ABOUT US
The Focus of Our Efforts
MISSION:
To create a safe, fun, and empowering environment for healing for survivors of sexual abuse for children and teens ages 7-17. To instill a sense of self-assurance, personal value and self-awareness while building self-esteem through physical, emotional, fun, and educational activities that exemplify these qualities.
VISION:
To encourage survivors of sexual abuse that despite what happened to them it does not define them, nor is it their fault. To bring awareness of this issue that is rarely discussed and often kept hidden. To equip survivors with the tools to help themselves and others. We are here to share God's love with those around us. To build a community of survivors that eventually will be the strong backbone of the future generation that will not be silent and will not stand by and do nothing.
VALUES:
Camp Cedar Illinois Inc. will remain a fiscally responsible not-for-profit faith based organization that demonstrates strong ethical ideals and morals. Camp Cedar will remain transparent with their financials and conservative in their spending providing the most service to the community with the monies donated. The Camp Cedar Board of Directors and volunteer staff are committed to ongoing education and training regarding sexual abuse, and are mandatory reporters.
MEET THE TEAM!
GWEN WIETHORN
President
Hi! My name is Gwen Wiethorn. I am the owner of Gwen’s Shed LLC Woodworking, and the President of Camp Cedar! In my free time, you can find me hanging out with my friends, being outdoors, or tinkering with my boat!
I have a heart for serving the Lord through sharing His love with those who are in need! I’ve been a volunteer at a similar camp for the past few years along with Daphne and Edith, and we are super excited to get Camp Cedar Illinois Inc. going up here in Northern Illinois! Sexual abuse is something that affects 1 out of 4 girls, and 1 out of 6 boys by the age of 18; but ironically enough, it’s a topic that is almost “too taboo” to discuss. My goal is to not only share God’s love, and empower the girls and volunteers who come to camp, but also to spread awareness around the community, and support those who may be going through or went through something similar. I believe that together, with the Lord’s help and guidance, we can help people come to see themselves as survivors rather than victims, and achieve full and lasting healing and recovery!
“Do not be dismayed by the brokenness of the world. All things break. And all things can be mended. Not with time, as they say, but with intention. So go. Love intentionally, extravagantly, unconditionally. The broken world waits in darkness for the light that is you.”
― L.R. Knost
EDITH REYNS
Vice President
After several years of being a “Big Buddy” at a similar camp for sexually abused girls in Texas, my friends, Daphne, Gwen, Emily and I decided it was time for us to create our camp in Illinois. I am passionate about this camp. The Lord says for us to take care of widows, orphans and the imprisoned. I am sure that girls who have been sexually hurt fall into this category somewhere. We need to take care of them as best we can. God is leading the four of us to make an impact, by helping the world to be a better place, one girl at a time. We have seen and experienced the camp in Texas working to heal, rejuvenate and empower girls who have suffered at the hands of others. We are going to spread this healing in our home state as well.
In addition to camp, I am involved in dragon boat racing, either preparing for, competing in, or recovering from races. A dream of mine is to have a dragon boat team comprised of our Camp Cedar Illinois campers. I am reminded that “all things are possible through Christ who gives us strength!”
I work as an Account Manager at Crum-Halsted Agency Inc. , a family-owned insurance agency in Sycamore, IL – a great place. I have three children, all grown. Katrina, my first-born, is down in Houston, TX. Michelle, my middle-child, is local. My son, John Paul, is also local with my daughter-in-law, Allyson, and our newest addition, sweet little Charlotte.
DAPHNE COOK
Treasurer
Hi, I am Daphne Cook, proud wife of David, proud mother of 2 beautiful children and proud stepmom to 2 fine men and a beautiful daughter in law. I have been blessed with opportunities to work in the insurance industry, the glass glazing industry and now the painting decorating industry. I am currently employed by my husband and his painting and decorating business of which I manage the books among other tasks. My current position has allowed me to give back to the community in various ways including being on board for Camp Cedar Illinois, Inc.
For several years now Edith, Gwen, Emily and myself have volunteered for a similar camp in Texas where we drive to Houston, work at the camp for 4 days and then head back home. The trip home is a beautiful time to reflect on the past weekend at camp. For years now we have all said the need is great in Illinois and we should begin camp here. The opportunity to help, serve, empower and support the survivors moved us all so this past year in 2019 we agreed to commit to do it.
Who am I, I am a child of God. God is my Father. Heaven is my home and every day is one day nearer to Thee. I am forgiven. I am loved. The Lord knows the number of hairs on my head. The Lord knit me together in my mother’s womb. The Lord will wipe away every tear from my eyes. This biblical truth applies to every human being ever created. God has no favorites. All we need to do is welcome Him into our lives and humbly fix our eyes on Him.
My goal is to share the Love of Christ with everyone that I meet, to the hurting and the lost who desperately need to hear His message of love and forgiveness just as I needed to grab hold of these same truths. He loved you and me so much he stretched out His arms and died for us. His love for you and me held Him to the tree. My sin nailed Him to the cross.
May CCI be the hands and feet of Christ and may He use us to demonstrate His goodness, grace and mercy. Welcome to Camp Cedar Illinois, Inc.
CONTACT CAMP CEDAR ILLINOIS INC.
Northern Illinois
Camp Cedar Illinois Inc.
P.O. Box 129
Steward IL 60553
Call or Text: 224.769.6336 & 224.769.6343
MISSION
Empowering Survivors of Sexual Abuse
EDUCATION
Raising Awareness
ADVOCACY
Empowering Weekend Camp
SUPPORT
Resources