This Summer at Camp Emmaus...

Labor Day Weekend Family Camp - Aug.31 - Sept.3

Director: Mark Royer
Eat, sleep, and burn wood!
Come out for a day or the whole weekend for a relaxing time at camp. You are on your own for meals - there will be a number of optional activities scheduled. Call 815-734-4268 for rates and cabin rental.

Leaf Raking - November 10th 8am - 12pm

No cost, but bring a rake if you have one. In order to keep the camp wildlife healthy, the leaves need to be raked up off the grounds. Camp will provide donuts and various beverages throughout leaf raking. If you would like to make this a weekend event, please contact the camp manager at 815-734-4268 to reserve a cabin.

Camp Celebration Dinner - Sept. 22

Program at 4pm followed by dinner at 5:30pm. Come enjoy dinner and a program while enjoying the fellowship of some of the people that make Camp Emmaus so special.

Schedule Your Own Event at Camp

Would you like your own event to be hosted at Camp Emmaus, or are you looking for a quiet getaway? You can contact 815-734-4268 to reserve a cabin.

A Special Thanks

The Camp Emmaus Board would like to recognize and thank the community for the generous donations that were given when Camp was in a position of need. Part of the Camp mission is to assure that everyone has the oportunity to worship here and come closer to God. In order to do that, Camp keeps costs as low as possible for the campers. As a not-for-profit organization, donations are a large part of what keeps Camp up and running. Your donations make it possible for people of all ages to be a part of the Camp Emmaus Community and find their way closer to God.

Thank You!

For More Information

For more information about specific camps & registration forms, visit campemmaus.org

If you’d like future newsletters by email or would like to leave feedback, please send an email to campemmausnews@gmail.com

Camp is a not-for-profit organization that depends on donations from camp community members like you.

Senior High Camp Raises $2000

Each year during Senior High Camp there is a camp auction to raise money, which has been donated to many different charities. This year it was given back to Camp Emmaus to help with the everyday camp costs as well as adding to camp scholarships. Everyone came together to stock the auction with numerous items. Even the kitchen staff offered up some of the favorite desserts from the week. With some very generous bidding from campers, counselors, and the directors, they were able to raise $2,000 for camp.

What Does Camp Mean to You?

Morgan W.-

Camp means so much to me because you can come here to make friends, share laughs, and tears. I’ve made the most loving friends here. This is my first year and the best year ever! Here, I can be myself, my weird self. I haven’t gone to church in awhile so it took some time, but (the decision to come to Camp Emmaus) was worth it!

Kelsey H.-

Camp to me is my home. When I’m here I am safe, loved, and happy… God’s peace and love is so strong out here. There’s no way to describe it. I thank the Lord for this place everyday and all the people I’ve met. Camp Emmaus has changed my life!

Ella-Joy S.-

Camp is the place I look forward to in the summer. It’s a place where I can be myself. It’s my happy place and where all of my closest friends are. I love Camp Emmaus!

Austin K.-

To me, camp is a safe place where I can be myself and spend time with friends that feel like family. It’s my second home and it’s a special place that means the world to me. Every time I come here, whether it be to clean it up or spend a week here, I always feel like I’m meant to be here. I love Camp Emmaus from the bottom of my heart.

Austin G.-

Camp Emmaus has always been a home away from home for me. I have met so many amazing people through this camp that I sometimes never want to leave. This camp has always helped and supported me and my family and for that I want to share it with others. Many people come here for camp, I come because it is where my home and family are.

Alysson W.-

You never realize how much you miss and need camp until you come back to it. There is no place on Earth where the community is so close and where the relationships and memories you make last a lifetime. Camp provides a place where the worries and cares of the “outside” world fall away and for 6 days nothing else matters except 6-square, campfires, laughs, and being together in God’s creation. Camp Emmaus has given me some of the best friends and memories of my life and the reason I come back year after year is to pass that on.

Camp Emmaus Mission Statement

In this outdoor setting, Board programming seeks to strengthen our faith in Christ, develop stewardship of God’s creation, strengthen future Christians by nurturing mature decision making, look beyond ourselves independently in intercultural experiences, and develop strong Christian leaders. We seek to provide good quality year round facilities for use by a variety of groups, both religious and secular, as a service to the local community and region. May God guide our direction!

Camp Emmaus planning a celebration of 50 years of leadership by Bill and Betty Hare

Camp Emmaus in Mount Morris, Ill., is celebrating gifts that have paid off the expense of a major swimming pool renovation, and is planning a celebration of 50 years of leadership by Bill and Betty Hare. "On behalf of the Camp Board, I would like to extend a thank you for your contributions which have made it possible to completely pay off the expense of the pool renovation," said a thank you to supporters from Mike Schnierla. "The pool renovation, which was completed three years ago, cost in excess of $250,000. Your gifts and the monies from the recent tree sale have allowed us to retire this debt. THANK YOU!" The e-mail note passed along by the Illinois and Wisconsin District office, also announced preparations to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Bill and Betty Hare as camp managers. A 50th Anniversary Celebration that will include a Celebration-Appreciation Dinner is planned for June 13. Later in the year a Fall Festival is planned as a community event with a variety of activities for families to attend together.

Along the paths of Camp Emmaus

• On May 3, 6 camp directors for this summer, 7 board members, and manager Bill Hare, worked with program director Lisa Fike in enjoying a model Day at Camp, at Camp Emmaus. The group had a morning watch by the lake, enjoyed discussion time over scripture, did crafts, ate a picnic lunch, and had a devotional “campfire”. It was a great way for the board and directors to get to know each other better and share ideas. Another Day of Camp, open to area camp supporters, will be held in September.

• The spring-fed lake at camp withstood the long and bitter winter well, and all the fish survived. Many other lakes had much fish loss. So come on out and throw in a line! The pool is in a lovely open setting, has a lifeguard on duty, with hours of 1-3 p.m., and a cost of $2 per person. Open swim dates are June 22 and 29; July 6, 13, 20, 27, and Aug. 3.

• Camp Emmaus is offering restricted and unrestricted scholarships to potential campers again this summer. To learn more, contact campemmaus@live.com or call Camp at 815-734- 4268. Potential campers should contact the camp rep. from their congregation to coordinate all financial assistance.

Camp schedule for the summer:

• Senior High Camp (completed grades 9-12): July 6-12
• Elementary II Camp (completed grades 3 or 4): July 13-16
• Adventure Camp (for special needs and disabled young adults): July 16-18
• Elementary I Camp (completed grades 1 or 2): July 19-20
• Elementary III Camp (completed grades 5 or 6): July 20-25
• Junior High Camp (completed grades 7 or 8): July 27-Aug. 2
• Women’s Camp (for all ages): August 8-10

Visit our website at www.campemmaus.org for registration forms, more information about camps, great photos, and just a taste of the fun at Camp Emmaus.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Along the Paths of Camp Emmaus

Camp Emmaus held their annual Appreciation Dinner at the lodge at Camp Emmaus on September 3rd. Around 120 people attended the celebration. After the catered meal attendees enjoyed an entertaining tale about the creation of the lake by Orion Stover’s son, Stanley Stover. We introduced new board members Mark Flory Steury and Tom Cline. Auditor, Gordon Heid, gave an overview of finances and vocalist Margo Ackland entertained the group with her singing and guitar playing.

We have scheduled Leaf Raking at the Camp for Saturday, November 10th at 8 AM. The Board meeting will follow lunch. Raking makes the grounds look better and the loads of leaves are available for farmers.

Outside groups are being scheduled for next summer by Bill Hare. If you know of a group who would like to use the full camp facilities in the month of June or on various weekends please contact Bill for available dates.

With November approaching you may want to consider Camp Emmaus for year end giving. The needs are great for both the operating fund and retiring the pool renovation debt. All contributions would be greatly appreciated.

 

Photo of Board Members: Gary Baisden, Dianne Swingel, Don Hart, Heidi Gerdes,
Sylvia Saunders, Mark Flory-Steury, Steve Dietrich, BethAnne Baughman,
and Tom Cline. Absent was board President Ellis Boughton.

Along the Paths of Camp Emmaus

On a recent lovely August afternoon at Camp Emmaus, the junior high campers were spending their time either tie-dying shirts, “creek stomping”, or swimming in the pool. The beautiful pool lies under a canopy of oaks and creates a plus for the camping season. Swimming disappeared all last summer as the pool was under renovation along with the filter house.

Patrick, the lifeguard, shared that all the campers enjoy the early Polar Bear and afternoon swims and the new pool basketball hoop. Comments heard from campers like Jason, Noah, Reid, Avery and Tyler was “amazing’, “great for hot days”, “better than last year”, “feels great when it’s hot out”, and “pretty awesome”, show their appreciation. The pool opens for public and open swims on Sunday afternoons and for camps held the rest of the season.

Having a workable recreational water facility contributes a very important part of any camping program and promotes the programs of Camp Emmaus to local Church of the Brethren congregations and other nearby Churches. Contributions to retire the $60,000+ balance of the pool renovation cost are greatly appreciated.

Thanks to the various local congregations who helped with the annual clean up of the grounds and buildings prior to the camping season. We couldn’t do it without you.

The Annual Camp Appreciation Dinner will be held on Saturday, September 1 at 5:30 PM in the lodge. There will be no charge for this evening of great food, entertainment and an opportunity to visit with others who support the camp in so many ways. Fill a car(s) with folks from your congregation and join us.

Along the Paths of Camp Emmaus

The completion date for the new pool project is June 1. The first Church of the Brethren camp to enjoy this new pool is Elementary I on June 25 – 26. The original pool was built in 1952 with thousands of swimmers enjoying it over the years. The pool provides a great marketing tool for the camp.

The cost for the renovation comes to $250,000 of which $100,000 still needs to be raised. Donations are welcome and can be made out to Camp Emmaus Pool Fund, Box 128, Mt. Morris, IL 61054.

April showers have wild flowers blooming at Camp Emmaus. A huge field of Shooting Stars surround the lodge. You can call the Mt. Morris Church of the Brethren who can contact one of the many fans of the camp who would be willing to lead a tour of the spring flowers growing all around the camp.

Camp clean up has been scheduled for June 15 – 22. Manager, Bill Hare, ordered 200 catfish to stock the lake for fishing. Come on out and bring your pole for a relaxing time in nature.

Registration forms have been sent to churches and we are hoping for a bumper crop of campers. Anyone registering for camp before June 10 will receive a free 2011 Camp Emmaus T-shirt. Grandparents, sending your grandchild to Camp Emmaus could just bo one of the most memorable and long lasting gifts you could give. See you at Camp…

Contributed by Diane Swingel.

Along the Paths of Camp Emmaus

New Camp Emmaus board members were introduced and confirmed at the District Conference at Shannon on November 6. Those confirmed were Gary Baisden, Steve Dietrich, Jamie Willard and returning member Heidi Gerdes. Other members are Don Hart, Dianne Swingel, Mike Schnieria, Sylvia Saunders, Elvira Lawdenski, Ellis Boughton and Beth Ann Baughman. The board met following the day of leaf raking. Mike Schnieria was called to continue as president with Vice President Ellis Boughton. Beth Ann Baughman was called as corresponding secretary and Jamie Willard will serve as treasurer.

Leaf Raking: 40 people helped for two weekend rakings where they filled 6 chopper wagons of mulch.

The benefits of the annual event, besides fresh air, vigorous exercise, and fellowship will come with the first snowfall and in the spring with more wildflowers and grass. The chopped leaves end up as cattle bedding and field mulch.