| Camp Emmaus P.O.Box 128 3011 W Camp Rd. Mt. Morris, IL 61064-0128 | Winter 2001-2002 | Editors |
Tuesday, January 01, 2002
Manager's Corner
This past summer has been a busy one, but very rewarding. Beginning with Memorial Day Family Camp and ending with Labor Day Family Camp. We packed in seven other Brethren camps, four rental weeks, 14 picnics and reunions, 10 events in the Retreat Lodge, several counselor meetings, and built a 30' x 46' maintenance building. Camp was rather busy.
As winter approaches, it will soon be time to put the chains on the tractors to better negotiate the snow-covered hills. Camp slows down a bit during winter, but now doesn't stop as in years past.
Enjoy the changing of the seasons for there is unique beauty in each one.
Bill Hare
Camp Manager
This past summer has been a busy one, but very rewarding. Beginning with Memorial Day Family Camp and ending with Labor Day Family Camp. We packed in seven other Brethren camps, four rental weeks, 14 picnics and reunions, 10 events in the Retreat Lodge, several counselor meetings, and built a 30' x 46' maintenance building. Camp was rather busy.
As winter approaches, it will soon be time to put the chains on the tractors to better negotiate the snow-covered hills. Camp slows down a bit during winter, but now doesn't stop as in years past.
Enjoy the changing of the seasons for there is unique beauty in each one.
Bill Hare
Camp Manager
From the Board Chair
As we find ourselves in the midst of the holiday season, it seems a good time to reflect on this past camping season. So much has happened in our world this fall. In a way, the summer seems a long time ago. We can only hope that our work at Emmaus may in some ways nurture peace for the future of our world.
For many, Thanksgiving and Christmas are holidays of joy; bringing families close together to carry on traditions from years gone by. We look forward to spending time with brothers, sisters, parents, grandparents, and friends. In our position of relative wealth here in Illinois, most are able to celebrate safely and comfortably. Following the September 11 tragedy, however, we now take a different view of our situation. Perhaps we feel threatened and unsafe, or a heightened sense of grief at the loss of lives both here and in Afghanistan.
It is in times like these that our faith in God and His son Jesus Christ support us and spur us on to meaningful action. The Church of the Brethren provides meaningful foundations for coping with tragedy and witnessing to the world in times of conflict. We thoughtfully consider the model of Christ as He dealt with violent situations and work together promoting justice and peace to bring forth the kingdom.
We pray that our work at Camp Emmaus provides and important building block in the formation of these values. By living together in a Christian community, working, worshipping, and playing together, we provide actual experiences by which campers learn to value each other and seek to resolve differences in a peaceful manner, seeking alternatives to violent conflict. We take seriously our responsibility to nurture young Christians in a manner that will truly make a difference when they are faced with making difficult choices.
As we enjoy the holidays, may we remember the true meaning behind them. Giving thanks to God for what he provides and celebrating the birth of Christ are wonderful opportunities to renew our faith and strengthen our resolve to serve God.
Ed Garrison
Board President
As we find ourselves in the midst of the holiday season, it seems a good time to reflect on this past camping season. So much has happened in our world this fall. In a way, the summer seems a long time ago. We can only hope that our work at Emmaus may in some ways nurture peace for the future of our world.
For many, Thanksgiving and Christmas are holidays of joy; bringing families close together to carry on traditions from years gone by. We look forward to spending time with brothers, sisters, parents, grandparents, and friends. In our position of relative wealth here in Illinois, most are able to celebrate safely and comfortably. Following the September 11 tragedy, however, we now take a different view of our situation. Perhaps we feel threatened and unsafe, or a heightened sense of grief at the loss of lives both here and in Afghanistan.
It is in times like these that our faith in God and His son Jesus Christ support us and spur us on to meaningful action. The Church of the Brethren provides meaningful foundations for coping with tragedy and witnessing to the world in times of conflict. We thoughtfully consider the model of Christ as He dealt with violent situations and work together promoting justice and peace to bring forth the kingdom.
We pray that our work at Camp Emmaus provides and important building block in the formation of these values. By living together in a Christian community, working, worshipping, and playing together, we provide actual experiences by which campers learn to value each other and seek to resolve differences in a peaceful manner, seeking alternatives to violent conflict. We take seriously our responsibility to nurture young Christians in a manner that will truly make a difference when they are faced with making difficult choices.
As we enjoy the holidays, may we remember the true meaning behind them. Giving thanks to God for what he provides and celebrating the birth of Christ are wonderful opportunities to renew our faith and strengthen our resolve to serve God.
Ed Garrison
Board President
Property and Maintenance Committee Report
On October 27, twenty-five people met at camp to rake leaves. Six large chopper wagons and two flair box wagons were loaded and delivered to area farmers to use as livestock bedding. Not only did we have lots of fun and good refreshments, but we had perfect weather. We thank each of the workers for a job well done!
The maintenance building is completed (with the exception of electricity) at an incredibly low cost of $5,772 due to the generous donations of the Schmidt family of lumber and labor. A special thank you to them as well as to the many other volunteers who contributed in many different ways. This building will contribute substantially to the maintaining of the camp facility.
The camp board is excited about the possibilities offered as we "gear up" in our planning for the new camping season. The Property and Maintenance Committee is already involved in many small, but necessary, preventative maintenance jobs to be completed during the winter months to insure a smooth camping season next summer.
We continue to covet your prayers, your volunteer time, and your gifts as we strive to become more effective in our camping ministry.
Doug Firebaugh
Chairman
On October 27, twenty-five people met at camp to rake leaves. Six large chopper wagons and two flair box wagons were loaded and delivered to area farmers to use as livestock bedding. Not only did we have lots of fun and good refreshments, but we had perfect weather. We thank each of the workers for a job well done!
The maintenance building is completed (with the exception of electricity) at an incredibly low cost of $5,772 due to the generous donations of the Schmidt family of lumber and labor. A special thank you to them as well as to the many other volunteers who contributed in many different ways. This building will contribute substantially to the maintaining of the camp facility.
The camp board is excited about the possibilities offered as we "gear up" in our planning for the new camping season. The Property and Maintenance Committee is already involved in many small, but necessary, preventative maintenance jobs to be completed during the winter months to insure a smooth camping season next summer.
We continue to covet your prayers, your volunteer time, and your gifts as we strive to become more effective in our camping ministry.
Doug Firebaugh
Chairman
Program Committee Report
Winter... Spring. Which one is it? The calendar tells you it's winter. Stepping outside, it's spring. Whichever season it is, Camp Emmaus can be on our minds and in our hearts. In just a few months, the camping season will be upon us. Friendships, crickets, camp fires and candles on the cross are just a few things that we take away from camp each year. As the seasons change and time gets closer to camp, those things and others come closer to the surface of our lives. Our kids get excited as time draws nearer. As the camping season gets closer, please put the following dates for your kids' camp and your family camps on your schedule for this year.
Bill Williams
Program Chair
Winter... Spring. Which one is it? The calendar tells you it's winter. Stepping outside, it's spring. Whichever season it is, Camp Emmaus can be on our minds and in our hearts. In just a few months, the camping season will be upon us. Friendships, crickets, camp fires and candles on the cross are just a few things that we take away from camp each year. As the seasons change and time gets closer to camp, those things and others come closer to the surface of our lives. Our kids get excited as time draws nearer. As the camping season gets closer, please put the following dates for your kids' camp and your family camps on your schedule for this year.
| Memorial Day Family Camp | May 24 - 27 | |
| Elementary II | June 23 - 26 | |
| Mid Summer Family Camp | June 28 - 30 | |
| Elementary III | July 7 - 12 | |
| Women's Camp | July 19 - 21 | |
| Sr. High Camp | July 28 - August 3 | |
| Jr. High Camp | August 4 - 10 | |
| Labor Day Family Camp | August 30 - September 2 | |
| Camp Appreciation Dinner | September 7 |
Bill Williams
Program Chair
From the Editors
We are asked to produce this newsletter usually twice a year. The Camp Board provides articles for the newsletter. However, if you would like to share a camp experience with others and wish to submit an article, we would be happy to include it in the newsletter. Just mail your article to the address on the top of this newsletter. Be sure to include your name and an address or phone number in case we have a question.
Jim & Jane Bicksler
Editors
We are asked to produce this newsletter usually twice a year. The Camp Board provides articles for the newsletter. However, if you would like to share a camp experience with others and wish to submit an article, we would be happy to include it in the newsletter. Just mail your article to the address on the top of this newsletter. Be sure to include your name and an address or phone number in case we have a question.
Jim & Jane Bicksler
Editors
Thursday, March 01, 2001
Manager's Corner
Greetings again from Camp Emmaus. The winter has gone by rather quickly for us, partly because of two times away from camp. I spent eleven days away on a week trip to Honduras with a group of 16, and Betty and I lust returned from a Heifer Project International Study trip with two other adults and ten high school youth from Polo. Quite an adventure!
Whenever we leave the facility here for more than a day or two, we have volunteers come and stay at camp so someone is around to check on things. Volunteers like Don and Ellen Baker and Gordon and Pat Heid are always willing to camp sit for us.
Other volunteers such as directors, counselors, board members, builders and maintenance people, insurance advisors, payroll consultants, financial secretary and many others help to keep Camp Emmaus running.
We hope to see all of you here at camp sometime this summer!
Bill Hare
Camp Manager
Greetings again from Camp Emmaus. The winter has gone by rather quickly for us, partly because of two times away from camp. I spent eleven days away on a week trip to Honduras with a group of 16, and Betty and I lust returned from a Heifer Project International Study trip with two other adults and ten high school youth from Polo. Quite an adventure!
Whenever we leave the facility here for more than a day or two, we have volunteers come and stay at camp so someone is around to check on things. Volunteers like Don and Ellen Baker and Gordon and Pat Heid are always willing to camp sit for us.
Other volunteers such as directors, counselors, board members, builders and maintenance people, insurance advisors, payroll consultants, financial secretary and many others help to keep Camp Emmaus running.
We hope to see all of you here at camp sometime this summer!
Bill Hare
Camp Manager
A Brand New Season
As we begin to see the wonderful signs of spring, we look forward with eager anticipation to our next camping season. The camp board and staff have been working diligently to provide high quality programming and facilities to those who enjoy our camp. The camp brochure will provide you with information and the registration form for our age group and family camps. Please Invite family and friends to be involved in Camp Emmaus.
You do not have to be a part of a specific camping program to enjoy the surroundings of the camp. Come for a picnic, fish in the lake, or walk on the trails. Camp Emmaus provides a lovely location to observe the wonders of God's creation, both plant and animal.
Camp Emmaus was created to provide an outdoor retreat for nurturing young Christians. Through the years many, many children and youth have begun their Christian journey in this caring community. Please take the opportunity to invite and encourage potential campers to set aside time in their busy schedules to come to camp. The well-planned programming and fellowship with leaders and other campers will provide a firm foundation for continued discipleship as the campers grow older. Many former campers count their camping experience as one of the early blessings of their Christian life.
Ed Garrison
Board President
As we begin to see the wonderful signs of spring, we look forward with eager anticipation to our next camping season. The camp board and staff have been working diligently to provide high quality programming and facilities to those who enjoy our camp. The camp brochure will provide you with information and the registration form for our age group and family camps. Please Invite family and friends to be involved in Camp Emmaus.
You do not have to be a part of a specific camping program to enjoy the surroundings of the camp. Come for a picnic, fish in the lake, or walk on the trails. Camp Emmaus provides a lovely location to observe the wonders of God's creation, both plant and animal.
Camp Emmaus was created to provide an outdoor retreat for nurturing young Christians. Through the years many, many children and youth have begun their Christian journey in this caring community. Please take the opportunity to invite and encourage potential campers to set aside time in their busy schedules to come to camp. The well-planned programming and fellowship with leaders and other campers will provide a firm foundation for continued discipleship as the campers grow older. Many former campers count their camping experience as one of the early blessings of their Christian life.
Ed Garrison
Board President
Big Rocks
One day an expert in management was giving a motivational speech to a group of executives. As an illustration he produced a large glass container and placed several fist sized rocks in it until it would hold no more. He asked, "Is it full?" They said, "Yes''. So he brought out a container of pea gravel and poured it in, shaking the container as he poured the smaller stones between the larger rocks. Then he asked his question again. There was still some doubt. He produced a container of sand and added it to the mixture, and it filtered between the remaining cracks. Again he asked the same question. "Is it full?" There was still some hesitation, so he produced a pitcher of water and poured several cups of water in, soaking the sand and rocks to the brim. Then he asked, "What is the point of this demonstration?'' Immediately someone said, "No matter how full your schedule is, if you try really hard you can always fit more things into it!" "NO" the speaker replied, "that's not the point. The truth this illustration shows is: If you don't put the big rocks in first, you'll never get them in at all."
At our March board meeting, we struggled with our 'big rocks'. What are the most important things that must be done in terms of maintenance and improvements so that our camp will be most effective in its mission? Recognizing that the 'Biggest Rock' (major pool renovation) is already completed, thanks to the extreme generosity of so many people in our Camp Emmaus family, the board has authorized the following expenditures:
Property & Maintenance Committee:
Doug Firebaugh, Chm.
Ray Tritt
Ann Risden
Mike Schnierla
One day an expert in management was giving a motivational speech to a group of executives. As an illustration he produced a large glass container and placed several fist sized rocks in it until it would hold no more. He asked, "Is it full?" They said, "Yes''. So he brought out a container of pea gravel and poured it in, shaking the container as he poured the smaller stones between the larger rocks. Then he asked his question again. There was still some doubt. He produced a container of sand and added it to the mixture, and it filtered between the remaining cracks. Again he asked the same question. "Is it full?" There was still some hesitation, so he produced a pitcher of water and poured several cups of water in, soaking the sand and rocks to the brim. Then he asked, "What is the point of this demonstration?'' Immediately someone said, "No matter how full your schedule is, if you try really hard you can always fit more things into it!" "NO" the speaker replied, "that's not the point. The truth this illustration shows is: If you don't put the big rocks in first, you'll never get them in at all."
At our March board meeting, we struggled with our 'big rocks'. What are the most important things that must be done in terms of maintenance and improvements so that our camp will be most effective in its mission? Recognizing that the 'Biggest Rock' (major pool renovation) is already completed, thanks to the extreme generosity of so many people in our Camp Emmaus family, the board has authorized the following expenditures:
- Cement work on pool deck $2700
- Replacement of 6 pool bath house doors (47 years old) $2500
- Upgrading insurance policy $1200
- Purchase of 90 matched stackable chairs for lodge $3800
- Construction of new maintenance building $10000
- Install new gas furnace/AC in manager's house (30 years old) $3500
Property & Maintenance Committee:
Doug Firebaugh, Chm.
Ray Tritt
Ann Risden
Mike Schnierla
Summer 2001 Curriculum Announced
This summer, campers at Camp Emmaus will be using a new curriculum entitled "No Matter What-A Love That Won't Let Go". The individual themes that counselors and campers will be working with include:
This summer, campers at Camp Emmaus will be using a new curriculum entitled "No Matter What-A Love That Won't Let Go". The individual themes that counselors and campers will be working with include:
- God: No matter what. God loves us.
- Jesus Christ and Incarnation: No matter what. God seeks us.
- Discipleship: No matter what, God can count on us.
- The Church: No matter what, we are not alone.
- Grace and Sin: No matter what, God gives us another chance.
- Identity: No matter what, love one another.
Web Site
Yes, Camp Emmaus has a web site at www.CampEmmaus.org. Thanks to Jim Miner, our web master, Camp Emmaus has a web site with information about schedule, registration, and "what to bring". Please also check out "what not to bring".
Yes, Camp Emmaus has a web site at www.CampEmmaus.org. Thanks to Jim Miner, our web master, Camp Emmaus has a web site with information about schedule, registration, and "what to bring". Please also check out "what not to bring".
Camp Sunday
Camp Sunday is April 29, 2001. Please encourage your congregation and campers to celebrate the opportunities of Outdoor Ministry at Camp Emmaus. It's a good time to remember joyfully the opportunities for spiritual growth and development, Christian leadership and wholesome fun that occur every summer in our camp program. Pastors and camp representatives are encouraged to include Camp Emmaus in your worship through the litany, prayer, sermon, and announcements or hymns about God's creation and "No Matter What, A Love That Won't Let Go." Offerings of your time, service and monetary gifts can be directed through the Camp Board, or by contacting Bill and Betty Hare or Camp Board Chairperson, Ed Garrison.
Camp Sunday is April 29, 2001. Please encourage your congregation and campers to celebrate the opportunities of Outdoor Ministry at Camp Emmaus. It's a good time to remember joyfully the opportunities for spiritual growth and development, Christian leadership and wholesome fun that occur every summer in our camp program. Pastors and camp representatives are encouraged to include Camp Emmaus in your worship through the litany, prayer, sermon, and announcements or hymns about God's creation and "No Matter What, A Love That Won't Let Go." Offerings of your time, service and monetary gifts can be directed through the Camp Board, or by contacting Bill and Betty Hare or Camp Board Chairperson, Ed Garrison.
Directors, 2001
At the time of this writing, family camp directors are still being confirmed. Elementary I Camp continues under the direction and leadership of Janis Butterbaugh. Elementary II will be led again by pastor Bill Christiansen, Elementary III by pastor Rick Koch, who has served as a director and member of the camp board for many years. Junior High Camp will be directed by continuing director Teresa Otake and welcomes new co-director Sara Garner, and Youth Camp will have new directors this year - Mike and Sara Garner. Women's Camp will be led by the enthusiastic leadership of Bonnie Wood and Barb Christiansen. Please welcome these new and returning directors to our summer program. Welcome and our thanks to these directors who have agreed to donate their time and leadership to our children, youth and adults. Please keep the Hares, the staff, and the directors, counselors and campers in your prayers this summer.
At the time of this writing, family camp directors are still being confirmed. Elementary I Camp continues under the direction and leadership of Janis Butterbaugh. Elementary II will be led again by pastor Bill Christiansen, Elementary III by pastor Rick Koch, who has served as a director and member of the camp board for many years. Junior High Camp will be directed by continuing director Teresa Otake and welcomes new co-director Sara Garner, and Youth Camp will have new directors this year - Mike and Sara Garner. Women's Camp will be led by the enthusiastic leadership of Bonnie Wood and Barb Christiansen. Please welcome these new and returning directors to our summer program. Welcome and our thanks to these directors who have agreed to donate their time and leadership to our children, youth and adults. Please keep the Hares, the staff, and the directors, counselors and campers in your prayers this summer.
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