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.
