2024 UMCRM Immersion Experience

This event has been cancelled due to low enrollment. We hope to offer the Immersion Experience again in January 2026.

The UMCRM Immersion Experience is an unforgettable week. A core component for Certification in Camp and Retreat Ministry, this event is open to anyone who would benefit from an immersion into what it means to be a uniquely United Methodist Camp, Retreat and Conference Center.

New and aspiring Directors and Program Directors, board members, and key staff, as well as students seeking Certification, are encouraged to take advantage of the opportunity to grow and be nurtured by exploring the following topics:

• Methodist/Wesleyan Theology and Doctrine

• Faith Formation

• Methodist Camping History, Heroes, & Best Practices

• The Seven Foundations of Camp/Retreat Ministry

• Stewardship of Places, Resources, and Relationships

• Governance Models/Working with your Board

• Collaboration with Local Churches and Agencies

• Roundtable discussions on UMC changes, theology, and concerns specific to students and their sites

Perhaps best of all, the event features networking with peers in small groups and growing in relationship with colleagues across the nation, many of whom may become friends and encouragers throughout your ministry.

Reflections from past Immersion participants:

"In that week, I was able to plant the seeds to what turned into a network of close colleagues at a similar stage in our camping professions. Some of those connections are now my dearest friends and the people I call immediately when I need advice, to rant, to celebrate."

"Like Camp for Leaders" – Collin Grooms, 2018

"Circumnavigating The UMCRM Globe at Mach Speed" – Matt Williams, 2018

2023 Faculty:

• Russell Casteel, M.Div., Camp Executive of the Tennessee Western Kentucky Conference and Site Director at Camp Cedar Crest, TN
• Audrey Jordan, M.Div., 2020 Immersion alum, Program Director, Cedar Crest, TN
• Rev. Jennifer Bingham Hampton, Director, Tekoa Foothills, NC
• Jen Burch, M.Div., Director of Communications and Community Engagement, UMCRM Association

Course requirements:

The syllabus / reading assignments will be made available after Thanksgiving 2023. There will be one book, several articles and excerpts to read prior to the course, and one short reflection paper due following the course.

Cost:

The inclusive cost is $975 for course tuition, 5 nights' lodging at the Scarritt Bennett Center (all rooms are singles at this site) and 14 meals. Full payment is due by January 2, 2024 (online via credit card, or check postmarked!)

To support our UMCRM Association member ministries in cultivating leaders, Immersion students are eligible to apply for Legacy of Leadership scholarship funds. Apply here. Scholarships are granted on a first-come, first-served basis and applicants are limited to one scholarship every two years. 

Cancellation policy: Cancellations after December 6th are nonrefundable due to UMCRM's contract with Scarritt Bennett Center. In the unlikely event that Immersion is canceled, full refunds will be issued.