ELCA Neighborhood Camp
Emmaus After School for Youth

After School for Youth
Christmas Musical Dec. 20
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EASY Kids Go Global

During the month of February, the Emmaus After School for Youth (EASY) kids have been learning about the Olympics and asking, “Where in the world is…?” They have located each of the countries that are participating and are connecting the countries to their continents.

They have identified the various events of the winter Olympics and have watched some of the winning contests on the computer. They have also watched some of the training clips and have come to realize that to become an Olympian requires perseverance and sacrifice.

Find more pictures of our kids at our Flickr site.

Kids Collect Pennies for Haiti

EASY and Wednesday Night kids continue to collect pennies to “Help Haiti.” This special offering will continue throughout the season of Lent. The kids are getting updates on what is happening in Haiti. The Ash Wednesday offer-ing will go towards this project. Look for the special Help Haiti container during worship.

Neighborhood Camp Dates Announced

Following a preliminary planning meeting for next summer’s Neighborhood Camps, the dates for the Emmaus camp have been set for June 21 through July 29.

The five weeks of camp will operate from Monday through Thursday each week, with the exception of the week of July 5. More details will be available in the April Visitor.

Neighborhood Campers Present Closing Program July 23

On the last day of Emmaus Neighborhood Camp, the sanctuary was alive with the sound of campers, their families and friends. They made their upbeat entrance to a cadence march, “We are campers, mighty, mighty campers,” created by camp volunteer Jose Zuniga. Several campers exhibited their talent by marching on stilts. Campers and parents expressed their appreciation to a devoted and hard working staff.

Several skits highlighted the evening. The younger kids sang some of their favorites, including The Hippo Song. Zacchaeus made a quick appearance in a tree. Liz’s group presented a version of Three Billy Goats Gruff. Andrea Mares really got into her role as the Troll! The Clown troupe told everyone to “Fully Rely on God.”

Presentations: Midge Green from Barnes & Noble made her annual appearance at the program to hand out reward books to many of the campers who had read eight books over the camp season. Katie Maranger was given recognition for earning four books.

Special awards were given to Anthony Medina, who assisted Nancy in taking pictures, and to Sam Maldonado who became the end of the day snack dish-washer.

The evening concluded with the entire camp surrounding the audience as they sang “We Are One.” The campers raised signs high over their heads as countries from around the world were named. The chorus: “One, we are one, we are one in a world of difference; One, we are one, we are one in a world of love,” was repeated throughout.

The grand finale was an all camp rendition of “Pharaoh, Pharaoh.” The campers’ enthusiasm brought tears to many an eye.

Campers and Staff Thank Emmaus

Neighborhood Camp at Emmaus is as good as the support it gets from you the people of the congregation. You are awesome! Over and over again it was said, "Wow, what appetites the campers have!" And that is most certainly true. Nancy Smith went to the counter one day to get some lunch, and it was gone! Someone may even have been heard to say, "That’s what you get for being late!"

The breakfast crew was supported by Missy Porcaro, Marge Zielke, Kathy Denneau and Denise Keller. The lunch bunch was headed up by Celia Bagley and Co. There were so many helpers who served over 65 meals a day. And then there are all the folks who contributed time and goodies by baking cookies and brownies and preparing all kinds of gelatin. Thanks too to those who contributed snacks. The campers and staff were very appreciative of all you did. It seemed like someone was working in the kitchen most of the day. What a family! What a team! Thanks Miquel for making sure our dishes were sparkling!

Special thanks to: Dennis Eschmann heard Nancy Smith’s plea and made three pairs of stilts. The campers spent a lot of time honing their stilt skills by wandering around the field. Mark Falaschi created unique game boards out of wood and masonite board. The campers now can play a new game called Five in a Row by using golf tees. Paul Velasquez accompanied Neighborhood Camp on our fishing excursion. It was no small task to outfit over thirty rods, repair tangled lines and bait hooks. The campers had a wonderful time as most everyone caught a fish.

St. Monica's Enjoyed Neighborhood Campers' Visit

Dear Nancy:

To you, the camp counselors and the campers, thank you once again for making our summer perfect. The residents have come to think of your visit as a summertime event. We hope you don’t mind!

We find the campers very sweet and so enjoy their energy and enthusiasm. We all know a child’s smile lights up a room, so you can imagine how we feel when all the campers visit us. We are glowing with happiness. We were also impressed with the counselors who interacted with and guided the campers. Great job!

The variety of the day’s events, the games, the songs, the skits, and the positive interaction between the campers and seniors added up to a day of blessings.

We are very grateful for your friendship, and are thankful to be able to experience the ministry of the Emmaus congregation through the Neighborhood Camp program.

Thank you again for the summertime treat! We look forward to seeing you next July.

Sincerely,
Barbara A. Schoeffel
Director of Activities

Children's Hospital Thanks Neighborhood Campers

by Linda Schieble,
Director, Special Events, Children's Hospital

Dear Nancy:

The smiles of the faces of kids when they start feeling better. The relief on the faces of parents when their child turns the corner on a serious illness. These are some of the rewards that those of us who work at Milwaukee Children's Hospital receive every day. For you, please accept our thanks on their behalf for the part you played in creating these wonders.

Thank you for choosing to involve the children of Emmaus Neighborhood Camp through the donation of $345.66 collected during the five-week camp session benefiting Milwaukee Children's Hospital because this kind of support is what makes this all happen. The patient care, education, advocacy and research that you help create bring smiles to more faces that you can ever know. The Milwaukee Children's Hospital Foundation is a 501(c)(3) public charity.

Best wishes,
Linda Schieble

Ed. Note: The kids of Emmaus Neighborhood Camp presented a check for $345 to David Matson, a former camper who has had several surgeries at the hospital.

See more photos from Neighborhood Camp on our Flickr page.

Pastor Walter as the prophet Isaiah: the serpent shall lie with the bunny.

Check out photos of this year's Wednesday Camp activities here. Click here for Neighborhood Camp pictures from previous years.

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Emmaus Lutheran is an ELCA Church