As a celebration of connectionalism and our shared love for United Methodist Camp & Retreat Ministry, Jarrett Snider (Program Director at Manidokan Camp & Retreat Center, MD) and I decided to drive a camp van all the way from Maryland to Texas for National Gathering 2025. In the months leading up to our trip we invited others to join, but (surprisingly) we could not find anyone who was excited to drive the 42+ hour round trip with us! 

Our goal was pretty straightforward: drive most of the daylight hours, spend each night at a different UM site, and tour each camp the following morning before beginning the next leg of our journey. 

The epic road trip began from Manidokan (MD) on January 25th and our first stop was Lakeshore Camp & Retreat Center in Eva, Tennessee. Long led by the legendary and recently retired Gary Lawson, this stop was especially exciting because Lakeshore is also Jarrett’s home camp. I had heard SO MUCH about it but had never had the opportunity to visit. We spent some extra time here, making sure to see every special spot at camp and even to enjoy some chicken wings at a local place owned by a camp family. I’m so grateful to now have seen so many places that Jarrett has referenced regarding program ideas, ropes course experiences, and worship spaces. 

Next up, we set Google Maps to route us to Camp Caney in the Louisiana Annual Conference. First off, I want to give a huge shoutout of appreciation to Jennifer Spurlock, the Retreat Coordinator at Camp Caney, who said “yes!” to being a part of our crazy endeavor only about 36 hours before we arrived! Situated on Caney Lake, this site was brand new to both Jarrett and me. We loved getting to stay in one of their camper cabins and enjoyed learning from Jennifer about Camp Caney’s history and traditions. Camp Caney is also home to (in my opinion) the best camp gate! If you’re looking for a new gate option, get in touch with them.

After a WonderFULL week at the National Gathering at Camp Allen, Texas (complete with amazing food, comfortable beds, the newly formed UMCRM Run Club, and SO MANY great workshop presenters & worship speakers) we set our sights on Cedar Crest Camp in Lyles, Tennessee. As someone who grew up at a pretty rustic and “spread out” camp, I’ve always been curious to see Cedar Crest. Audrey Jordan, Cedar Crest’s Program Director, was incredibly hospitable and gave us a tour on Saturday morning, after also returning from National Gathering. From big open fields to beautiful creeks to cozy new cabins, Cedar Crest felt like home and a breath of fresh air. After touring, it’s easy to see why they have started a trail run fundraiser! 

As I reflect on our trip, I’m so thankful for the amazing community that is UMCRM. This past National Gathering was my 6th time attending, and they just keep getting better and better. I feel blessed to be a part of something so beautiful, where everyone is welcome and is excited to lend a helping hand. Next time you’re traveling, don’t hesitate to reach out to your fellow UM Camp and Retreat Ministries and plan a stop to check out some of the amazing sites in our network. Visiting other camps provides valuable opportunities to make connections, build relationships, and invite people into deeper community and participation with UMCRM. A mentor of mine once told me, “a rising tide lifts all boats” and the older I get, the more that rings true. We all have something to give and we all have something to learn. We might as well do it together and be better for it.