CAMP NEWS

The Church of the Brethren Outdoor Ministries Association Volunteer of the Year award was given to Aaron Gerdes for his volunteer work for Camp Emmaus in Mount Morris, Ill. Aaron grew up in the Dixon congregation and now lives in Sycamore, Ill. He has been senior high camp leader for at least 15 years and served two terms on the board including a few years as chair, when he provided invaluable leadership through the camp’s time of transition to a new manager. He has also been a regular volunteer working on maintenance. Despite a 45-minute drive to the camp, this “jack of all trades” practices a “creative hands-on approach to both program and property ministries.”

“Aaron is one of those people that inspires people around him and makes everyone feel like an important part of the team,” the award citation said, “even though he's fairly soft-spoken and leads more by example. He has often beautifully articulated the gifts of community, belonging, and connection to God's creation that camp provides so well.”

The award was presented at the Church of the Brethren Annual Conference in Grand Rapids on July 5, where Camp Emmaus treasurer Dan Radcliff accepted the award on Aaron’s behalf. Congratulations, Aaron!

Our camps enjoyed a full summer of camps for children and youth, and we are grateful for all the lives that were touched by spending that time with God, creation, and good community in these beautiful spaces. Following are some additional events coming up at the camps:

Camp Emmaus (Mount Morris, Ill.):
Aug. 8-10 Women’s Camp
Aug. 30-Sept. 2 Labor Day Family Camp
Sept. 21 Camp Celebration Day and Luncheon

Oct. 12-14 Father/Son Camp

Camp Emmaus' Annual Celebration Luncheon will be held on Saturday, Sept.21 (note: the date has been changed from what was previously advertised). There will also be an auction taking place at the Celebration Luncheon. If you have an item to donate to the auction please email the program chair at: program.chair.campemmaus@gmail.com.

Camp Emmaus added a new tractor to its fold in June: a red Case IH DX33 Loader. The camp received a good trade-in for its old tractor. Longtime volunteer Doug Firebaugh and Tim Smith helped research and locate the new tractor.

Camp Emmanuel (Astoria, Ill.):
Men’s Camp Aug. 9-11
Family Camp Aug. 30-Sept. 2

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.