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The camp insurance market has shifted drastically over the past five years, with especially sharp changes in the last 1-2 years.  This has led to camps all across the country, being faced with premiums multiplying and coverage pullbacks. There are a few reasons for this:

1. Lack of Competition. Five years ago, there were two or three more insurers willing to provide adequate coverage at a competitive rate for camps across the US. Currently, there are perhaps three or four carriers total who are even considering offering quotes on camps. 
2. Property Issues & Claims. Camp property is traditionally frame construction and in high protection class areas (areas that are difficult for fire departments to access). Most insurance company modeling identifies this combination as extremely undesirable. This results in higher rates and worse terms/conditions on policies.
3. Liability Exposures & Pricing. Traditionally, liability insurance costs for camps has been less than $10,000 for your average sized camp. Given that the operations of camps often have ropes courses, zip lines, shooting ranges, etc., the average liability claim was four to five times the annual premium paid. With social inflation continually pushing up the average claim payout as a result of bodily injury, this number is growing much faster than insurance premiums have.

Summary: In recent years, insurers in the camp space have lost millions on property and liability claims. As a result, most have either exited the market or raised premiums significantly while reducing coverage. Our experience is that there are camps all across the country that do not purchase property coverage because it is either (1) unavailable, or (2) not affordable. Some camps are buying liability-only policies that exclude a number of their primary exposures such as water activities, zip lines, and climbing apparatuses. Unfortunately, even though your renewal offer might have a significant premium increase and lower limits, there is a good chance it still might be your best option. 

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Grab your coffee. Let me tell you a story.

I felt the call to ministry in middle school. Maybe you know that feeling during youth group where you just know God is calling you to something? That was me. But I never felt drawn to becoming a pastor. While I can fill a pulpit when needed, ordination just never felt like my path.

After college, I started living with this posture of openness. When needs would arise, I'd say "Ok God, if you can use me, I will serve." Doors would open. Sometimes things didn't work out the way I expected, but I kept trying to say yes when I felt the Spirit's leading. Staying focused on my calling instead of chasing after what the world says I should want? That was hard sometimes. But I kept showing up.

For years, I thought becoming a Deacon might be my next step. As a United Methodist, that seemed like the only option for continuing my ministry journey as someone not becoming an Elder. The world has this way of telling us that all ministry positions are just stepping stones to becoming clergy (“real ministers”). I know that's not true, but this subtext is pervasive, both in and outside the church. Here's the thing, though–Jesus taught that we're all called to be ministers.

I could have found purpose as an Elder or a Deacon. I don't believe there's only one right path in life. But I never felt that pull toward the commitments of a clergy person. Looking back, I can see the Spirit was leading me somewhere different.

There's something powerful about lay leadership. When a layperson leads, it reminds everyone that ministry isn't just for pastors. It shows that we can walk through life together, sharing the hope of Jesus side by side. Church isn't something we watch happen, we're all part of it. 

When the Pieces Started Coming Together

I'd heard the term "Deaconess and Home Missioner" for years. Honestly? It went in one ear and out the other. I had no idea what it meant.

My friend Christina, who recently was consecrated as a Deaconess, changed that for me. She's been living out her calling in incredible ways here in the Illinois Great Rivers Conference. When I heard she was going through the DHM program, I was inspired to actually figure out what this was about. Some people's testimony carries weight because of how they serve, and Christina is one of those people.

I wanted to know if becoming a Home Missioner would help me grow in my faith journey and learn more about ministry. So I started asking questions.

Here's what I discovered: The United Methodist Church has three orders of ministry, not two. Most people know about Elders and Deacons. Those are the clergy orders. But there's a third order specifically for laity called Deaconesses and Home Missioners, which has been around for over 150 years.

Deaconesses and Home Missioners are laypeople called to make a lifetime commitment to ministries of love, justice, and service. We're part of a covenant community. The motto captures the foundational ethos: "I serve neither for gratitude nor reward but from gratitude and love; my reward is that I may serve."

The Community I Found

United Women in Faith runs the discernment and formation process, and they've built something special. Instead of creating barriers for lay people called to ministry, they remove them. They pay for all the classes. You can take classes online or attend intensives like the one I did in Chautauqua, New York. They understand life is complicated and offer real compassion as candidates work through discernment.

The people I met through the program blew me away. They came from all over the world, serving in wildly different contexts, education, social work, community organizing;... all kinds of ministry. We weren't working toward the same job or position, but we all felt called to ministries of love, justice, and service.

Learning about how God is working in different parts of the world, in contexts so different from mine, opened my eyes. Just being in conversation with this community helped me see God's presence in places I would have overlooked before. We shared our discernment stories with each other, which helped each of us work through our own calling.

The classes were some of the best I've ever taken. The teachers brought real wisdom. They didn't just assign books. We talked with people who had lived these experiences firsthand, who had devoted their lives to this work. That mix of practical application and deeper learning was exactly what I needed.

Nothing felt like busy work. Even the classes I wasn't sure about turned out to be engaging and valuable. The discussions helped all of us continue discerning as we followed the Spirit's leading. I could take what I was learning and immediately apply it in my own context.

I made friendships that will last a lifetime. I didn't expect that, but it might be one of the greatest gifts of this whole process.

What Grounds the Work

I serve as Coordinator of Missions and Outreach for the Illinois Great Rivers Conference, and I'm becoming a Home Missioner. These four pillars shape everything I do:

• Alleviate suffering 

• Eradicate causes of injustice and all that robs life of dignity and worth 

• Facilitate the development of full human potential 

• Share in building global community through the church universal

These give focus to ministry no matter what context one is serving in. They're not abstract ideas, they're the framework for how we engage with the world.

One aspect that really speaks to me is that Deaconesses and Home Missioners believe discernment is a lifelong journey. There's no finish line. We just keep discerning together, learning together.

I've been on this journey since middle school. At this stage of my life, I now know that journey of faith and service doesn't stop; you just keep listening, keep following, keep saying yes when the Spirit leads. Being part of a community that embraces that reality, that doesn't expect you to have everything figured out, that walks alongside you in ongoing discernment – that has been a priceless gift.

Maybe You're Feeling It Too

I'm sharing this because maybe something is stirring in you right now.

Maybe you've felt a similar call but couldn't name it. Maybe you've wrestled with whether to pursue clergy orders, but keep coming back to feeling called as a layperson. Maybe you just know deep down that church isn't something to watch, it's something we do together.

Or maybe you've never heard of DHMs before and you're curious about this path that's been quietly changing the world for over 150 years.

The discernment process is a gift in itself. If you feel called to love, justice, and service as a layperson, a vocation as a Deaconess or Home Missioner might be worth exploring.

What if that persistent nudge you've been feeling isn't random? What if it's been pointing you somewhere specific this whole time?

You can learn more at uwfaith.org/what-we-do/deaconess-and-home-missioner.

The journey of discernment doesn't end, it just goes deeper. And you don't have to walk it alone.

Is the Spirit stirring something in you? Ready for another cup of coffee while we talk about your calling?

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Curt Franklin's camping ministry journey began in the early 90s as a camper. In 2000, he attended a leadership camp and began serving as a counselor, launching a path that took him through summer staff roles to full-time camping and youth ministry leadership in the Illinois Great Rivers Conference, where he now serves as Coordinator of Missions and Outreach and Youth Ministries and is a United Methodist Home Missioner. 

Camping ministry remains one of his passions because of its unique ability to create sacred space where people encounter God through nature and community, experience unconditional love, take steps in their faith journey, and learn to recognize God's voice not just on the mountaintop but in everyday life. 

Curt lives in Springfield, IL with his wife Kristin, who serves as the Episcopal Office Administrative Assistant for the IGRC, and they serve together in ministry. Contact Curt

Summer staff are the lifeblood of camp and retreat ministry. Year after year, young adults set aside internships, summer jobs, and other opportunities because they believe so deeply in the mission of camp. They pour themselves into creating sacred spaces where children and youth can encounter God, build friendships, and grow in confidence. Their impact is immeasurable. And yet, how often do we pause to invest back into their journeys?

At Aldersgate Camp and Retreat Center in Rhode Island, staff support has taken on a creative and inspiring form: a Staff Scholarship Program designed to affirm the gifts of young leaders while equipping them for what comes next.

A Scholarship with Heart and Purpose

Each summer, Aldersgate offers at least one $500 scholarship to a member of the staff team, funded by a donor who is passionate about young adult faith formation. Staff are invited to apply by responding to a prompt connected to the summer’s worship theme. This summer, the theme was Micah 6:8—“Do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with God.” The application asked staff to reflect on how they would live out those principles beyond the summer, in light of Aldersgate’s mission “to be a sacred space, empowering all in faith and friendship to change the world”.

Submissions can take any form: essays, paintings, videos, even songs. International staff are welcomed and supported, with translations provided if needed. Each application is anonymized and carefully reviewed by a small committee of board members and chaplains who served at camp that summer. The winners are then celebrated at the staff banquet, alongside honors like the Spirit of Aldersgate and Kid’s Choice awards.

Since the scholarship program’s inception in 2018, the camp has awarded 17 scholarships, totaling $8,500!

More Than Money

The financial support makes a meaningful difference; helping cover tuition, books, or other educational pursuits. However, the scholarship is about far more than dollars. It sends a powerful message: You matter. Your contributions to this ministry are recognized. Your future matters to us, too.

By tying the scholarship to the camp’s worship themes, Aldersgate reinforces that camp is not only for campers but also a place of transformation and faith development for young adults. Sharing the winning submissions publicly also allows the wider community to see camp staff as leaders, artists, theologians, and visionaries.

Could Your Camp Do This, Too?

The brilliance of Aldersgate’s program is its simplicity. It doesn’t require a large endowment or complex infrastructure. It started with one donor giving $500 and inviting friends to join in. From there, a tradition grew—one that blesses staff and enriches the entire camp community.

Other camps can do this, too. Imagine:

• A single scholarship underwritten by a board member or alum.

• An application prompt tied to your camp’s summer curriculum theme or mission.

• A celebratory announcement at the end of the season that honors the depth and diversity of your staff.

Even small recognitions can ripple out to strengthen staff loyalty, deepen alumni connections, and encourage donors.

Strengthening the Future

When we invest in summer staff, we are investing in the future of the church and the world. Aldersgate’s Staff Scholarship is one example of how camps can creatively affirm and empower young leaders. I encourage other ministries to dream about how you might adapt this idea for your setting.

Supporting staff isn’t just an extra, it’s essential. Because when our young leaders feel seen, celebrated, and supported, the entire ministry flourishes.

Thanks to Aldersgate's Director, John Spelman, for sharing this story. Photos of scholarship recipients were shared with permission from Camp Aldersgate RI. 

At United Methodist camps and retreat centers, technology is more than a convenience—it’s a necessity. From online registration systems to Wi-Fi in meeting spaces, the right tools keep your ministry connected, organized, and protected. But with technology comes responsibility: keeping systems secure, data safe, and networks running smoothly.

That’s where UMC Technology Support comes in. Our team exists so you can focus on ministry while we handle the tech challenges—large and small. We monitor systems 24/7, solve problems before they cause disruption, and make sure your data and devices are secure.

Four Keys to Technology Health at Your Camp or Retreat Center

During the 2025 National Camp & Retreat Leaders' Gathering, we shared practical ways to protect your ministry’s technology and ensure reliable service:

1. Internet Reliability & Safety

   • Choose a reliable internet provider—especially if you’re in a rural setting.

   • Protect your network with encryption, strong passwords, and up-to-date firmware.

   • Avoid public Wi-Fi when possible; use a VPN for added protection.

2. Computer Safety

   • Enable disk encryption on all ministry devices.

   • Install antivirus or advanced malware protection and keep systems updated automatically.

   • Avoid using personal devices for ministry work.

3. Cloud Applications & Third-Party Vendors

   • Confirm vendors meet security standards (SOC-2 compliance).

   • Use multi-factor authentication (MFA) for all accounts.

   • Take advantage of UMCRM partner discounts like UltraCamp.

4. Email & File Security

   • Use ministry-branded email addresses tied to your camp’s domain.

   • Store files in Microsoft OneDrive or SharePoint for easy access and smooth staff transitions.

   • Restrict file access and review permissions regularly.

Security Awareness: Everyone’s Responsibility

Did you know 91% of data breaches begin with an email? Cybersecurity isn’t just for your IT person—it’s for every staff member and volunteer. Ongoing training, phishing simulations, and strong verification practices protect your guests, staff, and reputation.

The Bottom Line

Whether you’re running a weekend retreat or managing a full summer camp program, technology is an essential ministry tool. UMC Technology Support is your partner in keeping it reliable, secure, and ready to serve—so you can focus on what matters most: transforming lives through the camp and retreat experience.

Learn more: gcfa.org/technology-support-services
Contact: ConnectionalRelations@gcfa.org  833-UMC-GCFA

Sharon Asmus joined us for an UMCRM Community Conversation on September 10th which featured many additional resources for smart tech and cybersecurity. Access the recording and Sharon’s full slide deck FREE in the UMCRM Digital Store.

Several years ago, I made up a holiday. You’ve probably never heard of it, but if you are in the camp industry, you can probably appreciate it. Quiet Day.

Even before I explain it, we would all use a Quiet Day, right? In a highly caffeinated, highly distracted existence with relentless notifications on your phone, your watch, your soul…we could sure use some quiet.

In my experience at camp, a place often designed for quiet, it is often anything but that for those of us called to the roles of leadership, hospitality, and safety. There is always a camper who needs someone to listen, an activity to be prepped, a budget spreadsheet to update, or a fire that needs to be put out.

Yes, when I explain to non-camp people that my summer camp day typically starts at 7:30 am, before breakfast is served, and ends around 10:00 pm after the last campfire embers are extinguished, they realize that while a camp job “sounds fun,” it can be extremely exhausting.

Quiet Day.

As a site director, I get a span of time each year where there is constant motion. We are making meals, providing beds, lighting campfires, and walking alongside people all day, every day, for months at a time. Even when I go home, I'm aware that there are people scattered around the camp property, under my care, even when I sleep.

That good work and holy responsibility is a gift. When people are at camp, I hope they feel like they are loved and cared for in a unique way, with a depth of Christian hospitality. Providing this care is a calling God has put on my heart, as I’m sure it has for you as well.

This year, on September 11th, Pine Lake Camp will have its Quiet Day. That will be the first day since May 20th that there is no one staying at camp. After 114 days, it's...quiet. While that is somber in some ways, especially during an endlessly rainy couple of days, it is so good to mark this annual milestone.

One of my favorite musicians, Chris Renzema, has a song titled "Let the Ground Rest." In it, he sings of that biblical principle of sabbath, of rest, of letting fields fallow for a season. While we might try to hurry toward the next goal, God’s wise timetable is guided by a greater order and purpose.

I feel that sense of hurry, already putting together plans, programs, contracts, staffing, and schedules for 2026. But on Quiet Day I'm trying to breathe deeply the sense of thankfulness for another great summer, another great season. For all that happened, all that grew, for all that God invited us to be a part of.

As fellow, dedicated, committed, called camp professionals, I invite you to do the math to find your Quiet Day. Don’t just work endlessly; take a moment to reflect on just how long you have been in motion, and receive the grace to stop for a moment. May we let the ground rest. Not for long, but for the required season, so it can be ready once again to invite everyone in, to draw close to God, to love and be loved, to be restored, and for us all to gather round the campfire again.

Wherever you are, I know you did all you could to make this the best summer it could be. I’m proud of you, and I know campers and staff were moved by your efforts. In your own way, acknowledge that good work and give thanks!

Nick Coenen is the Site Director at Pine Lake UM Camp in Westfield, WI. He just completed his 20th summer at Pine Lake along with his wife, Jamie, and all four of their kids (who work on staff, of course).

Summer at camp is a story of laughter around the fire, friendships forged, and lives touched by God’s love. But behind the scenes, each camp leader has their own story too: the joys, the challenges, the long days, and hopefully a little rest at the end of it all. To get a sense of how United Methodist camps are doing after this summer, we asked leaders to share a quick snapshot through a five-question survey. Forty-three camp leaders responded, giving us a glimpse of the trends, challenges, and bright spots happening across the country.

When it comes to camp leader well-being, the overall story is encouraging, with some caution flags. In our quick 2025 survey, most leaders—over half—described themselves as feeling “fresh/normal” or “invigorated/energized” after the summer, which is a testament to the resilience and passion in this ministry. This finding echoes 2024’s OMC Director’s Survey results, where 61% of UMCRM leaders also reported finishing the season steady or energized. At the same time, about four in ten leaders this year admitted to being stressed, exhausted, or even burnt out. These numbers remind us that while many directors are finding balance, there is still a significant portion who are stretched thin. Together, the data shows both the strength of leaders who are faithfully carrying this work forward and the ongoing need to care for those who may be running on empty.

Just as leaders are experiencing both strength and strain, a similar mix shows up in the ministries themselves. Overnight camp enrollment continues a slight downward trend: 42% of UMCRM sites reported decreases in 2025, while only 30% saw increases and 26% held steady. This reflects a broader trajectory identified in the 2024 survey, which found that fewer than 40% of camps across the network were filling 75% of their overnight capacity and that one-third had lower enrollment than the year before. At the same time, day camp programming remains a bright spot. Both our quick survey and the 2024 data show day camps holding steady or growing, suggesting that families continue to seek out more flexible, close-to-home ways for children to experience the gifts of camp.

Staffing shows a hopeful shift. While the 2024 survey reported that more than half of directors felt understaffed heading into summer, our 2025 snapshot reveals progress: 67.5% of UMCRM sites hired the number of summer staff they anticipated or even exceeded their hiring goals. This marks a shift in the right direction, showing that recruitment strategies are beginning to bear fruit. Yet stability depends on filling year-round roles, where about one-third of ministries are still carrying vacancies, closely matching last year’s 31% vacancy rate. Filling these longer-term positions remains critical for stability, continuity, and leadership development across the connection.

Programming tells a similar story of balance and adaptation. In 2025, most UMCRM sites offered between 3 and 11 weeks of summer camp, averaging about 7.5 weeks. That’s almost identical to the 2024 survey, which showed the median at 8 weeks, with most camps clustering between 5 and 9 weeks. This steady rhythm reflects the careful discernment of leaders: offering as many opportunities as possible within the limits of staff capacity and camper enrollment.

Putting the pieces together, a picture emerges of a shifting camp and retreat landscape. Traditional overnight camp enrollment is trending downward, even as day camp remains steady or grows in many places. Leaders are working hard to sustain both models, balancing what families are seeking with what staffing and resources can support.

Our summer story is one of both resilience and transition. Camp leaders are showing up faithfully, building programs that continue to change lives, and navigating challenges with creativity and grit. At the same time, families’ needs and patterns are shifting, and our ministries are adapting—whether that means reimagining overnight camp, investing more deeply in day camp, or finding new ways to recruit and retain staff. Yet the story of camp is always bigger than one season. It is written in every camper who discovers God’s love, every staff member who grows in leadership, and every community strengthened by this ministry. May we continue writing that story together—with resilience, hope, and faith in what God is doing through camp ministry.

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.

While most Interim Directors are experienced camp leaders who have retired after along career in camp and retreat ministry, they are not the only ones who can be Interims! For younger camping professionals, serving in an interim position could be atime for personal discernment or a transitional opportunity when committing to a site for 5-20 years is not yet the right career path. The Interim Director’s class provides a way to learn new skills and decide if this is the next right way for you to serve in camp and retreat ministries.

It is now common practice for some nurses to travel around the country serving for short periods of time while also enjoying getting to know a particular locale and its culture and beauty. Similarly, trained Camp/Retreat Interims can move to camps, conference, and retreat centers for short periods, offering their expertise while enjoying the beauty of the sites and their surrounding area.

Some settled camp directors have attended the Interim Director Training to learn new skills for leading during a liminal time – when you know you cannot go back to the way things were, but cannot know where you are going. These days, we are all leading through liminal time, as the church and society change in ways that cause anxiety and conflict. The Interim Director Training addresses working with and within anxious systems.

This year's Interim Director course will be offered in a weekly online format with an optional one-day in-person component following the Great Gathering at Lake Junaluska. Participants will create a community of practice that they can continue to connect with as they move into serving in new ways and places.

Gareth Kalfas, Executive Director of Chanco on the James, the summer camp and retreat center of the Diocese of Southern Virginia, offers this testimonial: 

"I have attended multiple training sessions led by Melinda Trotti and highly respect her as a trainer. Melinda clearly understands our field and does a great job delivering content in a way that trainees understand. She has both the real world experience and the background knowledge that anyone hoping to become an Interim Director needs. I would highly recommend that anyone considering taking their first Interim position attend the Interim Director Training with Melinda."

Learn more about the Interim Director Training and Register Now

If leading a camp or retreat ministry feels harder than ever right now, you’re not imagining it, and you’re definitely not alone. The data from the OMC Directors' Survey, which is conducted every two years, reveals what United Methodist camp and retreat leaders identify as the greatest threats and challenges in our ministry.  A comparison of the threat assessments from United Methodist Camp & Retreat Ministries (UMCRM) in 2022 and 2024 paints a clear picture: we’re up against real, complex challenges. But they also show something else just as important — we’re all in this together.

There is power in knowing that we’re not alone. Each time UMCRM surveys directors across the country, it offers a snapshot of our shared struggles and hopes. Comparing 2022 and 2024, we can see not just what’s weighing on us today, but how our priorities and pressures are shifting. And right in the middle of this busy summer season, there’s real comfort and strength in knowing we face these hurdles as a connected community.

2022 Threat Assessment and the NEW 2024 Threat Assessment

What’s stayed the same — and what’s new:

Financial stress: still at the top

Finances remain the biggest concern across our ministries. In 2022, rising costs, inflation, and overall funding gaps topped the list. By 2024, directors are naming financial threats in more detail, splitting them out into costs, general finances, fundraising challenges, and broader economic pressures. It’s clear we’re all juggling multiple fronts, from food prices to staff paychecks.

Facilities taking center stage

A big shift since 2022 is how often infrastructure is now coming up. In 2024, aging buildings, deferred maintenance, and facilities that simply aren’t built for today’s groups have jumped to the second most cited threat. It’s a wake-up call that while we pour energy into programming, we can’t afford to ignore the physical spaces that make ministry possible.

Staffing headaches continue

Staffing was the #1 issue in 2022 and still ranks in the top three. Directors everywhere are wrestling with recruiting, training, and keeping quality summer staff, plus making sure we have enough year-round team members to safely run programs. If you’re burning the midnight oil over hiring or scheduling, you’re in good company.

Denominational shifts still ripple through

The fracturing of the UMC was the second biggest concern in 2022. By 2024, it’s slipped down the list but still lands firmly in the top ten. Along with it, directors are pointing to changes in local church engagement and camper numbers. The way churches connect with camps is evolving, and it’s something we’re all figuring out together.

Why this matters right now

Hearing these survey results mid-summer might be both a relief and a weight. Yes, it’s tough out there, but your camp isn’t the only one bearing this weight. Our shared reality means that within our UMCRM Association we can stand shoulder-to-shoulder, lean on each other, and find solutions we couldn’t come up with alone.

You’re not isolated.

Whether you’re staring down a crumbling cabin porch, worrying about next week’s numbers, or trying to fill one last staff slot, directors across the country are wrestling with the same problems.

Community is our lifeline.

Connecting with fellow leaders at conferences (like the OMC Great Gathering and UMCRM Immersion), in online spaces, or just through a quick phone call, does more than bolster our ministries. It protects our mental and spiritual health, too.

This work is still sacred.

No matter how long the threat list grows, the core truth doesn’t change: camp and retreat ministry transforms lives. Maybe today more than ever, young people and adults alike need the holy space we provide.

Let’s keep each other going

So here’s the encouragement for you, right in the middle of your packed summer: keep sharing. Be open about what’s hard and where you’re hopeful. Ask your peers for ideas, prayers, or simply a listening ear. (Connect in our FB group, reach out via our member directory, or call our support line: 724-766-9783). Our collective wisdom and shared heart for this work are among the strongest resources we have. Together, we can keep these sacred places thriving, and keep changing lives in the seasons to come.

Whether in celebration of Counselor Appreciation Day (July 14th), for some extra love after an especially challenging week, or as a mid-season pick-me-up, consider a counselor care package with some symbolic elements. 

• A stick of gum, sticker, or roll of duct tape to remind you to stick with it and stick together.

• A candle, headlamp, or LED light to remind you to shine your light in each other's and your campers’ lives.

• A matchbook (lighter? flint?) to light your fire when you feel burned out.

• A mini fan to help you keep your cool.

• A water bottle, Gatorade, or electrolyte drink packet to remind you to hydrate and keep filling up at “the well” of Christ’s love.

• A safety pin, Sharpie, pocketknife, or pencil to remind you to stay sharp.

• Hand sanitizer or mini Dr. Bronner’s soap to remind you to “keep it clean.”

• A pack of Smarties for the days you don't feel so smart.

• A bandanna or paracord so you’ll be flexible, prepared, and ready for anything.

• A coffee gift card or Starburst to give you a burst of energy.

• Bandaids or travel kleenex because it’s hard sometimes.

• A Snickers to remind you to take time to laugh.

• A kazoo, squirt gun, something sparkly, or silly hat to remind you to find fun in everything you do.

• A chocolate kiss to remind you that you are loved.

• A bag to help you keep it all together.

… you get the idea. Use your creativity to create simple, special gifts that your counselors will love! Share your additional ideas in the comments.