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Celebrating Five More Ministry Impact Projects:

Alton L. Collins (OR), Aldersgate (NY), Egan (OK),

Lake Tahoe (CA), and East Bay (IL)

Last spring, the UMCRM Association had the joy of distributing $2.5 million in Ministry Impact Grants, funding 86 different United Methodist camp/retreat ministry projects with a focus on future sustainability.

Learn more about the 2022 Ministry Impact Grants

UMCRM continues to celebrate the vision, hope, and expanded ministry reach represented in the projects undertaken by Ministry Impact Grant recipients. More to highlight in future weeks and months!

Solar Array at Alton L.Collins Retreat Center (Oregon)

This grant inspired additional gifts which together funded a solar array at the Alton L. Collins Retreat Center. The panels will produce approximately 150 Kwh per year, making a significant difference in the center’s operation over the life of this electricity-producing solar array. The energy bill savings will be applied to staffing and programming needs for long term sustainability.

Leadership Training & Missions Program Development

at Aldersgate Camp & Retreat Center (NY)

The last year has been a time of growth for Aldersgate, with summer program growth of 32%. The Ministry Impact Grant assisted in the creation of a Leadership-in-Training program and a Mission Program, resulting in campership growth and retention, re-engagement of former staff, and new ways for the ministry to serve meaningfully in the community.

Water Project at Camp Egan (OK)

Egan was losing 50,000 gallons of precious water each month due to leaks in pipelines installed in the 1940s. Hard, rocky, impenetrable soil drained so quickly that the leaks were virtually impossible to locate. This grant enabled Egan to match other donations and foundation funding to trench and lay new, larger, commercial Pex water lines throughout the facility. These new lines will accommodate future planned growth, allow reallocation of funds toward deferred maintenance and upkeep, and better steward the Cherokee County water supply. In the long run, Egan will be able to ensure an attractive and well-maintained facility for ministry with future generations of campers and guests.

Site Safety and Hospitality Upgrades

at Lake Tahoe Retreat Center (CA)

Removal of dangerous and overcrowded trees has made the site safer, mitigated property damage risk, and provided more space for outdoor games. Solar lighting along pathways enhances guest safety while providing a nice, soft glow, creating shadows of wildlife as they wander through the site. Guests love them! A new electric fireplace in the gathering/worship area creates an improved indoor program space, replacing the hazards of the old wood-burning fireplace that was no longer serviceable. Now the campfire experience (including roasting s’mores) is once again available to retreat groups. Upgraded wifi provides guest groups with far better stability and coverage for meetings, worship, videos and presentations. 

New Docks at East Bay (IL)

East Bay Camp used grant funds to replace old, broken docks. The updated docks allow the camp to anchor boats including kayaks, canoes, and pontoons in a manner that allows easier access and increased safety. The grant also funded the purchase of new, safe swim lines and paddleboards to expand waterfront programming options for tiered program progression. There is now a 'boat in' option for Sunday morning worship during the summer, enabling new outreach to many camp neighbors.

Just a few reflections shared by participants of “Dive Deep,” the 2023 National Camp and Retreat Leaders Gathering at Epworth by the Sea, St. Simons Island, Georgia…

Carlen Blackstone, a longtime volunteer at camps in Pennsylvania, has attended 5 National Gatherings since 2001. She reflects,

“As with most camp experiences that I have had over my entire lifetime, it is hard to share with others who weren’t there how really cool it always is. However, the theme “Dive Deep” which was integrated into every worship service reminded all of us that Christian camping, though it faced many challenges during the pandemic, is uniquely able to rely on a God who is acknowledged by the Psalmists as one who always comes through even in the most dire of circumstances, a God who created the entire world out of chaos and made us in His image with that same creative power, Jesus who meets a woman at a physical well and offers her “living water” that will never run out, and Jesus who told the disciples to drop their nets on the other side of the boat so that they could experience abundance beyond measure.”

It’s clear that the messages brought by Rev. Joy Moore resonated with attendees. Those teachings were reinforced as small groups dove deep into the scriptures through Bible study sharing, as well.

Christina Gibbs, Director at Camp Overlook (VA) is new to her role and a first-time Gathering attendee. She says,

“Getting to spend a week alongside of my Methodist Camping friends was a true gift! The week was filled with stellar sessions, vulnerable conversation, and impactful worship. Every session I attended was led by folks who had a plethora of knowledge to share. I feel like I learned things that I could bring back and use immediately. The big sessions (worship times) were a great mix of funny and thought provoking. I am so thankful for the opportunity to attend the Gathering. I am truly a better camp professional because of it.”

Dior DeSormeau, Assistant Director at Potosi Pines in the Desert Southwest Conference, noticed that the Gathering held more fun and laughter than she’d experienced in a long time. “It’s a bit like summer camp for Directors,” Dior observes. And it felt like an opportunity to be on the receiving end of the kind of experience that Dior helps to create for others the rest of the year. This work can be isolating, and the Gathering was an opportunity to connect with and be seen by others who understand. For a leader who works most Sundays, it was a joy to be a participant in meaningful worship and to assist in serving communion. For a resident of a land-locked desert place, it was deeply meaningful to stand at the ocean, watching the waves while feeling echoes of Rev. Joy’s preaching about the chaos and the order God brings within it. Dior also appreciated the intergenerational spirit of the Gathering – that retired Execs, young counselors, and everyone in between were respected and valued in a supportive community of varying voices and roles.

Sam Richardson, Director at Camp Penn in the Susquehanna Conference and a member of the UMCRM Board of Directors, observes,

“The National Gathering reminds me of the Hogwarts Room of Requirement - it offers the seeker what they need most. No matter where I’ve been on my journey as a camp professional, I’ve been able to find what I needed most to be encouraged and inspired. At my first National Gathering, that was making connections and an introduction to best practices. I wanted to attend every workshop and learn all I could. Now it looks more like a family reunion and much-needed encouragement. Sometimes I’m not sure what I need going in, but I leave feeling better prepared for the road ahead.”

Special thanks to volunteer photographers Rachel McGuire, Hope Montgomery, and Sam Richardson, and to all who shared photos in our Cluster gallery through the event app. 

Celebrating Five More Completed Ministry Impact Projects:

Aldersgate (KY), Asbury Retreat (NY), Bay Shore (MI), Mountain Sky Conference Camps (CO) and Camp Lodestar (CA)

In the spring of 2022, the UMCRM Association had the joy of distributing $2.5 million in Ministry Impact Grants, funding 86 different United Methodist camp/retreat ministry projects with a focus on future sustainability.

Learn more about the 2022 Ministry Impact Grants

We continue to celebrate the vision, hope, and expanded ministry reach represented in these project reports.

Aldersgate Camp & Retreat Center (KY) received grant funding to replace rustic 60-year-old cabins with new, safe, climate-controlled lodging cabins. The Ministry Impact Grant enabled them to fast-forward progress on this large project. In the words of Director Haley Andes, this construction “will remove obstacles to grace,” helping campers feel more at home and parents more confident in the safety of the camp experience.

Asbury Retreat Center (Upper NY) received funding to build a Memorial Garden, including waterfront improvements, prayer walk, labyrinth, and perennial plantings. An unused grassy incline has become a sacred space, enabling retreat participants and guests to connect with God and soak in the natural beauty of the site. The project increased the volunteer base at Asbury and has created new

energy for future spiritual opportunities through nature at the retreat center.

Bay Shore Camp & Family Ministries (MI) applied for funding to enable the development of Creation Quest outdoor programming. The program will include interactive educational nature trails, interactive discovery lab, outdoor education building development, and nature play and wild crafting areas. The grant also provided for certification of nature educators and wilderness skill instructors, and Christian Creation care education. Creation Quest will allow Bay Shore to minister to families in addition to serving as a “youth camp,” and to address “nature knowledge deficit” in their region.

Mountain Sky Conference Camps (CO) applied for a grant to fund 6 weeks of radio, internet, and social media marketing leading up to the 2022 summer camping season. The campaign raised awareness of Christian camping opportunities around the state. Youth who attended conference camp programs reported growing in their faith in Jesus Christ as a result of their camp experience.

Camp Lodestar (Cal-Nevada) requested funding for Ministry In the Treetops, a project that would rebuild high ropes course elements impacted by tree damage due to climate change. The course and the trained facilitators that lead groups are effective in helping participants overcome personal and spiritual obstacles such as trust and risk-taking, encouraging communication and boldness. Participants gain confidence, trust, and a deeper awareness of their own abilities by challenging themselves and others to achieve their best. Groups improve relationships by learning to encourage and support one another, promoting team building, goal setting, communication skills, and creative problem solving. The overall goal is to give each person an opportunity to have a fun, challenging experience while growing in their relationship with God. The Ministry Impact funds supported safely rebuilding the popular Zip Line and Leap of Faith elements and the purchase of new helmets, lines, and harnesses.

Five New Ministry Impact Projects Completed:

Mount Shepherd (NC), Baltimore-Washington Conference, Aldersgate (RI), Flathead Lake (MT) and Tekoa (NC)

Last spring, the UMCRM Association had the joy of distributing $2.5 million in Ministry Impact Grants, funding 86 different United Methodist camp/retreat ministry projects with a focus on future sustainability.

Learn more about the 2022 Ministry Impact Grants

UMCRM has received reports from most of the completed projects and will continue to celebrate the vision, hope, and expanded ministry reach represented in these stories over the coming weeks and months. 

Mount Shepherd Retreat Center (NC) received grant funding to refresh its strategic plan and to conduct a feasibility study for a capital campaign. With exponential growth since 2018, Mount Shepherd is facing sleeping capacity issues, so they hoped this process would move them toward addressing that need. However, during their time consulting with Run River, the center experienced significant staffing turnover that reoriented ministry priorities. Run River was in place at the right time to assist the organization in "getting its house in order," including revisiting the strategic plan, building an aligned staff structure, and ensuring a sound financial picture. Mount Shepherd now possesses an all-time high capacity to offer programs and deliver transformational ministry; now strategically aligned to resume planning for a future capital campaign.

Aldersgate Camp & Retreat Center (RI) received grant support for development of a master site plan. Kaleidoscope, Inc. was contracted to conduct analysis of the use and operations of the site, clarify a vision of the future program and facility, and create a conceptual layout of critical facilities to advance the mission of Aldersgate. The completed process is already guiding the board’s next steps in prioritizing and funding the ministry’s thriving future.

Baltimore-Washington Conference applied for funding to enable the Director of Retreat and Camping Ministries to obtain the Fundraising Management Certificate from the Fundraising School through the Lilly Family School of

Philanthropy at Indiana University. So far, two of the four courses are completed; the remainder are on deck for the first quarter of 2023. Director Chris Schlieckert is already putting newly developed skills into action in fostering relationships with ministry supporters and potential supporters. The full impact of this training investment on the mission and sustainability of the Baltimore-Washington Conference Camp & Retreat Ministries will continue to be revealed as the long-term development plan takes shape. This grant opportunity is helping to build a firm fundraising foundation so these ministries can weather the changes ahead and become increasingly sustainable and effective.

Tekoa (NC) sought support to hire a consultant for multi-site Master Planning, including human resources, fund development, and site development at the ministry sites in both Hendersonville and Casar. The outside vantage point provided by Kaleidoscope, Inc. has allowed the board and staff to take a hard look at its operation and plan for many years of sustained impact in Western North Carolina. The grant is a catalyst for the next phase of the multi-site ministry, identifying major issues, opportunities, and strategies for moving forward. The process will conclude this spring with a plan that will guide future decision-making.

Flathead Lake (MT) utilized its grant funding to hire the well recommended High Plains Architecture Firm of Billings to help clarify and focus its goals for the future, conduct a full assessment of the site and facilities, and develop a comprehensive master plan, including fundraising possibilities. Safety priorities identified through the consultation are already being implemented, including a new boardwalk and a deck on a cabin, but the ongoing process includes many more future plans. The process has resulted in a solid, exciting sense of hope and belief in new possibilities for the future of the camp within the Board, the staff, and camp community. Along with appreciating the value of the unique historic cabins and the incredible site on the shore of Flathead Lake, the emergent master plan for future development includes renovating cabins for energy efficiency, safety, and accessibility while keeping their character intact. Upgraded bath houses, solar panels, and staff housing are all part of the envisioned future of the site. This process has provided a clarity of vision that is motivating the board, staff, and supporters to step up in new ways, courage to seek outside help and guidance, and resolve to build upon the hopes of the camp’s founders nearly one hundred years ago.

At its January meeting, the UMCRM Association will welcome three new members of the Board of Directors. Let's meet them!

Mitzie Schafer is a full-time consultant with GSB Fundraising, helping nonprofits and churches tell their story in ways that increase engagement. She specializes in strategic planning, annual fund, planned giving, and CAGA Model Storytelling training and coaching.  She has more than 15 years of experience in nonprofit executive leadership and fundraising for organizations including Epworth Children’s Home in Columbia, SC, the ELCA Foundation, and NovusWay.

Mitzie enjoys helping non-profit organizations implement systematic, best practice approaches that shift toxic institutional cultures to healthy, thriving ministries. Her focus is on transparency, human resource management, communication, and accountability. She utilizes these strategies to strengthen relationships among staff, the board, and constituents.

Other fun facts:

• Mitzie grew up in the UMC, going to Camp Tekoa (NC) for retreats
• She served on summer staff at Lutheridge/Lutherock

• She believes in camp ministry as one of the most important things the church does to grow faith, build belonging, and grow self-confidence.

  
  

Peter Weaver is a Retired Bishop of The United Methodist Church, having served from 1996-2012. In 2004, he became the President of the Council of Bishops for a two-year term. Ordained Deacon and Elder in the Western Pennsylvania Conference, Pete served on many community Boards, was adjunct faculty for Drew and Pittsburgh Theological Seminaries, produced weekly radio programs, and helped found Bethlehem Haven for Homeless Women and "One Voice Against Racism."

Pete was the first President of the Council of Bishops to be nominated by the "discernment process" and elected for a two-year term (2004-2006). He has also served on the General Commission on Christian Unity and Interreligious Concerns and the General Board of Global Ministries. He has been an active member on the Boards of five colleges and universities and has worked with Jim Wallis and others to "Make Poverty History."

Other fun facts: 

• Bishop Weaver led Bible study at the UMCRM National Gathering at Lake Junaluska in 2011

Patrick Roscoe hails from Missouri City, Texas. He has a degree in Organizational Leadership from Fort Hays State University. Patrick’s camping experience includes various roles at YMCA camps in Illinois, Indiana, and Missouri. He has worked as a camp counselor, outdoor educator, and guest services coordinator. Patrick currently serves as Operations and Communications Director at Camp Newaygo, a Girls' Overnight Camp, Co-ed Day Camp, and year round program, conference, and retreat facility in Western Michigan. He says, "What I enjoy most about camp life is the opportunity to impact youth and adult communities that are interested in challenging their lived experiences through challenge initiatives, team building, community efforts, and overall personal development." In serving with UMCRM, he looks forward to incorporating United Methodist faith along with professional skills in an area of his passion.

Other fun facts: 

• Patrick's favorite camp song is "Flea, Fly"
• In his free time, he enjoys movies, live music, thought provoking conversation, and reading, especially on topics of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

We are grateful for these remarkable individuals' willingness to help guide the UMCRM Association in a governance capacity, sharing their depth of experience and insight while bringing their passion and a spirit of fun to our shared work. Please join in praying for them and all of our Association's leadership as they envision a thriving future for United Methodist Camp and Retreat Ministries.

Four New Ministry Impact Projects Completed:

Ceta Canyon (TX), Lake Huron (MI), Chippewa (KS), and Casowasco (UNY)

This spring, the UMCRM Association had the joy of distributing $2.5 million in Ministry Impact Grants, funding 86 different United Methodist camp/retreat ministry projects with a focus on future sustainability.

Learn more about the 2022 Ministry Impact Grants

We continue to receive reports of completed projects and want to celebrate the vision, hope, and expanded ministry reach represented in these stories. Congratulations to these centers that successfully accomplished their grant-funded improvements. New opportunities have opened for each of these sites to meet the needs of current and future generations of campers and guests.

Ceta Canyon (TX)

This weekend, Ceta Canyon will welcome the first guest group to their Low Ropes Course, featuring 7 newly constructed, state-of-the-art elements that were funded through the Ministry Impact Grant. The camp staff looks forward to helping groups grow in team work, leadership development, communication, trust and faith, planning, confidence and problem solving. 

Lake Huron (MI)

The Ministry Impact Grant enabled Lake Huron Retreat Center to establish a new staff position: Program & Hospitality Manager. Rev. Cora Glass, who was hired for this exciting new role, is innovating new retreat programming for the center, coordinating with guest groups, and serving as a spiritual leadership resource to other Conference ministries.

Chippewa (KS)

Camp Chippewa received upgraded, integrated, efficient food storage, replacing antiquated and malfunctioning cooler and freezers. Now deliveries are streamlined, reliable units will eliminate food losses, and kitchen staff have what they need to prepare the camp's 1,400 meals each week of the summer. 

Casowasco (UNY)

Casowasco Camp & Retreat Center utilized Ministry Impact Grant funding to revive its sailing program, improve its kayak equipment, and add stand-up paddleboards to its waterfront offerings.

The gift has inspired additional giving and jumpstarted an extensive future waterfront revitalization project. Generations of Casowasco campers and guests will learn new watercraft skills and create lasting memories on the lake. 

Dr. Emma Escobar, the Coordinator for Hispanic/Latino Ministries in the Baltimore-Washington Conference, was a guest at the October meeting of UMCRM’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion group. Dr. Escobar discussed the history of Hispanic/Latino Methodists in the U.S., issues facing those communities, and considerations as Camp and Retreat Ministries seek to better serve and partner with Hispanic/Latino communities.

One of the first questions was about the terminology that folks should be using – is it Hispanic, Latino, or Latinx? Emma noted that there is no single “right” answer. Many people from different regions and cultural groups will have different opinions and perspectives and the best thing to do is simply ask the group. She went on to describe the ways in which the language we use is key, powerfully shaping how we think about ideas or in this case, people. 

The Hispanic/Latino community is the fastest growing minority group in the U.S. with the increase resulting more from births than immigration. The median age of this demographic is young – 28 years old, and they are quite multiracial and multi-ethnic. The UMC currently has around 76,000 Hispanic/Latino laity in our pews. Many of our churches are used to working with immigrant populations, but there are vast opportunities to improve our reach to the 1.5 and second-generation folks of Latinx heritage (those who moved to the US as children or were born to immigrant parents). These later generations tend to speak English or Spanglish more often than exclusively Spanish and may more likely be found in multicultural congregations.

The main questions we need to be asking ourselves are: 

• Are we building relationships with people or just trying to check off a box for diversity? 

• Do we have the trust of the community and people we are trying to engage? 

• Who are the pillars of the community or church and how can we be in trusting relationships with them? 

If UMCRM leaders would like help in connecting with the Hispanic/Latino caucus and leaders in our annual conferences, Dr. Escobar is willing to help make some introductions. For those of us who have existing relationships with Hispanic/Latino leaders, we can identify growing edges such as representation on curriculum teams and boards and inclusion in staffing. Are there site adaptations that can help us signal a wider welcome, such as ethnic food options or the ability for groups to rent the commercial kitchen? Can we develop multilingual signage and create marketing materials translated (by a native speaker) into Spanish?

The UMCRM Association encourages our members to engage more deeply in building alliances with Hispanic/Latino church leaders, camp families, and communities.

Special thanks to Jenna Johnson, Assistant Director at the West River Center (MD), for coordinating Dr. Escobar's visit and for providing this synopsis. Jenna is a commissioned Deacon in The United Methodist Church and an active member of UMCRM's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Intentional Leadership Group.

Celebrating Ministry Impact Project Reports from 6 More Grant Recipients:

Lakeside, Gretna Glen, Lakeshore, Wesley Woods MI, Lake Lucerne, and Shoal Creek

This spring, the UMCRM Association had the joy of distributing $2.5 million in Ministry Impact Grants, funding 86 different United Methodist camp/retreat ministry projects with a focus on future sustainability.

Learn more about the 2022 Ministry Impact Grants

We continue to receive reports of completed projects and want to celebrate the vision, hope, and expanded ministry reach represented in these stories. Congratulations to these centers that successfully accomplished their grant-funded improvements. New opportunities have opened for each of these sites to meet the needs of current and future generations of campers and guests.

Camp Lakeside (Great Plains, KS)

Lakeside was able to replace 60 mattresses that had been in use for over 15 years, some longer. This gift enabled them to provide a cleaner, more comfortable experience for guests and campers. Some cabins were able to be reopened this season now that they had fresh new mattresses.

Gretna Glen (Eastern PA)

The grant funded an adaptive kayak launch for the lake. Campers and guests who have limited mobility or who use wheelchairs can now kayak at Greta Glen. One camp friend who is now in her 40s had not boated since she was in her teens due to the progression of her muscular dystrophy. Having her be able to get safely into the front of a double kayak and paddle others around was an overwhelming feeling for her and for the camp staff. What a blessing; the impacts will just keep rippling out. 

Lakeshore (TN) 

Lakeshore Camp and Retreat Center undertook extensive Property Safety and Erosion Control Projects with their grant funding. The improvements included trenching, a culvert, and a new bridge, improving the safety and sustainability of the site.

Wesley Woods (MI)

The grant funding helped to build 5 new RV sites with electrical hookups, allowing Wesley Woods to host NOMADS volunteers. It was a multi-step process including leveling the site, digging a well, installing a new transformer, and laying gravel.

The NOMADS are a tremendous asset to this site that has extensive deferred maintenance needs. In this first year alone, they were able to rebuild a safe walkway to the retreat center, repair several buildings, and build two sets of stairs. It’s exciting to think of the potential for these and other RV volunteer groups to have a home base to return to at Wesley Woods, helping the camp meet its mission to be a place of renewal that grows disciples of Jesus Christ. 

Attendees of the 2023 National Camp and Retreat Leaders Gathering at Epworth by the Sea will be treated to a cultural-historical experience featuring the Geechee Gullah Ring Shouters. 

Who are the Gullah?

Gullah, also called Sea Island Creole, developed among enslaved people from Central and West Africa brought to the eastern barrier islands of North America who incorporated features of local culture into their traditions.

Who are the Geechee Gullah Ring Shouters?

This cultural performance group, based in the heart of the Gullah Geechee community, was organized in 1992 with the overall goal of preserving and protecting their priceless ancestral heritage. Manager Griffin Lotson has traced his ancestral roots prior to slavery to Africa. As expressed by Gullah scholar and linguist Dr. Lorenzo Dow Turner, the group believes that people without a history are a lost generation.

The Shouters are committed to embracing, preserving, and protecting the historical and cultural heritage of the Gullah Geechee legacy through history, song and dance for the benefit of present and future generations. The Shouters' cultural goal is to keep the original "shout" as authentic from 1800 to the present. The group boasts the oldest active Ring Shouter performing in the world; a direct descendant from slavery.  

The Ring Shout

The Ring Shout is probably the oldest surviving African American performance tradition on the North American continent. This compelling fusion of counterclockwise dance-like movement, call-and-response singing, percussion of hand clapping and the stick beating of a drum-like rhythm on a wooden floor is clearly African in its origins. The ring shout, originally and presently, affirms oneness with the Spirit and ancestors as well as community cohesiveness. The practice continued into the twentieth century with its influence resonating in other musical forms from spiritual to jubilee to gospel music to jazz. However, by the last quarter of the twentieth century, the ring shout tradition appeared to have died out. The Geechee Gullah Shouters have helped to revive and preserve the tradition into the present day. 

View a Ring Shout performance