Road to Emmaus

2005-02-28T18:31:00.000-08:00

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

February 2005

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

2005-02-28T16:48:00.000-08:00

Manager’s Corner

As I write this, the weather forecast is for a hard freeze tonight. How quickly summer turns to fall.

We had a very busy summer with 9 weeks of age group camps, 3 family camps, many church picnics and reunions, numerous events in the Retreat Lodge and Log Cabin, and several planning and camp board meetings. There were no major problems this summer, but rather several minor challenges to deal with.

With the approaching cold weather, I have been busy tending to the 100+ individual places to winterize.

This fall we plan to replace the kitchen hood over the range and update the fire suppression system there.

If you plan to schedule an event in the Retreat Lodge this coming winter or spring, please call soon to reserve your preferred date.

Thanks for the many ways you support our ministry here at Camp Emmaus.

Bill Hare
Camp Manager

2005-02-28T16:47:00.000-08:00

Property & Maintenance Committee

Over the past year there have been several improvements and repairs to the camp property. The log cabin was stained and sealed by the campers of senior high. Thank you for your help! The walls in the pool house were reconditioned thanks to Duane Buttterbaugh, Ray Long, and Mike Schnierla who spent a couple of days chiseling and filling cracks with mortar. If you notice that the pool is a little warmer this year due to the solar panels in the northeast corner of the deck you can thank the Brinkmeier family for donating them in addition to Bill and Doug for installing them.

The kitchen fire suppressant system was updated. It is now capable of extinguishing any sort of fire that might be caused by the warmer cooking oils and methods that are used today. The manager’s house received a new porch thanks to Ray and June Tritt. The old porch had been in place for many years and was rotting away.

Other than that, normal maintenance continues on a daily basis thanks to Bill and Betty and we are gearing up for another camping season and look forward to seeing you at Camp Emmaus. If there is anything that we can do to enhance your camping experience, let us know.

Hope to see you camping soon.

The Property Committee

2005-02-28T16:46:00.000-08:00

Camp Emmaus 2004

The theme for this year’s camp was “You’re Invited,” an adaptation of “Join the Party,” using curriculum material from New Earth. Our Program Committee has been active in writing material and leading our CIT (counselor in training) events as well as updating our director’s manual.

We appreciate the leadership that our Emmaus family provides each year in the form of directors, counselors, and junior leaders. The Program Committee has also ordered tee shirts for the counselors and other material with the camp logo for the camp store. There would be no camp without the Program Committee seeking out those willing to serve as directors and counselors.

Just as important as the program of the camp is the facility of the camp. The Property Committee of the camp has done an outstanding job of preventative maintenance, improving and maintaining our camp. The mold problem in the log cabin has been solved, the new well is working perfectly, new windows installed in the manager’s home, as well as a new water line installed to the manager’s house. Ongoing tree removal, pruning if one hundred and four walnut trees and general maintenance has been completed by Bill and the Emmaus family of volunteers. The pool bath house has been repainted on the boys’ side and two solar panels installed to help warm the pool water. The circulating motor (original equipment) had to be rebuilt before camping season began at a c0st of $2,400. When camping season is over, the kitchen fire extinguisher system and hood assembly must be replace to meet fire codes at an approximate cost of $6,600.

Bill and Betty have been great ambassadors for the camp again this past year, adding three new camps to the already busy summer. Their dedication and experience have proven so vital in the success of our camping season. Equally vital is our Emmaus family throughout the churches who continue to support us through prayer, contributions, hours of volunteering and powerful leadership. Working together we will continue to be Christ’s witnesses through the camping program.

Doug Firebaugh
Camp Emmaus Board Chair

2005-02-28T16:45:00.000-08:00

Program Committee

As we start a new year, I want to let you know a bit about the new Program Chair for the Board. My name is Sara Garner and I live in Franklin Grove. I have been involved with Camp Emmaus as a camper, counselor, director and/or board member for the past fifteen years. I am always inspired by the amazing ways God’s spirit manifests itself in this wondrous place.

Last summer was no exception. Having directed Senior High Camp with my husband Michael, and attended Elementary I camp with my niece, Katie, I was able to see first-hand what a special place Camp Emmaus continues to be. I have also been fortunate enough to speak wit campers and counselors from other camps. They seem to have had great weeks as well.

One the highlights of our week at Senior High Camp was our trip to Pinecrest Manor. They invited both Senior and Junior High Camps to help with some work projects. This was a wonderful opportunity for the kids to help others and interact with some interesting people of another generation. The staff and residents of Pinecrest were extremely welcoming and appreciative. We were able to weed garden areas, wash windows, scrape trim, and even do some parking lot work. In addition, several of our small groups had the chance to visit with residents as the came upon us doing our work. The Junior High Camp even stayed for lunch!

As we look ahead to the coming camping season, I anticipate many more memorable moments. We have confirmed all of our age-group directors, and selected the theme for the year, “God’s Calling”. Directors are listed on the camp website and will be in the registration brochure. Look for these brochures in early April. They will be due on June 1 this year (earlier than in the past) to allow sufficient time for the directors to receive the names and contact campers before camp. We are always looking for people interested in counseling. If you, or someone you know, are willing to counsel, please contact a Program Committee member (Pat Ball, Sue Blankenship, Jewel McNary, or myself) and we will forward your name to the director(s).

Sara Garner
Program Committee Chair

2005-02-28T16:44:00.000-08:00

Family Camp Memories

Another summer of family camp at Camp Emmaus has ended. I started attending camp with my family when I was pretty young and I have been faithful in attendance since then.

My earliest memories include camping in a tent that fit over the back of our station wagon. It was made of heavy canvas material that took up half of the back of the station wagon when it was folded up. How tents have changed since then! They now have three “rooms” and fit in small sacks. Early memories include seeing my father get pretty excited about catching and cooking frog legs, a delicacy that didn’t excite me. I think the frogs must have been bigger then.

As a young adult, my “family” changed to a group of friends who would share a cabin or camper with me. We would sit around the campfire long into the night, solving the problems of the world. I wonder what happened… We experienced weather from hailstorms to sunshine, all in one weekend.

When I was first married, my family included my husband and two nieces. The girls enjoyed everything from roasted marshmallows, to creek stomping and crafting. Now Todd is will outnumbered when we bring our two daughters and three nieces to family camp. I get to relive my childhood as I have fun with them. Camp now includes things like water balloons, shaving cream and rockets (Todd gets to relive his childhood too) along with the traditional potluck, swimming, pancake breakfast and vespers.

Since 1998 we bust drive over six hours to get to camp. Many would give up the experience, but my heart us still at Camp Emmaus. How can you stay home when you have a daughter who likes Camp Emmaus so much that she wants to live next to it? It is a lot of work to prepare for and then unpack after camp, but the great time, memories and values we are instilling are worth the work. At camp, we see and experience God in each other and the beautiful setting. Thanks to those who started the camp and ti those who keep it going!

Brenda Reish

2005-02-28T16:42:00.000-08:00

2005 Camp Schedule

Memorial Day Family Camp		May 27-30
Mid-Summer Family Camp		July 1-4
Women’s Camp		July 15-17
CIT Event for new counselors		July 15-16
Jr High Camp		July 17-23
Sr High Camp		July 24-30
Elem 3 Camp (grades 5&6)		July 31-Aug 5
Elem 1 Camp (grades 1&2) (with adult accompanying)		Aug 6
Elem 2 Camp (grades 3&4)		Aug 7-10
Labor Day Family Camp		Sept 2-5
Camp Appreciation Dinner		Sept 10

2005-02-28T16:34:00.000-08:00

2006 Camp Schedule

Memorial Day Family Camp		May 26-29
Mid-Summer Family Camp		June 30-July 3
CIT Event for new counselors		TBA
Sr High Camp		July 9-15
Jr High Camp		July 16-22
Elem 2 Camp (grades 3&4)		July 30-Aug 2
Women’s Camp		Aug 4-6
Elem 1 Camp (grades 1&2) (with adult accompanying)		Aug 5
Elem 3 Camp (grades 5&6)		Aug 6-11
Labor Day Family Camp		Sept 1-4
Camp Appreciation Dinner		Sept 9

2005-02-28T16:33:00.000-08:00

Submit an Article!

“Road to Emmaus” is looking for additional articles to be included in future issues. Tell us about a special experience or memory that involves a camping experience. Articles can be submitted by mail or email. Please mail your articles to:

Jim or Jane Bicksler
P.O. Box 259
Dakota, IL 61018

or email them to bicksler@mchsi.com

2004-05-31T20:45:00.000-07:00

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

May 2004

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

2004-05-31T17:56:00.000-07:00

Manager's Corner

Camp season is rapidly approaching, which brings many phone calls regarding shelter reservations, open swim times, questions regarding age group camp schedules, and numerous other items of camp business.

The water level in the lake has risen enough to run out of the overflow. The springs upstream had not produced enough since 1ast summer to keep the lake full.

This winter we removed several large dead trees near facilities before they caused problems.

Maintenance work is progressing on the Log Cabin to eliminate some problems there.

The wild flowers, shooting stars and spring beauty, were spectacular this year and many people from nearby and as far as 60 miles away have come to enjoy nature's splendor.

The windows in the manager's house will soon be replaced as some don't open and close properly and some are 50 years old.

Remember to sign up your kids, grand kids, and neighbor kids for camp this summer.

Come and see us!

Bill Hare
Camp Manager

2004-05-31T17:55:00.000-07:00

Property & Maintenance Committee

Mid-May, Bill and several helpers are busy getting ready for the upcoming camping season. Several churches are scheduling the cleaning of the various cabins, lodge and other buildings as we await the first campers. Literally hundreds of hours will be spent getting the camp ready.

Forty-two years ago, as I attended my last camp as a teenager, I gave no thought to the work that it took to maintain the camp or the cost of doing so. If anyone would be willing to spend a day or more helping at the camp, please contact Bill Hare.

Last year we had several unexpected problems including the water damage in the Retreat Lodge, the need for a new well, and continuing problems with the pool. This year we've had the unexpected failure of the water line to the manager's house and are faced with a problem with the roof of the manager's house. But I am confident the Good Lord will provide us answers to our problems and grant us with another successful year of camping.

Mark, Chapter 24, tells of the two followers who walked with Jesus on the road to Emmaus and how their eyes were opened to the identity of the person they were walking with. Camp Emmaus is also a place where many young people over the years have met the Risen Christ. Camp Emmaus is a testimony to the Living Christ. This year many campers will experience Camp Emmaus and will leave with life long memories of camp fires, crafts, swimming and, most importantly, Christian fellowship. Please continue to pray for our camp and managers.

Mike Schnierla
Property Committee

2004-05-31T17:52:00.001-07:00

Send your child to camp!
by Doug Firebaugh

As camping season approaches and we begin making our plans for the already busy summer, I would like to share some thoughts about why we should encourage our youth to attend church camp. The Outdoor Ministries Association (OMA) of our church (which is comprised of all of our camps nation wide) publishes a newsletter from which I gleaned much of this information.

Camp does change lives. First it exposes children to new things. Camp is not like school. But I don't think children can go to camp without learning. Camp is like sending your child to a huge biology lab, and not only will they visit the lab, but they will live there.

Second, at camp your child has the opportunity to make life long Christian friends. At camp, being a Christian is "cool". It is an atmosphere where Christian children can be themselves. They can learn to appreciate their faith and feel accepted by their peers for their belief.

Third, children will see the Christian life modeled by someone they learn to love and respect; their counselor. This can have a large impact on children to see this teen or young adult living Christ's love in front of them. (This is an awesome responsibility, pray for our camp counselors!) I believe the most eye opening fact is that if you send a child to camp for one week they will be exposed to the Christian life which is twice the number of hours that they will experience in a full year of weekly Sunday School; and I do believe in Sunday School. The opportunity for Christian growth in this atmosphere is immense!

2004-05-31T17:52:00.000-07:00

Program Committee

For many people, including children, nature is one of the first places they encounter God. The awe of creation, the peace of solitude, the abundance that is God is truly visible when surrounded by the great outdoors. Many adults will tell you that being out in nature is where they feel most spiritual. That's why camp is so important. For many, it's the first encounter, not only with God, but also with being a functioning part of the church community.

That puts a lot of responsibility (and pressure) on the camp directors and counselors. How do they most positively affect this spiritual encounter? How do directors and counselors create that complete church community in a few short days? It's not an easy task, but one with great rewards.

We are hoping to help young counselors understand their responsibility to the camp community with a Counselor In Training Event. All high school youth who wish to counsel at the younger camps are asked to attend this event. The training will equip young counselors to be a more effective part of the community, to help them understand their young campers better, and to hopefully enhance their encounter with God while counseling. All high school age youth will need to attend this event if they wish to counsel, even if they have counseled in the past. Others, including adults interested in counseling, are welcome to come. This event will begin July 11th at 7:00 p.m. and be finished by July 12th at 3:00 p.m. Please contact Sarah Garner, Teresa Otake, Bill Hare or myself to register. If you have any questions, please feel free to call me (630-844-1703) or e-mail me at jamcnary@aol.com.

Please encourage everyone to come to camp this summer! It truly is a wonderful place to be. You are Invited to Join God's Party!

Sincerely, Jewel McNary
Program Committee

2004-05-31T17:50:00.000-07:00

A Simple Answer

Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson went on a camping trip. After a good meal, they lay down for the night and went to sleep. Some hours later, Holmes awoke and nudged his faithful friend.

Holmes said: "Watson, look up and tell me what you see."

Watson said: "I see a fantastic panorama of countless stars."

Holmes: "And what does that tell you?''

Watson pondered for a moment: "Astronomically, it tells me that there are millions of galaxies and potentially billions of planets. Astrologically, I observe that Saturn is in Leo. Horologically, I deduce that the time is approximately a quarter past three. Theologically, I can see God is all powerful and that we are small and insignificant. Meteorologically, I suspect that we will have a beautiful day tomorrow."

"Why? What does it tell you, Holmes?"

Holmes was silent for a moment then spoke: "Someone has stolen our tent."

***********************************
Old socks can be made into high fiber beef jerky by smoking them over an open fire!

2004-05-31T17:49:00.000-07:00

Submit an Article!

"Road to Emmaus" is looking for additional articles to be included in future issues. Tell us about a special experience or memory that involves a camping experience. Articles can be submitted by mail or email. Please mail your articles to:

Jim or Jane Bicksler
P. 0. Box 259
Dakota, IL 61018
or
email them to
jbjb82193@aol.com

2004-05-31T17:46:00.000-07:00

Camp Dates

May 28-31
Memorial Day Family Camp
Directors: Sally & Matt Medearis

July 2-5
Mid-Summer Family Camp
Directors: Alwin Christian & Neemita Pandya

July 18-24
Junior High Camp
Directors: Teresa Otake & Gene Schmidt

July 25-31
Senior High Camp
Directors: Sara and Mike Garner

August 1-4
Elementary II Camp
Director: Stan Rodabaugh

August 6-8
Womens' Camp
Directors: Lorrie Harms & Becca Iler

August 8-13
Elementary III Camp
Director: Kathleen Brinkmeier

August 14
Elementary I Camp
Director: Lynn Glavan

September 3-6
Labor Day Family Camp
Directors: Blaine & Elmer Miner

September 11
Camp Appreciation Day
(Dinner @ 5:30pm)

November 13
Leaf Raking Day

November 20
Rain Date for Leaf Raking

2004-02-03T16:44:00.000-08:00

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

January 2004

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

2004-02-03T16:43:00.000-08:00

Manager's Corner

Nature has put part of Camp Emmaus to bed for the winter with the leafers' hard work, the frosty mornings, and the light, wet snows of early winter.

0ur summer season went well with no major problems, but many happy, positive events and experiences.

We have added two new rental weeks to our summer schedule for 2004, which will further enhance the stewardship for our facility.

The winter here will be spent tending wood fires, doing repairs and maintenance, cutting firewood for the winters of 2004 and 2005, plowing snow, and trying to keep up with the book work.

Stay warm and remember the summer camping season's only five months away.

Bill Hare
Camp Manager

2004-02-03T16:42:00.000-08:00

Property & Maintenance Committee

We have recently completed another successful camping season, many children will have lifelong memories of the days they spent at Camp Emmaus this past summer.

The year began in a very unusual way with the water damage to the retreat lodge, which resulted in major remodeling in half of the two floors of the retreat lodge. We are thankful for the insurance company and generous contractor that covered all of the costs. This was followed by the failure of the camp well which, although expensive, was covered by the generous supporters of the camp. The year ended well with the annual leaf raking, which brought together members from several churches for fellowship as we worked together. A special thank you to all of you who have contributed your gifts of time, talents and money, and a special thanks to those who pray for the leadership of our camp.

Mike Schnierla
Property Committee

2004-02-03T16:41:00.000-08:00

Camp Board Notes

The Camp Board met on November 16, 2003. Those leaving the board were Kathy Gingrich, Bill Williams, and Ed Garrison. We extend to them our best wishes and express our gratitude for their many years of service and leadership of our camp and its program.

The newly elected board members serving in their place are Janis Butterbaugh, Pat Ball, and Sara Garner.

The officers for the new year are: Doug Firebaugh, president; Aaron Gerdes, vice president; Pat Ball, secretary; and Paulette Stitzel treasurer.

The new chair of the program committee is Jewel McNary who serves with Pat Ball, Sara Garner, and Paulette Stitzel.

The new chair of the property and maintenance committee is Mike Schnierla who serves with Janis Butterbaugh, Aaron Gerdes and Don Post.

Teresa Otake has again generously offered to serve as recording secretary for the board. We are grateful to her for this important service.

Jim and Jane Bicksler will continue to serve as Camp Newsletter editors. They would appreciate any news items relating to camp or the camping program.

As we prepare for another camping season we solicit your suggestions, ask for your help as counselors, directors, and leaders, covet your prayers for guidance, and acknowledge with thankfulness your generous gifts of time and money to the camp.

Doug Firebaugh
Camp Board President

2004-02-03T16:40:00.000-08:00

Program Committee

Greetings from the program committee.

After reading through the camp evaluations, the program committee is looking to implement some changes. There was some concern over the actions of a few counselors at camp last summer and we are hoping to avoid that with an extended training session for the Jr. Counselors this year. The date has yet to be announced, but watch for information.

The committee is still looking for the correct curriculum to use for the 2004 camping season. A decision will be made soon and directors will be contacted. Also, the directors' manual is being updated and a list of possible counselors is being compiled to share with directors. Any adult who has not counseled in recent years and is interested on being included on this list should contact a program committee member.

The 2004 camp calendar is listed on the camp website. The camp representative list is being updated and brochures will be sent as soon as possible.

Respectfully submitted,

Jewel McNary for the Program Committee
Paulette Stitzel, Pat Ball, Sara Garner

2004-02-03T16:38:00.000-08:00

Greetings From Chicago

About three years ago, Bill Hare left me a message, "Call, call as soon as you can.'' My mother and I guessed correctly that the camp needed me for service. I had filled in for Margo a couple of times before. I was thrilled to be asked to come and cook at camp for the summer.

A native Michigander, I moved to Chicago at age 14 and settled in right around Bethany Hospital and the old Brethren Seminary on Van Buren, eventually residing across the street at "3446". I did my stint in the dietary department at Bethany after school, back in the days when the BVS House was just around the corner. That is when I started attending First Church, about 35 years ago.

I graduated High School in 1970, attended college, Antioch in Ohio, then obtained my certificate in Culinary Arts at Washburne Trade School in Chicago, after 3 years of college.

When I tell you that it is an honor and a privilege to serve at Camp Emmaus, I humbly say so. I have been a camper myself at Women's Camp long enough to have developed many long lasting relationships, where campers are no longer strangers, but have become a family of sorts, faithful to each other and sensitive to each others' needs, as we grow together spiritually.

Finally, I can't give enough high praise to Bill & Betty Hare, Camp Directors, for their many years of hard work and dedication which has provided our district with a wonderful camping facility. With their continued hard work and daily efforts, we as campers have this special place to come to and renew our relationship with God and each other. My personal thanks to everyone who helps in this endeavor.

Margaret Scott

2004-02-03T16:37:00.000-08:00

My Summer Working at Camp

For those of you who don't know, I spent a great deal of my summer working at Camp Emmaus as the lifeguard and helping with the camps. Throughout the summer I met many wonderful people of all ages and had several experiences I would like to share with you.

When I started out working at camp, I wasn't sure of what Camp Emmaus was or what my role in the camp was to be. I would show up, put in a day's work and go home. That was it. However, as the camps came through one by one, I started to realize that Camp Emmaus was much more than a job. It was like a home. When I would have my hour break, instead of sleeping I would spend it walking some of the trails and looking at all of God's wonderful creations. I started going to the campfires and talking to the campers, and by the end of the year I realized what Camp Emmaus is. Camp Emmaus is a place where people of all ages come together to grow stronger in their relationship with God and their relationship with one another. Now I had heard that earlier in the year and at that point it made sense in my mind, but it wasn't until I had witnessed it and been a part of it, that it made sense in my heart. I just hope every person has an opportunity to see what I saw.

Most of my time at camp was spent working at or around the pool, which reminds me I would like to take a moment to remember Norman, the pool vacuum, who is no longer with us (replaced at the end of this summer). I got to know Norman VERY well and he and I worked very hard this summer trying to keep the pool clean, which is no small task by any measure. I have a new respect for pools around the world and the people who keep them clean. I also have a new respect for anyone who has to enforce rules, because it can sometimes be a challenge.

When I wasn't at the pool, I was usually off helping Bill Hare with many assorted tasks, which would seem like a bad thing, having to do all these jobs, but if you know Bill Hare, you know he makes anything fun. Even shoveling dirt, and yes, we shoveled dirt… lots of it.

Overall my experience at camp was great. No, it was awesome. I thank God for allowing me the opportunity and the ability to work there and for the possibility of working there in upcoming years. I thank the staff, the counselors/directors, and the campers for helping open my eyes to what Camp Emmaus is all about. And I thank anybody else who has ever done anything for the camp, whether it was donating some money or coming and helping do a project.

Paul Hamilton
Camp Lifeguard & Maintenance

2004-02-03T16:36:00.000-08:00

Signs in front of Churches

Under same management for over 2000 years.
Soul food served here.
You can give without loving, but you cannot love without giving.
Beat the Christmas rush, come to church this Sunday!
Don't give up. Moses was once a basket case, too!
Worry is interest paid on trouble before it's due.
A clear conscience makes a soft pillow.
May is God's apology for February.
God answers knee mail.