6-12-2020
We are excited to announce that we are now able to invite you, our guests and friends back to Menno Haven!
Per the Illinois Department of Public Health in Phase 3 of re-opening the state we are able to host family households of 10 people or less to come and stay in any of our lodging facilities (hotel, dorm rooms, cabins) as well as in the tent and RV campground areas. This is the prime time to come and stay at Menno Haven. Many summers our facilities are already full but this summer, especially in June, we have many openings - mid-week and weekend.
Contact Jon at 815-255-4649 or at [email protected] to check availability and reserve your dates today.
Please note the updated phone number: 815-255-4649.
We are excited to announce that we are now able to invite you, our guests and friends back to Menno Haven!
Per the Illinois Department of Public Health in Phase 3 of re-opening the state we are able to host family households of 10 people or less to come and stay in any of our lodging facilities (hotel, dorm rooms, cabins) as well as in the tent and RV campground areas. This is the prime time to come and stay at Menno Haven. Many summers our facilities are already full but this summer, especially in June, we have many openings - mid-week and weekend.
Contact Jon at 815-255-4649 or at [email protected] to check availability and reserve your dates today.
Please note the updated phone number: 815-255-4649.
5-25-2020
Especially today, we miss you all! Normally, we would gather together for worship, prayer, and fellowship on our grounds. We wanted to connect with you today so Doc, Ashley, Jon & Sheena have updates for you on how you can still be involved with our ministry this summer.
Know that you all are in our prayers and we are looking forward to the day we will see you at camp again!
Especially today, we miss you all! Normally, we would gather together for worship, prayer, and fellowship on our grounds. We wanted to connect with you today so Doc, Ashley, Jon & Sheena have updates for you on how you can still be involved with our ministry this summer.
Know that you all are in our prayers and we are looking forward to the day we will see you at camp again!
4-28-2020
Dear Menno Haven Families & Friends,
Dear Menno Haven Families & Friends,
Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”
Psalm 91: 1-2 (NIV)
I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”
Psalm 91: 1-2 (NIV)
As the Menno Haven Ministry Team we have been meeting every morning the past 4 weeks to reflect and pray over Psalm 91 ….praying for the Menno Haven ministry and for you. We pray that you have been able to dwell in God’s shelter and rest in His shadow in the midst of the pestilence of COVID-19 (how timely and appropriate is that word in verse 3?!?). We continue to remind ourselves that God is good, ALL the time…All the time, God is good.
Here we are writing another update to our Menno Haven Programs. More changes are in the wind. While we wish we could just proceed like we had planned, we are needing to alter our upcoming May programs after hearing Governor Pritzker’s continuation of the Stay-At-Home Order through the end of the month. This means canceling Work Day on May 9th as well as Rally Day on May 25th. It is so disappointing to not be able to gather together as a Menno Haven family to celebrate the beginning of the summer camp season!
COVID-19 is affecting more than May. The last month we have taken a myriad of webinars, conversed at great length with others in the larger Christian and Mennonite camping communities, talked with our local Health Department, and read CDC’s recommendations for gatherings of children - all looking at the question: “How can we run Menno Haven youth summer camp in light of COVID-19?”
Menno Haven Summer Camp is about gathering youth from all over Illinois and surrounding areas, being together as one group - playing, learning, and growing together in friendship and faith. Camp is sharing life in proximity – in a cabin, around a table, at a campfire. It’s having Bible Studies as Cabin Walnut or Cabin Oak with new friends from around the state and playing Ozzie’s Nature Game as one big group during All Camp Activity. It’s high-fiving your cabin mate after they jumped off the diving board for the first time, it’s sharing a smile (not covered by a mask) with someone who just taught you how to make your first s’more, it’s hugging your counselor tight when it’s time to go because you just Don’t. Want. To. Leave.
After much prayer and discernment with our year round Ministry Team and the Board of Directors, we have come to the conclusion that we cannot responsibly provide the quality camp experience that Menno Haven has offered the last 61 summers. Therefore we will not be running our scheduled 2020 Menno Haven programed summer camps. While we know in many ways we all need camp more now than ever, we need to continue to care and protect you - our campers, families and larger community as a whole. We share your sadness and grief about this. Believe us – we love camp as much as you do – that’s why we work here! While we will miss our campers terribly, we are already looking forward to summer 2021!
In looking over the rest of our summer calendar:
While our typical summer youth camps will not run, we have some ideas percolating that we will keep you informed of ... possibly offer some smaller family group gatherings, come as a small group to have Home In The Woods, send camp TO you, or hold some shorter youth camps later in the summer/fall when that becomes possible. We also have some ideas of doing a virtual 5k/2k or a come on your own 5k/2k this May to continue to raise money for our Summer Camper Scholarship Fund. If you have interest in any of these ideas or if you have any ideas of what you would like to see, send them to Ashley at [email protected].
Additionally, if you would like to give any input on how Menno Haven can serve you this summer in familiar and new ways, fill out this survey. If you are someone who signs campers up for camp, your input would be especially useful. We would love to hear your thoughts!!
As always, as we will keep you informed in the coming months. Stay up-to-date on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and mennohaven.com as we will post changes or planned activities through these venues.
Here we are writing another update to our Menno Haven Programs. More changes are in the wind. While we wish we could just proceed like we had planned, we are needing to alter our upcoming May programs after hearing Governor Pritzker’s continuation of the Stay-At-Home Order through the end of the month. This means canceling Work Day on May 9th as well as Rally Day on May 25th. It is so disappointing to not be able to gather together as a Menno Haven family to celebrate the beginning of the summer camp season!
COVID-19 is affecting more than May. The last month we have taken a myriad of webinars, conversed at great length with others in the larger Christian and Mennonite camping communities, talked with our local Health Department, and read CDC’s recommendations for gatherings of children - all looking at the question: “How can we run Menno Haven youth summer camp in light of COVID-19?”
Menno Haven Summer Camp is about gathering youth from all over Illinois and surrounding areas, being together as one group - playing, learning, and growing together in friendship and faith. Camp is sharing life in proximity – in a cabin, around a table, at a campfire. It’s having Bible Studies as Cabin Walnut or Cabin Oak with new friends from around the state and playing Ozzie’s Nature Game as one big group during All Camp Activity. It’s high-fiving your cabin mate after they jumped off the diving board for the first time, it’s sharing a smile (not covered by a mask) with someone who just taught you how to make your first s’more, it’s hugging your counselor tight when it’s time to go because you just Don’t. Want. To. Leave.
After much prayer and discernment with our year round Ministry Team and the Board of Directors, we have come to the conclusion that we cannot responsibly provide the quality camp experience that Menno Haven has offered the last 61 summers. Therefore we will not be running our scheduled 2020 Menno Haven programed summer camps. While we know in many ways we all need camp more now than ever, we need to continue to care and protect you - our campers, families and larger community as a whole. We share your sadness and grief about this. Believe us – we love camp as much as you do – that’s why we work here! While we will miss our campers terribly, we are already looking forward to summer 2021!
In looking over the rest of our summer calendar:
- Summer Staff Homecoming is canceled at this time. (Postponed - more information to follow.)
- GrandCamp is still on – August 2-6, 2020
While our typical summer youth camps will not run, we have some ideas percolating that we will keep you informed of ... possibly offer some smaller family group gatherings, come as a small group to have Home In The Woods, send camp TO you, or hold some shorter youth camps later in the summer/fall when that becomes possible. We also have some ideas of doing a virtual 5k/2k or a come on your own 5k/2k this May to continue to raise money for our Summer Camper Scholarship Fund. If you have interest in any of these ideas or if you have any ideas of what you would like to see, send them to Ashley at [email protected].
Additionally, if you would like to give any input on how Menno Haven can serve you this summer in familiar and new ways, fill out this survey. If you are someone who signs campers up for camp, your input would be especially useful. We would love to hear your thoughts!!
As always, as we will keep you informed in the coming months. Stay up-to-date on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and mennohaven.com as we will post changes or planned activities through these venues.
“If you’ll hold on to me for dear life,” says God, “I’ll get you out of any trouble.
I’ll give you the best of care if you’ll only get to know and trust me.
Call me and I’ll answer, be at your side in bad times;
I’ll rescue you, then throw you a party.
Psalms 91: 14-15 (MSG)
I’ll give you the best of care if you’ll only get to know and trust me.
Call me and I’ll answer, be at your side in bad times;
I’ll rescue you, then throw you a party.
Psalms 91: 14-15 (MSG)
Remember to hold on to God during this time. We are holding tight to the promises of verse 15 and looking forward to the time when we can gather again, as friends from all over, celebrating the continuation of Menno Haven’s ministry and have that party that God is promising!
Doc Johnson, Executive Director
Doc Johnson, Executive Director
4-6-2020
Work Day has been rescheduled to Saturday, May 9th, 2020 due to the extension of the "stay-at-home" order in Illinois through April 30th.
Work Day has been rescheduled to Saturday, May 9th, 2020 due to the extension of the "stay-at-home" order in Illinois through April 30th.
3-26-2020
Dear Menno Haven Families and Friends,
You are in our thoughts and prayers right now. The last time you heard from us, life was different.....more certain, more routine. Now while life seems to be changing daily, it is reassuring to remember that we know Someone who doesn't change...whose promises are new every morning....GREAT is His faithfulness! We are holding tight to His promises as we take precautions, plan and prepare for the upcoming months. We are trusting in His faithfulness as we navigate our lives and camp's ministry through this time of uncertainty. We hope you can do the same.
Here is an update of upcoming Menno Haven Programs. While we do not know what is going to happen, we want to move ahead in faith and hope as we anticipate the future. We are currently evaluating our programs in April and May two weeks out based on the recommendations of the CDC and our public officials. Mennohaven.com is the best place to go for the most up-to-date information on all of our programs.
You are in our thoughts and prayers right now. The last time you heard from us, life was different.....more certain, more routine. Now while life seems to be changing daily, it is reassuring to remember that we know Someone who doesn't change...whose promises are new every morning....GREAT is His faithfulness! We are holding tight to His promises as we take precautions, plan and prepare for the upcoming months. We are trusting in His faithfulness as we navigate our lives and camp's ministry through this time of uncertainty. We hope you can do the same.
Here is an update of upcoming Menno Haven Programs. While we do not know what is going to happen, we want to move ahead in faith and hope as we anticipate the future. We are currently evaluating our programs in April and May two weeks out based on the recommendations of the CDC and our public officials. Mennohaven.com is the best place to go for the most up-to-date information on all of our programs.
1. Spring Volunteer Work Day is still tentatively planned for April 18th (As of 4/6/2020 it is rescheduled to May 9th)
2. Rally Day and the 5k Trail Run/ 2k Trail Walk is still planned for May 25th. Money raised through 5k/2k registrations and at Rally Day, our annual Open House, will go towards our camper scholarship fund to help campers who wouldn't normally be able to attend camp.
3. MH Youth Summer Camp is still on! - We are actively moving forward in faith with our plans for summer - creating fun activities, drafting Bible Studies, and hiring summer staff. We are excited and hope you are too!! We will let you know of any changes as soon as we know them.
2. Rally Day and the 5k Trail Run/ 2k Trail Walk is still planned for May 25th. Money raised through 5k/2k registrations and at Rally Day, our annual Open House, will go towards our camper scholarship fund to help campers who wouldn't normally be able to attend camp.
3. MH Youth Summer Camp is still on! - We are actively moving forward in faith with our plans for summer - creating fun activities, drafting Bible Studies, and hiring summer staff. We are excited and hope you are too!! We will let you know of any changes as soon as we know them.
*UPDATE - Early Registration and Free T-shirt Discounts are being extended through May 1st!
Registrations must be submitted online and paid in full to get these discounts.
Also we have updated our summer camp deposit requirement so that if Menno Haven does need to cancel summer camp,
then we will refund in full any monies (including the typical "non-refundable deposit) that was paid.
We hope that these are two small ways that Menno Haven can care for your family in this uncertain time.
*NEW - Summer Staff Recommendation Grant:
If your family recommends a new summer staff member to Menno Haven and that staff is hired,
your family will receive a $150 grant towards your child's 2020 MH Youth Summer Camp registration fee.
Applicants must apply by April 30, 2020 and must indicate on their application that your family referred them to work at Menno Haven.
This grant can only be used for registrations costs towards 2020 Youth Summer Camp.
If you have already paid in full, the $150 will be refunded if desired for your family.
Registrations must be submitted online and paid in full to get these discounts.
Also we have updated our summer camp deposit requirement so that if Menno Haven does need to cancel summer camp,
then we will refund in full any monies (including the typical "non-refundable deposit) that was paid.
We hope that these are two small ways that Menno Haven can care for your family in this uncertain time.
*NEW - Summer Staff Recommendation Grant:
If your family recommends a new summer staff member to Menno Haven and that staff is hired,
your family will receive a $150 grant towards your child's 2020 MH Youth Summer Camp registration fee.
Applicants must apply by April 30, 2020 and must indicate on their application that your family referred them to work at Menno Haven.
This grant can only be used for registrations costs towards 2020 Youth Summer Camp.
If you have already paid in full, the $150 will be refunded if desired for your family.
4. Summer Staff Homecoming is still planned for July 2-5, 2020. If you have served on summer staff from 1958 - 2019, this is a weekend for you! Come with your family, join your camp friends and relive the memories of an amazing summer.
5. GrandCamp is still planned for August 2-6, 2020.
You are invited - If you or your immediate family are getting cabin fever and need a place of restoration for your body, mind, and soul, we invite you to come to Menno Haven to fish or hike or run on our miles of trails and explore God's creation as it's waking up from winter, all while maintaining appropriate social distancing practices, of course. Just to let you know, our buildings (including bathrooms) and playgrounds are closed per state recommendations and our outside games and boats are still put away for the winter. Please call ahead and talk with Jon or Ashley at 815-255-4649 before you come to make sure our grounds are still open to you, our friends, based on current recommendations.
BYOT (Bring Your Own Tools) - An additional idea if you are looking for something a little more active to do, we are also open to having individuals or family units come and do a variety of outside work projects on your own (i.e. chainsaw and/or clean up downed trees, pick up sticks in the grassy mowed areas, rake rock back onto the driveways, etc) all while maintaining appropriate social distancing practices. Email Sheena at [email protected] to talk about potential activities and available time frames if you have any interest in this.
We know many of you are praying for Menno Haven and we are so very thankful. Like many other small businesses and non-profits, the past few weeks have been financially stressful as guest groups have understandably canceled their retreats in March and April with an unknown ability to reschedule. As of today with known cancellations, we currently have a projected loss of around $33,000 but this could easily increase depending on the length of concern due to COVID-19. While God has provided in amazing ways for our immediate cash flow needs, this loss is not something to take lightly. While we as staff continue to do what we can to minimize expenses, we cannot make up that much money on our own.
Here are ways that you can help and be involved:
5. GrandCamp is still planned for August 2-6, 2020.
You are invited - If you or your immediate family are getting cabin fever and need a place of restoration for your body, mind, and soul, we invite you to come to Menno Haven to fish or hike or run on our miles of trails and explore God's creation as it's waking up from winter, all while maintaining appropriate social distancing practices, of course. Just to let you know, our buildings (including bathrooms) and playgrounds are closed per state recommendations and our outside games and boats are still put away for the winter. Please call ahead and talk with Jon or Ashley at 815-255-4649 before you come to make sure our grounds are still open to you, our friends, based on current recommendations.
BYOT (Bring Your Own Tools) - An additional idea if you are looking for something a little more active to do, we are also open to having individuals or family units come and do a variety of outside work projects on your own (i.e. chainsaw and/or clean up downed trees, pick up sticks in the grassy mowed areas, rake rock back onto the driveways, etc) all while maintaining appropriate social distancing practices. Email Sheena at [email protected] to talk about potential activities and available time frames if you have any interest in this.
We know many of you are praying for Menno Haven and we are so very thankful. Like many other small businesses and non-profits, the past few weeks have been financially stressful as guest groups have understandably canceled their retreats in March and April with an unknown ability to reschedule. As of today with known cancellations, we currently have a projected loss of around $33,000 but this could easily increase depending on the length of concern due to COVID-19. While God has provided in amazing ways for our immediate cash flow needs, this loss is not something to take lightly. While we as staff continue to do what we can to minimize expenses, we cannot make up that much money on our own.
Here are ways that you can help and be involved:
- Pray - keep the staff and the Menno Haven ministry in your prayers as we continue to plan and navigate the months ahead.
- Donate - you can give online here and giving during the next two months would be especially helpful.
- Register for summer camp & invite a friend or two.
- Plan to come to Work Day, Rally Day and the 5k/2k. We'll let you know if those dates change.
- Stay up-to-date on Facebook, Instagram, and on mennohaven.com as we will post changes or any planned activities through those venues.
- Let your kindness and love be contagious to the people around you. May THAT be what spreads through our communities and makes headlines!
- Remember:
The Lord is near.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation,
by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving,
present your requests to God.
And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding,
will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4: 5b-7
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation,
by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving,
present your requests to God.
And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding,
will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4: 5b-7
Let these words speak to your heart right now...they are to mine. The Lord is near!! You don't need to practice social distancing with Him! And out of His closeness and through talking with Him, you and I can have the peace of God which guards our hearts and minds and can reduce anxiety! What a gift in this time of uncertainty right now. Our prayer for you right now is you will sense the closeness of Jesus and you will hold tight to Him and to His peace.
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Doc Johnson Executive Director (815) 255-4649 | [email protected] 9301 1575 East St Tiskilwa, IL 61368 |