by Vicky Leon-Johnson and Major Stephanie Senn
God, we are still counting our blessings! This was the theme of the North & Central Illinois Division (NCI) Wonderland Camp and Conference Center’s 100th Anniversary Celebration.
The theme was brought to life in the Friday keynote session through a beautiful praise dance by Chantal Polusca to “Counting My Blessings” (Seph Schlueter) and a message from father and son Lt. Colonel Randall Polsley and Justin Polsley. It set the tone for a nostalgic weekend where generations of campers from across the nation celebrated the life-changing moments they had experienced at Wonderland Camp.
On Saturday music by the Chicago Staff Band not only uplifted people’s spirits but captured the essence of the milestone. Festivities continued with a campfire sing-along, followed by a heart-stirring video where campers shared transformative experiences they’d had. Among them was Major Israel Velasquez who recounted how he’d powerfully experienced God’s grace at camp in 1942. Commissioner Barry Swanson led those gathered in recognizing blessings like salvation experiences, marriages and calls to ministry that had occurred on the sacred campgrounds.
William Himes debuted “His Place,” a commemorative vocal composition which portrays what Wonderland Camp has meant for generations including a place of refuge and community, a place to leave burdens and fears, a place to leave sins and be cleansed, a place of transformation. Following an evening of testimonies and worship led by the Territorial Worship Collective, Major K.K. Mathews gave a devotional and shared his own experience there as a teenager which altered the course of his life.
Another highlight of the weekend was an interview with all former camp directors in the last 50 years: Marge (and Ed) Homer (1971-1977), Lucy (and Jack) Thomas (1977-1992), Richard and Miriam Horen (1992-2002), Beverly (and Doug) Peterson (2006-2008) and John Welch (2008-2021). Year-round employees also were recognized for their hard work, often behind the scenes, to make camp a safe, clean and nurturing environment.
A historical display curated by Ed and Barb Higgins showed decades of changes to the camp and its programs which have contributed to changed lives. One of the most recent additions, the Josh Olson playground, is now located in the center of camp with all new equipment (including a zipline) and components designed for the inclusion of children with physical limitations. It was a hub of activity over the weekend.
Each camp gathering is filled with memory making moments, and this one was no exception. Lt. Colonels Jonathan and Barbara Rich, NCI divisional leaders, had the honor of installing Joy Caro as the new divisional sergeant-major. Since Joy is an integral part of many divisional camp events, the setting was especially meaningful. She said, “The weekend was filled with encouragement and fellowship Joy Caro is installed as divisional sergeant-major of the North & Central Illinois Division (NCI) by Lt. Colonels Jonathan and Barbara Rich. Mark Bender, NCI assistant divisional sergeant-major is on right. that filled my cup and reminded me of the faithfulness of God.”
Indeed, the centennial weekend was filled with love. Memories were relived, and new ones were created. People worshiped and rejoiced in the Lord. Lt. Colonel Barbara Rich, Wonderland Camp administrator, concluded, “As a division (and a territory), we are indebted to the planning committee for their prayer and preparation in creating experiences that helped us look back with appreciation and look forward with responsibility to ensure that future generations will encounter God in this space.”
