This is the second year youth attending Illinois summer camps will be housed in the brand new cabins. For those who have never been to Camp Akita, roughing it in our cabins will not be difficult. There will be no late-night treks through the forest for a bathroom; there are two bathrooms on each floor of the cabins, and the rooms are heated and air conditioned.

More important than comfort, however, is that in everything we do at Camp Akita, your young people will be housed in a positive Christian environment. From camp ranger to counselors, pastors, and even the cook, all staff have been chosen who are qualified not only by their education, but by their Christian experience. They are solid Christian individuals who can help your young person sort things out to begin making the right decisions, taking with them on life’s journey their new best Friend, Jesus Christ.

"I would like to thank everyone for Junior Camp, Week 1," writes Nancy Carollo, of Wheeling, Illinois. "My daughter, Cheyenne, and her friend, Sammi, had a GREAT time. Cheyenne called me from camp Friday evening and told me she wants to study the Bible with me and be baptized next year. We are now reading something out of the Bible nightly. She is singing the songs she learned and sharing all the personal stories and experiences she was told by the counselors. You've made a positive impact on her life. I am praying that the Lord will help me keep it going with her."

Cheyenne and Sammi will be back for summer camp 2005. Camps will fill up rather quickly with those who've had a great time in prior years. So parents, you'll want to get those application forms sent in right away. Reservations will be granted on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Camp brochures with application forms have been mailed to each young person who previously attended camp, as well as all young people on record in the Illinois Conference. The brochure is also available from your local church office. If you did not receive one, please contact the youth department by phone, mail, or e-mail. Here are the details:

Youth Department

Illinois Conference

619 Plainfield Rd.

Willowbrook, IL 60527

(630) 734-0920

www.campakita.com

Rachel Terwillegar is the Illinois Conference development director.

Akita Camp Meeting: June 19–25 (children with their family only)

Cub Camp: June 26–July 3 (Ages 7–9)

Junior Camp I: July 3–10 (Ages 10–12)

Junior Camp II: July 10–17 (Ages 10–12)

Teen Camp: July 17–24 (Ages 13–16)

Hispanic Teen Camp: July 24–27 (Ages 10–15)

Hispanic Youth Camp: July 28–31 (Ages 15–30)