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.