Skip to Main Content

JOY Camp welcomes fifth-graders through high schoolers

Posted: April 25 2024 at 06:30 AM
Author: Payton Keithley, JOY Camp co-director


Young people starting fifth grade through newly graduated high-school students can participate in JOY Camp, June 23-29, a popular camp annually at Camp Reynoldswood, Dixon, IL. All are welcome, regardless of where they are in their journey of faith. 

The camp delivers the message of God’s love through fun, fellowship, nature, scripture, and worship. Its theme, “Jesus, Others, and Yourself,” helps guide young Christians in their walk with Jesus Christ. Each year, the camp alternates its focus on one of the JOY aspects of faith. This is an “Others” year.  

Camp Reynoldswood features 170 acres of woods and meadows. With this much space, there is always plenty to do! Activities include canoeing, swimming, volleyball, arts and crafts, team building, and a talent show.  

Joy Camp Img2 Cmyk

A typical day begins with a buffet-style breakfast, followed by morning worship led by a talented worship team. The rest of the morning is packed with exciting outdoor activities and a core Bible lesson tailored to campers’ specific age groups. Another short worship time follows lunch, leading into an afternoon of even more fun. After dinner, there is a final “all camp” worship service and evening activities around a campfire. 

Joy Camp Img3 Cmyk

Every one of JOY Camp’s counselors and directors are passionately committed to the development of young Christians and those who are seeking to know the Lord better. They strive to make JOY Camp a safe space for young people to explore their faith, ask tough questions, and learn what it means to live in Christian fellowship with others. 

Registration for JOY Camp is currently open. The fee is $590; discounts are available for those who register by June 1 and sibling campers. If you have questions, contact the camp leader at registration@joycamp.org

News & Announcements

Josephstandingbear

Exhibit on Native American Boarding Schools Recounts a Painful History

Nearly 30 United Methodists attended Schingoethe Center Museum at Aurora University on March 13 for a private viewing of the “Away from Home” exhibit, whic…

Schlministerioscommunion

North Central Jurisdiction Hispanic/Latinx Leaders Gathered to Renew their Call

About 60 Hispanic/Latinx pastors and lay leaders from the North Central Jurisdiction gathered March 28-30 for the Escuela de Ministerios 2025 (Sch…

Nic Collections End July 2024 Cmyk

Have you made your contribution?

In an effort to be more transparent, the Finance and Administration office is going to be consistently sharing where we are as a conference are in regards to the giving versus what is needed fo…

Nil Benefits Insight Smaller

April 2025 Benefits Insights

Earn $100 by completing a Blueprint for Wellness check, attend a Lunch & Learn on April 23 to explore the new Compass Retirement Plan, and don’t miss Live from Wespath on April 30—a free virtual ev…

Print