CAMP NEWS

Registration for our camps’ summer programs is now open! Visit the camps’ respective websites (below) for registration links.

Camp Emmaus (Mount Morris, Ill.) has announced its summer camping schedule for 2024. This year’s curriculum theme will be “Linked by Love”:

• May 24-27 Memorial Day Family Camp
• June 15 Clean-Up Day
• July 7-11 Intermediate Camp (grades 3-5)
• July 12-14 Young Adult and Young at Heart Camp (YAAYAH)
• July 14-20 Senior High Camp (grades 9-12)
• July 21-27 Middle School Camp (grades 6-8)
• Aug. 2-4 CIT training
• Aug. 3-4 Elementary Camp (grades 1-2)
• Aug. 8-10 Women’s Camp
• Aug. 16-18 Men’s Camp
• Aug. 30-Sept. 2 Labor Day Family Camp

Camp Emmanuel (Astoria, Ill.) has announced its summer 2024 camping schedule:

• Women’s Camp May 31-June 2
• Youth Camp (grades 9-12) June 2-8 (note new date)
• Middle School Camp (grades 6-8) June 9-15
• Junior Camp (grades 3-5) June 19-23
• Pre-Junior Camp (grades K-2) June 28-30
• Creation Camp (grades 3-6) July 12-14
• Day Camp (grades K-5) July 15-19
• Men’s Camp Aug. 9-11
• Family Camp Aug. 30-Sept. 2

Camp Emmanuel opened to the public May 1 for fishing and hiking.

The new “Escape to Emmaus” series at Camp Emmaus continued earlier this month with a May 4 birding outing held in conjunction with the local Audubon chapter. The series continues June 1 (1-4:30 p.m.) with Target Sports(archery/slingshots). It’s open to anyone 12 or older, but those under 18 have to be accompanied by an adult. Cost is $12 per person. See www.campemmaus.org or the Camp Emmaus Facebook page for details and registration or contact manager.campemmaus@gmail.com.

Camp Emmaus on April 13 held its “Spring Into Camp” event, drawing a large group to hike around camp’s trails, tryout the new slingshot range, enjoy snacks and a cookout dinner, and take part in a dedication for the camp’s new stone campfire ring in the boys’ meadow. Camp manager Randall Westfall and Ralph Miner, Michelle Bowman, and others who helped bring the project to reality participated in the dedication service. (Photo by Michelle Bowman)

Camp Emmaus is looking for a lifeguard for this summer. If interested, contact manager.campemmaus@gmail.com.

Stay up to date on what’s happening at our district camps! Visit www.campem.com for Camp Emmanuel news and www.campemmaus.org for Camp Emmaus news. 

We’re also grateful that the Church of the Brethren Outdoor Ministries Association board chose to hold its spring meeting at Camp Emmaus in April. The board includes Renee Neher Hamm (York Center), who serves as treasurer, and Josh Brockway (Highland Avenue) is the official denominational liaison. Illinois/Wisconsin District executive Walt Wiltschek and Camp Emmaus manager Randall Westfall also attended. The OMA leadership gathered to hear reports, take a tour of the camp, work on finances, and plan for the future. The camping of the Church of the Brethren is currently celebrating its centennial, and we’re glad to have two of our denomination’s camps in this district!