Home at Last! Homecoming 2025 Marks a New Era for Camp Akita
- Illinois Conference Communications
- Jun 12
- 5 min read
Matthew Lucio
ILC Assistant to the President for Communication
“We Are Home.” That was the theme echoing throughout Homecoming 2025, a pivotal gathering of nearly 250 people, along with past and present campers, staff, and Conference leaders held June 5–8 on the grounds of Camp Akita. It was a weekend filled with faith, fun, and fellowship as attendees revisited cherished memories and looked ahead to Camp Akita’s next 25 years.
REMEMBERING THE PAST
An essential part of Homecoming was hearing from those who helped shape Akita’s story. Whether it was the camp history talk by Matthew Lucio (Assistant to the President for Communication), the gathering of camp alumni at the Pathfinder Pavilion, or the many former campers and staff from Akita’s earliest days, their stories anchored the weekend in gratitude. (The Illinois Conference will continue sharing Akita alumni interviews as part of its “Akita Vibes” series. [Watch Part 1 here.])
In his Sabbath sermon, former ILC President Ken Denslow honored those who were instrumental in building Camp Akita—Viorel Catarama, Nelson Miller, Dale and Carol Barnhurst, and especially Lum Lunsbury, whom Denslow noted has volunteered at Camp Akita more than anyone else. These acknowledgments positioned Akita within the broader legacy of Illinois Conference camps and made one thing clear: Akita is no longer the “new camp on the block.”
Quoting his predecessor J. Wayne Coulter, Denslow reflected, “‘When we build a camp, we are building memory blocks for the kids. They’ll never be able to not remember the times they spend at camp.’ That’s been borne out today in the stories we’ve heard.”
Stacey DePluzer (ILC Associate Youth Director) agreed: "It was like watching the legacy come to life, one story at a time." She noted how in "those moments where you could see how deeply Camp Akita has shaped lives over the years."
ENVISIONING THE FUTURE
But Homecoming wasn’t only about nostalgia. Stacey DePluzer emphasized that the event was also about the future—launching Camp Akita into the next quarter-century. President John Grys and Executive Secretary Michael Campos shared development ideas, including a new chapel and paved roads. To support these dreams, the Friends of Akita 2025 Capital Campaign was officially launched.
HIGHLIGHTS
THURSDAY
Attendees began arriving Thursday afternoon and received welcome bags filled with treats and surprises. After a devotional by Josant Barrientos (ILC Youth Director) and opening testimonies at the newly remodeled firebowl, the crowd moved to the bonfire—ablaze thanks to Nathan Roe (Akita’s Assistant Ranger). Children eagerly pulled s’mores kits from their welcome bags and got to roasting.
One special guest mingled among them: Pastor Iftikhar Saroya from Pakistan, leader of the Northern Section of the Pakistan Union, visiting the U.S. for the first time with his family.
FRIDAY
Friday featured a full roster of camp activities: tubing, ziplining, swimming, climbing, archery, horseback riding, and more. A special rodeo + carnival offered all-you-can-eat watermelon, donut-on-a-string contests, carnival games, face painting, and a dunk tank. John Grys, Michael Campos, and Matthew Lucio volunteering to be dunked. (Conflicting fandoms may have led to President Grys being dunked more than his fair share.)
SABBATH
Sabbath began with breakfast (special thanks to Alyse Roe and her kitchen team) followed by a heartfelt Sabbath School program. Gerald Bedney interviewed Nelson Miller, who spoke of his upbringing in an Old Order Amish church in Ohio and how Camp Akita played a pivotal role in his decision to follow Christ. “The greatest decision I ever made,” Miller said of his baptism, which he credits to the influence of Ken Denslow and Tim Pittinger (Akita’s Ranger). He was visibly moved to see his children playing on the very playground he helped build 16 years ago. “Camp Akita is a magical place,” he said.
A praise team "Renae and the Lifejackets" consisted of former staff members: Renae Cross, Jordanne Howell-Walton, Devaney Ross, Isaac Sarmina, Jaeden Dimalibot, Isabella Maldonado, and Gerald Bedney.
Elder Ken Denslow delivered the Sabbath message, “Running Toward the Roar”, urging listeners to choose courage over comfort. “Don’t seek the path of least resistance,” he said, “because it can lead to being caught by fear and indecision. Run toward the roar.” It was a fitting message for a camp built on bold vision and faith.
In the afternoon, Matthew Lucio offered a brief historical overview of Illinois Conference camp ministry, noting that 2029 will mark its 100th anniversary. Tracy Wood (NAD Youth and Young Adult Ministries Director) followed with a talk on the vital role of camp ministry today, drawing interest with a map showing 60+ summer camps across North America.
SILVER JUBILEE BANQUET
Saturday evening concluded with a remarkable Silver Jubilee Banquet in the Lodge. A sprawling charcuterie board, tiered salad cups, and long banquet tables set a festive mood. Guests enjoyed a selfie station, a 360-degree “Glam Cam,” and video footage from historic Little Grassy camp years projected overhead. Ron Whitehead (Lake Union Youth, Young Adults, and Children’s Ministries Director) gave an inspiring message about the life-changing power of camp ministry—and why Akita is worth supporting.
Afterwards, a parade of fireworks were launched over the camp, much to everyone's delight.
SUNDAY
During morning worship at the crosses, individuals and families had an opportunity to write a message on paving bricks. Some wrote their names, while others wrote an encourage message, often with a Bible verse. What will they be used for, you ask? You'll have to come visit Camp Akita and find out.
REFLECTIONS
Homecoming 2025 marked a meaningful milestone in the Illinois Conference’s celebration of camp ministry. As generations of campers, staff, and volunteers reunited, one thing was unmistakably clear: through changing times and countless stories, Akita remains home.
Stacey DePluzer captured it well:
This year, we’re pausing with purpose. We’re creating sacred space to reflect on what God has been doing here—not just for 25 years, but for generations. Every story told, every life changed, every step of faith taken on these grounds is a testament to God’s ongoing work through camp ministry in Illinois. We celebrate not just the past, but the God who has been faithful through it all. And as we remember, we also look forward—with hope, with courage, and with trust in what He will do next. That’s how we keep the mission alive.
NEXT STEPS
The Illinois Conference will be celebrating camp ministry throughout 2025. We look forward to you joining us for the next event at Camp Akita!
Please send any news items of what God is doing around the Illinois Conference to communication@ilcsda.org.
