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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.

Across the country, United Methodist Camp and Retreat Ministries continue to be places where lives are transformed, faith is nurtured, and communities are strengthened. The Outdoor Ministries Connection (OMC) 2024 Directors’ Survey Report offers a valuable snapshot of where denominational Christian outdoor ministries are today and where we might be headed.

Based on responses from 249 ministry organizations – including many from the United Methodist Camp & Retreat Ministries (UMCRM) network, the research shows outdoor ministries in motion: recovering, adapting, and rediscovering our purpose. While it’s clear that change is inevitable, our calling to offer sacred space remains as vital as ever.

Three key trends identified in the report offer guidance and inspiration:

Rediscovering Our Roots in a New Day

One of the most important insights from the survey is that our connection to churches and denominational identity is evolving. While only 26% of camp leaders described their ministries as having a “strong” connection to congregations or denominational teachings (down from 41% in 2016), this shift presents an opportunity, not a crisis. It invites us to ask: What does it look like to nurture faith in today’s campers? How can we creatively integrate our Wesleyan theology into experiences that are hands-on, relational, and relevant?

The good news is that many camps are already finding new ways to embody their faith. While still a growth area, clergy involvement has slightly increased after a dip in the early 2020s. Among UMCRM camps, structured Bible study remains common, and many are writing or adapting curriculum to fit their unique context. These efforts are planting seeds for the next generation of discipleship.

This is our moment to reimagine faith formation not as something separate from camp life, but woven into every story shared around a campfire, every worship song under the stars, and every quiet moment by the lake.

Signs of Renewal and Momentum

After the challenges of the pandemic, there’s no denying the momentum building in our ministries. The numbers tell a story of resilience and growth:

• Fundraising is on the rise, with 48% of camps reporting higher revenue than the previous year.

• Staffing is stabilizing. In 2024, 44% of camps were fully staffed—more than double the number in 2022.

• Director morale is high, with 60% describing themselves as feeling “energized” or “fresh,” compared to just 12% two years ago.

• Retreat and conference use is growing, with 29% of camps reporting 75%+ weekend occupancy—a major rebound from 2022.

Even as traditional summer camp enrollment numbers remain relatively flat, there is evidence of growing interest in year-round ministry like family camps, leadership training, outdoor education, and spiritual retreats. These programs reflect the evolving needs of our communities and our ability to meet them with creativity and care. This is a season of renewal and reinvention, where we can build on what’s working and boldly try new things. The Spirit is moving.

Responding to What Families and Campers Value Most

An encouraging theme in the survey is that the elements people love about camp—connection, growth, and belonging—are more important than ever. Across all regions and denominations, the top priorities for camp programs were clear: participant safety, community-building, and character development.

Interestingly, “fun for all participants” now ranks above many traditional religious outcomes. And the desire to “unplug from technology” has become a defining feature of the camp experience, with 88% of directors affirming its importance. These shifts aren’t signs of decline—they’re signs of where our culture is searching for hope, meaning, and rest. Isn’t that exactly what camp is designed to offer?

We don’t have to choose between relevance and faithfulness. As United Methodist ministries, we are uniquely positioned to respond to the spiritual hunger of this generation with practices rooted in grace, justice, and intentional community. Our camps can be places where faith is not forced, but formed gently, deeply, and lastingly.

The Outdoor Ministries Connection (OMC) Survey results suggest a threshold moment for leaders in United Methodist camp and retreat ministries. Our challenges are real—but so are the opportunities. We’re being invited to do what we do best: listen deeply, lead with love, and create sacred spaces where all people can encounter God, connect, and find renewal.

The research findings don’t just highlight change; they point to growth, strength, and potential. So let’s move forward with hope, trusting the God who brought us this far and who guides us onward. We will keep trying new things, building partnerships, and welcoming all who enter our gates. Along with our OMC colleagues, the UMCRM community will seek to apply the insights from this data set to spur growth and innovation in Christian outdoor ministry.

Camp ministry leaders know that our programs offer unique experiences for young people to connect and grow in faith outside of the local church context.  We are also well aware that there are special considerations and challenges related to child safety at camp. A recent article in Leading Ideas highlights the “Ten Non-Negotiable Rules for Child Safety in Churches.” Let’s dive into the nuances of each of these important points as they relate to the camp context.

1. Never be alone with a child who is not your own.  In my time in ministry, we had a saying, “When three are gathered, all is well.”  However, the rule of three can sometimes be a logistical nightmare. Our general policy is the “two adult rule,” which can be next to impossible in the camp setting. Do two counselors leave a cabin unsupervised while they escort a camper to the nurse?  What do you do if a camper needs to go back to the cabin to grab a sweatshirt during campfire? In an ideal scenario, you have enough adults and a communication system (like radios) to summon an additional adult to accompany the counselor and camper to wherever they need to go. When that isn’t possible, choose a non-related camper to be the third, and remember that the camper needs to stay with the other camper so as not to leave a child alone with one adult (such as the camp Nurse or Director). Furthermore, I train my staff that if they need to talk to a camper in “private,” they must do so within proximity of another adult, both visually and within earshot, to create a third person present while maintaining the need to address the camper away from others.
2. Background checks for everyone, every year.  While this is not the current recommended practice within our denomination, based on the national guidelines I recommend that full-time staff (including clergy, who often think they are “one and done” during the ordination process) do background checks every two years and new and returning volunteers or seasonal counselors yearly if you can (sometimes it is cost prohibitive).  At least run your returning volunteers and staff through the sex offenders registry and then have them on a two-year schedule for a full background check. 
3. Establish a six-month rule for all volunteers.  I don’t disagree with this rule.  All volunteers should be involved in a faithful pattern of commitment to the church before serving in children and youth ministry. You never want to give someone immediate access to children and youth because you need a “warm body” to meet ratios. Be sure to contact references and ask them the all-important question: “Do you have any hesitation in recommending this person to live and work around children and youth?”.
4. One-on-one conversations with every potential volunteer.  This is another pretty straightforward practice. To have someone join your team without meeting and having a conversation is like hiring an employee without an interview. At times I’ve encountered individuals who want to serve for their own purposes, be it healing or wanting to be near their own congregation’s children and youth to better “watch” and sometimes assure the experience THEIR campers will have. Volunteers should be interviewed like any other staff person and held to the same standard of professionalism and commitment to the mission.
5. Simple and non-negotiable, check-in and check-out procedures. This was one of the hardest lessons I learned. It is imperative that you have a central location for check-in and check-out and that all staff and volunteers have specific responsibilities during this time. Have someone in the parking area directing the campers and their adults to check in. This prevents a church’s volunteer driver from dropping the campers off without checking them in. It ensures proper forms are completed. This also prevents (if prohibited) teens from driving themselves and checking in without a parent or guardian. Other staff gather their campers and escort them to their living area. THIS is the time that parents, guardians, or other adults can tour the camp accompanied by staff. Adults should NEVER be allowed to roam about camp unsupervised. You don’t necessarily know them; they have not been background checked, and this is a prime opportunity for adults to have unsupervised access to campers. The same principles are practiced in reverse on check-out day to ensure an intentional, documented hand-off of care of each camper from the camp leadership back into the responsibility of their parent or guardian.
6. One-foot-in, one-foot-out of bathroom supervision.  Your staff and volunteers should maintain the privacy of campers while they use the bathroom and/or shower while still having the ability to supervise. The staff or volunteers should stand in the doorway of the facility, one foot in, one foot out, with door open so they hear if there are problems while children are using the facilities. They will also be able to hear if toilets are not flushed, or showers and sinks are left running. Adults themselves should always shower, dress, and use the facilities privately, away from campers. 
7. Use floaters and management-by-walking-around.  A floater is an excellent way to have that extra layer of supervision and accountability as well as having a ready adult able to assist when a “third” is needed. This person can be your nurse, program director, a pastor, etc.  A radio system is also an important tool for rovers. 
8. Install safety mechanisms such as cameras and signs. In camp ministry, the ability to do this might be with peripheral cameras at strategic points around the grounds, but it is impractical to have cameras everywhere. Locked or monitored gates at the entrance also prevent uncontrolled access to the property. Signage and locked doors can prevent access to unauthorized areas such as private residences, offices, supply storage, and unstaffed program zones like waterfront, climbing, ropes, and the like.
9. Practice ongoing training. This is crucial. Often, especially if we have a returning staff or volunteers, we feel we don’t need to cover in depth training topics such as bullying, emergency procedures, or child abuse. Every year should be treated as Year One. Staff will not always remember the nuances of abuse reporting procedures or chain of command in a crisis. If a staff never had to implement these procedures, or if it’s been a year since they thought about them, much of the details are easily forgotten. As well, policy and practices often change from year to year due to updates locally or nationally. If an issue comes up mid-season, take the opportunity for a teachable moment. I once had a counselor not assist (through reminders and supervising) in the application of sunscreen on our youngest campers because they didn’t want to be accused of “touching” campers. The result was severe sunburns! We were able to discuss this as a staff and generate ideas on how to ensure that campers apply their sunscreen. It is also important to train your staff on camp incidents that some adults might interpret as abuse: sunburns, physical activity such as push-ups for punishment, or unwanted nicknames are just a few examples. Your staff must think beyond the technical definition of abuse and consider behaviors that families would be concerned about, especially when children are away from their care overnight at camp.
10. Put all important policies into writing.  Each ministry setting needs to have a WRITTEN set of policies and procedures that are known to both staff and other adults. It should be shared and practiced as a routine part of how you do ministry.  Too many times, I’ve experienced ministries that wrote a policy and filed it away. The written policy should be an active part of your ministry which is reviewed on an annual basis. I also have my staff sign that they have read, received training, and understand our policy. This prevents upon incident that they “didn’t know.” I have even had former staff move on to positions working with youth within a church, skip formal training because they “had it at camp staff training,” and upon incident try to claim that they “had no idea” why a behavior was wrong. I was able to pull out the training documentation and provide it to the local church to verify that indeed the person had received both the policy and training and had signed that they understood proper procedures and guidelines. 

Establishing and maintaining these best practices in the camp setting requires time and quite a bit of intentional effort. However, it is truly priceless to build trust and create safe environments for all. These are acts of Christlike love for “the least of these,” precious and vulnerable people who have been entrusted into our care. Our faithfulness in attending to these principles preserves the good reputation of not only our camps, staff, and volunteers, but that of The United Methodist Church and even of Christians. 

Kelly Peterson will soon be retiring from her role as Executive Director of Camp Fire Heart of Iowa, culminating a remarkable 49 years of service in camp and youth development. A former Chair of the UMCRM Board of Directors, Kelly has also served on the Division of Young People’s Ministries (UMC Discipleship), as Executive Director for Camp, Retreat, and Young People’s Ministries for the Cal-Nevada Annual Conference, as Director/Owner of a private camp, and more. She has been instrumental in the development of the Safe Sanctuaries and Safer Sanctuaries abuse prevention resources for The UMC. For fun, you’ll find Kelly enjoying movies, sports, music, and travel. In retirement, she’ll be able to focus more energy enjoying her new grandbaby and having adventures in the Airstream camper!