Join us for BEACON Youth Retreat 2026 at East Bay Camp from July 5-10! Designed and led by the Conference Council on Youth Ministries of Illinois Great Rivers Conference, BEACON (Building Empowered and Confident Outstanding New leaders) offers a transformative week of Christian leadership development, spiritual growth, and adventure. Dive into what it means to be a part of the United Methodist Church through daily themes, hands-on ministry workshops, traditional camp activities, and mentorship from seasoned leaders. With ongoing support and follow-up events, BEACON is more than just a camp—it's the beginning of your church leadership journey. Don't miss out! (Be advised, although we will do a fair amount of camping activities, BEACON is not a traditional camp. If you are interested in a traditional camping experience, please look into the other wonderful camps offered by the IGRC.)

Ready to try overnight camp but not quite a full week? Quest is the perfect fit! Our campers will get to spend a half-week full of fun together getting to do the “classic” camp activities. You’ll get to take on archery, hiking, swimming, boating, campfires, worships, and Bible studies. Join us at East Bay for this great opportunity to try out overnight camp. Build friendships with old and new friends and take on Quest this summer!

Day campers will experience adventures, friendships, and create lasting memories throughout the summer, whether they attend by the day, week, or join us for the whole summer. Trained staff will engage campers in all things camp: singing, devotion, environmental education, boating and swimming, art, games, and themed activities that build life skills and self-confidence. Each day will include games and activities that match the week’s theme, water play, devotion, free play, morning snack, afternoon snack, and lunch.

Day campers will experience adventures, friendships, and create lasting memories throughout the summer, whether they attend by the day, week, or join us for the whole summer. Trained staff will engage campers in all things camp: singing, devotion, environmental education, boating and swimming, art, games, and themed activities that build life skills and self-confidence. Each day will include games and activities that match the week’s theme, water play, devotion, free play, morning snack, afternoon snack, and lunch.

New for 2026! Day campers get the opportunity to get a taste of overnight camp! Sign up for this added experience and your camper will attend day camp Thursday, stay the night in a cabin, and continue with camp on Friday. Evening activities will include a cookout, group games, campfire worship with smores, and cabin time. All cabins are air conditioned with twin size bunk beds. Campers will need to bring a sleeping bag or sheets and a blanket, pillow, toiletries, pajamas, and a change of clothes. Friday breakfast is also provided.

Eagle Sky Teen Camp is designed for students in 6th (at least 12 years old) through 12th grade. It’s the perfect place for teens to grow in their faith while enjoying unforgettable adventures!

The Essentials of Entrepreneurship is an introductory program designed for students in to explore the foundations of launching a startup. Through interactive lectures, hands-on activities, and team collaboration, students develop skills in innovation, marketing, and venture creation. The program culminates in a final pitch competition where students present their startup ideas and receive real-time feedback.

The Essentials of Entrepreneurship is an introductory program designed for students in to explore the foundations of launching a startup. Through interactive lectures, hands-on activities, and team collaboration, students develop skills in innovation, marketing, and venture creation. The program culminates in a final pitch competition where students present their startup ideas and receive real-time feedback.

Leadership in the Business World is a three-week immersive program that provides students with a strong foundation in business fundamentals and organizational strategy. Participants engage in team-based projects, simulations, and debates while learning to analyze internal and external business environments using essential management frameworks. The program culminates in a capstone case competition, allowing students to apply their skills in a real-world business scenario.

Financial Decision Making is an intensive two-week summer opportunity for a select group of high school students currently enrolled in grades 9–12. High school students are entering a world of financial decisions, some they make and some that others make for them. In addition to their lives as consumers (shopping both online and off), they need to save for the short term and invest for the long term; borrow against the future without spiraling into debt; plan around inflation; shop for financial products; know where their tax dollars go; and understand their rights and the financial issues at stake when they vote. Students need to build the awareness and skills to help them make sound financial decisions.

Future of the Business World is a unique online experience for high school students to ask big questions about a world in the midst of dramatic change. The program applies innovative online tools used in Wharton undergrad and graduate classrooms to introduce different business themes in which Wharton’s faculty lead the global conversation.

Taught by Wharton Professor of Statistics and Data Science, Adi Wyner, and guest lecturers, the San Francisco Moneyball Experience is a two-week introduction to statistics and coding. By the end of the program, students will better understand sports analyses in articles they may read, and will create their own sports analysis project. Students will also learn basics in how to read and write code in R, the advanced statistical programming language used by professional statisticians. This program includes sports related trips to local sporting organizations. Additionally, the Moneyball Experience offers the opportunity learn from and network with other analytically minded students, which can prove extremely valuable as students continue in the sports industry.

Budding astronauts will go on simulated space missions, build and launch rockets, create their own spacesuits, make robots, and more.

Budding astronauts will go on simulated space missions, build and launch rockets, create their own spacesuits, make robots, and more.

Advanced astronauts will make and program their own robots, build and launch rockets, participate in simulated space missions, and conduct an underwater training mission using SCUBA gear just like NASA astronauts!