District Campfire

Escape to Emmaus: Wood Carving

The Escape to Emmaus wood carving day has been canceled due to lack of registrations. 

Fall 2025 Appeal

“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms..” - 1 Peter 4:9-10

Dear Friend of Camp Emmaus,

As the summer camping season has ended, we are overjoyed for the many individuals who joined us! We hope to see you at one of our fall events. Please plan to attend either the district campfire on Saturday, October 18th at 12:00pm or the annual leaf-raking day on Saturday, November 15th.

This year we served 127 campers and had 54 summer staff/volunteers. Without the support of our camper’s families, congregations in our district, and our donors we would not be able to give them such an amazing experience.

We thank you for your partnership and your prayers. We are grateful for being able to nurture this year’s campers and cultivate a welcoming space where all can experience the healing powers of creation and be called to live a life of service, peace, and deep connection with one another.

Would you consider making a donation to pave the way for the 2026 camping season?

Blessings to you, Your Camp Emmaus Board

3011 W Camp Rd, Oregon, IL 61061
www.campemmaus.org
dev.chair.campemmaus@gmail.com
https://www.facebook.com/CampEmmaus 

Illinois Search and Rescue Training

We're excited to be hosting the Illinois Search and Rescue Training being held here at Emmaus.

Another great way to partner with other organizations. So if you're planning to come out to camp just know if there's going to be a lot of search and rescue dogs trampling through the woods.

Escape to Emmaus Days

Escape to Emmaus Days
Fall 2025 Workshops
Sacred creativity. Wild wisdom. Soulful renewal.

The Illinois/Wisconsin District is remembering with gratitude the life of Donald (Don) A. Hart Sr., 82, who passed away Sept. 15. He was 82. A member of Cherry Grove Church of the Brethren, he was a long-time, dedicated volunteer with Brethren Disaster Ministries and Camp Emmaus as well as other local groups. His obituary stated, "Helping others came naturally to Don, and as his faith deepened, his compassion became even more Christ-centered."

Don was born in Milledgeville, Illinois, and later moved to California, where he married his wife, Cathy, in 1980. They moved back to Lanark in the mid-1990s, where they opened Don Hart's Automotive and operated several rental properties. He loved the outdoors and was known for his ability to "fix just about anything."

By wishes of the family, no memorial service will be held. Our prayers are with Cathy and other family members and friends in this time of loss.

Obituary: www.lawjonesfuneralhome.com/obituaries/donald-a-hart-sr

SUMMER 2025: BY THE NUMBERS

Total summer campers: 127  (Up 13 percent from 2024) 

Summer staff and volunteers: 54 

Congregations represented: 13 (from the northern area of the district)