February Greetings!
It may seem cliché to theme this message around love, but love is the cornerstone of the UCCI Mission Statement and central to the whole of outdoor ministry. A few months ago, many of our team members gathered in person at Daycholah Center for the rededication ceremony. We had a moment before things got underway to pray together. The prayer was earnest: "May we lead with love."
But what does leading with love look like in practice? What do we hold up as the definition of love? Take a moment to read The Message translation of 1 John 4 with me:
To Love, to Be Loved
17-18 God is love. When we take up permanent residence in a life of love, we live in God and God lives in us. This way, love has the run of the house, becomes at home and mature in us, so that we’re free of worry on Judgment Day—our standing in the world is identical with Christ’s. There is no room in love for fear. Well-formed love banishes fear. Since fear is crippling, a fearful life—fear of death, fear of judgment—is one not yet fully formed in love.
19 We, though, are going to love—love and be loved. First we were loved, now we love. He loved us first.
20-21 If anyone boasts, “I love God,” and goes right on hating his brother or sister, thinking nothing of it, he is a liar. If he won’t love the person he can see, how can he love the God he can’t see? The command we have from Christ is blunt: Loving God includes loving people. You’ve got to love both.
Love first, love as the motivator, love as the action (or inaction), is always front and center, guiding this ministry and team. I see a love that is alive and leading every day. It shows in our connection with these sacred places and our bond in this community. It is God made visible.
If you seek time away and a place where love has the run of the house, please accept the invitation to come. Moon Beach, Daycholah Center, and Cedar Valley are places where you are loved and belong.
Peace,
Glenn Svetnicka
Executive Director
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Scholarships
UCCI is committed to cost not being a barrier to participation.
Scholarships need your support!
If you love camp and the community created here, please consider sharing that love with someone less fortunate by donating to the Scholarship Fund. The need for financial help is at an all-time high. UCCI has received more applications and awarded more scholarships in the past year than ever before. Please consider a recurring donation to the Scholarship Fund – it will make a big difference for hundreds of guests this year.
Scholarships - did you know?
- Everyone is eligible: youth, families, and adults.
- The application is simple and we don't ask in-depth financial questions - if you have a need and say so, we believe you.
- UCCI often partners with congregations to cover program fees up to 100%.
- Some organizations and churches create special fundraisers with proceeds going to the UCCI Scholarship Fund. If that interests you, let us know and we'll help you get started.
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Meet Rev. Missy Miller
New Managing Director of Moon Beach
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Greetings!
My name is Missy Miller and I am the new Managing Director of Moon Beach. I was introduced to this sacred place over 25 years ago when I led my first retreat. I was hooked and knew I wanted to become a part of this exciting and vital ministry someday.
Just a little about me… I have directed confirmation and youth camps at UCCI facilities over the years. My children attended weeklong camps growing up and I have enjoyed many retreats that I have either participated in or led. My spouse and I also volunteered several years at Camp AweSum Family Camps.
Currently, I serve as Senior Minister at First Congregational Church-UCC, Wisconsin Rapids until I fully transition into my new role. I am an ordained minister and have served in ministry for over two decades. I am married to Reverend Timothy Miller (in fact, we got engaged on Vesper Point at Moon Beach just over six years ago). Together we share four adult humans and two grandchildren with one more on the way.
When I am not in the office or assisting guests, you will see me walking in nature with my spouse, kayaking, boating, or reading and meditating on the shoreline. I often have some kind of camera attached to me as I love photography (although a novice) and in case of rain, I enjoy an occasional binge on Netflix.
I am over the moon about this opportunity and look forward to serving and meeting you all! I am excited to share God’s love and provide safe sanctuary, world-class hospitality, and effective ministry in true UCCI style!
Hope to see you soon!
Missy
Rev. Missy Miller
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Registration is Open
2022 is going to be amazing! We have many new and exciting events planned and look forward to serving you. CLICK HERE for the program book and event listings online.
Covid-19 Policies
The top priority for United Church Camps, Inc. (UCCI) is the health and safety of all guests, volunteers, staff, and the community at large. Each of our outdoor ministry campuses–Cedar Valley, Daycholah Center, and Moon Beach–is working hard to protect our community from exposure to Covid-19.
Please make sure you have read and agree to our Covid-19 policy for 2022. All registered guests ages 5 and up will be required to submit proof of Covid-19 vaccination OR a negative test result from a test administered within the 24 hours before arrival. Age 2-4: will be required to submit a negative test result from a test administered within 24 hours before arrival. For children under age 2, we are asking and encouraging parents/guardians to complete a test, but we do not require it at this time. All guests over age 2 will need to wear a mask while indoors in communal spaces. More Covid-19 information and FAQs can be found on our website.
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First Call: Summer Staff and Volunteers
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The hospitality and event programs offered at UCCI sites depend on passionate and caring people who thrive in a growth environment. We hire summer staff to fill a variety of needs and positions.
Summer Support Staff at Moon Beach do a little bit of everything: programming, work in the kitchen, clean cabins, lifeguard, and have a ton of fun!

At Daycholah Center, we are seeking a Programs Manager, Camp Counselors, a Waterfront Director, and kitchen and housekeeping support staff.
Daycholah Center is also seeking licensed health care providers willing to cover one session of camp this summer.
Program volunteers at Daycholah Center, Camp AweSum, and Memory Camp are crucial to creating a special experience for our guests.
Learn more and apply today!
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Glamping Weekends at Moon Beach
New for 2022, Glamping is open on select weekends. Please call 715-479-8255 or email to make a reservation.
Open to all friends of UCCI, Glamping at Moon Beach includes microwaves and mini-fridges in our comfortable family-style cabins. We're excited to offer you a private place for personal sabbath or time with your family. Please note: Glamping does not include meals or kitchen access.
Intergenerational
The Full Moon March Family Weekend is one of limited programming so join our Moon Beach Family for a relaxing pace of Northwoods outdoor recreation, laughter around a crackling fire and a rejuvenating time away!
Adult
Usher in May in the Northwoods and see flowering trees, migrating birds and more signs of the changing seasons at Moon Beach's NEW "Spring Migration and Maple" Retreat! This adult retreat will include time for birding on and offsite, opportunities to tour a Northwoods sugar bush, worship, community activities and more!
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Join us for one class or the entire series.
2/27 Soups to Warm Your Soul
3/6 Easy Family Meals in 20 Minutes
3/13 The Home Chef's Secret Weapon - Potatoes!
3/20 Appetizers: Go Beyond the Usual Fare
3/27 Food Displays for the Home Gourmets
4/3 The Versatile Egg at Brunch
All generations are welcome to explore new ways of having fun while playing games. Old favorites like Uno and Monopoly can be played alongside games that are new to everyone at this event! We invite you to bring your favorite game to share, but you might just find a new favorite. Lunch is included.
To all alumni of the Green Lake Bible Institute, Pilgrim Camp, Pilgrim Center, and now Daycholah Center, come join us for our staff alumni weekend! Reconnect with old friends, make new ones, and recall what the night sky really looks like. We look forward to fun camp activities, eating great food, and spending time with the amazing people who have made Daycholah Center what it is today.
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Learn watercolor painting through demonstrations and ample painting time.
Experience firsthand the ancient Byzantine art of icon painting. You’ll be using egg tempera, natural pigments, and gold leaf on a natural gesso board. Students will learn the language of symbols and mystical theology in icons as a liturgical art.
Students will learn the same stained-glass techniques used by Louis Comfort Tiffany! Class size is kept small, so each student receives individual attention. No previous experience is required for this class.
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Like Camp AweSum at UCCI on Facebook!
Join this amazing community online! The Camp AweSum at UCCI is a fun place to find official news about Camp AweSum events.
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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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Follow UCCI on Social Media
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Fill your feed with joy and inspiration and Outdoor Ministry news! Check it out and join the fun! đź‘Ť
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Share this email with friends and family to spread the good word!
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United Church Camps Inc. | 800-683-UCCI
Cedar Valley: 262-629-9202 | 5349 County Road D West Bend, WI 53090
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