Immanuel Lutheran Church and School, Palatine, Illinois June 24, 2019
The Rev. Warren Schilf, senior pastor at Immanuel Lutheran Church & School in Palatine, wanted to use his love of baseball to create a free camp where children could enjoy baseball and softball as they learn basic skills in a fun, creative and Christian environment. So, in 2015, he started “Shining Stars”. The camp consisted of 14 participants in its inaugural year, and, for the past several years, has reached capacity of 120 children.
Though the camp is open to children of all skill levels, it is specifically targeted toward children who have had limited or no organized baseball experience. The centerpiece and differentiator of this camp, over and above any other baseball/softball camp, is sharing and helping kids grow in Christ.
The “Shining Stars” camp took place the week of June 24 at Tom T. Hamilton Park (1037 N. Smith Street) in Palatine, Illinois.
Rev. Warren Schilf is a local baseball product who participated in the 1978 Little League World Series with Palatine South Little League (that finished 4th in the U.S. and 7th in the world), played for William Fremd High School in Palatine, and later played collegiately for Southern Illinois University – Carbondale, a Division 1 school. He has coached many levels of baseball and softball for nearly 20 years in the Northwest suburbs and Fort Wayne, Ind. Pastor Warren’s dream was to play for the Chicago Cubs, which is why he is a faithful, devout Cubs fan.
The core leadership team with Pastor Warren consists of the following dedicated leaders:
Tim Storm – Palatine Youth Baseball & Softball (PYB/S), Palatine Baseball Association (PBA), Palatine Travelers, Palatine Post-Season Coach for more than 20 years, and a 2013 Recipient of Palatine Park District Honor Roll Award for Volunteering. Tim is a faithful and dedicated Cubs fan.
Pastor Donald Antor – Associate Pastor, Director of Youth Ministries at Immanuel Lutheran Church & School. Pastor Donald brings an unparalleled love of baseball and Jesus to the team. As a die-hard White Sox fan, he shares his enthusiasm for the game with the kids, and passes along that love of the game through his interaction. Pastor Donald leads the camp with relatable devotions for the campers that ties faith in Christ to the games of baseball and softball.
Larry Link – Owner of Batting Benny’s Batting Cages, Palatine. Larry has been a coach for Palatine Youth Baseball for the past 10 years, instructing youth from tee-ball to 13 year olds. Larry also coaches for Hoffman Estates Park District and is an avid baseball and slow pitch softball fan. Larry is also a life-long White Sox fan. Larry has graciously opened up his facility, many times at Batting Benny’s on rainy days, so that campers continue despite bad weather.
P
ast summer camps have been led by a qualified team of adult coaches and high school athletes, providing a great mentoring atmosphere, including: Kevin Nelson, former professional AAA Minor League catcher of the Toronto Blue Jays, Philadelphia Phillies and New York Yankees; Dennis Sander, Barrington High School varsity softball coach and coach of the Barrington American Legion Baseball team; Bill Campbell, former Major League Baseball pitcher and Chicago Cub; students from William Fremd, Palatine, Barrington, Lake Zurich, and Dundee Crown high schools; middle school students from Immanuel Lutheran School; and, various travel baseball and softball players from Palatine.
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