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."

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

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

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

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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

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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

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

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

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

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

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

Signs in front of Churches

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

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

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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

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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

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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

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