Once upon a time, in the sprawling cornfields and towering skyscrapers of Illinois, lived a group of adventurous kids known as the Zip Line Zealots. Every Saturday, they traded in their video games and homework for helmets and harnesses. Guided by their trusty, four-winged squirrel named "Zippy the Zip-line Master," they embraced the winds of the Midwest and took flight. Illinois, or "Illie" as Zippy fondly called it, was a land of contrasts. It had big bustling cities where skyscrapers touched the sky and quiet country sides where corn towers ruled. It was where Lake Michigan met Mississippi River, altogether creating a landscape perfect for their zip-lining adventures. Swinging from the skyscrapers of Chicago to the tall oaks in Shawnee National Forest, they filled the air with their laughter and fearless shouts of joy. Zippy, with his goggles strapped on, would lead the pack. He was a squirrel like no other, with an extra pair of wings and a sense of humor that made even the cornfields giggle. He would often say, "Why walk when you can fly, and why fly when you can zip-line?" He taught the kids everything they needed to know about zip-lining and made sure they were safe and sound while having a blast. The Zip Line Zealots were not ordinary kids; they were brave, they were daring, they were the flying adventurers of Illinois. Together with Zippy, they soared across their beloved state, leaving trails of laughter in the wind. Their zip-lining adventures were not just about the thrill, but also about friendship, teamwork, and the joy of exploring their diverse and enchanting home, Illinois.
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For over 50 years, Frontier Camp has been dedicated to making disciples of Jesus by sharing God’s Word amidst the beauty of His creation. Since our founding in 1969, we’ve been licensed by the Texas Department of State Health Services and are proudly accredited by the American Camping Association. We’re also a member of the Christian Camping and Conference Association. Our mission is to use Christian camping and outdoor recreation as a means to support local churches in fulfilling the Great Commission—evangelizing people of all ages and discipling believers toward deeper maturity in Christ. Frontier Camp offers a dual ministry: during the summer, we host a 10-week youth camp, and throughout the rest of the year, we serve as a retreat facility for churches and like-minded religious organizations. Whether through summer camps or retreats, our goal remains the same: to expose people to Christ and encourage their spiritual growth through His Word and by reflecting His character in everything we do. While we provide top-notch recreation and exciting programming, the heart of our camp is the spiritual impact, rooted in the truth of God’s inerrant Word.
Every summer, campers and staff from all around the globe, and from a variety of backgrounds, return to their own special home away from home. At our camp in Central Wisconsin, situated on an 80-acre lakefront compound, there’s never a shortage of activities and experiences for everyone to enjoy. From biking around Stratton Lake to water skiing, drama, rock climbing, and arts & crafts, our campers can stay busy for hours on end. At our camp, campers can explore, take on new challenges, and make lifelong friendships. Our campers and staff come from all walks of life, and every year they return to our camp to enjoy new experiences, make memories, and have the time of their lives. The beautiful lakefront facility in Central Wisconsin provides the perfect place for campers to explore, challenge themselves, and make lasting friendships.
Our daily operations are guided by the goals and dreams we have for our organization. We are inspired and energized by our mission and vision, which serve as our “North Star”. This provides our passionate staff and volunteers with the clarity and direction to commit their time and efforts to the Y. At the YMCA of Metro Chicago, we firmly believe in the power of community. We strive to empower individuals to reach their potential and to come together as a collective to transform lives. Each and every day, our team is driven by our mission and vision to make this mission a reality. Our “North Star” provides us with the direction we need to remain focused on our goals and dreams for the YMCA of Metro Chicago. We are dedicated to creating a culture of purpose, inclusivity, and belonging. We are dedicated to creating a sense of hope and optimism for the future. We are dedicated to creating positive change in our community. The YMCA of Metro Chicago is focused on making a difference, and our mission and vision serve as the shining beacon to guide us along the way.