What Happens at Camp the Rest of the Year? This is a common question around camp.

Earlier this month, a group gathered for the Women's Refresh Retreat. Their time together reminded us that Camp Onomia is more than a summer experience; it is a sacred space for growth, connection, and renewal all year long.

Since summer, your generosity and engagement have helped raise over $30,000 through the Annual Quilt Auction, welcome 3 new year-round staff, host groups ranging from youth groups to D&D players and ministry leader retreats, and start to plan exciting programs for Summer 2026. You’ve also revitalized the Amazon Wishlist to improve the Retreat Center showers and started the fund to upgrade the boiler system, ensuring that everyone who comes to camp experiences renewal and community. WOW!

This newsletter is full of more ways to stay connected: attend a retreat, share your gifts, invite a child or family to camp, or simply celebrate the sacred community you help create.

Thank you for being the heart of Camp Onomia, helping this sacred space flourish in every season.

Deacon Stephanie M. Engel

Executive Director, Camp Onomia

Installation of Executive Director

Sunday, December 14, 3:00 pm

You are warmly invited to Immanuel Lutheran Church, Princeton, MN, for a special worship service celebrating the installation of Deacon Stephanie as the Executive Director of Camp Onomia.

Offerings received during the service will support Onomia’s Campership Fund, ensuring that no camper is ever turned away due to financial need.

Mark Your Calendars for Upcoming Events

More Information and Registration

Men's Weekend Away

Nov. 14-16

Retreat to the shores of Lake Shakopee this fall for our annual Men's Weekend Away. Led by Jim Ollhoff, we'll be exploring a few of Jesus' parables. "Parables; Everyday Stories, Eternal Truths" will have us reflecting on the message the original listeners would have heard, and the truths we embody today.

Middle School Retreat

Save the Dates: Feb. 6–8, 2026

Middle schoolers, get ready for adventure, faith, and fun! Details coming soon, stay tuned for how to join the excitement.

Give to the Max Day

Nov. 20th

Early Giving Now - Nov. 19

Join us for one of the largest giving days across the state of Minnesota!

This year, your gifts will help:

Update the Retreat Center boiler and heating system
Add air conditioning to the summer dorms
Enhance heating in the Chapel

These improvements will make camp more comfortable and sustainable for guests and campers throughout the year.

Visit our Give MN Page

More Information and Registration

Summer Camp Registration opens!

December 1, 2025

Summer 2026 at Camp Onomia is shaping up to be one for the books! With three brand-new programs and exciting updates to returning favorites, there’s something for everyone to love.

From Day Camps and Youth Overnight adventures to Family Camp experiences, this summer is the perfect time to reconnect with creation, community, and faith.

Invite someone you know who could use a meaningful, safe, and joy-filled week at camp!

Three New Summer Programs

Adventure Camp

Grades: 5-8

Adventurers will hit the trails, paddle canoes, snooze under the stars in tents, and master the art of wilderness survival! Plus, they'll soak in classic Camp Onomia fun like worship and games galore.

Sprint Camp

Grades: 3-12

1/2 Week Program

Experience all the excitement of camp in just half a week at Sprint Camp. Perfect for trying out camp or fitting into a busy schedule! Enjoy games, activities, and new friendships in a fun-filled adventure.

Art Camp

Grades: 3-8

1/2 Week Program

Explore your creative side with activities like painting, photography, theatre, and music alongside classic camp fun. Make a joyful noise for the Lord while expressing your gifts and enjoying time in community.

Why Christian? Faith in Anxious Times

At this fall’s Women’s Refresh Retreat, participants explored how to care for themselves so they can build communities rooted in God’s love. Together, they practiced present listening, holy boundaries, and wonder, then put faith into action by creating anti-anxiety kits for next summer’s campers. Each kit will remind campers they are seen, supported, and loved by God.

Your generosity makes this kind of care possible creating spaces of healing and belonging for all.

Amazon Wishlist

We’re so grateful for the many generous gifts from our Amazon Wishlist this fall! Thanks to you, new shower heads, changing stations, and craft supplies are already making a difference for campers and guests. Every item—big or small—helps us create a welcoming, comfortable, and joy-filled space for all who come to Camp Onomia.

As we look toward the new year, we invite you to help us clear the list by December 31. Each gift purchased supports the ministry in a tangible way and reminds our community how deeply they are cared for.

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Since 1949, Camp Onomia has offered a life changing experience for all to encounter Christ through Creation and community.

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