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About Us |
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Vista Wee Yon Wa Untka, Sioux Indian for Our Lady of Hope, is a place of refreshment and new beginnings for those who take time in their busy lives to experience God’s presence there. In our complex secular society, all of us need places where we can slow down and experience the Kingdom of God, at lest for a little while, in order that we can be a clearer sign of God’s love in our families, schools, neighborhoods, and workplaces. A VISTA OF THE KINGDOM “Let all your workers give you thanks O’Lord, Many thousands of people, young and old, have taken time away from their everyday lives, to experience God’s presence through nature, through prayer and reflection, and through caring and sharing with others. For them, the Vista is a place where, for a short span of time, it is possible to catch a glimpse of the Kingdom of God. The natural beauty invites one to walk slowly for a while down the paths carved through fields and woods; to see wisps of clouds reflected in the smooth surface of the lake; to tune in to the sounds of the Vista- the whistling and chattering of birds, the song of the wind in the pine trees – chirping of crickets and frogs - the excited cries of youngsters on the sports field. These many sounds are constant reminders of the creative presence of God. Those who come to the Vista also experience the Kingdom of God in the constant efforts by camp leaders and staff to help everyone experience friendship, love, compassion, honesty and forgiveness. They have an opportunity to experience life as it could be if all people everywhere were to heed Jesus’ command to love God and neighbor. A SPECIAL PLACEVista Wee Yon Wa Untka nestles in the hills overlooking Cedar Lake in Fond du Lac County. First time visitors to the Camp are invariably struck by the tranquil beauty of the place. All of the buildings, constructed of wood or natural stone, blend into the landscape. Facilities on the 307-acre campground include five dormitory cabins, a rectory cabin, athletic field, craft cabin, and large dining hall with a magnificent view of the lake. The craft cabin originally served as a chapel the beautiful ‘Our Lady of the Vista Chapel’ was built on top of the highest hill. Constructed of native wood and stone with a rugged oak alter backed by a stone fireplace, the chapel is the physical and spiritual focal point of the entire camp. The recreation room downstairs, with a fireplace and kitchenette, is used as a social center. A small trading post near the athletic field is open for a short time each day to allow campers to purchase candy, soft drinks, and souvenirs. It was built by the Fred C. Miller Council of the Knights of Columbus, from used lumber and materials. Some of the Boy Scouts from Our Lady of Good Hope Parish, Milwaukee carved the colorful Totem Pole which stands outside the post. Six simple cottages are situated on a hill opposite the chapel. These have served as summer residences for the maintenance people, cooks, and clergy who donate their services to the Vista. The Vista can accommodate 120 campers in the permanent buildings, and there are special areas where scouting groups pitch their tents. A TREASURE “The Kingdom of God is like a buried treasure Fr. Joseph Fischer, the camp founder, discovered a “treasure” when he realized the value of taking youngsters to a place where they could be in touch with nature while learning through various activities how Christians are to bring Christ’s love to others. Father Fischer’s commitment to camping began when, as a newly ordained assistant pastor at Holy Redeemer Parish, Milwaukee, he took 25 boys on a camping trip to Peninsula State Park in Door County. During the following years Fr. Fischer’s campers pitched tents at Pigeon Lake, Hardwood Lake, the Peshtigo River, and at Nesbit Lake and Clear Lake in northern Michigan. After 21 years of busing his youngsters to these various campsites, Fr. Fischer set out to establish a permanent camp within the Archdiocese of Milwaukee. The Vista was incorporated on July 24, 1961. That same year 123 acres of farmland was purchased at Crooked Lake for $17,500 and renovation was initiated on the two farmhouses and on a 30-bed dormitory. Four Wilson homes (prefabricated buildings constructed after World War II) were moved from Milwaukee and also served as dormitories for campers. A tent erected as a chapel and one was also used as a dining area. After one permanent building was in place Fr. Fischer learned that the State Conservation Commission intended to condemn the land and incorporate it into the state park. After much discussion the Vista Committee with the exception of one member, decided it was impossible to fight the state. That member alone raised his voice with Fr. Fischer’s and began the long battle that followed. Many fundraisers took place for the present and the future of the Vista. News of Fr. Fischer’s efforts to fight condemnation of his camp was reported in newspapers throughout the area. After two years of hearings and discussions with state officials and numerous meetings with people interested in the camp, the voices of friends of the Vista were heard. In 1964 the 98.5-acre Cedar Lake site was offered to Fr. Fischer along with a payment of $31,000. He accepted the offer and construction was begun on the new Vista. When the state of Wisconsin deeded the campsite to Fr. Fischer there were some major problems. It took a person of vision to look at the peat swamp, marshy lake, and hilly terrain, and see the Vista of today. For a couple of summers, bulldozers worked to level three of the hills thus providing solid ground for a sports field. A level place was created for the dining hall and earth was pushed onto the swampy lakeshore to form a small beach and launching area for rowboats. Eventually an asphalt basketball court and running track were constructed on the athletic field. On July 17, 1964, Vista Wee Yon Wa Untka was blesses and dedicated to Our Lady of hope. Archbishop William E. Cousins presided at the dedication. In 1966 a major financial campaign was organized with the backing of Governor Warren P. Knowles and Coach Vince Lombardi. A promotional film “Land of Wide Horizons” was produced for the campaign. An adjoining 122-acre farm was purchased in 1967 for $21,500. Fr. Fischer left Our Lady of Good hope Parish in 1967 and was appointed pastor of Our Lady of Angels Parish, Armstrong, which was only 3 miles from the Vista. The “crowning jewel” at the Vista is ‘Our Lady of the Vista Chapel’ which was constructed in 1972 and 1973. It is a constant reminder to campers that our Lord is present in all they do. Carillon bells in the twin towers announce the hours by playing favorite well-known hymns. Archbishop Cousins again visited The Vista to bless the new chapel in August 15, 1973. A large addition to the Dining Room was constructed in 1977, with showers and a small apartment on the lower level. In 1980 Fr. Fischer was transferred from Our Lady of Angels Parish Armstrong, to St. Andrew Parish, LeRoy. In 1984 the only home on Cedar Lake, with 80 acres of land became available and was purchased for $120,000. An additional six acres of land was purchased from a Gun Club for $5,000. Fr. Fischer retired from the diocesan work in 1984 after having suffered a stroke. He lived at Our Lady of Angels Rectory in Armstrong for the next 3 ½ years helping with parish work there and at St. Michael Parish, Dotyville, while continuing interest in the Vista. ALL ARE WELCOME“I tell you most solemnly, A unique aspect of the Vista has been its ability to adjust to the changing needs of the People of God. Because Fr. Fischer had been aware of the “signs of the time” and made the Vista available to anyone wished to come, the camp is a vital place which serves a wonderful variety of groups. In the course of a year, the Vista cabins house people of all ages, from infants to the elderly. Boy and girl scouts, teens preparing for Confirmation, college students, families, handicapped teens and adults, nursing home residents, religious communities, all take up temporary residence at the Camp. Fr. Fischer had put out the “Welcome” mat for all of them and was determined that no one should ever be unable to attend because of financial difficulty. THE VISTA TODAYFather Fischer was called to his eternal reward on May 4, 1997 after 57 years of camping, 36 of which were spent at the Vista. The Vista developed into a beautiful retreat in the middle of the Kettle Moraine, largely due to his insight and vision. Most of the trees and bushes, and every blade of grass was planted, watered and nurtured by him. The Board of Directors continues today to operate the Vista with all of Fr. Fischer’s visions in mind. It is still a place where ALL are welcome to experience God’s Presence, regardless of race, color, creed or finances. |
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For more information or to schedule a tour:
N3398 Chapel Heights Rd. Campbellsport, WI 53010 (920) 533-4258 (920) 533-4703 (fax) |
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To contact us: |
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CAMP VISTA |
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“I tell you most solemnly, |