Camp Emmaus • PO Box 128, Mt. Morris, IL 61054
www.campemmaus.org
Monday, December 15, 2025
FALLING FOR CAMP
building day that involved several families learning new skills later that month. Volunteers made short work of the leaves in the camp’s main program spaces, preparing camp for winter.
2026 DATES
May 22-25: Memorial Day Family Camp
June 12-14: Counselor-in-Training (CIT)
June 13-14: Elementary Camp June 14-17: Target Sports Camp July 5-11: Senior High Camp July 12-18: Survivor Camp
July 19-23: Intermediate Camp July 24-26: Young Adult/Young at Heart Camp
July 26- Aug. 1: Middle School Camp
August 6-8: Women's Camp September 4-7: Labor Day Weekend Family Camp
CAMP CLOTHES
Looking for the perfect Christmas gift? The Church of the Brethren Outdoor Ministries Association is selling a new line of logo T-shirts, tank tops, and hoodies this winter, with proceeds going to support OMA’s environmental grants for camps and congregations. Check out the available inventory at https://www.bonfire.com/2025-oma-shirt-fundraiser/.
FELLOWSHIP AROUND THE FIRE
Camp Emmaus hosted a fall event and campfire for the district on Oct. 18. In addition to campfire time, the day included hayrack rides, hiking, food, and good fellowship.
CAMP NEWS & NOTES
- The final Escape to Emmaus day of 2025 is slated for Dec. 13 with “Earth Tones: A Creative Songwriting & Poetry Workshop” from 9 a.m. to noon. Cost is $15. Camp manager Randall Westfall was featured on the local “Along the Rock” podcast to talk about the workshop. Watch for more Escape opportunities in 2026!
- The camp’s annual Camp Celebration Day and Lunch took place Sept. 13. After the meal, a program shared summer highlights. Outgoing Senior High Camp co-directors Sara Garner and Aaron Gerdes received the first-ever Campfire Award for their service. Pat Heid received the Bill & Betty Hare Volunteer of the Year Award.
- Three new camp board members were affirmed at the Illinois/Wisconsin District conference in Bloomington, Ill., Nov. 8. Welcome to Andy Brooks, Melyssa Otake Greenacre, and Monica Pandya Burchfield! The camp also had a display at the conference, and manager Randall Westfall shared a report during the business session.
- Before the year ends, please consider giving a gift to camp: Mail a check, donate on the website, or visit https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/8596dd75-871a-458b-b5d2-5f0f3054367c.
CAMP MANAGER'S CORNER
The first snowstorm of the season hit this past weekend, and some 10+
inches later we’re clearing paths and shoveling around entrances to camp. It was the first significant snowfall that we’ve had here since January 2024.
Snow has a way of quieting camp. Trails that rang with summer laughter now lie hushed, waiting. The lake rests beneath its frozen veil, and the trees stand bare yet steadfast, reminding us that even in stillness, life endures. Winter is not absence; it is preparation. Beneath the frost, roots deepen. Beneath the silence, renewal stirs.
At Camp Emmaus, we know that ministry is not only about the busy seasons of programs and gatherings. It is also about the quieter rhythms—those moments when we pause, breathe, and listen for God’s whisper in the wind. Winter invites us to embrace Sabbath, to trust that rest is holy, and to believe that transformation is already underway, even when unseen.
This season also reminds us of the warmth we share in community. A fire in the lodge, a song lifted in worship, a story told around the table: these are embers of belonging that glow against the cold. They remind us that Christ’s light shines brightest when we gather, even in the darkest nights.
The lyrics of an old-time tune written by Molly Mason captures winter’s essence beautifully:
Darkest days, brightest nightsMother nature got it rightSilver sky, full moon lightDarkest days, brightest nights
As we step into these darkest days and brightest nights of winter, may we carry both the hush and the hope. May we honor the gift of rest, and may we kindle the fire of community that sustains us until spring. And may we discover, in the waiting, that God is already at work—shaping us, renewing us, and preparing us for the seasons yet to come.
Respectfully in Christ,
Randall Westfall
CAMP BOARD
Sara Garner, chair; Gary Baisden; Patrick Benassi; Michelle Bowman; Amanda Burch; Shannon McNeil Smith; Monica Rice Frye; Mike Sondgeroth; Jonathan Stauffer; Callie Surber; Everett Teetor, financial secretary; Randall Westfall, camp manager
Saturday, December 13, 2025
Escape to Emmaus: Songwriting & Poetry Workshop
Due to low registration, the Escape to Emmaus Eco-Tones workshop has been canceled.
Tuesday, December 02, 2025
Giving Tuesday
This Giving Tuesday consider giving a gift to Camp Emmaus where we are called to a life of service, peace, and deep connection with one another. Help us to create a welcoming space by giving of your time, talents, and resources.
Give here: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/8596dd75-871a-458b-b5d2-5f0f3054367c
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