About Dickson Valley
Est. 1989 · Kendall County, Illinois
A place set apart for God's glory.
Dickson Valley Camp & Retreat Center is a Christ-centered ministry on 160 acres in Kendall County, Illinois. We serve churches, families, and faith communities across Illinois, Wisconsin, and Indiana — hosting retreat groups throughout the year and running summer camp programs for kids.
Retreat leaders know they’ll be well cared for and that the focus stays on the Gospel. Parents trust this place with their kids because something real tends to happen here.
We believe camp is more than a temporary escape. Our prayer is simple: that everyone who steps onto this property leaves knowing His love more fully — and that we get to be part of the story God is writing in the families and churches we serve.
160
acres of camp & retreat property
500+
campers each summer
70+
retreat groups every year
Our history
From a family farm to a place of formation.
In 1971, Homer and Alice Dickson of Yorkville, Illinois, deeded 105 acres of their family farm along the Lower Fox River to Christian Camping International (CCI). They wanted a place where people could encounter God in nature. That same year, CCI director Ed Oulund was searching for a permanent home for the organization. The Dicksons’ land became it. Dickson Valley was born.
Through the 1970s and ’80s, CCI and later Metro Chicago Youth for Christ operated camps and retreats on the property, while volunteers and donors built lodges and facilities piece by piece. In 1989, Dickson Valley Ministries took direct leadership, with an independent director and board appointed to carry the work forward.
New facilities followed. Acorn Lodge — a 1988 gift from Yokefellow Ministries — expanded the property. The 1990s brought the Lake of the Woods, upgraded lodging, staff housing, and expanded recreational space. In 2009, a final parcel from the Dickson family completed the 160 acres we steward today.
What the Dicksons gave away has become a place where thousands of youth and adults have encountered Christ, found community, and spent time in the beauty of God’s creation. We’re grateful for every year of that history — and expectant about what’s still ahead.
1929
The Dicksons put down roots
Homer George Dickson and Alice Harkness marry in Yorkville, Illinois.
1971
A farm becomes a camp
Homer and Alice deed 108 acres to CCI. Dickson Valley is founded.
1976
Summer camp takes shape
The first model day camp launches on the property.
1987
The property grows
Yokefellow Ministries gifts the adjacent 42-acre Acorn Lodge property.
1989
Dickson Valley Ministries is born
The organization becomes fully independent and begins operating on its own.
1990s
A season of growth
Lake of the Woods, Silver Fox Lodge, the Sports Center, and upgraded lodging are added.
2004
Chrouser Lodge opens
New dining hall, kitchen, offices, and lodging — named for Harvey Chrouser.
Today
160 acres, year-round
500–700 campers each summer. 70+ retreat groups every year.
Statement of Faith
At Dickson Valley Camp & Retreat Center, our ministry is firmly rooted in the eternal truths of God’s Word. We joyfully and unapologetically affirm the historic Christian faith and the essential doctrines of the Gospel, which guide all we do in service to Christ and His Church. We believe:
The Holy Scriptures are the inspired, infallible, and authoritative Word of God, as originally given. They are entirely trustworthy and stand as the final authority in all matters of faith, life, and conduct (2 Timothy 3:16–17; 2 Peter 1:20–21).
There is one true and living God, eternal in nature and perfect in holiness, justice, and love—Creator of all things—who exists in three coequal and coeternal persons: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit (Deuteronomy 6:4; Matthew 28:19).
Jesus Christ is Lord, fully God and fully man, revealed in the flesh. We affirm His miraculous virgin birth, His sinless life, His mighty works, His substitutionary and atoning death on the cross, His bodily resurrection, His ascension to the right hand of the Father, His ongoing intercession on our behalf, and His promised personal return in power and glory (John 1:1–14; 1 Corinthians 15:3–4; Acts 1:9–11).
Salvation is by grace through faith alone, offered freely to lost and sinful humanity through the shed blood of Jesus Christ. It is not earned by works but received by faith in Christ, through the regenerating and renewing work of the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 2:8–9; Titus 3:5).
The Holy Spirit indwells all believers, enabling and empowering them to live holy and obedient lives, bear witness to Christ, and serve faithfully in God’s Kingdom (Romans 8:9–14; Galatians 5:22–25; Acts 1:8).
The Church is the Body of Christ, composed of all true believers who are united by the Holy Spirit. We affirm the importance of fellowship, worship, teaching, and mission within the global and local Church (1 Corinthians 12:12–13; Ephesians 4:4–6).
There will be a bodily resurrection of all people: those who are in Christ to eternal life in the presence of God, and those apart from Him to eternal separation and judgment (John 5:28–29; Revelation 20:11–15).
The Christian life is a call to full surrender, lived in joyful obedience to the will of God in Christ, for the glory of His name and the good of His people (Romans 12:1–2; Galatians 2:20).
This statement reflects the foundation of our faith and the heartbeat of our mission—to know Christ, make Him known, and live in the fullness of His truth.
