This week we feature 5 more projects funded by the 2022 Ministry Impact Grants. Eighty-six United Methodist camp/retreat ministry projects from around the United States received a total of nearly $2.5 million in grants from a private foundation. The impacts will continue to ripple out as those ministries steward the gifts for 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 over the coming weeks and months.
Marketing and Branding Initiative at Blue Lake (AL)
The grant enabled Blue Lake Camp to develop a strategic communication and outreach plan that is already bearing fruit in increased interest in its programs and facility. The ministry is reaching new people, and their new logo better represents Blue Lake and tells its story. The new website makes it easier for individuals to connect and to learn about the camp. This investment was an incredible boost in recovering from the challenges of the pandemic and will continue to expand Blue Lake’s ability to impact lives with the love of Christ well into the future.
Future Staff Residence at Butman Camp (TX)
Staff housing is one of the hardest needs to raise funds for, and yet without adequate housing it is difficult to recruit and retain qualified full-time staff. Butman Camp had been working on a major housing renovation project for a year when the Ministry Impact Grant greatly accelerated its completion. Praise God for this investment in the future of Butman Camp’s leadership.
Project BRIDGE at Wesley Acres (ND)
Wesley Acres had just begun fundraising for this bridge that had been a dream for seven years when the Ministry Impact Grant opportunity arose. The grant allowed that dream to become reality in a short time frame, helping to fulfill the camp’s mission of providing access to all our campers regardless of mobility. The new bridge crosses the creek to the challenge course area and includes an observation deck with a new ADA ramp to the Chapel. These improvements are integral for camper safety, both removing the need to walk along the highway and allowing faster access to emergency services without the need to hike out.
Waterfront Improvements at Twinlow (ID)
The waterfront at Twinlow is an integral part of the camp experience, but the equipment and recreational features had outlived their safe usefulness. The grant funded lifejackets, paddles, and inflatable features that allow current and future campers to safely enjoy favorite waterfront activities. The grant provided impetus for the camp leadership to clarify local and state mandates regarding waterfront development as well as refine the vision for dock replacement and reconfiguration. 
Healthy Communities Project at Sky Lake (NY)
Sky Lake Camp and Retreat Center has a goal to improve the long-term eating habits of its greater community. Serving healthier meal options to campers, guests, and visitors is one tangible way to increase overall sustainability for the next 75 years of ministry. When their kitchen returned to serving overnight guests in 2021, the food service manager added roasted Brussel sprouts to the rotation of vegetables on the menu. They observed that people are more apt to have a positive experience with Brussel sprouts when roasted—even the camp’s youngest guests love them this way. One elementary-age guest who is also a summer camper excitedly asked, “are we going to have Brussel sprouts this summer!?” With only a single convection oven, that wasn’t possible. The kitchen upgrades funded through the Ministry Impact Grant will open up new, healthy menu options, even in the camp’s busiest season. The new ice maker and double convection oven, together with salad bars and a heated buffet funded through a state health initiative, will further enable the camp’s continuing ministry of hospitality through food service.
Watch the blog for more of these in the coming weeks and months.
It's going to take a while to share all of the Ministry Impact projects!
