Summer camp is one of the most formative environments for faith development in young people, and at the heart of that experience is the spiritual framework we build together. Whether it's a morning devotional around the fire circle, a Bible study under the trees, or a late-night cabin conversation, the curriculum we choose (or create) matters.
According to the 2024 OMC Directors’ Survey, 30% of responding United Methodist camps reported writing their own camp curriculum. [If your camp is one of them, join the conversation with UMCRM peers.] The camps choosing to create their own program material rather than purchasing a published curriculum tended to have more robust year-round staffing and were more concentrated in the South, factors that may influence both the capacity and the calling to create original content.
Interestingly, the survey also indicates that camps that write their own curriculum reported placing slightly less emphasis on “Christian education” and “Familiarity with the Bible” as desired camper outcomes. This doesn’t suggest a diminished commitment to faith formation; rather, it may reflect a broader or differently focused theological lens, such as an emphasis on spiritual practices or relational discipleship.
Of course, original curriculum writing demands a commitment of significant time and resources. It’s no small thing to prayerfully design a set of summer-long discipleship programs that are developmentally appropriate, theologically sound, and spiritually engaging. UMCRM affirms the thoughtfulness and theological imagination that go into creating original curriculum, and our Association is committed to supporting leaders who take on this meaningful work.
While some camps craft their own curriculum, the most prevalent curricula utilized by United Methodist camps are collaborative resources like InsideOut. Developed by a team of experienced ministry leaders, including representatives from the UMCRM network, InsideOut annually offers a new, rich, theologically grounded framework for summer camp faith formation. Its content is a testament to the power of shared resources in strengthening our connectional ministry, reducing the burden on individual leaders and ensuring that campers across the country have access to high-quality, intentional faith formation curriculum.
One may be asking, if a resource like InsideOut is available, why would a camp choose to write their own curriculum? Perhaps it is cost-related. Or perhaps camps choose this path in order to align more closely with their unique ministry context. Writing curriculum in-house allows teams to reflect their regional culture, theological priorities, and specific camper needs. It can foster deeper staff ownership and create space for faith formation that feels particularly resonant for their community. For some, writing curriculum may also be a theological expression or a way of ensuring that the faith formation experience at camp is closely aligned with their camp’s mission and the broader ministry goals of their Annual Conference.
For those writing their own curriculum, UMCRM seeks to be a resource hub — sharing models, theological frameworks, and opportunities to connect with others doing similar work. For those using InsideOut, our Association continues to invest in its excellence and relevance, ensuring that each new season's product reflects the real needs and hopes of today’s camp leaders and participants.
Our commitment is to walk with you, whether you write, adapt, borrow, or blend. We believe that the diversity of approaches strengthens our movement. Each camp brings a unique voice to the larger song of United Methodist camp and retreat ministry, and UMCRM is here to amplify and support them all.
No matter the format, the curriculum you bring to camp matters. It is a sacred investment in the spiritual lives of young people, and we are grateful for every leader who pours time, prayer, and creativity into this work. Looking ahead, UMCRM is exploring opportunities to gather those who write their own curriculum through a roundtable, webinar, or resource exchange — a space to share ideas, best practices, and mutual encouragement. We believe that every approach has value when rooted in thoughtful discipleship and care for the next generation. If you or someone on your team writes original curriculum and would be interested in connecting with others doing the same, we invite you to join the conversation so we can learn from one another.
