Episcopal Church Camp of Illinois
Episcopal Church Camp of Illinois is a ministry of the Episcopal Diocese of Springfield. Started in the early 1960's, it has ministered to thousands of campers over the years. ECC is a not-for-profit camp that is organized and staffed by volunteers. While ECC is sponsored by the diocese, we warmly welcome campers and staff from any denomination.
For questions regarding ECC, contact the Camp Coordinator at episcopalchurchcampofillinois@gmail.com. To view the ECC website, click here.
What to Expect
A typical day at camp includes Holy Eucharist, classes led by diocesan clergy, water activities (swimming, canoeing, etc.), crafts and sports, singing around the campfire, “choice time” (including activities like rock climbing, ropes course, nature hikes, and archery), group games, Bible study, and many more. Click here for a brochure with pricing and more information on camp this year.
Our Mission
The purpose of Episcopal Church Camp of Illinois is to provide both youth and adult participants with the extraordinary opportunity to live in a Christian community within the environment of the cabins, lakes, and woods of Camp Wartburg near Waterloo, Illinois. It is our goal that all participants will experience this life in Christ - the particular expressions of which may be somewhat different from what they experience in their home parishes - and that their growth in Christ may be enriched by these experiences.
Church Camp 2026
Higher Ground - Camp Wartburg
If there was one word that could be used to summarize and describe Episcopal Church Camp of Illinois 2026 it would be: SUCCESSFUL!
The Lord Our God blessed us the entire week with (mostly) cooperative weather and cooler temperatures, no accidents or illnesses (heat related or otherwise), a healthy ratio of volunteers to campers, and joy, smiles, laughter, and the love of Christ that echoed throughout the hills of Camp Wartburg! This year, while smaller and different than years past, was viewed as a gift by campers and volunteers alike.
There were 19 campers, 14 volunteers, and several invited guests from all across the Diocese. From as far north as Christ the King in Normal to as south as Episcopal Church of the Redeemer in Cairo, all corners of our Diocese were represented in our few but faithful numbers. We had a total of 10 Alphas (younger campers) and 9 Omegas (older campers), all of which experienced fun summer activities like rock wall climbing, team building challenges, archery, creek walking, fishing, and swimming during our recreational time. During our daily Eucharist Services, Compline Campfires, and time with Spiritual Directors, they experienced thought-provoking homilies, reflections, challenges, and devotions throughout the week as we unpacked what it means to be a follower of God in pursuit of "Higher Ground."
While there were many phrases of joy and praise that I heard throughout the week, what that told me this year was a smashing success was at least four campers (two Alphas and two Omegas) indicated on their feedback form: "[We] wish camp was another week longer!" In this Camp Coordinators opinion, not only did ECCI 2026 provide the space for all to experience the spiritual practice of retreat and reconnection with our Creator, but it also embodied the words of Jesus in Matthew 18:20 - "For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them.”
Blessings,
Jeremiah Ratliff
Camp Coordinator
“I learned a valuable lesson at camp. We are not building our relationship with God
for this one week. Rather, we are building our relationship with God every day of our
lives and choosing this week to strengthen it.” - Former camper