2025januarycurrent

CAMP ING

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announces draining of Little Grassy Lake

Surveying 2024 summer campers, WE LEARNED: WHY CAMP? 97% 95%

Connecting People, Nature, and Christ. OUR MISSION IS

1 Methodist Camp Road Makanda, IL 62958 Office Phone: 618.457.6030 Email: littlegrassy@igrc.org www.littlegrassycamp.org

MAKANDA – The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced Dec. 5 that it will completely drain Little Grassy Lake, beginning in December 2024. The agency cited results of massive flooding, erosion and deterioration due to climate change as reasons for draining the lake in order to make repairs to the Crab Orchard Lake Dame which already has compromised gates. The decision aims to minimize pressure on the Little Grassy Lake spillway and avoid its failure which would “set off a cascade of infrastructure failures,” resulting in the loss of life and property in downstream Carbondale and closer, neighboring communities.. “The safety of our visitors, staff and of our neighbors is our top priority at Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge,” said a press release issue by Fish and Wildlife announcing the decision. “We have reevaluated our existing infrastructure management planning and will be completely draining the Little Grassy Lake starting this month.” “These proactive measures aim to keep everyone as safe as possible given our concerns with the current condition of the refuge’s aging infrastructure,” said Deb Beck, Infrastructure Management Division Midwest Region, National Wildlife Refuge System. In addition, the refuge has been in the early stages of what is expected to be a two-year process to evaluate and rehabilitate the Little Grassy Lake Dam and Spillway. This is in coordination with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers St. Louis District through the formal Little Grassy Lake Dam Modification Study, which began on September 10, 2024. This project will continue under this new dewatered management strategy, given the heightened risk and public safety concerns. Draining the lake during the dam remediation process will help to address concerns about the current condition of a compromised service spillway, should it be activated by extreme weather events. Reducing the water level proactively will lessen the likelihood for a dam failure until repairs can be designed and completed to the structure. The announcement from the conference was made Dec. 9 in response to the USFWS plans for the Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge. “The summer of 2025 looks to be a memorable year at Little Grassy Camp and Retreat Center,” said the Rev. Nancy Lane, IGRC Coordnator of Camping and Retreat Ministries. “Brochures highlighting camp offerings and registration details for families, and children entering first through 12th grade will arrive in homes and churches by mid-January. While the draining of Lake Little Grassy will bring temporary change, the Little Grassy staff is excited to explore and offer a front row seat to the anticipated ecosystem changes in our environmental education offerings. Whether one arrives as a summer camper, or as a year- round guest who joins us for a retreat, hobby or interest group get-a- way, a family reunion, or in your own RV, we’re confident that Little Grassy Camp and Retreat Center will continue to be a place to connect with people, nature, and Christ in 2025.” Little Grassy Camp is operated by the Commission on Camping & Retreat Ministries of the Illinois Great Rivers Conference of

Little Grassy Lake Campground and Marina has announced it will close at the end of 2024, following the decision. After 60 years of operation, including 15 years under our management through a concessionaire contract, the closure marks the end of an era. Despite the current dam assessment and water levels being kept 4 feet below pool level, the lake remains accessible for boating, fishing, swimming, and paddling. However, the Army Corps of Engineers indicates that water levels may stay low for a few more years, with deeper drawdowns expected for dam modifications. The Little Grassy Lake Dam and Spillway structure on the refuge has aged beyond its engineered design life. Constructed in 1942, the dam is currently operating under an emergency action plan due to issues discovered in the spillway as part of a recent inspection. Encompassing 1,000 acres, Little Grassy Lake is one of three reservoirs with high hazard dams within the refuge that need repair. All three reservoirs are vital to fish and wildlife, outdoor recreation and the socioeconomic vitality of the region. In addition to completely draining the impounded lake, the outlet works gate is planned to be left open in the interim. This will allow all in-flowing water to pass at safer levels without a new build-up of water. USFWS will continue to provide visitors, concessionaires and the local community updates as the drawdown progresses over the winter months. Updates will be posted at: https://www.fws. gov/refuge/crab-orchard The public may also contact the refuge headquarters for additional information at (618) 997-3344, or email the team at craborchard@fws.gov . You can also write with questions: Refuge Manager, 8588 Route 148, Marion, Il 62959. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service works with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. For more information, visit www.fws.gov . The United Methodist Church. The Commission will be meeting and reviewing the impact of the draining of Little Grassy Lake on camp operations and developing a longer-range plan. If you have questions, please reach out to Rev. Lane at nlane@igrc.org . Little Grassy Camp is located on the shores of Little Grassy Lake, which is part of the Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge. The draining of Little Grassy Lake is part of a longer-term plan to repair the dam that created Little Grassy Lake. At this time, it’s not clear how long the lake will be drained, but it is clear that swimming, boating, and waterfront camping experiences will be significantly impacted for several seasons. You can learn more about changes to our retreat and camp experiences at www. littlegrassycamp.org . Little Grassy Camp will continue to offer the beauty of its hill-top sites as places of retreat, reflection, and recreation. Our year- round facilities include Masada Retreat Center with motel-style rooms for up to 46 people, Mt. Tabor Lodge with a capacity of 40 people, and Cedar Lodge full-service dining facility. Planning is easy with Little Grassy. Retreats can include everything your group needs to have a successful ministry event; lodging, meeting space, dining, and recreation. Let us know what you are looking for, and we will get back to you with availability and rates for your event. To book a retreat, please get in touch with the camp office at (618) 457-6030 or littlegrassy@igrc.org .

learned more about God

were strengthened in their faith while at camp

At Durley Camp - 1391 Woburn Rd, Greenville, IL 62246 Office Phone: 309.365.7531 Email: camping@igrc.org www.igrc.org/camping

97%

SUMMER CAMPS 2025 SCHEDULE

grew in self-confidence while at camp

had fun & tried something new at camp

73% Attend their home church several times a month. We believe church camp will help grow campers into leaders that will someday lead your local church as a lay person or even as the pastor.

24248 Ron Smith Memorial Highway Hudson, IL 61748 Office Phone: 309.365.7531 Email: eastbay@igrc.org www.eastbaycamp.org

Located at Durley Camp and Retreat Center near Greenville, IL on the beautiful shores of Governor Bond Lake. Date Camp Name Cost Grades Fledgling Camp Jul 18-20 $175 1-5 Worship, connection, faith development, exciting new activities, worship led by Harvest Ministry! Contact Sandra Summar (217.621.4336) Lenny Summar (217.678.5227) Dynamic speakers, breathtaking lake views, zip-lining, gaga, swimming, canoeing, volleyball, and more! Contact Deborah Riddle (618.562.4429) Amy Ellis (618.267.6875) Journey Camp Jul 14-18 $295 6-13

Full Descriptions at www.eastbaycamp.org

Campfire Tales Family Camp Camp Name

Date

Cost $125 (Adult) $50 (3-17) FREE (0-3)

Grades All

Apr 25-27

Kickoff to Summer Catch the Spirit LEAD Camp BEACON Youth Camp Elevate Baby Fold Pathfinders Super Soaked Altitude Basecamp Wild Adventurer S’more Family Camp

Jun 4-7 Jun 8-13 Jun 8-20 Jul 6-11 Jul 6-11 Jul 12-18 Jul 13-18 Jul 20-25 Jul 20-25

$525 $510 $1,075

1-8 7-12 11-12

CAMP & RETREAT MINISTRIES Illinois Great Rivers Conference

$435 $875 $510 $785 $785 $875 $785 $785 $125 (Adult) $50 (3-17) FREE (0-3)

6-12 9-12 9-13

3-5 4-6 6-8 3-5 6-8 All

Full Descriptions at www.littlegrassycamp.org

Camp Name

Date

Cost $600 $630 $600 $600 $570 $600 Adults $150 3-17 $75 0-3 Free $525 $800 $600 $600 $375 $600 Adults $150 3-17 $75 0-3 Free $630

Grades 4-6 4-6 7-10 10-12 7-13 4-6 All

JOIN THE FUN & REGISTER

Jul 27-Aug 1 Jul 27-Aug 1 Aug 1-3

Arts Camp Camp Rocks Uplifted CIT AIR Voyagers Adventure for the Family

Jun 8-13 Jun 8-13 Jun 8-13 Jun 8-13

CAMPING AT LITTLE GRASSY ON FOR 2025 MAKANDA – Despite a Dec. 5 announcement that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will completely drain Little Grassy Lake, beginning in December 2024, Little Grassy Camp will continue to operate, host retreat groups and plan for youth and children’s church camps in 2025.

Jun 15-20 Jun 15-20 Jun 29-Jul 2

HERE igrc.campbrainregistration.com

Create lasting memories for your camper, whether they attend by the day or week. Trained staff will engage campers in all things camp: singing, worship, environmental education, boating/swimming, art, games, and themed activities to create a memorable summer that builds life skills and self-confidence. EAST BAY DAY CAMP

EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT

Receive $25 off your overnight camp fee at East Bay or Little Grassy by completing your registration and paying your $50 deposit by March 15, 2025. Payment plans are available and may be coordinated by calling the camping ministry office at 309-365-7531. You are encouraged to check with your local church to see if they have funds available to help you attend summer camp. Another option is to complete an application for scholarship assistance www.igrc.org/camp-scholarship. Requests are due no later than May 1, 2025. SCHOLARSHIP OPTIONS

Arts Camp: Extreme Creativity Ranch Camp Trailblazers Fueled Discovery Night Camp My Shepherd & Me

Jun 29-Jul 3 Jun 29-Jul3

7-10 4-6 4-6 7-12 1-3 7-10 All

Jul 6-11 Jul 6-11 Jul 13-16 Jul 13-18 Jul 17-20

Grades: Rising K- 7 Hours: 7:30 am – 5:30 pm Price: $240 per week ($55/day); camp lunch included

Jul 7–11 Jul 14–18 Jul 21–25 Jul 28–Aug 1 Aug 4–8

Summer Launch Creation Station Wheels Week Outdoor Adventure Holiday Week ($165)

Water Blast STEM Art Explosion Camp Olympics Celebrate Summer

Jun 2-6 Jun 9-13

Jun 16-20 Jun 23-27 Jun 30- Jul 2

Camp Rocks: Climbing Higher

Jul 20-25

7-10

Connecting People, Nature, and Christ.

Feel confident and safe at IGRC camps

6 | JANUARY 2025 | THE CURRENT

THE CURRENT | JANUARY 2025 | 7