Frequently Asked Questions

1. Where and when is camp and what time is the first session?
Location: Menno-Haven Camp & Retreat Center
9301 1575 East St. Tiskilwa, IL 61368
Dates: Friday-Sunday July 18th-20th
Arrival time: Friday, July 18th at 4:00 PM
End time: Sunday, July 20th at 1:00 PM

We encourage people to arrive right around 4PM and/or before dinner (5:30 pm) to get settled. As much as possible we discourage people from arriving late to the camp due to driving hazards at night and the location of the camp. Plus, people need to get settled, registered, given keys and find their rooms, etc. It will be hard on the registration team to be doing these when dinner or the evening service has already started. The important thing is the safety of the campers arriving when there is still daylight.

2. What time is dinner on Friday? Dinner time is 5:30 PM- 6:30 PM.

3. What time is the first session on Friday? Session 1: 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM

4. If I come late for the camp on Friday, will I be charged for the dinner or meals that I miss? Will the charges be prorated according to the actual meals that we will be there?
The contract is submitted in advance with the number of meals required unless there is an emergency or unavoidable changes by some campers. If you come late, you will not be refunded for your meals, nor can your meals be set aside for later consumption.
It's important for everyone to state how many days they will be at the camp and the meals they need in advance. All campers will be charged for the meals while they are at camp.

5. I don't like the camp food, can I bring my own food? Will I still be charged for the meals?
Everyone will be together for meals, so yes, you will still be charged for the meals while you are at camp. You are welcome to bring your own snacks.

6. Is there a refrigerator & microwave that I can use?
There is a kitchenette near our meeting room with a fridge and a microwave. Please note that the kitchenette is NOT in the same building as the lodging facilities, it is located in the dining hall building. This kitchenette is a common area shared by ALL the campers at Menno-Haven (not only FFWC). We will have access to this space for our entire stay.

7. Is there a kitchen where I can cook food?
There is no kitchen. See answer to question 6.

8. Do they provide snacks & drinking water?
Menno-Haven does not provide water or snacks in between meals, however, each FFWC family is asked to bring 24 bottles (or case) of water to be collected upon arrival. Individual campers can bring 1 (one) dozen bottles of water. FFWC will provide light snacks.

9. If I stay in the tent area, can I cook my own food? Will there be an extra charge for the meals?
All FFWC campers (regardless of lodging type) will eat together for all the meals during our designated meal times. Each camper will be charged for each meal while at camp. Mealtimes are also crucial since announcements are communicated to the whole group at these times.

10. Do they provide linens & towels?
Hotels have towels, linens, & pillows. Dorms DO NOT have towels, linens, or pillows. Individuals staying in the dorms must bring their own towels, linens, and pillows.
*All individuals planning to use the swimming pool must bring their own towels as well.

11. What activities are included in the camp charges?
Activities included: Use of gym (basketball, volleyball) climbing wall, recreation room, paddle boats, swimming pool, hiking (Gym time, climbing wall, and swimming pool are reserved for our group during certain hours on Saturday.) A special painting session will also be available, but requires a fee. The fee per person will cover all painting supplies.

12. Can I bring my dog/cat/pet to the camp? Is there an extra charge? Can my pet stay with me in the hotel or dorm during the night?
No. Pets are not allowed on the campgrounds per Menno-Haven policy.

13. Is there a VBS in the camp? What age group?
There will be a children’s program at camp while their parents are in sessions. The children’s sessions will be run by the FFWC Children’s Ministry Team. The children’s program is for ages 4-12.

14. Since the Sunday service will be done in the camp, will there be an in-person service in Chicago?
Because all of the FFWC pastors will be at camp, there will not be an in-person service.

15. Will the Sunday service in the camp be live-streamed?
Yes, the Sunday service will be live-streamed.

16. How far is the campsite from Chicago?
127 miles- about 3 hours from Chicago

17. Who is the camp speaker?
The FFWC pastors will be leading the sessions at Family Camp. (Due to Pastor James Ford’s medical condition, he is not able to be our speaker. Please keep him in your prayers.)

18. What website should I check for more details?
For the camp site: mennohaven.com
For specific FFWC Camp information: ffwcchicago.com/camp2025

19. Are we getting camp shirts? How much will those cost?
Yes. This year’s t-shirts are $10.00 each and are preordered upon registration.

20. I am not sure if I can join the camp, can I just show up anytime?
No, you cannot just show up. Only registered campers are allowed on the premises.

21. What should I pack?
See Camp Information Guide for packing list.

22. I will need a ride. Will there be a carpool?
There is no carpool schedule. It is each individual’s responsibility to make plans for transportation.

23. When will camp end?
Camp will end on Sunday, July 20th. We will have our Sunday service, followed by the water baptism, and then our final meal (lunch) at Menno-Haven. Then we will depart after lunch.

24. Should I bring medications?
Yes. Bring your medications (for you and your children). We will only provide first aid for minor incidents. We will not give oral meds including Tylenol or Motrin to anybody (children & adults).

25. In case of emergency, who should I contact?

Pastor

Pastor Ed
(224) 730-1545