This reatreat is designed for ages 15 and older and features Jamie Blankenship as the guest speaker from First Christian Church (Blandinsville, IL). for more information be sure to check out the flyer found here.

There is a change of format for our Overnighters program. Overnighters 1 will be specially designed to include parents into the program where Overnighters 2 will be designed specifically for the kids. Be sure to check back for more information regarding this exciting new program!

For 10 years, I have been serving with you as we work together to impact lives for Christ through the ministry of Christian camping. During these 10 years, I have come to know for certain that God loves this camp and His Spirit dwells here, blessing and protecting this special place. This fact alone has given me great peace and comfort. What has encouraged and motivated me the most during this time is the love and commitment that our camp partners have for LaMoine Christian Service Camp. You truly get what we do. You understand the benefits of Christian camping and you embrace our mission and vision for this ministry. You also know that what you invest into this ministry today will result in years upon years of future Kingdom growth. You are at the core of what makes LaMoine a great camp.

The 2010-11 Fiscal Year was another year of remarkable blessing at LaMoine. In May, Matthew Churchill joined the camp staff as full-time Program Manager and moved into the camp residence with his wife, Sarah, and their newborn, Jada. Our summer camp programs saw us host a record number of 1,125 campers. While this number includes a youth rental to start and end our summer camp season, it does accurately reflect attendance in our calendar of summer youth events. Our summer camp programs produced a harvest of 74 decisions made for the Lord and nearly $6,000.00 given to missions. Breakdowns seemed to be the norm this year. We were forced to replace a septic tank and line, a pump and other parts for our swimming pool, as well as a golf cart. Despite these unexpected expenses, budgeted income exceeded budgeted expenses by nearly $25,000.00.  A tractor fund was started and is currently nearly fully funded. We also ended this fiscal year with more than $48,000.00 in our capital improvement fund designated toward cabin and bath renovations. I thank God and I thank you for another year of blessing at LaMoine.

While the past boasts many years of blessings and successes, we should be most excited about the next 5, 10, and even 25 years. For the new fiscal year, we have set a budget of $332,000.00. The increase of this budget over last year’s budget is the inclusion of a full year’s salary for our Program Manager and a full year’s housing allowance for the Director. It is encouraging to know that this is a budget that we could have met even this year. I ask that all our camp partners prayerfully consider how God might use them to help our camp meet or even exceed this budget.

Together, we have laid the groundwork for continued growth at LaMoine. We have eliminated our debt and have made a commitment to remain debt free. We have added staff to better adapt to the changing trends in Christian camping. We have a plan to modernize facilities which will result in greater ministry opportunities. We have established lasting relationships with groups outside our area to supplement our program offerings. Our base of supporting churches and individuals are more committed to our mission than ever, and we have every reason to believe that God will move us forward in accordance with His will. What a fantastic time to be a part of this ministry. Thank you so much for being a highly valued LaMoine Christian Service Camp “visionary” partner.

Serving Our Savior Together,
             Doug
Doug Hamer/Director

The largemouth bass measured at 24 inches and 6.4 lbs. This is the largest fish caught at LaMoine Christian Camp’s pond on record beating the previous record held by Camp Director, Doug Hamer. Doug’s bass measured 21 inches and 5.5 lbs. caught on April 26, 2009.

“This is the biggest fish that I can remember ever catching. It was a lot of fun,” states Matthew as he sits in his office smiling while recalling the excitement of catching such a large fish. “I had thought about keeping it and getting it mounted,” explains Churchill. However, he decided to put it back. When asked about why he decided to not keep the fish, Matthew simply stated, “I want to give other people the opportunity to have an enjoyable experience like I had.” Maybe you can catch the monster bass on your next outing at LaMoine.

View PDF Flyer with more info.

He took a little child and had him stand among them. Taking him in his arms, he said to them, “Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me but the one who sent me.”  Mark 9: 36 & 37

When I read this scripture, I can’t help but think of our work at the camp. Isn’t that what we do every summer? Welcome children in the name of Jesus? What a privilege and a joy to know that as we welcome the kids to the camp this summer, we will be welcoming God as well.

Just before these verses, Jesus shares another important teaching with his disciples. “If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last, and the servant of all.” This verse too captures what all of us who love LaMoine Christian Camp are committed to; being a servant of God to others.

The next few months are very important for us as we prepare the camp for the summer activities and commit ourselves to fulfilling various camp related responsibilities. On March 10th, we will hold our Summer Camp Kick-off meeting at the camp and the churches will receive all the information they need to promote camp and register their kids. Churches will also receive their spring cleaning projects, food barrel items, and kitchen help schedule. Please keep in close touch with your home church as to how you might serve the camp during this time and “Thank you” in advance for all you do for the ministry of LaMoine Christian Camp. We need you very much!

It is an exciting time of year as all the plans start coming together for the fast approaching camp season. We are so grateful that you are a part of the camp team. Thank you so much for your financial gift and your continual prayers!

Serving Our Savior Together,
 Doug
Doug Hamer/Director

Money for Phase 2 (New Bathroom/Storm Shelters) given to date - $54,723.64
Money for Phase 2 (New Bathroom/Storm Shelters) on hand - $45,723.64

Upcoming Events
March 10th – Summer Camp Kick-off Meeting at the Camp (7:00 pm., desert to be served)
March 14th - South Area Men’s Fellowship/Augusta Christian Church, Augusta, IL
March 18th-20th – Women’s Scrapbook Retreat at the Camp
March 21st - East Area Fellowship/Central Christian Church, Browning, IL
March 28th – North Area Men’s Fellowship/Roseville Christian Church, Roseville, IL

“What are you thankful for?” I’m thankful for ‘HEAVEN’.

Heaven is my true home. Heaven is a wonderfully glorious place. Heaven is a certain hope. The scriptures tell us that we are “strangers” and “aliens” in this world. As Christians our citizenship is in Heaven. Not a place where we will drift around on clouds playing the harp year after year, but a perfect place that will exceed our every dream. A place we will not want to miss! And if God has promised us this eternal home, a wonderfully glorious place, you can trust that He will deliver on that promise. After all, God has a 100% record of faithfulness in delivering on His promises.

During the Thanksgiving season let’s remember to be thankful for Heaven. And may our thankful hearts give us a healthy perspective in this life. One that is not distracted by the worries of the world, but a perspective that focuses our attention and energies on eternal things; Knowing God, Loving others, and sharing the gospel message of God’s grace with those who are lost.

“Fifty years from now it will not matter what kind of car you drove, what kind of house you lived in, how much you had in your bank account, or what your clothes looked like. But the world may be a little better because you were important in the life of a child.”
                                             Anonymous

The Staff and Board of LaMoine Christian Service Camp want you to know how thankful we are for your prayers, your sacrificial giving, and your commitment to the mission of this camp.

Homeward Bound,
 
Doug Hamer/Director