Wisconsin Spring is Fickle, but finding Wonder in Nature is NOT! | | |
What does March mean in Wisconsin?
Meteorologists might tell us that it has been spring since March 1! We have experienced some brief touches of mild weather, and we have heard the return of the Sand Hill Cranes, the honk of Canada Geese flying overhead, the Robins are back, and the morning bird songs in our back yards contain some new voices. Those experiences help build excitement to the coming of real spring.
We have also seen the fickle side of March in Wisconsin including continued sub-freezing mornings and at least two measurable snowstorms, one of which required us to cancel an important face-to-face meeting! Other March notables include the ‘spring forward’ of our clocks into daylight saving time (not fun) and with Ash Wednesday the entry into the season of Lent. All these are concrete and real signs that spring, although fickle in Wisconsin, is on the way.
March means spring break for Wisconsin school districts.
I wish families whether traveling, or staying at home, a safe and restorative spring break. For parents, perhaps this week off from normal routine, is a reminder to consider how you will spend the upcoming summer. After a week of kiddos out of school, you might be ready to consider how summer camp opportunities might benefit you this summer. Registration is open for all 2025 UCCI events and our staff at all three sites are available to help with the registration process if needed. As a reminder, we have a grant funded 5% early bird discount available for all Camp Daycholah (youth camp) events through the end of April.
But wait, that’s not all! You don’t need to wait until summer to ‘ignite wonder in nature’ at one of our sites. We have clergy respite opportunities available and there are spring events at each of our sites that afford transformational experiences in the next three months. Finding wonder in nature is never fickle!
2025 will be a pivotal year for UCCI. We have a realistic budget that will put UCCI in the black at year end. That budget relies on strong participation at our sites, effective control of spending, and hitting of our development fundraising goals. That said, our near-term financial focus is working toward UCCI paying off our WI Foundation COVID loans while retaining cash reserves from the sale of Daycholah Center to the WI Conference UCC within the next few years.
With the ongoing support of the WI Conference (our long-standing strongest ally and source of financial) and all of YOU, that is a vision that seemed impossible not too long ago. For me, that is truly finding Wonder in Nature!
I hope to see you all soon!
With blessings,
Jim
executivedirector@ucci.org
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Spring Migration Weekend
May 2 - 4, 2025
Usher in spring in the Northwoods with the flowering trees, migrating birds, and more signs of the changing seasons at Moon Beach’s Spring Migration and Maple Retreat! This adult retreat will include time for birding on- and off-site, a tour of a Northwoods sugar bush, worship, community activities, and more! You don’t want to miss this”sweet tweet” retreat! Cost $270
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May 12 - 16, 2025
Skilled laborers of all specialties are invited to join us for an intense week of improvements around camp! Anyone with the skills and love for construction, painting, sewing, landscaping, etc. is welcome to participate in a week of rejuvenation for our beloved site! Ages 18+
There is no cost for volunteers lodging, meals, and amenities. You will have an option to cover some or all of the hospitality costs as a donation during registration.
| |  | Moon Beach Spring Work Weekend | |
May 16 - 18, 2025
Moon Beach relies on volunteers throughout the year to keep our sanctuary functional and beautiful! If you love this place, enjoy creating community around shared goals, and have wanted to see what happens “behind the scenes” at Moon Beach, this event is for you!
There is no cost for volunteers lodging, meals, and amenities. You will have an option to cover some or all of the hospitality costs as a donation during registration.
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Stitch in Time 1
May 2 - 5, 2025
Calling all quilters and other crafters! Pamper yourself with undisturbed time in the beauty of God’s creation – walk in the woods, relax by a fire, walk the outdoor labyrinth, or even visit a local quilt shop or craft store. You can exercise your creative spirit with others in a creative community. Choose to leave on Sunday or stay until Monday.
4-Day Weekend, Fri-Mon. $420 3-Day Weekend, Sunday departure $310
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Daycholah Center Spring Work Weekend
May 16 - 18, 2025
Daycholah Center has a proud tradition of inviting friends to help steward this sanctuary. Join us for a reimagined “work weekend,” where we’ll tackle meaningful projects, share delicious meals, and enjoy uplifting fellowship. Together, we’ll accomplish set goals and celebrate the joy of giving back in this special place.
Adults and ages 12+ with an adult. Volunteer events have no fees. During registration, you will have an opportunity to donate to cover some or all of the hospitality costs.
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Join us this summer at Camp Daycholah!
Camp Daycholah offers five weeks of exciting summer camp programming, with a variety of features designed for campers of all ages. For 2025, we will introduce weekly themes tailored to different age groups, with engaging activities that challenge and inspire. We are also offering flexible 2- or 3-day sessions, perfect for first-time campers and families with busy schedules. Additionally, we have expanded our financial assistance options to make camp more accessible to all families.
For those looking to spend quality time together, our Fourth of July Family Camp provides a unique opportunity for families to bond. We’re also excited to offer & Me sessions, which are designed for multigenerational campers, allowing families to create lasting memories across generations. Join us at Camp Daycholah for a summer of adventure, learning, and fun!
| | Basket Weaving – Williamsburg Easter Basket with Terri Feutz | |
March 15, 2025 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Cedar Valley is excited to welcome Terri Feutz. Terri is an exceptional basket weaver with years of teaching experience. In this workshop, you will learn the basics while adding details to the weaving process to create a one-of-a-kind traditional Williamsburg Easter basket.
A Williamsburg Easter basket is a classic, bowl-shaped basket with a rounded handle, measuring approximately 12 inches in diameter and 13 inches tall at the handle. It features a stop-and-start weaving technique, ideal for Easter celebrations or as a decorative home accent. By the end of the class, you will have a finished basket to bring home. All materials are provided. Lunch included. Cost $75
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Icon Painting - Mary as the Enclosed Garden with Katherine de Shazer
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March 28 - 30, 2025
Join Katherine de Shazer an Iconographer specializing in egg tempera, gold leaf, and natural pigments on natural gesso boards. For Katherine’s 2025 workshop at Cedar Valley, each student will compose their own garden as part of their personal icon image of Mary. This workshop focuses on the unique technique of icon painting and is a learning experience you will remember. All supplies and lunch are included.
Commuter and overnight options are available.
Cost: $265 commuter, $535 overnight.
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The Hundred-Acre Haven apartment at Cedar Valley is a private three-bedroom, two-full-bath living space on the lower level of the main lodge at Cedar Valley Retreat Center.
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Welcome to The Log House, a charming piece of living history nestled in a serene setting with breathtaking views! According to township records, this historic log house, estimated to have been built in 1873, offers a unique blend of authenticity and modern comfort.
Learn more >
Book the Log House on Airbnb
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UCCI Mission Statement
We will love God, All Others, and the Earth by providing sanctuary, practicing hospitality, and performing ministry.
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Land Acknowledgment
UCCI’s campuses, Cedar Valley, Daycholah Center, and Moon Beach are located on the ancestral homelands of the Ho-Chunk, Menominee, and Ojibwa Nations. We acknowledge these First Nations communities who have stewarded this land throughout the generations and pay respect to their elders past and present.
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