The UMCRM Association had the joy of distributing $1.7 million in Ministry Impact Grants last year, funding 68 United Methodist camp/retreat ministry projects across the U.S. with a focus on future sustainability.

Learn more about the 2023 Ministry Impact Grants

UMCRM will be celebrating completed projects in this ongoing series until all of the 2023 grant recipients have been featured. Join us in giving thanks for the vision, hope, and expanded ministry reach represented in these stories. The practical infrastructure projects featured this week are a reminder that caring for ministry properties has many dimensions that are integral to the sites' functioning and guest experience. 

Westview On The James (VA) – Utility Task Vehicles

Grant funding enabled the purchase of two used vehicles: a Club Car Onward Electric golf cart and a Cub Cadet Challenger 750 Crew gas UTV, to help move people and supplies across the 780 acres of the Westview property. The Club Car is allocated to the health staff team during summer camp. The vehicle allows them to quickly move from the Infirmary to anywhere on campus when they are needed by campers and staff. The larger tires and suspension system allow this vehicle to tackle camp terrain as an electric-powered vehicle. This model was also selected because the back seat can be folded down to carry small cargo or folded up to allow for transportation of a camper while maintaining the “rule of 3.” The Cub Cadet is allocated to the property staff because of the ability to seat four individuals and have a full-sized dump bed for equipment and materials.

Monte Toyon (CA) – Bathroom Renovations

The restrooms were in need of an upgrade, including new, easier-to-clean tile floors in one building and new privacy partitions in another. These renovations improve the safety, privacy, and cleanliness of these important spaces, allowing for a more welcoming, inclusive, and pleasant guest and camper experience.

Jumonville (Western PA) – Infrastructure and Epic Fun Pool Update

At the Jumonville pool, grant funds made possible the replacement of old filters and plumbing, fixed the crumbling retaining wall substructure of the pool house, and installed a new metal roof. Old bathhouse sink and toilet fixtures were replaced, and an upgraded pool vacuum system installed. When all of the above projects were completed, they moved on to the fun stage! New seating options were added by the pool, a shade structure constructed, and an AquaZipN rope swing/zip line combo installed. This new, fun feature has been extremely popular with campers and staff.

Asbury Retreat (Upper NY) – Waterfront Improvements

The waterfront area and Inspiration Garden at Asbury Retreat Center have received needed TLC and lovely improvements. Waterfront drainage work was completed by a contractor, Asbury staff and volunteers. A 3-foot semicircular retaining wall was constructed to surround the prayer labyrinth, and the area seeded with grass. The water-damaged lower stone wall was repaired. The NOMADS (Nomads On a Mission Active in Divine Service) constructed five new benches and used donated blue stone to create an entrance to the prayer labyrinth. Perennial plants were planted to add to the natural beauty. New solar lights and signage add to the aesthetics and give direction to guests as they approach the prayer labyrinth. This area of the property will continue to be a place where people can experience God through prayer, worship, recreation, and just being close to God’s beauty.

Aldersgate (RI) – Brook Culvert and Cook Farm Site Prep

Grant funding enabled essential improvements at Aldersgate Camp. The new culvert structure ensures that campers, staff, and vehicles can safely cross Mosquitohawk Brook to access the Cook Farm property. The new culvert has significantly improved safety and transportation logistics, making the camp more accessible and secure for all participants. An abandoned and condemned house and barn were removed from the Beebe Farm property in order to clear the space for new program areas and future developments. The land was cleared of debris and graded to create flat, safe, usable spaces for camp activities. The replacement of the culvert across Mosquitohawk Brook and the preparation of the Cook Farm site have not only enhanced the safety and accessibility of the camp, but have also moved forward the infrastructure planning for a day camp program expansion.

Read about previously-featured Ministry Impact projects linked here