Sunday, December 01, 2013

Along the Paths of Camp Emmaus

After the end of the Saturday business session of District Conference everyone was invited to come to Camp Emmaus for a hot dog roast at the lodge. Board members served food to over 60 folks from around the district and to the youth who were staying there for the weekend.

Leaves were flying at the annual leaf raking day at Camp Emmaus on November 8th. More than 30 volunteers from six (6) congregations and board members helped rake and mulch enough leaves to fill three (3) large wagons. The wagons delivered the leaves to a neighboring farm. The Dutchtown congregation brought five (5) youth to help enjoy the fresh air and fun. Following the raking the board enjoyed a carry in lunch and reorganized for the year ahead.

There is still plenty of wood to purchase for firewood at the camp. Bill Hare (815-734-4268) should be contacted about the wood. Anyone interested in reserving one of the all winter facilities at Camp Emmaus should also contact Bill.

The board members are left to right: Mark Flory Steury, Lisa Fike, Don Hart, Tom Cliine, Mike Schnieria, Sylvia Saunders, Gary Baisden, and Manager Bill Hare. Board members absent from the picture are: Ellis boughton, Steve Dietrich, and Dianne Swingel.

Tuesday, October 01, 2013

Brethren Gather at Camp Emmaus

On Sunday, August 4, many of the Brethren churches from Northwest Illinois got together at Camp Emmaus to share a time of worship and fellowship. It was a perfect summer day as more than 120 people from the Freeport, Yellow Creek, Dixon, Polo, Mt. Morris, Franklin Grove, and Cherry Grove congregations lifted their voices in song and their hearts in prayer. And then being good Brethren, they joined in that staple of any good church meeting – the bountiful potluck. Getting acquainted, renewing old friendships, and sharing lots of smiles and laughter were also on the menu. The afternoon was rounded off with swimming in the brand new camp pool for those brave enough to jump into the cool waters. Future events are being planned to continue to strengthen ties between the Brethren churches in the area as we strive to serve God – peacefully, simply, TOGETHER.

Wednesday, August 07, 2013

Along the Paths of Camp Emmaus

Camp clean up of the building and facilities went well this spring, before campers began to arrive for the season. The camp board truly appreciates the willing work of local congregations in the yearly readying for the season. Beyond getting the cleaning done, it serves as a renewed reminder of the presence of Camp Emmaus, and appreciation for its beauty and message.

This has been a good summer for added promotion of the use of the pool at Camp. Promotions have gone out to all local churches, all Churches of the Brethren in the proximity, and posted at various sites. Attendance at these Sunday swims has improved, and board members are taking turns in being the responsible persons in charge each time. Open swims for the public are still available the Sundays of August 4, 11, 18, and 25, from 1-3 p.m., with a $2 charge per person.

The camp board continues to consider options for next year to supplement the programming already in place for the use of the camp property and schedule. Diana Roemer, Director of Advancement and Marketing at Pinecrest Manor, has been sharing great ideas in working with the board on these dreams.

Be sure to mark the Saturday of the Labor Day weekend on your calendar, for coming to the annual Camp Appreciation Dinner. There will be great food and entertainment, as well as a chance to catch up on all that’s new at camp, and visit with old and new camp friends. More detailed information will be routed to your congregations and camp representatives.

Friday, February 01, 2013

Along the Paths of Camp Emmaus

It may be snowing outside, but your hearts are warm in Northern Illinois! We are pleased to report that our matching funds campaign for donations towards the operating fund account of Camp Emmaus is completed and was successful. Three churches in the district and multiple individuals donated enough money to that camp funding campaign so that the Mt. Morris congregation was able to write a $10,000 check to match that amount, and all was finalized within two months.

*The retirement of the debt on the repair and renovation of the camp pool has also gone well, thanks to continued giving of local churches and individuals. The Polo congregation very generously donated $10,000 towards that fund this winter. The process of the pool repair project has taken a long time, from the beginning of planning in 2008, to the first use of the renovated pool last season, to now. The original debt of $250,000 has been reduced to $34,000, and we have hopes the remaining debt will be refinanced and then finished in a timely manner.

*Diana Roemer, the Director of Advancement and Marketing for Pinecrest Manor, has been hired as an outside consultant to help Camp Emmaus with an expanded marketing plan and to help find outside funding sources. We are looking forward to seeing the results of her efforts for us in the months ahead.

*The Camp Emmaus board recently reorganized, with the new officers being: Mike Schnierla as president, Ellis Boughton as vice president, Heidi Gerdes as treasurer, and Dianne Swingel as corresponding secretary. Sylvia Saunders continues on as recording secretary, and Heidi Gerdes is in charge of programming. Other board members are Gary Baisden, Tom Cline, Steve Dietrich, Mark Flory-Steury, and Don Hart.

*Camp Emmaus has a new email address for those who wish to make contacts: campemmaus@live.com.

Those pictured: Bill Hare, Camp Mgr; Diane Swingel
and Steve Dietrich of Mt. Morris Church; Mike Schnierla, Board Chair;
and Sylvia Saunders, of Mt. Morris Church.