About
JOY Camp is a week-long overnight camp where campers take part in activities such as canoeing, swimming, volleyball, hiking, archery, and a talent show. The program also includes team building exercises, arts and crafts, campfire times, and other group activities. Multiple worship times and core Bible lessons are part of the daily schedule.
• Ages: 10–18 years old
• Schedule: JOY Camp 2026 runs June 21–27, 2026 as a week long overnight camp.
JOY Camp is led by Director Payton Keithley. The camp partners with the Northern Illinois Conference of the United Methodist Church, which assists financially and sends ordained pastors to serve as part of the volunteer staff. JOY Camp is a Christian camp dedicated to helping campers explore their faith in a safe, welcoming environment and to building a camp culture that reflects God's grace for everyone. Its mission is to help campers strengthen their faith and deepen their understanding of what it means to love others as Jesus loved us, while providing a place to bask in God's creation and grow in fellowship with other members of the family of God. JOY Camp is made possible by volunteer counselors and the generous congregations of the Northern Illinois Conference of the United Methodist Church and surrounding conferences. The camp is a phone free zone, and campers are assigned cabins by age group and led by volunteer counselors. The program is open to incoming 5th grade students through newly graduated high school seniors, and all are welcome regardless of where they are in their journey of faith. Each year, the worship lessons focus on one of three aspects of faith: Jesus, Others, and Yourself. A typical day includes buffet style breakfast, morning worship, outdoor activities, a core Bible lesson, a short worship time after lunch, afternoon activities, a final all-camp worship service, evening activities, a campfire, and an evening snack.
Last updated January 9, 2026.
• Ages: 10–18 years old
• Schedule: JOY Camp 2026 runs June 21–27, 2026 as a week long overnight camp.
JOY Camp is led by Director Payton Keithley. The camp partners with the Northern Illinois Conference of the United Methodist Church, which assists financially and sends ordained pastors to serve as part of the volunteer staff. JOY Camp is a Christian camp dedicated to helping campers explore their faith in a safe, welcoming environment and to building a camp culture that reflects God's grace for everyone. Its mission is to help campers strengthen their faith and deepen their understanding of what it means to love others as Jesus loved us, while providing a place to bask in God's creation and grow in fellowship with other members of the family of God. JOY Camp is made possible by volunteer counselors and the generous congregations of the Northern Illinois Conference of the United Methodist Church and surrounding conferences. The camp is a phone free zone, and campers are assigned cabins by age group and led by volunteer counselors. The program is open to incoming 5th grade students through newly graduated high school seniors, and all are welcome regardless of where they are in their journey of faith. Each year, the worship lessons focus on one of three aspects of faith: Jesus, Others, and Yourself. A typical day includes buffet style breakfast, morning worship, outdoor activities, a core Bible lesson, a short worship time after lunch, afternoon activities, a final all-camp worship service, evening activities, a campfire, and an evening snack.
Last updated January 9, 2026.
Is this your business? There is no cost, but you will be asked to sign up or log in.