The forward-thinking philosophy and inspired generosity of one individual continues to impact lives for Christ. Throughout his life, the Reverend Solomon Graydon Cramer could see that the ministry happening at United Methodist summer camps across the country was preparing the church’s young leaders for lives of impact through discipleship. As a testament to his belief in the power of camp, Rev. Cramer built up his legacy by endowing a portion of his will to ensure young people could attend camp for years to come. Since 2017, the Solomon Cramer Fund has been sending young people to camp by granting scholarship funds to individual conference camp/retreat centers. Through these grants camps have developed innovative programs that reach new people in new places, widening the circle of leadership and campership.

Scholarship grants from the Solomon Cramer Fund encourage us to consider the breadth of our ministries by focusing on the following four priorities: 1) Experiences that minister with youth living in poverty 2) The intentional development of young people for spiritual leadership and/or leadership with Camp & Retreat Ministries 3) Camp experiences that collaborate with local churches and agencies in processes of faith formation and 4) Providing opportunities for diversity within ministry participation and leadership. Special consideration is given to Camp & Retreat Ministries that focus on more than one of those priorities and that are launching new programs/opportunities related to the priorities. 

Some of the 2020 grant recipients were not able to operate due to the pandemic and opted to defer their grant until 2021. Several were able to pivot their planned program to adapt to the needs of an unusual season. Five Solomon Cramer Fund grant recipients were able to utilize the grant in 2020: 

• Flathead Lake Camp (MT) Rising Leaders Social Justice Through Anti-Racism Retreat:  Last summer, 20 teen and tween campers experienced a safe weekend retreat focused on systemic racism, white privilege, and intersectionality through the lens of Christian social justice.

• Camp Chippewa (NE) Traveling Experience: 113 participants were reached with a traveling day camp experience, building community and fostering relationships among staff, churches, and youth during a difficult season, exposing current and future campers to a taste of what Camp Chippewa offers.

• Camp Lakeside (KS) Camp In A Box: In a summer season when a regular camp experience was not possible, grant funding made it possible for 300 children in 119 families to receive a box with camp activities, devotionals, camp gear, and a reminder of the love of Jesus.

• Ozark Mission Project OMP Connect online program: 156 campers and 81 adult volunteers incorporated Neighbor Care, Worship, Construction Skills, Fellowship, and more in a week-long daily online program.

• Next Generation Ministries (Greater NJ) Camp Transform online day camp: Throughout the month of July, young people engaged in activities focused on racial justice and the creative arts through an online camp program. Young leaders of color served as counselors.

The application deadline is March 19th for the 2021 round of Solomon Cramer Grants. Apply today!