200+ United Methodist Camp & Retreat Ministry leaders converged at Camp Allen, TX January 27-31 for a WonderFULL week of inspiration, renewal, networking, and learning. View a growing gallery of photos HERE and contribute your own!
We began the week with intros from Dan Kirby (Gretna Glen, PA) and other members of the Gathering Design Team, praise music with the Ripe Worship team, preaching from Rev Gary Lawson, newly retired from Lakeshore Camp (TN), who encouraged us to look for opportunities for wonder and awe. "Wow, wow, wow, wow, wow!"
Troy Taylor (Camp Magruder, OR) creatively introduced the scriptures and Bible studies for the week that we then reflected on in small groups.
Tuesday, Beth Jenson taught us about neurodiversity and the unique gifts of "neurospicy" people, whether we ARE them, live with them, or work and minister with them.
Tuesday night worship included spoken word poetry from Charles (Red Lion Poetry) and preaching from Bishop Cedric Bridgeforth from the Greater NW Episcopal Area on the topic of "Curiosity" and an exhortation to make space for one another's stories. The gathered community held a service of remembrance of our UMCRM saints who have passed on since our last National Gathering. Experiential prayer stations and labyrinth walks engaged our senses and invited creative connection with God throughout the week.
Wednesday we started the day with a block of free time -- some rode horses, some enjoyed a massage, some slept in, and others gathered with staff teams for an off-site adventure. As we regathered in the afternoon, we were treated to a keynote address by Dr. Darrell Hall, helping us to recognize adaptive ways to reach and effectively communicate with folks from all generations. Compass Points capstone graduates were recognized and the Legacy of Leadership Award was given to Gary and Vickie Lawson and Bruce Nelson. Rev Jenna Johnson (West River Center, MD) brought a message on God's presence in the "Unknown." We closed the day with a cupcake and campfire reception.
The final day's keynote was a panel conversation on the topic of Disaster Response with a team of camp leaders who experienced Hurricane Helene last fall: John Isley (Camp Tekoa, NC), Mike Huber (Lake Junaluska, NC), and Lucy Maynard (Camp Dickenson, VA). The afternoon and evening featured a lively Vendor Hall time with businesses that serve Camp & Retreat Ministries. (Follow up with our Vendors HERE). Thanks to over 100 gifts and pledges from the UMCRM community, we were able to meet a $5K giving challenge toward our 2025 UMCRM Association missional goals. Closing worship featured preaching and the celebration of holy communion with Rev Corey Jones (Warren Willis Camp & Conference Center, FL). 
Materials shared on the Whova app, including workshop handouts and photos, will remain available to participants until the end of April. Links to Workshop materials and Main Stage recordings will also be shared with participants via email in the coming days. For those not in attendance at the Gathering, access to the collection of Keynote and Worship videos will be available for purchase.
An enthusiastic thanks, once again, to the resilient and creative Design Team: Nick Coenen (Pine Lake, WI), Allison Doyle (Lakeshore,TN), Hope Montgomery (Camp Magruder, OR), Jeff Wilson (Camp Lake Stephens, MS), Dan Kirby (Gretna Glen, PA), Jessie Spangler (Blue Lake, AL), Becky Kilian (Cedar Crest, TN), and TayLa Fugate (Wesley Forest, PA). Thank you, also, to the many other amazing volunteers, workshop leaders, presenters, and behind-the-scenes supporters who pitched in to make this National Gathering successful. We are already excited for 2027 -- stay tuned in S'more Mail for an announcement of the dates and venue for the next UMCRM National Camp & Retreat Leaders' Gathering.
