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