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.

Bill & Betty Hare
Outdoor Ministries Association
Lifetime Achievement Award 

Messenger Magazine: September 2006

 

Camp Emmaus Celebrates Its Own "Legend," Bill Hare

Messenger Magazine: March 2006