How did we get here? 

The United Methodist Camp and Retreat Ministries (UMCRM) Association (re-)formed in 2013 with an expanded vision for how we could collectively “resource, advocate, inspire, and network” to promote the effectiveness and sustainability of camps and retreats in our denomination. What did camp/retreat leaders need to grow and thrive? We saw a need to synthesize and curate content specifically for the UMCRM community. No one has time to sort through every article, blog post, training event, webinar, podcast, etc. on topics from youth development to nonprofit governance, outdoor recreation, facilities management, spirituality, creation care, human resources, fund development, United Methodist perspectives and news, and on and on…! 

Smooshing together the ingredients to make something delicious

Could we provide a regular “digest” of relevant news and information for our camp/retreat leaders? We wondered if there would be enough content to put together an issue each week. “We’ll try it,” we said. Ten years later, we have never run out of good material to share. A team of UMCRM member volunteers reads through each issue and helps to strategize about the issues and topics most relevant to our community in different seasons of the ministry year. One of the features we started early on, the Blessings Report, has become a beloved must-read for those who skip to the bottom for a smile, nod, and prayer of gratitude each week. We have built community as we learned to know new “Faces of UMCRM” and celebrated births, retirements, and new jobs. We have joined colleagues in ministry to delve into tough issues from COVID protocols to racism to financial challenges. We’ve shared ideas for programs, recipes, fundraising, and crafts, and sought to connect with our faith through devotional materials, inspirational articles, and reminders of God’s presence in creation and community. 

S'more Mail for everyone

Our first issues went out to UMCRM Association charter members -- just about 150 people in those first few months. S’more Mail’s readership has grown steadily to over 1250 subscribers, and more than 50% of you open that email each week. An average open rate for e-newsletters across industries is about 17%, so we know we’re serving up something that’s working for you. Our readers among United Methodist Camp & Retreat staff have been joined by leaders from other denominations and camp organizations, business leaders who serve our community, volunteers, board members, clergy, and others who care about camps, ministry leadership, and the 7 Foundations values that guide us. Thanks to all who have contributed an idea, shared an article, or written a blog post, and to those who have dropped us a note of appreciation for an issue that was especially helpful to you.

Special gratitude to our current Communications team:

Lu Harding

Lisa Jean Hoefner

Hannah Lasher

Kelley Price

Jeff Wilson

and to all the dedicated volunteers who have been part of the S’more Mail project since its inception: Ashley Cross (Holston), Michaela Dotsch (Holston), Cameron Jones (N.Georgia), David Riddell (UNY), Jack Shitama (PenDel), Joan Thorson (PNW), Mark Walz (KY), and Whitney Winston (Holston).

What’s next? 

We’ll keep listening and reading and adapting to remain responsive to the kind of content that matters to the UMCRM community. 

If you have benefited personally or professionally from something you read in S’more Mail, but have never given financial support to the UMCRM Association, please consider making a gift today. 

If you know someone who would benefit from a weekly infusion of news and ideas related to United Methodist Camp & Retreat Ministries, please invite them to subscribe - it’s free! 

Jen Burch has been S’more Mail’s editor for the past 10 years and 500 weekly issues. Jen is a former Director/Manager at United Methodist Camp/Retreat Centers and served two terms on the NCRC/UMCRM board before becoming the Association’s first staff person. She believes deeply in the power of outdoor ministries to transform lives and build God’s beloved community, and is regularly inspired by the love and expertise UMCRM leaders bring to this work. You can make her smile by double-checking your spelling and grammar and sending mail or chocolate.