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.