About Shining Stars

Started in 2015, “Shining Stars” is the brainchild of Rev. Warren Schilf, Senior Pastor at Immanuel Lutheran Church and School. He wanted to create a camp where children could enjoy baseball and softball as they learn basic skills in a fun, creative, and Christian environment. 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 Jesus. The camp consisted of 14 participants in it’s inaugural year in 2015, and grew to 143 participants this summer of 2018.

Rev. Warren Schilf is a local baseball product who participated in the 1978 Little League World Series with Palatine South Little League, played for Fremd High School, 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 Streamwood & Algonquin, IL and also in Fort Wayne IN. Pastor Warren’s dream was to play for the Chicago Cubs, which is why he is a faithful Cubs fan.

Our 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 over 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 our core 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 our camp with excellent relatable devotions for the campers that ties faith in Christ to the games of baseball and softball.

Larry Link – Larry has been a coach for Palatine Youth Baseball for more than 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. Former Owner of Batting Benny’s Batting Cages, Larry has graciously opened up his facility many times so that our camp could continue despite bad weather.

Past 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
• High School Students from Palatine, Fremd, Barrington, Lake Zurich, and Dundee Crown.
• Middle School Students from Immanuel Lutheran School, and various travel baseball and softball players from Palatine.