Counselors and campers displaying the J.O.Y. Camp scripture.

Church camps offer a mix of outdoor adventures and spiritual growth, creating cherished memories and deepening faith.  Beyond the fun, these camps are where many Northern Illinois United Methodists experience profound spiritual moments—feeling God’s presence on a morning hike, learning about Jesus during devotions, or sensing the Holy Spirit around the campfire.  

Building Lifelong Bonds 

J.O.Y. Camp has grown to be a second family for almost all who attend. 

J.O.Y. Camp is a United Methodist camp that was founded by NIC pastors first as “Shalom Camp” in the 1980’s. Hosted at Camp Reynoldswood in Dixon, it teaches the campers ways to engage their faith, rotating through three themes: Jesus, Others and You. Going strong for the last few decades, the camp has touched hundreds of lives and has developed a safe place for campers to be themselves and experience the love of God. Two years ago, a change in leadership was taken on by two previous campers and one additional director. They felt called to serve because of the impact they had seen in their lives and in the lives of others while attending the camp. 

J.O.Y. Campers enjoying a fun game.

J.O.Y. Camp 2024 was a week filled with lessons about how Christians are called to constantly seek out and care for “Others”. Campers used this year’s theme song “Give Me Your Eyes” by Brandon Heath to identify who the “Others” are in their lives to show love and share the gospel with. To continue the theme of “Others”, many of the arts and crafts projects completed by campers were donated to nursing homes, hospital patients, and shut-ins of churches around the conference.  View the 2024 closing video to capture the essence of Camp here.

Planning is already underway for the Second Annual J.O.Y. Camp Winter Weekend. Dates are still being finalized but the event will stretch from a Friday afternoon to Sunday afternoon in December or early January. It is open to campers who previously attended and to new campers. Information will be shared once it is available on the conference calendar here.   

Life-changing work happens at J.O.Y. Camp, and it would not have been possible without the support of congregations within the Northern Illinois Conference. If individuals or congregations would like to assist financially or with future service projects, please contact volunteer@joycamp.org. 

Joining together 

Families enjoyed canoes during the Famly Day Camp at Camp Reynoldswood.

Hosting a camp for your church can be difficult, but local churches are finding that joining together is not only a way to share the load, but also a way to foster connection. Rockford churches, Christ UMC and Beth Eden UMC, joined their children and family ministries together for Family Day Camp. They journeyed to Camp Reynoldswood in Dixon for fun, sun and connection.  (Read the story about First UMC in Downers Grove opening up their camp here.)

For countless attendees, camps have been pivotal in shaping their spiritual journeys and lifelong faith. Both Camp Reynoldswood and Wesley Woods are available for churches to host their church camps over the summer and with limited capacity for winter options. Reach out to Jeff Casey, Director of Outdoor & Retreat Ministries at jeffcasey@niccamp.org or  (262) 245-6706 for more information. 

View the J.O.Y. Camp 2024 Closing Video