Matthew Lucio with AI*
ILC Assistant to the President for Communication
Mission Akita is a semi-annual opportunity where people from all across the conference come together to volunteer and help maintain Camp Akita. For many, Camp Akita has been a site of countless memories and life-changing experiences, making Mission Akita more than just a service project; it’s a chance to give back to a place that has poured so much into its visitors.
During Mission Akita weekends, volunteers tackle essential projects, from clearing brush and reorganizing spaces to rebuilding decks and enhancing worship areas. Each of these tasks helps preserve and nurture the grounds and facilities, ensuring that Camp Akita remains a welcoming space for our campers, Pathfinders, and church groups that visit the camp.
This Fall, the 22 volunteers built a new deck behind Cedar cabin, replaced the stairs on the back deck of the lodge, and cleared debris after several storms hit the camp. The team also reorganized a storage room.
Urgent Projects for 2025
The upcoming year brings a list of essential projects that need attention at Camp Akita, including:
Completing the Firebowl: Adding benches and lighting to this outdoor worship area.
Deck Renovations: Rebuilding the third-floor decks on the Oak and Cedar cabins.
Bathhouse Makeover: Updating and refreshing the bathhouse facilities.
Zipline and Dock Upgrades: Improving the landing for the zipline and the dock for the blob.
Tree Cleanup: Clearing fallen trees and brush around the camp.
These projects will help Camp Akita remain beautiful and safe for all who visit in 2025.
More than Trees and Dirt
Camp Akita is much more than a patch of woods and trails and lakes; it’s the page on which God writes new stories into peoples' lives each year. As a place of retreat, renewal, and growth, it offers everyone a sacred space where people meet Jesus. For kids especially, it’s a place to build friendships, deepen their faith, and encounter the love of Jesus in a personal way. From the powerful messages shared during camp meetings to the bonds forged in the cabins during summer camp, Camp Akita unites people in worship, fellowship, and service.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Camp Akita
Exciting things are on the horizon for Camp Akita. Recruiting for the 2025 summer camp season begins soon, with applications opening on December 16th. The team is looking for young adults, 18 and older, who are passionate about Jesus and eager to share that love with campers from all backgrounds.
In 2025, Camp Akita will celebrate a special milestone: 25 years of camp ministry. Plans are underway for an incredible "homecoming" event scheduled for June 5-8, 2025. This weekend will include service projects to kick off the summer, a Friends of Akita reunion, and ample time for fellowship and fun. You won't want to miss it!
Conclusion
Mission Akita is a unique opportunity to come together as a community, giving back to the camp that has given so much to countless lives. If you love Camp Akita, consider joining the Mission Akita family—and roll up your sleeves for a weekend of work.
The next Mission Akita will be in spring, 2025.
Please send any news items of what God is doing around the Illinois Conference to communication@ilcsda.org.
*ILC AI POLICY (DEVELOPING)
The Illinois Conference of Seventh-day Adventists are committed to using AI technology responsibly and ethically.