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The UMCRM Association had the joy of distributing $1.7 million in Ministry Impact Grants last year, funding 68 United Methodist camp/retreat ministry projects across the U.S. with a focus on future sustainability.

Learn more about the 2023 Ministry Impact Grants

UMCRM continues to receive reports of completed projects and we are eager to celebrate the vision, hope, and expanded ministry reach represented in these stories. Congratulations to these centers that successfully accomplished their grant-funded projects. 

Camp Lakewood (IN) - Climbing Tower

The grant funded construction of a 45 foot climbing tower complete with a platform at the top. It is designed with four climbing lanes, ranging from easy (even the youngest campers could make it up) to challenging (giving experienced retreat guests a run for their money!) The goal of the project was to add an attractional activity that would help to promote camp and give both new and returning campers an exciting element to grow physically, spiritually, and mentally. Before the tower had even been used by guest groups, it was already accompanied by God’s blessing. One of the five core volunteers who constructed all of the vertical climbing faces had attended a local church for a while but never felt a call to get connected or care. When invited to be part of the building team, he felt a push from the Lord and said “yes.” His involvement in this team effort has helped him to engage in discipleship in new ways. The biggest challenge of the project turned out to be a massive blessing, as well. The original company hired to set the telephone poles eventually completely cut off all communication, ghosting them and frustratingly stalling the project. When the camp turned to the local power company for help, they assisted in securing a new (and much praised) location, date and time for the work. When they received the bill for setting the poles they were blown away to find that it totaled just half the cost the original company had quoted!

Camp Lodestar (Cal-Nevada) - “Ministry In The Trees” Ropes Course

The High Ropes course at Camp Lodestar had been destroyed by a combination of insect infestation, drought, and high winds. The camp received a 2022 grant to begin to rebuild this program area, and this 2023 grant added a new element, the Golden Gate. In this challenge, two teams of folks on the ground must work together to assist the climber in balance. The course is a popular feature to bring in new campers and guest groups. The high ropes elements allow many campers to experience a sense of accomplishment, to learn group encouragement and success, as well as see the world around them from a different, very high, point of view.

Lake Okoboji (IA) - Low Ropes Challenge Course

Lake Okoboji has been making strides in connecting with local groups to get more people out to camp. The new 11-element low ropes course is an easy way to bring in church youth groups, school groups, and businesses to visit and experience time together for learning and growth. The challenge course will once again be a regular feature of the summer camp program progression; a wonderful asset since the old challenge course was phased out in 2012. The course provides powerful ways to explore overcoming challenges and difficulties by having faith, putting trust in Christ, and finding support in each other. Isaiah 41:10 says, “...fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Campers and guests experience what it looks and feels like to face fear and to trust during challenges in life and on the course.

Mount Eagle - Intern Tiny House

Mount Eagle has been laying the groundwork to start an internship program. Housing was the main roadblock to even consider this type of program and a barrier to hiring additional staff as the ministry grows. Grant funding enabled the purchase of a shed shell and construction (by NOMADS and other volunteers) of a fully functional, cozy tiny house that will accommodate a summer intern. The house will also be available  for second-season volunteers and solitude retreats at Mount Eagle. The new lodging enables vision for the intern program to move forward and new ministry opportunities to become possible.

Quinipet (NY) - Otterbein Building Roof

As with many camps, Quinipet is an aging facility operating with limited funds. Protecting a building starts with a good roof, and the historic Otterbein building badly needed a new one. The new asphalt shingled roof is the first step in renovating this historic structure, which will increase the camp's capacity to house interns and pastors on retreat. The sparkling new roof has inspired donations and fresh energy for the next phase of the restoration. 

Watch for more Ministry Impact Grant reports in the coming weeks and months as we feature all of the amazing projects made possible through the 2023 grants. 

Dr. Laura Blaisdell and Dr. Tracey Gaslin of the Alliance For Camp Health (ACH) hosted an educational webinar on April 12th for camp leaders and wellness staff.  What are our need-to-knows as we approach the summer camp season? 

The full recording of the session is available HERE

Access the slide deck from the session HERE

Camps are encouraged to share this information with your summer health staff and volunteers. There are also considerations for Directors and Program Directors as you seek to promote optimum wellness among your staff and whole camp community. 

A few takeaways: 

Screening Questions: Intake upon the camper's arrival needs to include questions about how they're feeling today, possible infectious disease exposures, and recent international travel. If you have volunteers who come in for a day or the week, you will want to ask similar screening questions and have a plan for what you'll do if someone shows up feeling unwell.

Measles! The U.S. is seeing an outbreak. It is highly contagious, so if someone is presenting symptoms such as the characteristic rash, a "wait-and-see" approach is NOT sufficient. Be sure international staff are vaccinated as they are most vulnerable. Cases must be reported to public health. Have health center staff brush up on diagnostic criteria since they may not have seen it in real life due to herd immunity from the vaccine. 

COVID: The highest number of cases at camp happened in summer 2023. The strategies we learned during the pandemic still work (and most are helpful in preventing many kinds of illness, not just COVID): vaccines, hand hygiene, ventilation & staying outside, isolate people with symptoms, mask and distance to prevent spread when exposed, strategically utilize testing.

Define "up-to-date" for COVID vax? To be considered fully-vaccinated this summer, a person needs to have received one COVID shot since fall of 2023.

Are we stocking COVID tests? Most camps will opt not to, as access to free and low-cost tests is no longer widely available. Campers who need to be tested may need to visit an urgent care clinic or their family physician.

Communicable Disease Plan: Make sure your camp has one. Review to make sure it is current for this season. 

STIs (Sexually Transmitted Infections): Be aware -- several infectious strains are on the rise nationally. Church camp staff are not immune.

Health forms: Be prepared to act on information that you learn from health forms. For example, if a camper has not been vaccinated for measles, will you permit them to join your camp community this week? Camps could be held liable if they had access to health information that they did not utilize in decision-making.

Find more great camp health resources including a pocket guide on MESH (Mental, Emotional, and Social Health), resources on ticks, medication management, and so much more on the ACH website.

Coming up: 

• Medication Management At Camp - Friday, May 10th, 10:00 am PT / 1:00pm ET. Free. Learn more & register

Since 2017, the Solomon Cramer Fund has been sending young people to camp by granting scholarship funds to United Methodist conference camp/retreat ministries. Through these grants, camps have developed innovative programs that reach new people in new places, widening the circle of leadership and campership.

The UMCRM Association is pleased to announce the recipients of 2024 Solomon Cramer Grant awards: 

• At The Lake Ministries (Western PA) - Lake rides and fishing charters for those with disabilities and special needs

• Camp Shine (Cal-Pac) - Serving campers on the autism spectrum who would not otherwise attend summer camp

• Camp Connect (South GA) - Counselor-in-Training program

• New Covenant Impact Camp at Lakewood (IN) - Serving under-resourced campers from southeast Fort Wayne

• Creation Vacation at Camp Magruder (OR-ID) - Serving families facing housing insecurity who would not otherwise have an opportunity for vacation

• Camp Norwesca (Great Plains) - Empowering underprivileged youth and fostering developing leaders through Leaders In Training, Junior Counselor Program, and Summer Camp Scholarships

• City Kids to Campers at Camp Tanako (AR) - Providing an outdoor camp experience for minority urban day campers

• Camp Tekoa (Western NC) - Racial Equity Scholarships - Camperships for rising leaders from Korean and historically African American churches

• Camp Wesley Woods (TN) - Reaching the Unchurched - Expanding campership access to campers with financial need who do not have a church home

• The Hope Project at Indicoso, Rivervale, and Pine Creek Camps (IN) - Serving under-resourced campers from East Indianapolis

• HOPE Camp at Jumonville (Western PA) - Serving at-risk youth with financial need

• Ozark Mission Project Week at Mount Eagle Retreat Center (AR) - Subsidizing home repair mission week partnership with youth from Arkansas and Texas

• Camp Days at Mount Shepherd (Western NC) - Asheboro Housing Authority partnership - Camperships and transportation for urban day campers who otherwise could not afford a camp experience

• Ozark Mission Project (AR) - Leadership Academy - Developing leaders among international students from universities in Arkansas through training and mission service

• L.E.A.D. at Pecometh (MD, Pen-Del) - Developing leaders among underprivileged urban campers of color

• Open Arms Initiative at Pocono Plateau (Eastern PA) - Providing camperships,  transportation, supplies,  and leadership support for urban campers with financial need

• Minority & Accessibility Initiative at Warren Willis Camp (FL) - Providing a summer camp experience for campers from underserved minority groups and funding a worship ministry leader skilled in ASL

• Camp Hope at West River Center (Balt-Wash) - Providing a camp experience to children who have a family member incarcerated in the Baltimore/ Washington DC area

The UMCRM Association had the joy of distributing $1.7 million in Ministry Impact Grants last year, funding 68 United Methodist camp/retreat ministry projects across the U.S. with a focus on future sustainability.

Learn more about the 2023 Ministry Impact Grants

We continue to receive reports of completed projects and want to celebrate the vision, hope, and expanded ministry reach represented in these stories. Congratulations to these centers that successfully accomplished their grant-funded projects. These wonderful updates will greatly increase the safety and sustainability of these ministries. 

Camp Asbury (East OH Conference) - Fundraising Consulting

The camp engaged GSB Fundraising as consultants to implement an annual fund strategy with a goal for a budget comprised of 30-40% of donors. GSB trained leaders in the DonorArc strategy, guiding them in creating newsletters, social media materials, and a year-end appeal. GSB also worked with them to create an Alumni Association that has just begun meeting and strategizing. They added new Camp Sunday methods and revamped their social media presence, website, and email outreach. Camp Asbury is already seeing results, including a slow but steady increase in gifts from donors and increased engagement from members of the camp community who are eager to share the impact that camp has had on them. They have also seen increases in social media traffic and earlier camp registrations. There is fresh energy for investing in Camp Asbury’s future sustainability that is moving and encouraging!

Camp Istrouma (Louisiana) - Nurse’s Cabin

For years, Camp Istrouma hoped someday to build an infirmary. The grant funding enabled them to achieve this dream in less than a year, centralizing health care for camp, creating space for efficient, up-to-date, and organized operations, and providing an appealing place for volunteer nurses to stay on site. 

Ocean Park Camp and Retreat Center (WA, Pacific Northwest Conference) - Cabin Furniture

This grant was a a gift from heaven! Ordinarily it would take a long time to raise funds for these wonderful upgrades. The former triple-stacked bunks were from a World War II era naval base – creaky and unattractive. The summer campers and outdoor school students are going to be so thrilled, and the more comfortable sleeping areas will make the site more appealing to adult guests, too. With added storage for camper gear, they can now shelve their belongings rather than shoving them under the beds (and all over the floor). The church men’s group that volunteered to do the assembly has become a regular ministry partner and will be great collaborators on future projects!

Wesley Woods (TN, Holston Conference) - Security System

Camping ministry seeks to equip campers to become disciples and disciple-makers, ready to help transform the world for Christ. An important factor necessary to be able to achieve these impacts is a setting of safety and security. The new security gate has mitigated about 80 percent of the security needs at Wesley Woods. The system has an integrated camera, call buttons, remote access, and a logging system that increases its effectiveness. The gate has eased concerns of the camp staff and board, camper parents and guardians, helping to support Wesley Woods’ value of safety and the camp's positive public perception.

Shoal Creek (Arkansas) - Cabin Renovation

Shoal Creek Camp is a small rustic camp in Arkansas and the summer heat is often over 100 degrees. The site had six cabins with air conditioning and this grant allowed them to make that number seven! The updated cabin with heat and air increases the number of campers they can serve. Director Renee Henson says “I have stayed many nights in this very cabin, sweating and sweating, wishing I could fall asleep in the heat.” This 50-plus year old cabin now has heat, air conditioning, new windows, updated electrical systems, better doors and insulation. The increased capacity enables larger groups to retreat at camp year-round, expanding ministry opportunities.

Watch for more Ministry Impact Grant reports in the coming weeks and months as we feature all of the amazing projects made possible through the 2023 grants. 

As we gear up for another exciting summer filled with laughter, learning, and growth, it's crucial to ensure that our camps are inclusive and welcoming to all campers. In a notable study conducted by Devine, Piatt, and Dawson (2015), the impact of a disability-specific camp on social acceptance and quality of life for youth with hearing impairments was examined. The findings revealed the significant role that these camps play in fostering social acceptance and enhancing the overall quality of life for campers with disabilities. While this research focused on campers with hearing impairments, the wisdom uncovered in this research can be applied to the wide scope of our campers with disabilities. 

Link to Research Study

This research study by leaders of Bradford Woods Camp, part of Indiana University, underscores the transformative impact of disability-specific camps on youth with hearing impairments. These camps serve as nurturing environments where campers find a sense of community, understanding, and acceptance, fostering a profound sense of belonging. Within this supportive context, campers have the opportunity to develop essential life skills, including communication, teamwork, and leadership. Through engaging activities and interactions, campers are empowered to thrive, not only within the camp environment, but also in various social settings beyond their camp experience. The research also emphasizes the importance of the positive and inclusive atmosphere cultivated within these camps, enabling campers to freely express themselves, thereby enhancing their self-confidence and self-esteem. The camp experiences play a pivotal role in fostering meaningful peer relationships and connections among campers, promoting social integration well beyond the confines of the camp setting.

Inspired by the empowering insights uncovered in the research, we have the opportunity to bring intentionality to the culture of inclusivity and compassion. As United Methodist Camp and Retreat leaders who host campers with hearing impairments or other disabilities, we can make a significant impact by considering the following strategies to foster a space of warmth, acceptance, and belonging within our ministries.

1. Staff Training: Offer thorough training sessions for camp staff to equip them with the skills and knowledge needed to understand and support campers with various disabilities. This training should encompass fundamental communication methods, effective strategies for interaction, and sensitivity training to ensure inclusivity and accommodation for all campers.
2. Accessible Facilities: Ensure that camp facilities are accessible to campers with hearing impairments. This may involve installing visual alarms, providing captioning for videos, and utilizing assistive listening devices. Consider other accessibility adaptations and infrastructure updates.
3. Communication Plan: Implement a clear communication plan that includes visual aids, written instructions, and designated interpreters or sign language interpreters for activities and announcements.
4. Buddy System: Pair campers with peer buddies who can assist them in navigating the camp environment and facilitate communication when needed.
5. Peer Education: Encourage peer campers to learn basic sign language and foster a culture of acceptance and inclusion among all campers.
6. Inclusive Activities: Design camp activities that are inclusive and accessible to campers with varying abilities, ensuring everyone can participate and contribute.
7. Feedback Mechanism: Establish a feedback mechanism where campers with disabilities can express their needs and concerns, ensuring continuous improvement in the camp's inclusivity efforts.

Let's embark on this journey together, embracing diversity and celebrating the unique strengths of every camper who walks through our gates. Together, we can make a difference and create a lasting impact in the lives of all who join us this summer.

Last spring, the UMCRM Association had the joy of distributing $1.7 million in Ministry Impact Grants, funding 68 United Methodist camp/retreat ministry projects across the U.S. with a focus on future sustainability.

Learn more about the 2023 Ministry Impact Grants

UMCRM continues to receive reports of completed projects and we celebrate the vision, hope, and expanded ministry reach represented in these stories. Congratulations to these centers that successfully accomplished their grant-funded program infrastructure improvements. These projects will expand innovative program offerings for campers and guests at these sites.

West River Center (MD, Baltimore-Washington Conference) - “Jump For Joy” Portable Bungee Trampoline System

With increased camper numbers for both day and residential programs, West River needed a new program element that could accommodate larger groups. The trampoline system met that need with a “wow” factor! The bungee trampolines were a hit in their first season of use. Because of their portabiilty, this element will be available to travel to events around the Annual Conference. 

Koronis Ministries (Minnesota Conference) -

Swimming Area Dock

The dock that frames one side of the swimming area at camp was no longer safe, but that spot is a key “perch” for swim area lifeguards, an entry point for swimmers, and the site of a favorite bench where guests enjoy the view of the lake. The solid, durable, new dock is now ready for twenty years of enjoyment for the campers and guests at Koronis. 

Camp Wesley Pines (Mississippi Conference) -

High Ropes Course

The old ropes course at camp had been out of commission for several years, but the price tag for replacement seemed out of reach. The leadership of Wesley Pines learned through this grant process to “ask for what you need and share the dream.” Along with the Ministry Impact Grant, additional donors responded to the dream and helped to bring the camp’s new high ropes course to fruition. Now campers will go beyond their comfort zone and experience the beauty of God’s creation from a new perspective.

Camp Indicoso (Indiana Conference, Impact 2818) -

High Ropes Course

There’s a new way for campers to stretch and strengthen muscles, practice teamwork, decision-making, and communication skills, build self-esteem, confidence, and trust. The Indicoso team uses biblical lessons to teach young people about faith through the process. The ropes course repairs and upgrades mean that these camper-favorite learning experiences are up to safety standards and ready for a new generation of campers. 

New 2023 Ministry Impact Projects Completed:

Last spring, the UMCRM Association had the joy of distributing $1.7 million in Ministry Impact Grants, funding 68 United Methodist camp/retreat ministry projects across the U.S. with a focus on future sustainability.

Learn more about the 2023 Ministry Impact Grants

Every other week we will be featuring reports of completed projects, celebrating the vision, hope, and expanded ministry reach represented in these stories. Congratulations to these centers that successfully accomplished their grant-funded infrastructure improvements. New opportunities have opened for each of these sites to meet the needs of current and future generations of campers and guests.

Buckhorn Camp (Colorado, Mountain Sky Conference)

Buckhorn Lodge, Buckhorn Camp’s namesake structure, was built in the 1940’s and was designed with a large, stone wood-burning fireplace as the focal point. The fireplace had fallen into disrepair and was unusable until the Ministry Impact Grant helped to fund the massive repair project, including replacement of the inner fireproof lining and masonry work on the stone facade. What a wonderful boost to the camp, still recovering from post-pandemic financial challenges, to help mitigate energy costs in the historic lodge and enable this long-needed repair to be completed. The beautiful and functional fireplace is a blessing to campers and guest groups who can once again enjoy the camaraderie of a cozy, crackling fireside.

Camp Fontanelle (Nebraska, Great Plains Conference)

Replacing infrastructure like doors and windows can be a costly project, so Camp Fontanelle was blessed to have support for replacement of 14 doors in its most central building, the Riverview Lodge & Dining Hall. The new fireproof doors have increased fuel efficiency and increased the safety of this important structure.

Camp Moneto (Indiana, Impact 2818)

Camp Moneto would not otherwise have had the funds to do significant HVAC upgrades in Takamokee Lodge. The new air conditioning system has already helped to bring in new groups and delight returning guests. 

Skye Farm (Upper New York Conference)

With the Ministry Impact Grant support, Skye Farm was able to undertake a massive renovation of its 1960s-era dining hall floor, built onto the original historic farmhouse at the site. The aging supports for the original floor over the basement were beginning to pose a safety hazard. Filling in the basement and pouring a new concrete slab meant this critical multi-use space was 100% safe and ready to host groups in 2023 and for decades to come.

Camp Don Lee (North Carolina Conference)

Camp Don Lee’s current staff housing was built around 1948 and is no longer adequately serving staff housing needs. The grant provided seed money for a new building project, helping to fund site preparation and architectural plans for comfortable, year-round lodging for many future generations of staff and interns.

Let’s get to know the UMCRM Association’s newest Board member-elect, Tony Prestipino. Tony grew up in Y Camps and has fond memories of retreats with his UMC youth group in North Carolina. His favorite things about camp were water activities like waterskiing and sailing, and, of course, the friendships. More recently, Tony has been connected to United Methodist camps in his role as Conference Treasurer in the Florida and South Carolina Conferences. In fact, it was his connection to South Carolina Camps that led former UMCRM Board member Arthur Spriggs to nominate him to the Board Development Committee.

Tony currently serves as the Director of Plan Sponsor Relations for Wespath, which means he works closely with institutions and agencies like colleges, Annual Conferences, and UMC General Agencies who are Wespath clients. In that role, he enjoys problem-solving and utilizing the technical aspects of the work to translate into strong relationships. That skill set will be a great benefit to UMCRM, as well, as our Board will depend on his expertise in financial matters, but ultimately our mission is people-oriented.

In his spare time, Tony enjoys family time with his kids, ages 7 and 9. In the past he has served on volunteer boards with HOAs and similar organizations, but we are pretty sure serving with the UMCRM community will be a lot more fun! When asked what experiences or talents he brings to the table, Tony mainly mentioned his accounting and administrative expertise. He will succeed Brant Henshaw, UMCRM’s current Treasurer, when Brant cycles off the board next January. When asked about his priorities and vision for the UMCRM Association’s future, Tony says he hopes to help our organization continue to evolve as the church and surrounding culture change. He also would like to support us in continuing to invest in the future, ensuring UMCRM can continue to meet its mission and strengthen UMC Camp & Retreat Ministries.

Welcome, Tony, to UMCRM! The Board and staff are looking forward to working with you. 

Since 2017, the Solomon Cramer Fund has been sending young people to camp by granting scholarship funds to United Methodist conference camping ministries. Through these grants, camps have developed innovative programs that reach new people in new places, widening the circle of leadership and campership.

Scholarship grants from the Solomon Cramer Fund encourage us to consider the breadth of our ministries by focusing on the following four priorities:

• Ministering with young people living in poverty

• Developing young people as spiritual leaders

• Collaborating with faith communities engaged in vital congregation processes of their Annual Conference

• Expanding opportunities for leadership by young people from underserved racial groups or ethnic populations

Special consideration is given to Camp & Retreat Ministries that focus on more than one of those priorities and that are launching new opportunities. Nine programs received Solomon Cramer Fund grants totaling $30K in 2023:

Celebration Camp

Camp Bays Mountain, Holston Conference

This season, Celebration Camp for people with disabilities was able to nearly double its camper participation. Because of this grant, the camp was able to enlist a college student whose major is working with persons with special needs to increase both the number of campers and to improve the quality of program. Many staff were impacted by this initiative, their first exposure to working with campers with disabilities. They and their campers grew closer to each other and to God through the experience. Parents and caregivers were given respite and renewed hope that someone cares.

Summer Mission Internship

Michigan Conference Camps

The program provided 8 summer camp internships for young adults (primarily leaders of color) interested in ministry and serving in summer camp leadership. The interns received multi-faceted on-the-job training in all aspects of camp and retreat ministries supplemented by training, coaching and supervision with a community atmosphere for mutual support. 

Quotes from the interns: 

• “I didn’t know I’d enjoy working with kids as much as I did – I may look into teaching as a career option. This really helped me step out of my comfort zone.” - Malik, Detroit
• “There were a lot of God moments this summer and it helped to write things down in my journal as they were happening. I also learned how to let go of the small things and concentrate on what matters. I learned for sure that I can be a leader and gain the respect of others as a leader.” - Abby, NYC
• “I never saw myself as a leader before but find myself growing into it. I felt shocked when other people listened to me in that role! I have decided that this is what I want to do with my life – work at camps. My own faith has grown watching the kids find faith – to see them find so much love at camp brought me to tears. I have seen the campers actually taste God’s words – that God loves them.” - Ben, Chicago

HOPE Camp

Jumonville, Western PA

HOPE (Helping Overcome Problems Everyday) Camp serves children who live in poverty or who may be exposed to high risk behaviors in their daily lives, teaching them life skills needed to become thriving individuals, despite the circumstances and trials that they have experienced. The camp also works to connect the campers with a church nearby to continue to strengthen the connection and maintain their relationship with the Lord. This year, the grant funded 8 participants.

TJ: Had really bad social anxiety and HOPE camp has allowed her to overcome that. She is more social now and not afraid to speak in social situations. Used to be afraid of heights until she came to camp and did the high rope activities.

Steven: HOPE camp has helped him to make more friends. He enjoys the food and it’s fun!

Tyler: Enjoys all the activities and going to the cross. Counselors are all nice and there for you if you need anything.

Camp Chippewa Day Camps

Camp Chippewa, Kansas (Great Plains)

Day Camp served 70 children in 2023, allowing campers who weren't ready to come overnight to still experience the impact of camp. Many parents were appreciative of the extended hours and the experiences their children got to have. With the longer hours, camp provided 3 meals this season instead of just one. Multiple parents shared how camp changed their child in such a positive way because of the supportive and fun loving atmosphere they were surrounded in while at camp. Many campers had learning disabilities and with this grant they were given the space to be successful and to grow during their time at camp. 

Campers said:

• "God made me because he loves me"
• "I found God for the first time"
• "It was really fun!"

Training Ground for Discipleship Pathway

Hinton Rural Life Center, North Carolina

Grant funds helped to grow the Staffers-in-Training (SML) outreach, intentionally focusing on youth and young adult leadership development. Over 500 individuals were able to take part in summer programs as a result of this support. 

“Summer staff training and leadership development has helped my growth exponentially. I started out attending missions as a camper then I decided to participate in a staffer in training event. After the event I applied to become a summer staffer. The training helped me grow and know that I could be a successful staffer. I learned so much about myself and how to be a better leader. The training provided, and working for Hinton Rural Life Center has changed my life. I just finished my second summer, and the training keeps getting better and better. This past summer I learned a lot about what it takes to lead while also following.” -Ella, 2023 Summer Staffer

Hispanic Youth Camp

East Bay, Illinois Great Rivers Conference

This event gathered 60 Hispanic Youth for a Christian camping experience with the intention to transform lives and strengthen the local church through intentional efforts to connect with people, nature, and Christ. The camper hugs on the last day said it all; campers who came as strangers and left as friends. One volunteer said, "Camp gets campers away from their neighborhoods, surrounds them with believers and challenges them to grow. Camp is good and I can't wait to bring them back next year."

Other grantees:

Dedicated Summer Camp Week for High School Students

Camp Lookout, Holston Conference

Empowering Minority Communities Through Camp: A Call to Service and Inclusion

Camp in the Community, Holston Conference

Connect-2-Camp

Quinipet Camp, New York Conference

The 2023 Solomon Cramer Grant application is open now through Friday, March 15th, so act now to plan your mission-driven program for this coming summer season. Apply now

As camp professionals, especially as faith-based camp professionals, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion is not simply a program we can subscribe to, it is a way of life that is non-negotiable. We cannot simply say all are welcome, we must cultivate a culture that values diversity, fights for equality, and includes all campers, staff, family units, and volunteers in authentic ways.

The difficulty is that ultimately, what we’re really trying to foster is a culture of belonging, and the idea of belonging is countercultural for most young people today. So many of those we seek to serve are in an almost constant state of feeling alone, even when surrounded by people. Being alone is exclusive, unjust for the gospel message, and devalues the beauty of diversity. Loneliness does not foster belonging. Research shows that young people today have 70% fewer interactions with others over the past two decades (How bad is loneliness for your health? Maybe worse than smoking (fastcompany.com)). On top of that, we also know that young people who feel marginalized are at more risk of isolation. As a result, the data shows that the young people of today will face more health challenges in the future, especially if loneliness continues (Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation (hhs.gov)).

Here is the good news: people are paying attention and have defined the problem. Family units are paying attention and most want better for the children in their care. More good news: our camps can be a part of the healing process. At camp, we have a unique opportunity to bring people together in a setting that is different from their everyday life. Our “sacred places apart” provide a natural break in the structures that can lead to loneliness. At camp, we are able to foster safe social interactions which lead to community building. In The Loneliness Epidemic, researcher Susan Mettes argues that we do not have a loneliness problem, but a relationship problem. As faith-based professionals, we know the importance of a relationship with God and a relationship with others. How do we start? ACA’s Camping magazine published an article in 2021 entitled Camp and the Loneliness Crisis (Camp and the Loneliness Crisis | American Camp Association (acacamps.org)). Intended to help reintegrate and connect following isolating Covid pandemic experiences, its suggestions still apply as we seek to create spaces of connection and belonging. 

Ann Marie Carley serves as Director of Camps, Retreats, and Next Gen Engagement for the West Ohio Conference. She is a former educator and pastor and an ordained Deacon in the United Methodist Church. Find her in her element hiking, biking, swimming or creating holy mischief.