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May Day, May 1, is internationally recognized as a day to lift up voices in the struggle for labor rights. Born with John Wesley’s care for coal miners and oppressed workers, Unite…
Posted: April 22 2026 at 01:46 AM
Author: Rev. Rob Hamilton, chair of the Camp and Retreat Ministry Task Force
Campers at Camp Reyoldswood participating in archery. Photo provided by JOY camp.
The Northern Illinois Annual Conference will consider legislation this year to continue the work of the Bishop’s Camp and Retreat Ministry Task Force and provide a framework for discernment, feasibility, and transition planning for 2026-2027. At its heart, the legislation affirms Outdoor and Retreat Ministry as a vital part of the conference’s disciple-making mission and seeks a sustainable, mission-aligned future for that ministry.
Bishop Dan Schwerin launched the task force in August 2025 in response to longstanding challenges facing camp and retreat ministry. Since then, the task force has worked with Outdoor and Retreat Ministries Board, the Conference Board of Trustees, and the Annual Conference Shepherding Team to evaluate program realities, financial sustainability, governance structures, and long-term stewardship needs.
A key development came in February 2026, when for the first time the task force, ORMB, and the conference trustees reached shared alignment around a strategic direction toward a focused single-site comprehensive model. This does not represent a final decision about a location, nor does the legislation ask the Annual Conference to approve a specific site. Instead, it authorizes the next phase of feasibility work so that future decisions can be made carefully, transparently, and faithfully.
At Camp Reyoldswood hayrides through the property are an activity that is a favorite. Photo provided by JOY campÂ
The legislation also recognizes that camp planning timelines do not match the Annual Conference session calendar. Because preparation for the 2027 camp season must begin before the 2027 Annual Conference session, this proposal gives the task force and ACST authority to continue studies, develop recommendations, and take preliminary transition steps while remaining accountable to the conference.
Some may have heard questions about a recent Reynoldswood land sale. To be clear, this completed sale is a separate concern from the task force’s plan. With approval from ORMB, the Board of Trustees sold a small strip of land at Reynoldswood to the Dixon Rural Fire Department. The sale affects only a very small portion of the property, does not impact current ministry or future direction, and improves site security.
Annual Conference legislation will be available after May 14 here.