The American Camp Association (ACA) is engaging the United Methodist Camp & Retreat Ministries Association (UMCRM) and other faith-based outdoor ministry associations regarding their groundbreaking initiative – “Character at Camp,” funded by a generous $45M grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. The project presents an exceptional opportunity for our United Methodist camps to apply for substantial sub-grants, with approximately 250 grants available, ranging from $50,000 for one-year projects to $300,000 for three-year projects. 

Learn more about the initiative here

The UMCRM Association is dedicated to ensuring that our camps are well-prepared and positioned to secure these transformative grants. Our commitment lies in providing the necessary resources and support to help our camps articulate their role as vital spaces for character development among children and families. Faith formation and character-building are deeply intertwined with several of the 7 Foundations of UM Camp and Retreat Ministries and are central to the meaningful, missional impact of UM camps.

ACA has outlined some key attributes of successful grant proposals. Camps that prioritize cultural relevance and value the diverse perspectives of youth and families, or those that aim to increase accessibility to camp experiences, will be given priority. Therefore, camps interested in applying for these grants must develop comprehensive plans detailing how they will implement culturally responsive programs that cater to a wide array of campers, especially those historically underrepresented in camping experiences. This provides a fresh opportunity for camps to consider whom they are not yet effectively reaching, and to envision a more expansive way for our ministries to transform the world.

UMCRM has proactively positioned our camps to lead in these areas. Our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Leadership Team, through initiatives like the "Love in Action" virtual event and the DEI Guidebook, has highlighted our commitment to cultural responsiveness and inclusivity. Additionally, UMCRM’s annual Solomon Cramer Grants have prioritized support for programs serving campers and rising leaders from racial-ethnic minority communities. Our work as a community has united diverse voices, reinforcing our dedication to welcoming campers from all backgrounds.

Moreover, UMCRM has a long-standing tradition of providing invaluable resources that align with the “Character at Camp” initiative’s goals. Our ecumenical InsideOut curriculum is meticulously designed through a collaborative effort to foster character development through faith-based teachings. Programs and partnerships like this that support the “Character at Camp“ objectives will strengthen our camps' eligibility for these coveted sub-grants. Additionally, UMCRM camp leaders have gained significant experience in visionary thinking and grant writing through several years of the Ministry Impact Grant initiatives.

We encourage all our camp leaders to actively engage with opportunities like these and leverage the support that UMCRM offers in the coming seasons. Stay tuned for upcoming UMCRM resources, educational opportunities, and National Gathering workshops providing valuable insights and support for grant applications and program development.

UMCRM stands ready to advocate for and support United Methodist-affiliated camps throughout ACA’s “Character at Camp” grant project. By emphasizing our shared mission of faith formation and character-building, we are confident that our camps can secure these transformative grants and continue to make a lasting impact on the lives of countless young people and their families.