Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who owns the camp?
A: Indiana and Western Yearly Meetings Religious Society of Friends (Quaker)
Q: Who pays the bills?
A: The camp is responsible for paying all bills incurred by normal operations, however, these efforts are supported monetarily by Guest fees, Donations, Youth camps and special Catering/Banquet services offered by the Quaker Haven Camp staff.
Q: Are the buildings heated and do they have indoor plumbing?
A: Yes. Modern heating/AC and plumbing are available in all buildings except cabin areas.
Q: Is your food normal camp food?
A: No way, our food is awesome! In fact, much of our food is created by and overseen by our talented Chef Darrel Kirby.
Q: Who can use the camp?
A: We welcome all guests who want to rest and grow in the Lord. Quaker meetings are given preference, but the camp is open for all denominations.
Q: Can we bring our pets?
A: According to State Board of Health, working pets are welcome (seeing eye and hearing dogs), but other pets must stay at home or at Westwind Kennels (located 1/4 mile north of camp – 574-834-1306).
Q: Is the camp peaceful? What about smoking, alcohol, and radios?
A: The Quaker Haven staff work hard to see that the camp is conducive to the pleasantry and peacefulness inherent from its beautiful surroundings. Quaker Haven Camp is a smoking/alcohol & drug free camp grounds. We ask that you also leave radios/stereos, at home.
Q: Are there snakes in the lake?
A: Like any natural lake, there are a few non-poisonous snakes in the lake. However, they are rarely even seen and usually keep their distance from campers.
Q: What do you do in the winter?
A: There are five full-time year-round staff here at the camp. During the winter we keep busy maintaining the grounds, cleaning buildings, preparing meals for winter retreaters, hosting banquets, building projects and catching up on other work that we don’t have time to do in the summer.
Q: Who are Quakers?
A: The Quakers, or the Society of Friends, are a Christian Protestant denomination. The term “Quaker” refers to a member of the Religious Society of Friends. The term has 2 reputed origins. One refers to people “quaking” or trembling when feeling moved by the Holy Spirit to speak in Meetings for Worship. The other according to Elfrida Vipont Brown, came about when George Fox was arrested in Derby in October of 1650 and charged with blasphemy. Fox was questioned intermittently over an eight hour period and at one point told the magistrates to … “Tremble at the word of the Lord”. It was Justice Bennett who coined the name “Quakers” for the followers of George Fox.
Q: What do Quakers believe?
A: Quakers believe in one holy, almighty, all-wise and eternal God, the Father, the Creator, and Preserver of all things. They believe in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord and Savior, by whom all things consist and in the Holy Spirit, preceding from the Father and the Son. These three are one in the eternal Godhead. They believe that the Bible is the inspired Word of God and strive for a simple and meaningful worship service. Generally worship services or meetings are mildly ritualistic. A blend of singing, prayer, and preaching are in Quaker services in a way that combines good order and flexibility, making room for God to be our leader.
Q: Do you have a church here?
A: Yes, Dewart Lake Community Friends (email: dewartlakefriends@yahoo.com) with Pastor Keith Huffman, meets in the log chapel (Aaron Napier Meetinghouse) year-round at 10:00 am every Sunday morning. During the summer, there is a boat-in service that meets on the lakefront at 8:30 am – 9:00 am. Sunday School is from 9:15 – 9:45 am.
Q: What is the charge for life vests, canoes and row boats, sports equipment, etc.?
A: There is no extra charge for these items to registered guests staying with us.