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Reach new heights at Enrichment Event
We're aiming high (literally) as we re-boot our popular Enrichment Events! Join us  at Ewalu to hear from climber and humanitarian Jen Loeb, the first (and so far, only!) Iowa woman to complete the “7 Summits” by climbing the highest peak on every continent.
The event is from 2 to 4 p.m. Friday, Nov. 18, at the Creation Center at Camp Ewalu's main site just west of Strawberry Point. The event is free, we’ll have afternoon refreshments, and guests are welcome! RSVP by calling 563-933-4700 or by emailing office@ewalu.org by Nov. 16. The "Cedar at 60" Enrichment Event series is sponsored by Jim Meehan of HJR Financial Group, Coralville.
Want to be on our mailing list for upcoming Enrichment Events? Please email office@ewalu.org to be added to our list!
ABOUT THE SPEAKER
A native of Jesup, Iowa, Jen was an Ewalu camper and graduated from Warburg College. She’ll talk about how she trained to summit the world’s tallest mountains, including Mount Everest in 2016! Jen will bring her climbing gear and will have copies of her book, “Shots from the Heart,” to purchase and sign. Learn more about Jen through her website and Facebook page.
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Volunteer at camp this Saturday
It's not too late to take part in this weekend's Fall Work Day! Join other volunteers on Saturday, Oct. 29, to help Ewalu get ready for the winter season.
Projects include preparing the new A-frame bridge site for construction, splitting and hauling wood, erosion control on trails, ropes course repairs, and putting things away for the winter. We’ll have a variety of other projects for all ages and skill levels. Work as long as you want on Saturday, whether it's a half day or all day, and enjoy a nice fall day at camp.
FRIDAY NIGHT, Oct. 28: Come early for a grill-out in the evening and a campfire! Overnight lodging is also available for those staying to help out on Saturday; please RSVP for the meal and lodging by calling Diane at 563-933-4700 or by emailing office@ewalu.org.
SATURDAY SCHEDULE:
8:00 a.m. Arrival/Sign in
9:00 a.m. Work Projects
12:00 p.m. Lunch
1:00 p.m. Work Projects
4:00 p.m. Departure
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Honoring the Hamletts
The morning of this year's Fall Festival & Quilt Auction, attendees gathered on the patio outside the Creation Center to honor Ewalu neighbors Matt and Jana Hamlett for giving countless hours and resources teaching equestrian skills and managing Ewalu’s summer Ranch Camp from 2007 to 2021. A special bench honoring their generosity has been placed on the Creation Center patio.
Matt and Jana asked if we would share the following thank-you note with the Ewalu community:
"We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone for honoring us with a beautifully inscribed bench at the camp. We felt both privileged and humbled at the same time being involved in such a rewarding horse program from its inception in 2007, to our final year in 2021. One of the greatest rewards was reaching children who had never been involved in a Christian program. For them to learn about God was amazing. Also, our therapeutic riding program for children with challenges has been so rewarding.
"Numerous wranglers and counselors who went the extra mile have helped make it an awesome experience for all the campers in both day camp and weeklong programs. Our main rule was "God comes first" in all of your actions, both how you treat each other and the horses! My niece, Halicia, was a wrangler and instructor from pretty much the beginning, filling in now and then even the final year. Several others, too, volunteered time from their "real profession" to come back and ride horses and help teach about God and horsemanship. We had also the privilege of having a gifted riding instructor, Ila, from California, to help us a few summers. They are great memories! Many times, our same camp mounts were still there year after year. At this time most are permanently retired, and some have passed. Many of our horses were "second-chance" horses from auctions or semi-retired old 4-H or ranch geldings that liked being loved on!
"The EWALU staff and board of directors (past and current) were greatly appreciated as both idea sounding boards and support. From near the beginning, the Blobaum, Davidson and Hyman families (amongst many others) gave us feedback and support with our small part of the camp's ministry. Shout out to Diane and Cassidy: With your awesome organizational skills and help through the years, you both made the Ewalu Horse Program possible. Gaffney Quarry made sure the arena had sand, and several veterinarians donated time to help teach the campers over the years, including Dr. Sears, Dr. Hamlett and Dr. Varner. Also a thank you to Lee Lenth for both helping build the tack shed and driving our Amish farrier home on occasion.
"Thanks again for the honor of letting us be a part of the team for a few years."
- Blessings, Matt and Jana Hamlett
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Gatherings in Cedar Rapids
All Cedar Rapids-area friends of Ewalu are invited to a gathering to hear camp updates, renew Ewalu friendships and meet our new executive director, Pastor Frank Johnson. We'll also share exciting plans for the future!
All are invited to attend one of these 2 events in Cedar Rapids:
- 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 6, at First Lutheran Church, 1000 Third Ave. SE, hosted by Dr. Randy & Marcia Hinrichs and Pr. Katie Lowe Lancaster (click here for the Facebook Event page)
- 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 20, at the home of Tim and Janet Wuest, 2910 Glass Road NE (click here for the Facebook Event page)
Come and enjoy refreshments with fellow friends of Ewalu. Guests are welcome! RSVP with the Ewalu office at 563-933-4700 or office@ewalu.org.
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Cedar Lodge campaign update
Ewalu has launched a $2 million capital campaign to strengthen our ministry through the renovation of Cedar Lodge, the 60-year-old building at the main camp site. Cedar serves as the hub of most activity at camp.
The campaign aims to strengthen Ewalu’s ministry in four key areas:
- Greater hospitality with ADA-accessible restrooms, increased gathering space, added air conditioning and technology upgrades. A new main entrance will welcome ALL to Cedar Lodge.
- More efficient food service and dining experience by remodeling and expanding the commercial kitchen.
- Enhanced living conditions for summer staff, including a new HVAC system and a remodel of lower-level shower areas, restrooms and summer staff break room.
- Improved environmental stewardship by replacing the plumbing and electrical networks and installing a solar array.
Many friends of Ewalu received a campaign packet in the mail with details about the plans and a pledge card to return to camp. (If you did not receive a packet or would like another, please contact the camp office.) Executive Director Frank Johnson and the campaign co-chairs (Harry and Elle Blobaum of Waverly, IA, and Mark and Jill Davidson of Onalaska, WI) have been meeting with supporters and sharing details about the project plans. They are happy to answer any questions or arrange a personal meeting.
We are grateful for the many campaign gifts already given. You are encouraged to make a one-time donation or schedule monthly gifts using the giving card included in your packet or by going online to this link. Gifts and pledges can be made over a 3-year period. Please contact Frank Johnson or the campaign co-chairs if you would like to make a gift of stock, RMDs or other assets, or to create a family legacy gift.
The Ewalu Board of Directors has pledged to meet 10% of the $2 million goal. Plans are to break ground when 90% of the goal has been committed. Building plans, details about the renovation and a donation link can be found at the link below.
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