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.
View the full 2022 Ministry Impact Grant Report
We continue to celebrate the vision, hope, and expanded ministry reach represented in these project reports. Thanks be to God!
RV Sites Upgrade at Ocean Park Camp & Retreat Center (WA)
Aging infrastructure at the RV sites at Ocean Park posed a risk to one of the camp’s great assets: its NOMADS volunteers. The ministry is especially grateful for support for this behind-the-scenes and hard to fund, but very necessary project. Upgrading the RV electrical system allows Ocean Park to provide safe space and good hospitality to vital volunteers who help to maintain the site year after year.
Marketing Strategy at Camp Uskichitto (LA)
Uskichitto’s grant funded the creation of a comprehensive marketing strategy. The ministry staff grew in their marketing skill set and were challenged to trust in God’s leading as they are faithful to the mission. The camp engaged a professional videographer, adopted new social media strategies, created ad campaigns, made web design improvements, and more. Retreat business has doubled since 2021, and they are excited to see how the outreach improvements will impact summer camp numbers. The impact of this marketing plan will continue far into the future to help Uskichitto keep touching hearts and making disciples for Christ.
Managing More Ministry at Olmsted Manor (PA)
The acquisition of a reservation software system enabled Olmsted Manor to transition from antiquated manual record keeping to a much more efficient electronic data keeping and payment system. It feels like the ministry has finally stepped into the 21st century! The new reservation system has improved every aspect of retreat center hospitality encounters, from individual and group reservations to housekeeping, food service, and maintenance coordination. The impacts of data collection will flow out into fund development and marketing, as well. The small staff now has a wonderful tool to help them communicate and coordinate their work for greater efficiency and higher quality guest experience.
Restroom Renovations at Mount Eagle Retreat Center (AR)
Before completion of this vital project, groups with individuals who need
ADA restrooms would not have been able to stay in Kaetzell Lodge. Other groups preferred not to stay in Kaetzell because the restrooms were not private. The new, renovated restrooms now provide for guest needs and are in accordance with safe sanctuary guidelines for youth groups. It was exciting for this small, rural site to engage volunteers and professionals in a project of this scope. Now there is new inspiration for additional upgrades to make the lodge an even more welcoming space for retreat groups.
Solar Array at Luccock Park Camp (MT)
To be a safe sanctuary of Christian hospitality, renewal, and learning within God’s natural world includes setting the example of caring for Creation. The new solar array allows Luccock Park to reduce its carbon footprint as well as reduce expenses for greater financial and environmental sustainability. They are already seeing credits on their monthly utility bills! Camp constituents are thrilled with this new ministry asset.
