Wednesday, January 01, 2003


Camp Emmaus
P.O.Box 128
3011 W Camp Rd.
Mt. Morris, IL
61064-0128
Winter 2002-2003

Editors
Jim & Jane Bicksler
P.O.Box 259
Dakota, IL
61018-0259


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
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
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
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:

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