Since 2017, the Solomon Cramer Fund has been sending young people to camp by granting scholarship funds to United Methodist conference camping ministries. Through these grants, camps have developed innovative programs that reach new people in new places, widening the circle of leadership and campership.

Scholarship grants from the Solomon Cramer Fund encourage us to consider the breadth of our ministries by focusing on the following four priorities:

• Ministering with young people living in poverty

• Developing young people as spiritual leaders

• Collaborating with faith communities engaged in vital congregation processes of their Annual Conference

• Expanding opportunities for leadership by young people from underserved racial groups or ethnic populations

Special consideration is given to Camp & Retreat Ministries that focus on more than one of those priorities and that are launching new opportunities. Nine programs received Solomon Cramer Fund grants totaling $30K in 2023:

  

Celebration Camp

Camp Bays Mountain, Holston Conference

This season, Celebration Camp for people with disabilities was able to nearly double its camper participation. Because of this grant, the camp was able to enlist a college student whose major is working with persons with special needs to increase both the number of campers and to improve the quality of program. Many staff were impacted by this initiative, their first exposure to working with campers with disabilities. They and their campers grew closer to each other and to God through the experience. Parents and caregivers were given respite and renewed hope that someone cares.

Summer Mission Internship

Michigan Conference Camps

The program provided 8 summer camp internships for young adults (primarily leaders of color) interested in ministry and serving in summer camp leadership. The interns received multi-faceted on-the-job training in all aspects of camp and retreat ministries supplemented by training, coaching and supervision with a community atmosphere for mutual support. 

Quotes from the interns: 

• “I didn’t know I’d enjoy working with kids as much as I did – I may look into teaching as a career option. This really helped me step out of my comfort zone.” - Malik, Detroit
• “There were a lot of God moments this summer and it helped to write things down in my journal as they were happening. I also learned how to let go of the small things and concentrate on what matters. I learned for sure that I can be a leader and gain the respect of others as a leader.” - Abby, NYC
• “I never saw myself as a leader before but find myself growing into it. I felt shocked when other people listened to me in that role! I have decided that this is what I want to do with my life – work at camps. My own faith has grown watching the kids find faith – to see them find so much love at camp brought me to tears. I have seen the campers actually taste God’s words – that God loves them.” - Ben, Chicago

HOPE Camp

Jumonville, Western PA

HOPE (Helping Overcome Problems Everyday) Camp serves children who live in poverty or who may be exposed to high risk behaviors in their daily lives, teaching them life skills needed to become thriving individuals, despite the circumstances and trials that they have experienced. The camp also works to connect the campers with a church nearby to continue to strengthen the connection and maintain their relationship with the Lord. This year, the grant funded 8 participants.

TJ: Had really bad social anxiety and HOPE camp has allowed her to overcome that. She is more social now and not afraid to speak in social situations. Used to be afraid of heights until she came to camp and did the high rope activities.

Steven: HOPE camp has helped him to make more friends. He enjoys the food and it’s fun!

Tyler: Enjoys all the activities and going to the cross. Counselors are all nice and there for you if you need anything.

Camp Chippewa Day Camps

Camp Chippewa, Kansas (Great Plains)

Day Camp served 70 children in 2023, allowing campers who weren't ready to come overnight to still experience the impact of camp. Many parents were appreciative of the extended hours and the experiences their children got to have. With the longer hours, camp provided 3 meals this season instead of just one. Multiple parents shared how camp changed their child in such a positive way because of the supportive and fun loving atmosphere they were surrounded in while at camp. Many campers had learning disabilities and with this grant they were given the space to be successful and to grow during their time at camp. 

Campers said:

• "God made me because he loves me"
• "I found God for the first time"
• "It was really fun!"

Training Ground for Discipleship Pathway

Hinton Rural Life Center, North Carolina

Grant funds helped to grow the Staffers-in-Training (SML) outreach, intentionally focusing on youth and young adult leadership development. Over 500 individuals were able to take part in summer programs as a result of this support. 

“Summer staff training and leadership development has helped my growth exponentially. I started out attending missions as a camper then I decided to participate in a staffer in training event. After the event I applied to become a summer staffer. The training helped me grow and know that I could be a successful staffer. I learned so much about myself and how to be a better leader. The training provided, and working for Hinton Rural Life Center has changed my life. I just finished my second summer, and the training keeps getting better and better. This past summer I learned a lot about what it takes to lead while also following.” -Ella, 2023 Summer Staffer

Hispanic Youth Camp

East Bay, Illinois Great Rivers Conference

This event gathered 60 Hispanic Youth for a Christian camping experience with the intention to transform lives and strengthen the local church through intentional efforts to connect with people, nature, and Christ. The camper hugs on the last day said it all; campers who came as strangers and left as friends. One volunteer said, "Camp gets campers away from their neighborhoods, surrounds them with believers and challenges them to grow. Camp is good and I can't wait to bring them back next year."

Other grantees:

Dedicated Summer Camp Week for High School Students

Camp Lookout, Holston Conference

Empowering Minority Communities Through Camp: A Call to Service and Inclusion

Camp in the Community, Holston Conference

Connect-2-Camp

Quinipet Camp, New York Conference

The 2023 Solomon Cramer Grant application is open now through Friday, March 15th, so act now to plan your mission-driven program for this coming summer season. Apply now