Camp Emmaus
Mount Morris, IL

Camp Emmaus is an outdoor ministry of the Illinois/Wisconsin District of the Church of the Brethren since 1948. Nestled on nearly 100 acres of rolling woodland in the Rock River Valley, we invite you to connect with creation, experience God, and ignite your faith.

  FALL NEWSLETTER  

  FATHER/SON CAMP  

Our Father/Son Camp is designed to strengthen the special bond between dads and their sons (or grandpas & grandsons etc..) while creating lasting memories. Activities like archery & slingshots, wilderness living skills, hiking and a council circle around the campfire at night will help strengthen your relationships as fathers and sons... as men and boys seeking God's heart. Who: Fathers, sons, brothers, grandpas, and men of all ages! (Anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult.) Date: October 12-14, 2024  10a Saturday -10a Monday. Director: Randall Westfall

  2024 CAMP DATES  

September 21   Celebration Dinner  October 12-14   Father/Son Camp       Check the schedule page for more details.

  2025 CAMP DATES  

May 23-26    Memorial Day Family Camp  June 13-14   CIT Training  June 14-15   Elementary (K-Grade 2)  July 6-12   Survivor Camp at Camp Mack (Grade 6-8)  July 13-19   Senior High(Grade 9-12)  July 20-26   Middle School (Grade 6-8)  July 27-31   Intermediate (Grade 3-5)  August 1-3   YAAYAH (Age 18+)  August 3-6   Target Sports Camp  August 7-9   Women’s Camp  August 22-24   Men’s Camp  Aug. 29-Sept. 1   Labor Day Family Camp         Check the schedule page for more details.

  CAMP MANAGER'S CORNER  

My family and I have now been here at Camp Emmaus for one year. And I’ll admit that there is much about this landscape at camp that I have not fully explored yet. So much of my time on the property has more to do with work than with the opportunity to truly be present to the abundant beauty of creation around me. And I look forward to discovering the hidden gems and niches that I’ve yet to unearth.  In doing so, I am scouting for a “green couch” location. The green couch is a place to be present to what is happening in the landscape, both externally and internally. It’s a place for contemplation, worship, naturalist training, journaling, scripture reading and simply being present to God’s Spirit amongst creation. For me it means cultivating and tending to that space in a way that allows me to be prayerfully attentive to what God’s Spirit might be speaking to me. It must be a space that is inviting and yet conjures up the mystical and otherworldly. Wherever it ends up being… there will be a bench and a natural threshold, and a prayer labyrinth/circle. It will be a space where I can “green” my soul when I notice my spirit is drying up. This isn’t just a dream for me, but also for the land here at camp. I envision that we would have more intentional, designated prayer spaces (green couches) scattered throughout the property. Places for rest, renewal, release and reliance on the Spirit. A little sanctuary within a sanctuary. We have a few of those space already (lakeside sanctuary/altar, ‘come meet God” bench, peace pole, new council circle) and I’m excited to see how we might tend to those little sanctuaries together to enhance the Emmaus experience by continuing to “green” up the souls of all who encounter God in this blessed sanctuary. Respectfully in Christ, Randall Westfall

  AN AFTERNOON OF GRATITUDE  

Camp Emmaus’ annual celebration luncheon kicks off an afternoon of festivities at 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 21, with an open house, program, and auction to follow. The auction, a new addition, will feature a signed Caleb Williams helmet as part of an array items to raise funds for camp’s ministries. All camp volunteers, friends, and supporters are welcome! If you have an item you'd like to donate to the auction, please email our Program Chair at: program.chair.campemmaus@gmail.com   We look forward to seeing many of you as we celebrate our 76th year of outdoor ministry.

  CAMP'S GIFTS  

  PLANTING SEEDS: GIVE A GIFT FOR GROWTH  

A gift of any size to Camp Emmaus can make a big difference! In addition to its regular annual fund, the camp is also building an endowment to secure camp’s ministries for the future. Give online at: https://campemmaus.churchcenter.com/giving, or contact treasurer Dan Radcliff at Dev.Chair.CampEmmaus@gmail.com.

  CAMP BOARD MEMBERS  

Sara Garner, Board Chair  Patrick Benassi, Vice Chair  Dan Radcliff, Treasurer  Elizabeth Patterson, Secretary  Amanda Burch, Program Chair   Elizabeth Patterson   Callie Surber  Michelle Bowman, Property Chair   Gary Baisden   Mike Sondgeroth  Shannon McNeil Smith, Development Chair   Patrick Benassi   Dan Radcliff  Michelle Firebaugh (ex officio) financial secretary   Austin Weaver (ex officio) recording secretary   Randall Westfall (ex officio) camp manager

Camp Emmaus

send mail to:
P.O. Box 128
Mt. Morris, IL 61054

ship UPS to:
3011 W. Camp Rd.
Oregon, Illinois 61061

To make a reservation or ask the Camp Managers a question please call 1-815-734-4268;
for summer camp related questions please contact manager.campemmaus@gmail.com