Jensen Camp Foundation is a non-profit organization that exists to provide physical and spiritual development for all God’s children through outdoor activities in nature, faithful witness, and Christ-centered relationships. Jensen Woods is a rustic camp that sits on 550 acres and includes indoor and outdoor chapels, tree houses, a bunk house that sleeps 16-17, an a-frame that sleeps 9-10, a lodge
with a meeting hall and a new commercial kitchen, as well as additional indoor and outdoor structures for Bible studies and other activities. Four generations of Jensen family members and a large group of community members have formed the Jensen Camp Foundation, and we are proposing to operate and manage Jensen Woods Camp as a Christian, not-for-profit organization. Ernest Jensen donated 80 acres in 1962 because his daughter could not get into a camp. He talked to neighbors would sold the church 120 for half of appraised value. The church then came to him and said 200 acres was not enough. So he sold at half of appraised value the property he and his family lived on 350 acres. He sold on contract for deed so the church could pay for it over 5 years. Ernest had wanted to be a minister, but gave that up to come home and help his dad save the family farm. Which he then entrusted to the church to be used as a camp. His daughter Roselyn gave the camp $400,000 in her will in 2010. Following the Illinois Great Rivers Conference closing of the camp. Jensen Camp Foundation worked tirelessly to save the camp and in the summer of 2018 the Foundation was able to raise a $500,000 down payment to purchase the camp in late August of 2018. The Foundation currently owns and operates this non-denominational church camp for youth and families to enjoy nature and connect with God.
