About
Glenhagen's Story and Vision
Our Story
Glenhagen Farm Retreat caries the namesake of our president Nancy Hagen’s late father, Glen Hagen. It is with an appreciation for the legacy of Glen and his family that Glenhagen Farm Retreat has been created to provide peace, hope, education, and community for many diverse groups, especially those with few resources to visit outdoor retreat centers.
Glen and his wife Ruth envisioned a fair society where resources are equally shared, opportunities exist for everyone, the outdoors are preserved, and political leaders are dedicated to truth and justice. Glen and Ruth would both be proud that Glenhagen welcomes all to carry on the mission of care for the Earth and education for all.
At Glenhagen, cost is never a concern.
We provide stress-free payment options customized to your needs. Our programs are designed to be for everyone, regardless of cost. Call us at (630) 890-3384 or send us a message by clicking below to learn more about what Glenhagen can offer.
Our campers have their own story to tell, too! Our campers are thoughtful, kind, and caring, and we are overjoyed to share their stories about their time at Glenhagen.
Our Vision
At Glenhagen, we value each and every person that joins us on the farm. We believe that formative experiences should never be limited by financial resources- that’s why we offer low-to-no cost options for every type of group.
Glenhagen promises to:
- Help to steward God’s creation
- Provide youth from all walks of life with the opportunity to experience the extraordinary wonders of the ecosystems which support life on earth
- Provide people of all ages with opportunities for worship, meditation, prayer and spiritual growth in the midst of beautiful woods, meadows and valleys
- Provide education about the miracle of growing and preparing nutritious food; and nurture self-confidence in youth.
Board of Directors
Nancy Hagen, President
Nancy is an accountant and a musician who performs as a pianist and oboist with ensembles throughout the Chicago area. She was assistant director for finance for Global Mission in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and currently maintains the financial records for the camp. She served as a camp counselor for St. Thomas Tommy’s Kids grief camp for kids. She and her husband Andy Tecson have been foster parents hosting children who came to the U.S. to receive surgery in Chicago hospitals through Healing the Children. Nancy is a member of Redeemer Lutheran Church in Hinsdale.
Andy Tecson, Vice President
Andy is an attorney at Chuhak & Tecson, a Chicago law firm. He represents not for profit entities in healthcare and higher education, churches and faith based organizations, and lending institutions, and closely held businesses in wide array of industries. He has served on the boards of approximately 10 not for profit organizations, and leads the ChurchJazz Band, which provides liturgical jazz to worshipping communities (see churchjazz.com). Andy is a member of Redeemer Lutheran Church in Hinsdale.
Ken Jandes, Treasurer
Ken is the Associate Dean of the American College of Education, and has a doctorate in education. He has also served as a math and science teacher, principal and superintendent for elementary schools in the Chicago area. He has participated extensively in Boy Scout activities during the time that both his sons grew up and attained Eagle Scout status.
Rick Pavon
Rick recently retired as a Lieutenant of the Chicago Police Department. Rick was responsible for a wide array of activities during his career, including supervision of forensic investigations and the crime lab, and supervision of tactical units. He received numerous awards for his service. Rick has a Master of Arts in Police Psychology from the Adler School of Professional Psychology and a B.A. in Criminal Justice from the University of Illinois at Chicago. He is an Adjunct Professor teaching criminal justice at St. Augustine College in Chicago, and is a guest lecturer in criminal investigation and forensic investigation at the University of Illinois – Chicago. Rick is bilingual English/Spanish.
Kevin Magro
Kevin is an Executive Vice President of the Clarke Group. He is a hunter and outdoorsman, and also is a founding member of a county chapter of Pheasants Forever. Kevin has participated in the Boy Scouts while his son was in that group.
Sr. Glenna Czachor
Sr. Glenna OSF is a Wheaton Franciscan Sister with more than 25 years experience in group facilitation and retreat leadership, specializing in prayer and worship, scripture study, and creative spirituality. While serving in a rural parish in Minnesota, she worked with youth in faith formation, sacramental preparation and Vacation Bible School. She holds a Masters of Pastoral Studies from Catholic Theological Union in Chicago, and is a graduate of the Hesychia School of Spiritual Direction of Tucson, AZ.
Ana and Ken O'Neil
Ana and Ken are physicians who are passionate about preserving the environment and providing opportunity for kids to learn about how to care for the earth. Having grown up in Chicago after coming to the U.S. from Columbia as a young child, Ana is excited about mentoring young people. Ken is a radiologist and avid outdoorsman/fisherman who is an advocate for preserving nature and the environment. Ana and Ken believe that the mission of glenhagen farm retreat to enrich the lives of those less fortunate, especially our young future leaders, is of vital importance to our world.
Kelsey Galante
Kelsey is a web builder, publishing, at McMaster Carr. She is passionate about education, having taught high school math in St. Louis and in the Noble School network in Chicago. She also taught as part of the Teach for America program. Kelsey first came to glenhagen farm retreat when she was serving as Program Director at Project Exploration, which provides STEM education experiences to students in the Chicago Public Schools. She was instrumental in organizing and leading the first three STEM camping expeditions to glenhagen farm retreat.
Amanda Anderson
Amanda Anderson is an educator, naturalist and gardener living on the South Side of Chicago who is passionate about sustainability and environmental justice issues. Amanda worked as an environmental educator and urban farmer in Chicago before becoming a teacher. She helps her students better understand our local food systems, the environmental issues impacting Chicago, and the ways industries are adapting to meet the threat of climate change. She is the advisor for her school’s FFA chapter, and volunteers with the First Presbyterian Church of Chicago as a manger in their community garden, helping to grow fresh food for their food pantry. Amanda has great love of the outdoors and is excited to share this love with those who visit glenhagen farm retreat.
Caroline Shields
Caroline spent most of her professional career working for non-profit organizations such as The Leukemia Research Foundation and Bear Necessities Pediatric Cancer Foundation. She took a leap with her next career move, by attending Kendall College for culinary school. This led to personal chef/catering work, restaurant work, and creating a small party planning business with her sister-in-law. Once the pandemic hit, and there were no parties to plan, and more needs with her three kids and family, she focused solely on her work at home these last few years. Always exploring, Caroline is back at school for yoga teacher training with Prairie Yoga. Caroline loves to be outside, travel, practice yoga, work on creative projects, and ride her bike.
Nick Klucharik
Nick’s background is in consulting and project management at a Big 4 Consulting Firm. He grew up in a small, rural town in Northeast Ohio and was very active in both the Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts throughout grade school. He enjoys hiking and camping, and other outdoor activities like downhill and cross country skiing. He is passionate about opening up the opportunity to experience the magic of the outdoors to individuals who don’t typically have access.
Lets start planning!
Call at (630) 890-3384 or click the button below to begin planning your visit!
