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Camp CILCA History Fifty Years of Outdoor MinistryOrganized camping in the Central Illinois District of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod originated under the leadership of the Walther League during the 1920’s. The Jr. and Sr. Walther Leagues rented various facilities for weekly periods until the late 1940’s. No facilities were available in 1947, camp was held at Camp Seymour in Decatur in 1948, and no facilities were available in 1949.The growth of camping was recognized at the 1944 district convention of the Walther League. A “camp committee” was formed to study the expansion of the camp program to better serve the needs of our District. At the 1945 convention the committee reported the possibility of the Walther League owning and operating a camp.The 1946 Walther League Convention empowered the camp committee to make provisions for a 1947 camp, and also to investigate the possibility of acquiring camp facilities of their own for future years.No camping facilities were available for 1947. The 1947 Walther League Convention passed a resolution enabling the League to establish a Lutheran Camp and promote it in the church at large.In the fall of 1947 Otto Krueger, a Walther Leaguer and heavy construction contractor from Springfield located a 180-acre tract of timberland north of the Sangamon River opposite the town of Salsbury. He called together Walther Leaguers Arthur Woelfle, Alice Greive, Harold M. Olsen, Erwin Meierhans, Gerald Starck, and Rev. Lester Kuker and took them on a hike around the property. On this hike Otto urged the purchase of the land to expand the Walther League camping program. Otto’s enthusiasm was infectious, and on March 10, 1948 representatives of the Walther League tentatively purchased the 180 acres of land for $35 an acre with an earnest deposit of $500.The Central Illinois District of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (CID) was enlisted to help with the project. The CID officers did not think that the Walther League was mature enough to operate the camp, and the district board did not want to enter into the camping business, so the Lutheran Laymen’s League (LLL) was enlisted to help with the project.The district conventions of the CID, LLL and Walther League endorsed the purchase and approved the proposed campsite. They also pledged their support for the solicitation of funds for the development of the campsite. Since the north boundary road separated 20 acres from the rest of the land, they approved the sale of these 20 acres after the final purchase was made.On January 3, 1949 its representatives Art Wolfle, Alice Greive, and Harold M. Olsen as trustees took title to the property in the name of the Walther League for $6,275.50. The separated 20 acres was sold for $900.In February 1949 an informal association of three representatives from each of the supporting organizations was formed. Planning and construction began. Otto Krueger was in charge of the site preparation and his brother Ed Krueger was the general contractor.It was planned to have a Walther League “Working Camp” in August of 1949, but the essential facilities could not be completed in time. The first facilities constructed were; roads, lake, kitchen and dining room, restrooms, and water supply. The polio epidemic and quarantine in the Springfield area also precluded having camping in 1949.In December 1949 Ed Krueger, the General Contractor presented a written statement of expenditures to the Board of Directors. During the year $34,800 had been spent, and the construction was not complete. It was obvious that funds needed to be raised through gifts and loans. A goal of $60,000 was set. By the end of June the promotions committee had acquired $23,500 in loans and $200 in donations. By November 1953 the Camp had an indebtedness of $41,052. Otto and Ed Krueger carried much of the indebtedness with personal loans from banks. Without the faith and dedication of these men the Camp might not be in existence today.The CID Board of Directors in February 1954 unanimously resolved, “that it is the considered opinion of the Board of Directors that the Camp Association should take immediate steps to sell Camp CILCA and pay off its obligations.” The Camp CILCA board of course did not sell the camp and by November 1963 had whittled the indebtedness down to $3,000. This took a lot of hard work and dedication on the part of these men and women who served on the Camp Board during those early years. (See the Appendix for names of these first board members.)The first camps held at Camp CILCA were two weeks from July 9 through July 23, 1950. In November 1949, Martin Wallner had been retained to be the Camp Manager. For these two weeks of camp the total receipts were $1,938.62, and the total expenditures $1,202.05 showing a net profit of $736.57 for the two weeks.After the 1950 camp, Martin Wallner was given a gift of appreciation of $736.57. For the 1951 camp year his salary for being Camp Manager was $20 per month for non-camping months, and $50 per month for camping months.The year 1951 had a camping season of three full weeks plus several weekend and party groups. The Camp Manager reported a net profit of approximately $3,200 for the year.The usage of Camp CILCA grew steadily. In 1955 the Camp Manager reported 10 full weeks of camping plus several weekends. This usage stayed level through the 1960 camping season, with an annual profit of approximately $5,000. Martin Wallner retired as Camp Manager at the end of the 1960 camping season. Art Spiegel was retained for 1961 and subsequent seasons through 1968.The Assembly Hall (Chapel) was built in the spring of 1956 at a cost of $7,782.80. The Assembly Hall was dedicated at a service of the boys and girls camp July 1,1956. Other additions made to the camp were a cooks cabin (1952), Trading Post (1952), tool shed and garage (1956), and baseball backstops (1957). In 1959 the value placed on the Camp was $150,000.In 1963 each of the owning organizations adopted the $40,000 Forward Program. The money was to be used to pay off the remaining $3,000 debt, acquire additional land, build a residence for a year round manager, increase the size of the lake, build a craft shelter and construct tennis courts. The Board of Directors felt that CILCA should be a Lutheran Center as well as a camp. Prior to 1964 the facilities had been contracted out to the using groups. This practice was discontinued so the facilities would be available to Lutherans throughout the summer months without exclusion during any period.In April 1964 the dam was washed out during a heavy rainstorm. It was immediately replaced by Walters Construction Company at a cost of $1,500 to permit water recreation in 1964. The Schalk crafts shelter was added and dedicated on June 18, 1964 in honor of Mrs. Harold Schalk, the camp’s long tenure crafts director.In April 1965, a 30-acre tract of land eastward of the camp was acquired from the Wells estate for $8,500, and was financed by a loan from an individual in the District. As a result of a generous gift of Mr. J.R. Davidsmeyer much maintenance of buildings, roads, and clearing of the bottomlands for the new lake was accomplished in 1965. Sleeping accommodations were improved through the gift of bunk beds from Concordia Seminary (Springfield) and the purchase of foam mattresses.In 1966 family camping was instituted for tents and trailers during the entire camping period. Cabin rental was permitted when no group camping was in progress. Counselor rest rooms and laundry facilities were constructed at a cost of $3,000. A new 300 g.p.m. well was also installed.Prior to 1966 publicity had been directed at summer youth camping. In April 1966, 35,000 information and family camping brochures were distributed to the congregations for inclusion in their newsletters or church bulletins.In 1965 extensive brush was removed, landscaping, and upgrading of facilities were accomplished. These included rewiring of all the buildings and installation of night-lights. This work was done with volunteer and donated labor.In 1967 the distribution system was installed from the new well. It included fire protection hydrants and hose sufficient to reach most buildings. Also in 1967, five members of the board visited Lutheran Camps in Iowa, Minnesota and Wisconsin to see their facilities and study their programs to create an on-going reference and information source.In September of 1967, Freesen Brothers Construction Company of Bluffs, Illinois, at a cost of $24,783.65, constructed a new permanent 10.5-acre lake. Technical assistance from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Soil Conservation Service was of great help in this long-planned project. Seeding of the dam was accomplished in the winter of 1967. Also the services of the State of Illinois fish biologist were utilized in determining the fish content and the stocking of bass, bluegill, and red ear.In 1967 the Walther League was dissolved and the Camp Board was reorganized to reflect the loss of this representation.In March of 1968, the levee holding back the Sangamon River broke near the well and flooded the entire area below the dam. Luckily there was no damage to the well. The neighboring farmer, Mr. Roy Rhodes with permission to use soil from Camp CILCA, repaired the levee.A call was extended to Tom Eggold in November of 1969. He accepted and took over the duties of full time Camp Director on January 1, 1970. The first camp newsletter, the Whippoorwill, was published in 1970.Camp usage grew steadily from its beginnings in 1950. In 1971 the camp was used continuously from April 16 through October 17. Over 850 youth and adults spent a week at Camp CILCA; there were over 40,000 camper days in 1971; 35 pastors and 32 teachers participated in at least one of Camp CILCA’s programs; over 21,000 meals were served; 46 groups held weekend retreats; 9 days of day camping were sponsored by the Springfield Aid for Retarded Children; over 150 families camped at CILCA; and 10 schools of the CID participated in outdoor education. Two other new programs were instituted, confirmation camp, and music camp.In April 1972 Mr. Arnold Wentzel and his wife Dorothea were retained as caretaker and cook respectively. A house trailer was moved onto the grounds, where the retreat center now stands, for them to live in temporarily while a residence was being built.During 1972 Camp CILCA added two new programs, cheerleading camp and athletic camp. In October 1972 the Camp CILCA board had a 24-hour retreat. The purpose of the retreat was to review the decisions that had been made in the past, and to do some long range planning. One idea that came out of this retreat was to change the name of the camp to “CILCA Retreat Center”. The name was never changed, but the retreat center was eventually built.A “Camp Fund Drive” was started in 1972. By February 1973, $14,200 in cash was donated, and $29,000 in pledges was received.In July of 1972 a contract was entered into with Albert Bros, for construction of the Caretakers residence at a cost of approximately $30,000. The building was for the multiple uses of living quarters, reception area, and meeting room.During 1972 Eldor Kaiser left the CID as Sec. of Education and Youth. The Youth portion of this position fell on the shoulders of Tom Eggold. This required one-third of his time, which left two-thirds for camp CILCA. The Camp board recognized the close harmony of these positions, and went along with the arrangement. Arnold Wentzel’s title was upgraded to Resident Manager.In July of 1973 Tom Eggold requested a peaceful release to accept a call to be Principal and Director of Youth at Concordia Lutheran School in Springfield. Arnold Wentzel continued as Resident Manager until May 1975. In June 1975 Rev. Bruce Harrmann, a recent graduate of Concordia Seminary, Springfield was retained as Camp Director. During 1974, the picnic shelter with a concrete slab and roof was constructed.Rev. David Bueltmann accepted the call to be Camp Director, and was installed on July 2, 1978. His wife, Charlotte, was retained as head cook and remained so until 1990. A “new” pickup truck was purchased in 1978. This was the first new vehicle that was purchased by the camp. Also in 1978 the swimming dock was finally completed by the purchase of two sections.In May 1979, the annual Memorial Day pig roast was instituted. Over 300 people attended. In 2000 almost 500 attended, and over the last few years this has varied from 500 to 600 depending on the weather.The idea to have a winterized retreat center was probably started when the Camp CILCA board had their 24-hour retreat in October 1972. At the annual meeting held in January 1979 the long range planning committee recommended the construction of a building that could be utilized in any weather. The camp board decided that the construction could start when one third of the estimated construction cost were on hand. A building already existed on the proposed site. It was decided that this building could be utilized, and added on to. The contracting firm of Derald Sasse and Son from Vandalia volunteered to serve as general contractor with all work done at his cost. Derald Sasse designed the building with input from the camp director Dave Bueltmann. Construction was started on the building in April of 1980 and was built utilizing volunteer help wherever possible. The final cost was $43,000, and was ready for occupation in October. A CID church extension loan of $17,000 was taken out to pay for the construction.During 1980 approximately 7650 people used Camp CILCA; 6663 in organized groups; 500 family members bringing children; 487 others coming to fish, swim, or individually camp. This usage remained fairly constant throughout the 1980’s mainly because the maximum capacity of the camp had been reached.In August of 1984 Immanuel Lutheran Church, Athens, issued a call Rev. Bueltmann to be their Pastor. Rev. Bueltmann accepted the call in October, but requested that he also remain camp director. After meetings between Immanuel and the camp, it was decided that Rev. Bueltmann could serve in both capacities with the camp hiring a program director during the camping season. Steve Wiederkehr was retained to be Program Director during the 1985 season.In 1985 the camp director recognized that a motel type structure would facilitate the programs at Camp CILCA. The New Salem Lodge had gone out of business and the possibility of moving those buildings to the camp was considered. In July of 1986 it was decided that the moving and renovation of the lodge would be cost prohibitive. The camp director was asked to look into the possibility of constructing such a building at the camp. In September 1986 it was decided that building such a structure was feasible. In December 1986 a building committee was formed and the ground-breaking service for the “Christian Growth Center” was held on May 24, 1987. As with the Retreat Center, Derald Sasse was in charge of construction. Gale Krohe was in charge of heating and air conditioning. As much of the work as possible was accomplished with volunteer labor, but volunteer labor was not as plentiful as in 1980, and the final cost including furnishings was approximately $200,000 which was borrowed from the CID Church Extension Fund. In May of 1988 the indebtedness of the camp to this fund was $208,760.The dedication of the Christian Growth Center was held on May 29, 1988. Rev. David Bueltmann resigned as Camp Director in August 1990 and Rich Harkins, a former dishwasher and counselor, who had been a member of the camp board representing the CID, was called as the new director.With the addition of the Christian Growth Center in 1988, the camp has seen its usage increase dramatically. The summer program, with the additions of Kinderkamps and Horse camp, has seen an average of over 800 campers in the last eight years. The Christian Growth Center has become a very popular place for family reunions, both weekend and during the week. In 1998, a second fundraiser was established over the Labor Day weekend. The Chicken Dinner/Quilt Auction served 235 in its inaugural year and over 300 in 1999. The 3rd Annual Chicken Dinner/Quilt Auction will take place September 3, 2000 from noon to 3:30 p.m. Additions and changes over the last decade include ventilation fans, new mattresses and upgrading beds for all the cabins, a rebuilt outdoor chapel, several new garages and sheds, and new equipment for mowing and maintenance.In 1999, the camp Board of Directors formed a long range planning committee to determine the direction of the camp. It was decided that Camp CILCA (also known as Camp CILCA Outdoor Ministries), should investigate adding ministry programs designed for families. This committee will be bringing suggestions for the camp board to consider for expansion of its ministry.The camp has also been blessed over the last 50 years with some wonderful staff people. A wonderful God who wants to see this ministry flourish placed all the cooks, maintenance help, and counselors at camp. Thanks be to God for so many of these people who work “behind the scenes” to make sure that the Gospel of Jesus Christ can be shared with so many.Camp CILCA has been a true blessing to all who have been a part of it over the last 50 years. It has been through struggles and blessings that all ministries go through, but with the help of the Lord, the camp will be able to continue with its mission statement:“Camp CILCA exists to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ by teaching God’s Word, promoting Christian fellowship and fostering an appreciation of God’s Creation.”
APPENDIX Board of Directors 1949-1952 Arthur Woelfle President Rev. Lester Kuker Vice President Erwin Meierhans Treasurer Alice Greive Secretary Harold M. Olsen Registered Agent Otto Krueger Farm Manager and Engineer Gerald Starck Assistant Secretary Elmer Roos Richard Harms 1953 Arthur Woelfle President William Richter Vice President Erwin Meierhans Treasurer Alice Greive Secretary Harold M. Olsen Registered Agent Gerald Starck Assistant Secretary Otto Krueger Farm Manager and Engineer Richard Harms Rev. Lester Kuker 1954 Arthur Woelfle President William Richter Vice President Erwin Meierhans Treasurer Alice Greive Secretary Harold M. Olsen Registered Agent Gerald Starck Assistant Secretary Harold Zweifel Assistant Treasurer Otto Krueger Farm Manager and Engineer Rev. Lester Kuker Camp Managers and Directors Martin Wallner 1950-60 Arthur Spiegel 1960-68 Thomas Eggold 1970-73 Arnold Wentzel 1974-75 Bruce Harrmann 1975-76 Rev. David Bueltmann 1978-90 Richard Harkins 1990-Present |
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