CAMP NEWS
Camp Emmaus held its annual Camp Celebration Day and Lunch on Sept. 13, with an abundant buffet meal and dessert table followed by sharing and updates from the summer and details on upcoming events, as well as time to browse camp store items and enjoy the grounds. A new Campfire Award went to Sara Garner and Aaron Gerdes. On Sept. 27, the camp was host to a training event for the Illinois Search and Rescue Council.
The district is invited to a campfire and fall event on Saturday, Oct. 18, beginning at 12 p.m. Bring a picnic lunch to enjoy at the camp and then take part in hayrack rides around the property, followed by a campfire and s’mores, ending by 4:30 p.m.
Upcoming “Escape to Emmaus” activity days include Woodcarving a Pumpkin Caricature Day on Oct. 18, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. (cost $20); Primitive Shelter Building Day, Nov. 22, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. (cost $10); and Earth Tones: A Creative Songwriting & Poetry Workshop, Dec. 13, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. (cost $15). The events are open to all ages. See more and register at www.campemmaus.org. The camp will also be host to Oregon Park District’s Owl-o-ween Nightwalk, beginning 7 p.m. Oct. 24. Register by Oct. 17 through the park district.
The fall leaf-raking day at the camp will be Saturday, Nov. 15, with a youth retreat held Nov. 14-16. The youth retreat, led by Alissa Clark, begins Friday at 7 p.m. and ends at noon on Sunday. Cost: $50. The leaf-raking day begins in the morning and wraps up when the leaves have been corralled. Bring a rake if possible. Snacks and beverages are provided.
Camp Emmaus has also announced its 2026 summer camp dates:
- May 22-25: Memorial Day Family Camp
- June 12-14: Counselor-in-Training (CIT)
- June 13-14: Elementary Camp
- June 14-17: Target Sports Camp
- July 5-11: Senior High Camp
- July 12-18: Survivor Camp
- July 19-23: Intermediate Camp
- July 24-26: Young Adult/Young at Heart Camp
- July 26- Aug. 1: Middle School Camp
- August 6-8: Women's Camp
- September 4-7: Labor Day Weekend Family Camp
Learn more at www.campemmaus.org.
Camp Emmanuel has also announced tentative 2026 dates:
- May 29-31: Women's Camp
- June 5-7: Creation Camp
- June 7-13: Middle School Camp
- June 16-20: Junior Camp
- June 26-28: Pre-junior Camp
- July 9-12: High School Camp
- July 13-17: Day Camp
- August 7-9: Men's Camp
- September 4-7: Family Camp
Learn more at www.campem.com.
The 2025 Church of the Brethren Outdoor Ministries Association (OMA) national conference will take place Nov. 16-20 at Inspiration Hills near Burbank, Ohio, with the theme “Campfire Conversations.” The keynote speaker will be Travis Troyer of Off the Wall Discipleship. Workshop options will include a camp tour, group sharing, and more. A field trip will take participants to BibleWalk, featuring more than 325 wax figures of biblical scenes, and games, debriefing, and recreation will also be part of the week. Cost for OMA camp members is $200, non-members $225. Registration and more information can be found at https://omacob.org/camps-2/annual-retreat/.
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