puttied and painted before they rot and need replacing, and better lighting and electrical wiring is installed before the state inspector 'writes the camp up'.
With this approach and the many hours of volunteer labor, we have managed to save considerable money and insure a fine and safe facility for our campers. We appreciate the many financial donations, volunteer hours and your continued prayers as we strive to be good stewards of our camping facilities.
Doug Firebaugh
Chairman - Property & Maintenance Committee
Program Committee Report
Even though fall is in the air, Camp Emmaus is still in our thoughts. I would like to thank everyone that took part in this year's camping season. Whether you were a camper, counselor, director, staff-person or someone that helped in the camping experience in another way, thank you in making this camping season a successful one.
Each year, we are fortunate to have people in our district that give of their time and talent to get involved in our camps as directors and counselors. Trying to find youth willing to give up a week of work or play is getting harder and harder each year. This year was a little harder than most. But not trying to find youth. This year, the problem was trying to find leadership for the family camps. Each year we have 3 family camps; one at Memorial Day, one in Mid-slimmer and one at Labor Day. This is a time to get together with friends and family for a weekend of fun and fellowship. We are thankful for the leadership we have each year. But they have been asking to try and get new people involved. So, for the 2003 Family camp season, we are looking for leadership starting now. If you would like to be a director for one of the camps or you would like to get information on what a director for a family camp does, please get a hold of one of the directors for last year, a board member or the Camp.
Bill Williams
Program Chair
The camping season schedule for 2003 is as follows:
Even though fall is in the air, Camp Emmaus is still in our thoughts. I would like to thank everyone that took part in this year's camping season. Whether you were a camper, counselor, director, staff-person or someone that helped in the camping experience in another way, thank you in making this camping season a successful one.
Each year, we are fortunate to have people in our district that give of their time and talent to get involved in our camps as directors and counselors. Trying to find youth willing to give up a week of work or play is getting harder and harder each year. This year was a little harder than most. But not trying to find youth. This year, the problem was trying to find leadership for the family camps. Each year we have 3 family camps; one at Memorial Day, one in Mid-slimmer and one at Labor Day. This is a time to get together with friends and family for a weekend of fun and fellowship. We are thankful for the leadership we have each year. But they have been asking to try and get new people involved. So, for the 2003 Family camp season, we are looking for leadership starting now. If you would like to be a director for one of the camps or you would like to get information on what a director for a family camp does, please get a hold of one of the directors for last year, a board member or the Camp.
Bill Williams
Program Chair
The camping season schedule for 2003 is as follows:
| Memorial Day Family | Camp May 23 - 26 | |
| Women's Camp | June 13 - 15 | |
| Mid Summer Family Camp | June 27 - 30 | |
| Junior High Camp | July 13 - 19 | |
| Senior High Camp | July 27 - August 2 | |
| Elementary II Camp | August 3 - 6 | |
| Elementary I Camp | August 9 | |
| Elementary III Camp | August 10 - 15 | |
| Labor Day Family Camp | August 29 - September 1 |
From the Editors
We are asked to produce this newsletter usually twice a year. The Camp Board provides articles for the newsletter. However, if you would like to share a camp experience with others and wish to submit an article, we would be happy to include it in the newsletter. Just mail your article to the address on the top of this newsletter. Be sure to include your name and an address or phone number in case we have questions.
Jim & Jane Bicksler
Editors
We are asked to produce this newsletter usually twice a year. The Camp Board provides articles for the newsletter. However, if you would like to share a camp experience with others and wish to submit an article, we would be happy to include it in the newsletter. Just mail your article to the address on the top of this newsletter. Be sure to include your name and an address or phone number in case we have questions.
Jim & Jane Bicksler
Editors
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