Lake Williamson’s lakefront, home to our first Midwest summer in 2027. Photo courtesy of Lake Williamson.
The next chapter of BigStuf™ starts with a simple idea: bring camp closer to the churches we serve.
We have heard from churches about the time and travel it takes to get their people to camp. In summer 2027, we are bringing BigStuf™ closer to more of those communities. Our first Midwest camp takes place July 7–11 at Lake Williamson in Carlinville, Illinois.
A new setting gives us new things to look forward to: a lake instead of the Gulf, green space instead of a beachfront hotel, and a summer week with its own Illinois character. At the center are the things we care about wherever BigStuf™ happens: encountering Jesus, being known by your people, and taking a lived faith home.
A shorter journey can open a bigger door
Getting a youth group away for five days takes commitment from families, volunteer leaders and church staff. For some Midwest churches, a camp in central Illinois puts that week within reach of a regional bus or van trip.
That matters before the first session begins. A more manageable trip can make it easier to invite a first-time student, recruit an adult who cannot add extra travel days, or keep the group together without building the entire summer around the journey.
We want to meet churches where they are and support the ministry already happening there. Midwest grows out of that desire. The familiar BigStuf™ purpose gets a new place to come to life.
“Wherever BigStuf™ happens, the mission is the same: to give students and adults five focused days to experience Jesus, be known by their people, and take a lived faith back home.”
Stuart Hall | BigStuf™
A lake, open space and a different kind of summer
Lake Williamson is a Christian retreat property in Carlinville, Illinois. Lodging, meals, meeting spaces and recreation areas share one campus, giving groups a place to settle in together.
The property has indoor courts and outdoor spaces, with woods and water shaping the setting. Imagine the ordinary moments around the main events: walking to breakfast with your room, finding a spot to talk after a session, and realizing the student who arrived quietly is now part of a running joke.
The venue has its own recreation offerings, including separately scheduled activities. We will share the BigStuf™ program through our official camp updates. The setting gives this first Midwest summer room to develop its own traditions.
Put it into practice
Take a look around Lake Williamson
Start with the lake, then find the places where your group will gather, eat and stay. The property map helps you picture how the campus fits together.
We are bringing the heart of BigStuf™ with us
At Midwest, your group will gather for worship and teaching, spend time in small groups, make room for recreation, and have opportunities to connect beyond the usual weekly meeting.
We love the energy of a room full of students. We also care about what happens when the room empties and a teenager turns to a leader with a real question. A week away gives those conversations time to develop. The adults who know students at home are there to keep walking with them afterward.
Our worship experience and support for adult leaders are part of the wider BigStuf™ story. Midwest brings that commitment into a new regional community, with a setting that feels right at home in an Illinois summer.
Picture your group here
Put it into practice
What would a week away make room for?
We want students to feel more connected
Think about who feels at the edge of your group. Plan an invitation from someone they trust, and bring adults who can help them find their people through meals, small groups and the time between sessions.
We want space for honest faith conversations
Start with what students are actually asking. Let the week give your group shared experiences to talk about, then protect time to listen instead of rushing to the next answer.
We want a camp trip our team can manage
Begin with the dates, your travel plan and the complete group cost. Midwest includes lodging and all 11 camp meals. Your church can then work through transportation, leader costs and the support families may need.
Put July 7–11 on the conversation list
- Camp: BigStuf™ Midwest
- Dates: July 7–11, 2027
- Venue: Lake Williamson, Carlinville, Illinois
- Included: lodging and all 11 camp meals
The Midwest camp page has current pricing and registration information. Follow 2027 updates for announcements as the summer takes shape.
We are excited for the first songs, the first shared meals and the first stories that will belong to this place. Bring your people. Help us begin something here.
