The Chapel still needs to raise $670,274 to pay remaining invoices out of total $3,839,913. For over half of the century, Camp Vista has been recognized by youth and families as an unusual place - a holy place - where they discover the beauty of God’s creation and implement Christian values which "assist" them whenever they go. Today, these values are more important than ever. In fall 2018, our Ch
apel – the heart of the camp – was lost due to fire. The original Camp Vista Chapel burned down in a structure fire in October of 2018. It served thousands of visitors who came to Camp Vista to rest and grow closer to God through the beautiful nature that surrounds the grounds, one of Camp Vista’s missions. In order to fully be able to execute their mission, Camp Vista needs funds to complete the new chapel: a building that will serve as a space of physical rest, spiritual transformation, and formation of community. If you can, we ask that you extend a generous arm in support of this mission. We pray that good people will recognize the importance of this goal and support us spiritually or financially. When you support the Camp Vista Chapel, there will be many prayers raised up in your most sincere lifetime intentions. Thank you in advance for your support. CAMP VISTA CHAPEL LOCATION
Camp Vista Chapel is situated in the middle of Vista Christian Retreat (known as Camp Vista) in Kettle Moraine Forest, Wisconsin. Surrounded by lakes and trees is a perfect spot for youths and families. CAMP VISTA CHAPEL HISTORY
The original Our Lady of The Vista Chapel was built and established in 1972. It was constructed by the founder of Camp Vista, Fr. Joseph A. Fisher, at the center of the campground. Since 1972, the chapel has welcomed over 2,000 visitors per summer season, and even more throughout the year, on the Vista grounds. This was the place where all groups began and ended their retreats at Camp Vista. This was where youth grew in relationships with their faith, and each other. This was where stories were shared, marriage vows exchanged and renewed, and many, many prayers were said. This was a holy place. FIRE IN 2018
On October 24, 2018, the original Our Lady of the Vista Chapel was completely destroyed in a structure fire. The detectives said that the fire must have started around midnight, and the flames kept growing until around 5am when five neighboring fire departments were called to the scene. They arrived at a building that was already consumed in flames, and it took XX hours to completely put out. What was once a building that nurtured faith and brought groups together, was now a hole filled with burnt wood and piles of ashes. For a moment, hope for the future was at a standstill. RISING FROM THE ASHES
Piece by piece, plans for a new chapel started coming together. Andrew Fidziukiewicz (Camp Vista President) and his family did not give up hope for the future. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, they worked hard to have the vision of the Camp Vista Chapel become a reality. With some funds received from various sources needed for building the new chapel, they started reconstruction on March 13, 2020. Camp Vista broke ground to build the chapel simultaneously as the COVID-19 pandemic was declared a national emergency by the White House. To date (June 2021), they raised $3 million dollars to fund the project, and are 95% done with completing the structure to be used for the upcoming summer season. Camp Vista still needs to raise $0.7 million dollars to pay remaining invoices that were affected by disrupted income due to COVID-19. Camp Vista was, and still is, blessed with many generous and giving hearts who support the camp’s mission of strengthening Christian values in children, youth and families. As founder Fr. Fischer once stated, “We invite you to prepare the youth of today, in the fullest sense, as they are the inheritors of the world tomorrow.”
Please consider donating any amount you can to help us achieve our mission of bettering the world of tomorrow. Overall cost of construction: $3,839,913
Raised to date 6/9/2021: $3,344,023
Remaining Balance: $495,890
HOW CAN YOU HELP
The Chapel fire was the most devastating experience Camp Vista ever had. We kindly ask you to pray for us and, if possible, support us financially in Rebuilding the Chapel. There are many ways to make a donation for Camp Vista Chapel:
>> Visit vistachapel.org to pay with PayPall or credit/debit card
>> Send ZELLE [email protected]
>> Donate check: Camp Vista N3398 Chapel Heights Rd, Campbellsport, WI 53010
>> Make a donation with credit/debit card on FB (donate button) - you can make it one time or monthly! Every donation matters. God bless you!
