A long time ago, in 1971, Homer and Alice Dickson of Yorkville, Illinois, felt led to use their 105-acre farm near Newark, Illinois, as a Christian camp. Their vision was to create a space where people from surrounding areas—like Sandwich, Plano, Newark, Yorkville, and the greater Northern Illinois and Wisconsin region—could experience the love of Christ in a natural setting. During this same time, Ed Oulund, the director of Christian Camping International (CCI), was seeking a larger facility to serve as the international headquarters for CCI. God orchestrated a beautiful miracle, bringing these two visions together, and the Dickson family deeded their property along the Lower Fox River to CCI in 1971.

CCI operated a summer day camp and a small retreat ministry on weekends for several years. However, by 1979, as CCI’s ministry continued to grow, the need for a more central location closer to Chicago became apparent. The organization moved its headquarters to Wheaton, Illinois, and leased the Newark property to Metro Chicago Youth for Christ (YFC). YFC expanded the use of the camp for Chicago-area youth groups and church retreats from Wisconsin. As CCI continued its growth, a decision was made to reorganize the international aspect of the ministry. This led to the formation of CCI/USA (now the Christian Camp and Conference Association, CCCA), while Dickson Valley Ministries was established to oversee the Newark property and carry on the legacy of Dickson Valley Camp & Retreat Center.

In 1989, YFC departed from the camp, and it was at this juncture that Dickson Valley Ministries chose not to bring in another outside organization but to instead hire a director. This decision empowered the ministry to operate independently, with the director and a management board overseeing the day-to-day operations.

Since the property was first donated, God’s hand of blessing has been evident. Homer Dickson himself worked tirelessly, spending many weeks crushing gravel and building the first roads. Meanwhile, Ed Oulund and his dedicated team of volunteers constructed the CCI offices, now known as the Oulund Chalet Lodge. Harve Chrouser, a longtime member of the original CCI board from Wheaton, also poured significant time and resources into Dickson Valley’s development. In the 1970s, the camp began taking shape, with a small restroom facility built for day camps and an activities shelter added for general use.

As YFC took on full-time camp and retreat operations in the 1980s, the ministry focused on fundraising to expand the facilities to meet growing needs. The Silver Fox Lodge was created by adding meeting rooms and dormitories to the bathhouse. The original activities shelter was transformed into dorm rooms and became known as Dickson Dorm (lacking bathrooms). Additionally, a former gravel pit was converted into an auto shop, and the 8,000-square-foot Sports Center was built to offer year-round recreational activities, regardless of weather.

In 1988, another generous gift came in the form of the Acorn Lodge, along with 42 wooded acres, donated by the Yokefellow organization based in Indiana. This area, once part of the Dickson family property, became a beautiful addition to the ministry.

The 1990s ushered in continued growth as Dickson Valley became a popular site for youth camps and church retreats in the region. As demand increased, a major expansion plan was set into motion. The Dickson Lodge (formerly Dickson Dorm) underwent a major upgrade with the addition of restrooms and plans for a new pool complex. Though the pool project was eventually scrapped, it was replaced with a significant earth-moving project that resulted in the creation of the “Lake of the Woods,” a serene and beautiful addition to the property.

In response to the growing number of guests and operational needs, the director’s lodge was built, along with the first permanent office space for the camp. Further expansion included the construction of a staff lodge with seven apartments, designed to house long-term, short-term, and seasonal staff. The development continued with the acquisition of a 4.5-acre sports field and upgrades to existing lodges to accommodate larger groups more comfortably.

As we reflect on the incredible journey of Dickson Valley Camp & Retreat Center, we can only give thanks for God’s faithfulness. The transformation of this land, once simply a vision, has become a place of spiritual renewal and growth for countless individuals. And while we are deeply grateful for all God has done, we eagerly anticipate the exciting things He has yet to unfold for this ministry.