Camp and Retreat Ministry Task Force Moves into Feasibility Study
The Bishop’s Camp and Retreat Ministry Task Force has begun the next phase of its work following direction from the 2026 Northern Illinois Annual Conference. Th…
Posted: May 21 2021 at 08:47 AM
Author: Jeff Casey, Dir. Outdoor and Retreat Ministries
Praise the Lord! While the State of Wisconsin allowed overnight camps to resume operations in August 2020, the State of Illinois will allow overnight camps to open and run this summer! The safety of our campers, volunteers, and staff remains of utmost importance to us.
Both camps will comply with all health department regulations, which means that we'll be rearranging beds and seating throughout camp, but we will camp together in person this summer!
The following camps and dates are final. They will be held at Camp Reynoldswood in Dixon, Ill.
- June 20-26, 2021 J.O.Y. CAMP (Grades 7-13) J.O.Y. Camp is designed to challenge and encourage youth in their faith journey. J.O.Y. is an acronym that stands for Jesus, Others, and You. This year we are focusing on the "O” for Others.
- July 7-9, 2021 TOTAL CAMP (Grades Entering: 2-6) Total Camp offers a camp experience at Reynoldswood for the younger crowd. Fun-filled days include archery, campfires, Bible studies, crafts and a Talent Show! Of course, Gaga Ball, Volleyball, 9- Square-In-The-Air, hiking trails, and slip-n-slide are available to all.
- July 25-30, 2021 WOODLAND (Grades Entering: 7-13) Woodland offers something for everyone: from sleeping in tree houses in the forests of Reynoldswood to canoeing, games and archery. Evenings include campfires, fun activities and a Talent Show. Daily crafts and Bible Studies help us experience Jesus in a Christian community.
- Metro Camp will be held in 2022
Total and Woodland Camps will explore Creation Speaks! In the beginning, God created. God is still creating now. What do God and creation have to teach us about how to live today? Creation Speaks invites us to look to God’s creation, including each other, as we listen for God’s voice in the world today. By looking anew at the creation story, campers will imagine what each part might teach us about God and our place in the world. Light, water, earth, seasons, animals, humans and even a day of rest will invite campers to listen for God, who is still speaking to them today. Through our new understanding of the interdependence of all creatures and responding to our call as caretakers of creation, we are moved to awe and wonder at the gift of creation and the Creator. If the people of God stop and listen to creation, what might we hear? Shhhh, listen. Creation Speaks!
For prices, registration and more information, visit niccamp.org/summercamps.