SUMMER CAMP IS COMING!

2023 CAMP SCHEDULE:

• April 22 Spring Into Camp
• May 26-29 Memorial Day weekend Family Camp
• July 9-15 Senior High Camp (grades 9-12)
• July 16-20 Intermediate Camp (grades 3-5)
• July 21-23 Young at Heart Camp (ages 18 & up)
• July 23-29 Middle School Camp (grades 6-8)
• Aug. 4-6 Counselor-in-Training
• Aug. 5-6 Elementary Camp (grades 1-2 w/ adult)
• Aug. 10-12 Women’s Camp
• Aug. 18-20 Men’s Camp
• Sept. 1-4 Labor Day Family Camp

Randall Westfall called as new camp manager

The camp board is pleased to announce that Randall Westfall has been called as the next camp manager of Camp Emmaus. He will begin in the role in late August 2023.

Originally from Ohio, Randall has served as camp director of Camp Brethren Heights near Rodney, Michigan, for the past 12 years, helping it to grow and add a variety of programs. He brings strong gifts in administration, program, spirituality, and ministry with a passion of “connecting people to creation, community, and our Creator.” He also has particular interests in outdoor survival education and wood carving and plays guitar, banjo, and mandolin.

A licensed minister in the Church of the Brethren, Randall previously served as a pastor in Indiana and attended Manchester College (now University). He and his wife, Brenda—who grew up in Freeport—have two children: Heidi (9) and Hewyt (6). Prayers are invited for them during this time of transition.

Camp Emmaus creates new endowment fund

The camp board has announced the launch of the Camp Emmaus Endowment Fund! The board has set a goal of raising $100,000 for the fund this year, helping to provide a new revenue stream for camp and allowing a wider range of planned and deferred gifts to sustain camp ministry.

To learn more about this endowment, arrange to make a donation, or discover other ways to get involved, please reach out to treasurer Dan Radcliff at dradcliff@eder.org.

Spring Into Camp: Apr. 22

Kick off the 2023 camp season!

• 1-5 p.m. Your choice of camp activities: Hike, fish, play six square or volleyball or gaga ball, visit with friends, or sit & relax
• 5 p.m. Cookout at the pavilion followed by card games
• 8 p.m. Campfire

CAMP BOARD MEMBERS

Aaron Gerdes, chair; Sara Caracheo Garner, vice chair; Dan Radcliff, treasurer; Gary Baisden; Patrick Benassi; Michelle Bowman; Amanda Burch; Jan Dietrich; Shannon McNeil Smith; Elizabeth Patterson; Sylvia Saunders, recording secretary (ex officio)

Bill & Betty Hare: a six-decade legacy

Their 58-plus years of service is unmatched in the denomination.

Bill and Betty Hare, who have served Camp Emmaus as managers for nearly 60 years, are completing their tenure this spring. They recently moved to an apartment at the nearby Pinecrest Community in Mount Morris while they finish moving things out of the camp manager’s house and caring for some ongoing details at camp during this time of transition.

The camp community had an opportunity to express their thanks and share memories on Sept. 11, when the camp board arranged a celebratory open house at the camp’s main lodge—aptly named Hare Lodge a few years ago. More than 250 people turned out for the occasion, despite some rain.

Reflecting on their service, Bill said to Messenger magazine recently: “We felt all these years it really was a ministry: not only to the camp but to the people— especially the youth that would come. It’s just been a wonderful experience helping people to find and recognize Jesus and God in an outdoor setting. … This is holy ground, and people can feel it.”

Thank you, Bill and Betty, for your ongoing legacy!

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.