Saturday, March 01, 2003


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

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


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
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
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
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:
  • 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
Headquarters for OMA are located at P. 0. Box F, Bethel, FL 19507

- 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
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