Wisconsin Camp Meeting A Foretaste of Heaven

Wisconsin Camp Meeting A Foretaste of Heaven

Since 1867, Wisconsin Adventists have eagerly anticipated our yearly camp meeting. All ages come together from every walk of life to share rich fellowship and draw near to God for nine glorious days.

Before camp meeting officially begins, cars, campers and motorhomes from over 20 states begin arriving at Camp Wakonda, our 220-acre pine forested summer camp, and settle in to over 750 cabins and campsites nestled between two small lakes.

Most visitors love to walk the grounds and trails, enjoying wildflowers, sandhill cranes, white-tailed deer, raccoons, foxes and an occasional bear.

Each year we are deeply nourished by a variety of guest speakers such as U.S. Senate Chaplain Barry Black, Mark Finley, Neil Nedley, Jan Paulsen, and David Ascherick. Music has included the King’s Heralds, the Emmanuel Quartet, Michael Harris, and a wide variety of mini-concerts.

Every day is filled with children and youth Bible lessons, games, crafts, community outreach projects, Pathfinder classes, swimming, a gigantic sand box, unicycling, and an ever-busy outdoor basketball court.

Campers enjoy browsing through our 8,000-square-foot Adventist Book Center and tasting food samples from the market.

Mealtime options include the Fireside Lodge Cafeteria, Snack Shack, or relishing a relaxing picnic under shade trees with family, friends, or former classmates.

Throughout the week, you may visit the Nature Center, run or walk in the annual 5K Hallelujah Hustle, or get involved in a variety of community service projects. The highlight as camp meeting concludes each year is seeing 20-30 individuals commit their lives completely to Jesus Christ and be baptized in the waters of our lake.

The first Wisconsin camp meeting in 1867 was held in a cow pasture east of Janesville, with a big meeting tent ordered for $16. About 1,200 people attended. Since that first pioneer camp meeting, we have met in 52 different Wisconsin locations. From 1927-1977 camp meeting remained in Portage, and now we meet at Camp Wakonda in Westfield.

Many people have come to Wisconsin camp meeting over the last 152 years, each with similar aspirations; to grow stronger in the Lord, fellowship with other Christians, and delight in a foretaste of heaven’s joys. Why don’t you visit Wisconsin camp meeting this year for a day, weekend, or even the full nine days!

Juanita Edge. Communication Director