Volunteers of All Ages Spruce Up Camp Emmanuel

The week of April 16 -22 turned out rainy and cold but did not discourage the brave volunteers ages 10-83 from working hard to ready Camp Emmanuel for the camping season. The volunteers came from as far away as Mulberry Grove at the far southern end of Illinois and from as nearby as Astoria and Bader. They scrubbed the cabins and main lodge, washed windows, made curtains, set up picnic tables, cleaned out boats, cooked luscious meals for the volunteers and cleaned up the grounds.

This year’s big project was replacing the aging deck and railings on the camp’s suspension bridge. Jeremy Westlake, assistant pastor of the Woodland Church of the Brethren, designed the panels that would replace the old interlace method of bridge surfacing. The panels were built ahead of time by the new Camp Manager, Mike Siburt and volunteers John Renken of Washburn, Randy Buchanan of Decatur and Jeremy Westlake of Bader. The bridge volunteers worked daylight to dark and installed the approaches (the final pieces) on Thursday evening. We encourage everyone to come out and see the beautiful new bridge.

The Camp Board and managers wish to thank everyone who supports Camp Emmanuel with their time, prayers and donations. We’re looking forward to the camping season ahead.

For information on church camp dates or availability of Camp Emmanuel facilities phone Mike and Ruth Siburt at 302-329-2291 or visit the camp website at www.cob-net.org/camp/emmanuel/

Contributed by Ruth Siburt, Camp Co-manager.