Blog

The UMCRM Association continues to celebrate completed Ministry Impact Grants this week on the blog. Last year, we were blessed to distribute $1.7 million in grants, funding 68 United Methodist camp/retreat ministry projects across the country. The common theme of this week’s projects is that they are the kinds of needs that can be hard to fund. However, it is indisputable that a good night’s sleep on a nice mattress can make or break one’s quality of life! Yet replacing mattresses at camp is a costly and time-consuming undertaking so it’s a project that sometimes gets deferred. This twelfth installment of Ministry Impact reports features five projects, completed at Camp Innabah (PA), Grand Mesa (CO), Hinton Center (NC), Mingus Mountain (AZ), and Wesley Woods (PA). Read the stories and join with us in giving thanks for these completed projects that will greatly enhance the guest experience these ministries provide.

Learn more about the 2023 Ministry Impact Grants

UMCRM will be celebrating completed projects in this ongoing series until all of the 2023 grant recipients have been featured. View previous project reports

Camp Innabah (Eastern PA) - Health Care Upgrades

The Ministry Impact Grant enabled Camp Innabah to improve the living quarters and bathroom for summer camp volunteer nurses housed in the 90-year-old Farmhouse building. The renovated bathroom, new flooring, and fresh paint have made the health care space more welcoming and sanitary. Goodbye to the 30+ year-old carpet!

Grand Mesa Camp (Mountain Sky, CO) - Mattress Match and Chapel Ramp

The grant award has increased the vitality of Grand Mesa Camp and renewed hope in the future of the ministry. The chapel ramp project provided an opportunity to develop relationships with several local contractors and to learn how to address the challenge of building and renovation in the camp’s remote region. 

The second part of the grant-funded project was a fundraising and Adopt-A-Building campaign. The marketing team created an email, mailing, and social media campaign to reach churches, congregation members, campers and families, current and former camp staff, and alumni. Supporting churches received single-slide ads to be shown before or after service and a 5-slide presentation for use in worship. Altogether, this marketing blitz enabled the Camping Association to raise 73% of its funding goal by the end of the year; well underway to complete their goal in 2024. The Mattress Match initiative helped the camp to develop donor relationships and create momentum for a more sustainable ministry into the future.

Hinton Rural Life Center (NC) - Mattress Replacement

The grant allowed Hinton Center to purchase 97 new mattresses and mattress covers in the guest quarters that house Summer Mission volunteers, retreat guests, and confirmands in Hinton's Confirmation Retreat program. These badly needed improvements have been enthusiastically received by guests. We give thanks for the significant improvement in the comfort, cleanliness, and retreat renewal experience for Hinton's guests.

Mingus Mountain Camp (Desert Southwest, AZ) - Kitchen Equipment

Grant funding has enabled the food services ministry at Mingus Mountain to provide higher quality food, save money, and serve guests with increased hospitality. The new slicer helps in preparing fresh meats, cheeses and produce. The tilt skillet/brazier enhances cooking French toast, grilled cheese, soups, chili, hot dogs, scrambled eggs and more for larger groups. The staff has already been receiving great feedback: "Wow-the food is excellent and filling!" "The food was absolutely fantastic!” With care and maintenance, this investment will serve Mingus’s guests and campers for the next generation.

Wesley Woods Camp (PA) - Bunks and Mattresses

Now the nicest beds in camp, new bunks and mattresses replaced the ones that had outlived their usefulness at Wesley Woods. Guests are able to experience greater hospitality and good night’s rest. The new bunks also gave the space a needed facelift. 

The UMCRM Association is delighted to highlight more Ministry Impact Grants this week on the blog. Last year, we were blessed to distribute $1.7 million in grants, funding 68 United Methodist camp/retreat ministry projects across the country. This week's featured projects all engaged professional services for expert advice and strategy support. Whether creating a fresh marketing plan or engaging a strategic planning process, these ministries invested in a sustainable future. Bringing in new perspectives and expertise can prove invaluable to help envision new possibilities and make needed change in an organization. This eleventh installment of reports features six projects, completed in the Western North Carolina Conference, Great Plains Conference, Pacific Northwest Conference, Grand Mesa Camp (CO), Mountain Sky Conference, and Camp Magruder (OR).

Learn more about the 2023 Ministry Impact Grants

UMCRM will be celebrating completed projects in this ongoing series until all of the 2023 grant recipients have been featured. View previous project reports

Western North Carolina Conference Council on Camps & Retreats - Collaborative Marketing Program

Three Western NC camps were given the unique opportunity to collaborate with Cube Creative for an entire year to rebuild websites, engage in targeted online marketing techniques, and redesign and purchase promotional materials. Together the camps launched a robust campaign at Annual Conference, including giveaways, raffle, bonfire and worship, and a Friday fun night with games and bounce house. 

Each of the sites implemented long-dreamed-of marketing initiatives, and the Council’s preliminary research work has engaged beneficial networking and relationship building with key stakeholders. The ongoing data and research tools are in place to help the Council continue to develop marketing strategies and physical resources for sustainable camp ministry across the conference. This investment is expected to continue bearing fruit for years to come.

Great Plains Camps - Marketing

Leaders of the five camps across Kansas and Nebraska met with two nationally-recognized camp marketing professionals every other week for over a year to explore best practices to promote camper retention and recruitment. Registration trend data informed the implementation of new strategies, from an improved marketing timeline to evaluation processes for staff, campers, and families. Staff learned the value of scripting out tours and programs to seize opportunities to help people grow. The consultants helped to compare programs and communication plans with other industry best practices. The process motivated and equipped all involved to strive for continual improvement. This initiative already bore fruit in this camping season: enrollment was up for all five of our camps with no increase to the marketing budget. Parent camp champions have been engaged to help as references for prospective new camper families, and the scholarship fund has seen increased support.

Executive Director Bob Kahle reflects, “We came to understand that effective camp marketing is not about finding the biggest hill and screaming out for people to come to our camps. We 

cannot compete with large marketing budgets and unlimited resources. Instead, we learned how to make our camps better and saw the power in encouraging campers, families and guests to trust us enough that they will want to talk about our camps to their friends. The impact of this project includes a new confidence and pride our staff have in our program, which is translating into other areas of our life and ministry.”

Pacific Northwest Conference Camping & Retreat Ministries - Strategic Planning

Grant funding enabled consultation with Kaleidoscope, Inc., on a strategic planning process. The outcome of that process has provided the Camping Board of Stewards a context for how each of the four camps serves the PNW Conference and surrounding communities. Identifying each site’s strengths and weaknesses will inform future programming

and capital development. Lazy F and Ocean Park camps worked this spring on site-specific strategic plans, building on insights gleaned from the Conference process over the past two years. Indianola and Twinlow camps will be continuing strategic work starting in the fall. In addition to the usable and concise professional report, the process with Kaleidoscope resulted in a significant amount of board training to help them think strategically about the role of the camps as a ministry of the PNW Conference and how they will serve the mission of the Conference in the future.

Grand Mesa Camp - Coaching

The grant funded consultation with an organizational coach and a team-building and visioning retreat for the staff and board. Throughout the coaching and team-building process, the leadership team discovered much common ground in their hopes and vision for the camp. Together they realized the need for a comprehensive leadership structure to implement the action steps to achieve those goals and visions. Following the retreat, the coach provided a final report outlining the goals, mission, vision, and talking points to continue the work begun at the retreat. A new board structure has been created and the team now has what they need to implement forward-looking strategies for the camp’s future.

Mountain Sky Conference Council on Retreat and Camping - Software, Coaching, and Social Media

The grant allowed this ministry, which spans 7 sites across 5 states, to accomplish three different goals. Flathead Lake Camp (MT) received support to purchase and implement Camp Brain registration software. The Mountain Sky Conference Camp budget matched the grant to cover the full cost. Buckhorn Camp (CO) engaged with a coach, Karen Grosz of Canvas Creek Team Building, to assist the staff and board with organizational development, and several other sites had an opportunity to receive strategic coaching. Finally, several of the camps utilized the grant support to create new marketing materials for promotional events and church visits. Overall, the grant support for all three initiatives strengthened camp operations and provided unique points of collaboration for the Council on Retreat and Camping across the region.

Camp Magruder - Marketing Support

The leadership of Camp Magruder knew they needed new strategies to reach a more diverse camper base beyond the United Methodist Church. The marketing support Camp Magruder received over an eight month period taught them a great deal about promoting camp and telling their story. The increased presence and visibility in their community has already made a noticeable difference. The advice received from consultant Casey Fuerst at TicTacToe Marketing led to many new community connections through church and school visits, discussions with retreat groups, and promotional materials shared in new places. The camp has developed a new, twice-a-month newsletter and increased communications with registrants as they prepare for summer camp. The team has created a more consistent social media presence, and an overall marketing strategy has taken the guesswork out of the process, focusing energy where it will yield the most effective results. This year’s marketing efforts produced an earlier boost in registration numbers and enhanced community-wide awareness about the opportunities camp provides.This investment in professional guidance will continue to pay back dividends in the coming years as these new materials, skills, and strategies become regular practices in the camp’s annual cycle of promotion. Marketing and growth are long-game endeavors that involve table-setting and relationship building, for which the Camp Magruder team is now better equipped.

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 will be celebrating completed projects in this ongoing series until all of the 2023 grant recipients have been featured. Join us in giving thanks for the vision, hope, and expanded ministry reach represented in these stories. The projects featured this week all involved lodging spaces and residences. These buildings are central to the effective ministry of these centers. It is a great blessing to be able to devote resources to build and maintain these mission-critical spaces. 

Camp Aldersgate (OH) - Retreat House Renovation

An old, unusable Director’s residence is in a prime location to be renovated into a new Retreat House. The 1,446 square foot building will be modernized and its floor plan reworked in order to facilitate growth into the future, for a fraction of the cost of a new build. The proposed work will add 26 heated beds to the ministry (increasing heated capacity from 46 to 72, “right sized” for the ministry’s current heated dining and meeting space). Warm weather capacity will increase from 120 to 146, blessing Aldersgate’s summer programs with needed support staff housing and improving camper experience.

The Ministry Impact Grant funding, combined with generous donor base giving to the project, enabled Camp Aldersgate to secure the completion of this massive project with lots of labor from staff and volunteers. The work is progressing slowly. So far the building has been stripped down to its bones, with old carpeting, wall boards, ceiling, and insulation ripped out. At the time of the report this spring, repair work to secure the building’s structural integrity was in progress. The entire floor plan has been reworked to meet future needs of this space. All needed material for the project is purchased, staged, and ready to go for the renovation and rebuilding work this summer and fall. The intent is for the refurbished building to be operational for Spring groups in 2025. 2024 guest groups who got a preview of the project lit up with excitement about the expanded capacity and new possibilities.

Epworth Forest (IN) - Lodge Renovations

Whitefield Lodge had succumbed to water damage and moisture issues that prevented it from being occupied. Water damage was removed and the entire interior was treated for mold. All the concrete floors were professionally ground down and sealed. All the walls were painted with volunteer help. All the lights were taken down and replaced with donated LED lights by a local church. The entire roof was replaced. Both furnaces were replaced and included air conditioning. These renovations will now allow more bed space, access to more handicap-accessible restrooms, and new options for future groups. Whitefield will be newly in-demand for guests preferring an air conditioned space. Next steps will include upgrades to electrical outlets in the dorm rooms and replacement of outdated windows. The improved space will be better maintained by managing the inside humidity through the humid summer season.

Mount Eagle (AR) - Intern Housing 

The vision of establishing an intern program was limited by the lack of appropriate on-site housing. Through the grant, Mount Eagle was able to purchase a 12’ x 32’ shed that was then converted into a tiny house with a full kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, and living room with a dinette area. The space may be small, but it is truly cozy. Electric and plumbing was run throughout the building. It was insulated and drywalled and an HVAC system added. The tiny house was situated in Mount Eagle’s RV park to allow for direct access to water and electricity. The new space will make a significant impact on the future of this ministry. The internship program is made possible because of the generosity, investment, and commitment of the Ministry Impact grant. Leadership is excited to provide a new learning experience that invests in young adults as they are exploring their calling within the world of camp and retreat ministries. When not occupied by an intern, the tiny house can house volunteers and solitude retreats, as well. A win-win solution!

Lake Poinsett (SD)  - Director Residence Repairs

The Director's residence is a key component to the life and health of camp and retreat ministries. When maintenance, upkeep, and upgrades to the Director's residence are deferred and funneled into other worthy projects around camp it can have a negative impact on the morale and health of those called to lead the camp. The grant blessed us by helping to catch up with that deferred maintenance and make the residence more usable, attractive, and comfortable for current and future leaders. This funding allowed an update of the flooring throughout the Director's house and replacement of the appliances. The flooring hadn't been replaced for over two decades and had seen its fair share of foot traffic, pets, and family life. The appliances were being held together by tape and rarely used by previous occupants because of their poor condition. The new vinyl plank flooring is economical, durable, and easy to maintain. New appliances allow for the current and future directors to be able to cook, host, and store meals with ease. Our homes contribute positively to our overall mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual health, and this project makes an important contribution to the wellbeing of Lake Poinsett’s Director.

Pocono Plateau (PA) - Building Renovations

Grant funding, along with 400 hours of volunteer labor, made this amazing transformation possible. The project started with the much-needed roof replacement. Next, the shag carpet that was installed back in the 1970s was removed from the walls! This was replaced with sheet rock and painted gray with white wainscoating along the bottom half. All the windows in the Lake Room, lobby, and game room were replaced. An old wood burning stove was replaced with an HVAC split unit to provide both heat and air conditioning. The cracked, old floor was replaced with new vinyl wood plank flooring. More electrical outlets were added to make the space more functional. Concrete was poured to create a handicap accessible walkway and entry way into Lake Room, and the bathroom was refurbished to be handicap accessible as well. The Pocono Plateau community is astounded at the difference of the before and after experience in this space. It is bright, welcoming, comfortable, and professional.

Learn about other Ministry Impact Grant projects here

At a time when our nation faces deep political divisions and has recently experienced the attempted assassination of former President Donald J. Trump, I urge our community to come together to reaffirm our commitment to the values that unite us. 

Our hearts are heavy with the pain and uncertainty that these events bring. We pray for the healing of those affected and for the restoration of peace in our land. As followers of Jesus and as members of the United Methodist Camp & Retreat Ministries community, we are called to be beacons of hope and instruments of God's love in the world. 

The events of last Saturday may bring up strong emotions among camp and retreat staff, volunteers, and perhaps some campers. I invite you to consider the following call to action, deeply rooted in the 7 Foundations of our ministry, to guide us in our response:

1. Extend Christian Hospitality and Community

   • Share God's Love: When in conversation, engage others with compassion and kindness, especially those who may feel marginalized or threatened by the current climate. Simple acts of love and hospitality can create a ripple effect of positivity.

   • Build Inclusive Spaces: Ensure our camps and retreats are welcoming to all, creating environments where everyone feels valued and safe. Let our actions reflect God's unconditional love for every person.

2. Develop Principled Spiritual Leaders

   • Mentor and Support: Commit to mentoring children and young people in age-appropriate ways, helping them navigate these challenging times with faith and resilience. Encourage them to be servant-hearted leaders who promote peace and understanding.

   • Lead by Example: Demonstrate through our own actions what it means to be a principled spiritual leader. Show patience, humility, and a commitment to justice in all that we do.

3. Nurture Christian Faith and Discipleship

   • Pray for Peace: Let us come together in prayer for our leaders, our nation, and for each other. Pray for wisdom, compassion, and the healing of divisions within our communities. Integrate prayer into our daily routines as a practice of our faith.

   • Promote Understanding: Engage in conversations that seek to understand different perspectives. Practice empathy and kindness, remembering that each person is created in the image of God. Use these interactions as opportunities to live out the teachings of the Bible and grow in discipleship.

4. Inspire and Equip Lives for Love and Justice

   • Act in Love: As leaders and members of the camp and retreat community, organize and participate in service projects that address the needs of those in your local areas. Encourage campers and staff to engage in acts of kindness and service, which can bridge divides and bring us closer together. Through our collective efforts, we can inspire others to envision and work towards the beloved community of God's kingdom.

   • Advocate for Justice: Stand up for justice and righteousness in peaceful and constructive ways. Let our actions reflect our commitment to the principles of our faith. Equip ourselves and others to be voices for justice, embodying the vision of a world where love and justice prevail.

5. Support Each Other: In times of fear and uncertainty, let us be a source of support and encouragement to one another. Reach out to those who may be struggling and offer a listening ear and a helping hand.

Together, we can be a light in the darkness, showing the world that love, faith, and unity can overcome even the deepest divisions. Let us hold fast to our faith and to each other as we navigate these challenging times.

May God bless and guide us all.

In faith and solidarity,

Jessica Gamaché

Association Director

United Methodist Camp & Retreat Ministries (UMCRM)

Email

Learn more about the 7 Foundations of UMC Camp & Retreat Ministry

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 will be celebrating completed projects in this ongoing series until all of the 2023 grant recipients have been featured. Join us in giving thanks for the vision, hope, and expanded ministry reach represented in these stories. The projects featured this week are all in support of program needs. Innovation in programming keeps camp experiences fresh and exciting, and is also an attractive feature for prospective retreat groups, keeping these ministries sustainable year-round.

Camp Adventure (IN) - Activity Shelters

At Camp Adventure, the only indoor spaces are the cabins and dining hall. They dreamed for years of having roofed shelters at the remote ends of Kiser Lake to provide a shaded gathering space for campers in case of inclement weather. The grant, along with volunteer labor, made possible two new, metal-roofed, pavilion-style shelters which expand program options and increase the safety and quality of experience for campers, staff and guests.

Camp Mechuwana (ME) - Art Center

The first round of Ministry Impact Grants in 2022 funded Phase 1 of the new Art Center at Camp Mechuwana, including engineering, permits, earth work, electrical, and the base floor. The hope was that additional donors would get excited and be motivated to help complete the rest of the project, and the response was exactly that answer to prayer. The grant generated lots of new interest and energy and inspired an additional $60K in giving to the project. This Phase 2 grant helped to complete the septic, plumbing, siding, ramps, landscaping, and more, to make the building fully ready for use. The Art Center has enabled Mechuwana to offer expanded art programming. It has brought joy to campers and staff and has helped to attract new guest groups to the camp. The new space also fills a critical community need for a year-round gathering spot for art and meetings. It has felt like a rekindling of ownership and enthusiasm after the hard seasons of the Covid pandemic, helping the camp and community look forward to a bright future.

Ceta Canyon (TX) - Zipline Replacement

Thanks to a great outpouring of support from foundations and individuals, the camp replaced its previous 150’ single gravity zipline with a 750’ double canopy zipline. The Ministry Impact Grant provided the first 25% of the total cost of the project and helped to galvanize matching funds and other gifts to complete the work. The new setup allows more than double the number of guests to be able to enjoy the zipline experience at a time. The previous zipline access was difficult for campers trying to climb the 30-foot wall to the starting platform. Dismounting could also be unnerving and inefficient both for the guests and for the facilitators. The new zipline has easier access, more efficient and comfortable dismounting procedures, and provides a scenic “zipping experience” over the natural canyon landscape. This program upgrade is an exciting addition to camp for summer campers, and will revitalize the retreat season by attracting new guest groups.

Cross Point (OK) - Waterfront and Adventure Equipment

Through this grant, Cross Point was able to move from a state of decline to a strong, well-equipped program with a variety of safe and exciting options to offer campers and guest groups. The funding enabled the purchase of new lily pads and lifejackets for waterfront activity, several new tubes for towing behind the boat, towing tube connectors and ropes, repairs to the boat trailer, a new light for the boat, new harnesses and three auto-belay devices for the climbing tower, a gazebo for weather protection in the adventure area, and new picnic tables for the adventure gazebo area. Cross Point received a real facelift and started the new camp season with good equipment and refreshed enthusiasm for the ministry’s outdoor programs.

Lake Michigan Family Campground (MI) - Disc Golf Course

The grant supported building an 18-hole family disc golf course and 9-hole youth course named “Fairway To Heaven,” and it was truly a collaborative community project. The local Pentwater service club, individuals, and youth groups donated funds and volunteer power to help build the course. Eagles Wings Disc Golf, an international Christian organization that designed the course, helped with the build and will facilitate future disc golf workshops, tournaments, and camps. The design was approved by Mason County Disc Golf Association and the courses will be part of the annual Amateur Michigan State tournament every September. The course provides a fun new way for families to encounter the outdoors in a leisure activity that is easy to learn for all ages. Inspirational Christian messages are placed throughout the course pathways. Completion of the project included tee areas, chain baskets, public parking lot, benches, walkways, sponsorship campaign, and signage. The course opened in August of 2023, and saw over 1,395 hours of play in its first season, including visitors from 20 different states!

Read about previously-featured Ministry Impact projects linked here

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 will be celebrating completed projects in this ongoing series until all of the 2023 grant recipients have been featured. Join us in giving thanks for the vision, hope, and expanded ministry reach represented in these stories. The practical infrastructure projects featured this week are a reminder that caring for ministry properties has many dimensions that are integral to the sites' functioning and guest experience. 

Westview On The James (VA) – Utility Task Vehicles

Grant funding enabled the purchase of two used vehicles: a Club Car Onward Electric golf cart and a Cub Cadet Challenger 750 Crew gas UTV, to help move people and supplies across the 780 acres of the Westview property. The Club Car is allocated to the health staff team during summer camp. The vehicle allows them to quickly move from the Infirmary to anywhere on campus when they are needed by campers and staff. The larger tires and suspension system allow this vehicle to tackle camp terrain as an electric-powered vehicle. This model was also selected because the back seat can be folded down to carry small cargo or folded up to allow for transportation of a camper while maintaining the “rule of 3.” The Cub Cadet is allocated to the property staff because of the ability to seat four individuals and have a full-sized dump bed for equipment and materials.

Monte Toyon (CA) – Bathroom Renovations

The restrooms were in need of an upgrade, including new, easier-to-clean tile floors in one building and new privacy partitions in another. These renovations improve the safety, privacy, and cleanliness of these important spaces, allowing for a more welcoming, inclusive, and pleasant guest and camper experience.

Jumonville (Western PA) – Infrastructure and Epic Fun Pool Update

At the Jumonville pool, grant funds made possible the replacement of old filters and plumbing, fixed the crumbling retaining wall substructure of the pool house, and installed a new metal roof. Old bathhouse sink and toilet fixtures were replaced, and an upgraded pool vacuum system installed. When all of the above projects were completed, they moved on to the fun stage! New seating options were added by the pool, a shade structure constructed, and an AquaZipN rope swing/zip line combo installed. This new, fun feature has been extremely popular with campers and staff.

Asbury Retreat (Upper NY) – Waterfront Improvements

The waterfront area and Inspiration Garden at Asbury Retreat Center have received needed TLC and lovely improvements. Waterfront drainage work was completed by a contractor, Asbury staff and volunteers. A 3-foot semicircular retaining wall was constructed to surround the prayer labyrinth, and the area seeded with grass. The water-damaged lower stone wall was repaired. The NOMADS (Nomads On a Mission Active in Divine Service) constructed five new benches and used donated blue stone to create an entrance to the prayer labyrinth. Perennial plants were planted to add to the natural beauty. New solar lights and signage add to the aesthetics and give direction to guests as they approach the prayer labyrinth. This area of the property will continue to be a place where people can experience God through prayer, worship, recreation, and just being close to God’s beauty.

Aldersgate (RI) – Brook Culvert and Cook Farm Site Prep

Grant funding enabled essential improvements at Aldersgate Camp. The new culvert structure ensures that campers, staff, and vehicles can safely cross Mosquitohawk Brook to access the Cook Farm property. The new culvert has significantly improved safety and transportation logistics, making the camp more accessible and secure for all participants. An abandoned and condemned house and barn were removed from the Beebe Farm property in order to clear the space for new program areas and future developments. The land was cleared of debris and graded to create flat, safe, usable spaces for camp activities. The replacement of the culvert across Mosquitohawk Brook and the preparation of the Cook Farm site have not only enhanced the safety and accessibility of the camp, but have also moved forward the infrastructure planning for a day camp program expansion.

Read about previously-featured Ministry Impact projects linked here

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 will be celebrating completed projects in this ongoing series until all of the 2023 grant recipients have been featured. Join us in giving thanks for the vision, hope, and expanded ministry reach represented in these stories. One of the goals of the grant was to support initiatives for future ministry sustainability. The sites featured this week observed that program innovation and upkeep are an integral part of keeping their ministries vital. 

Rolling Ridge (MA) – Earth Center

In 2022, Rolling Ridge received a $15K Ministry Impact Grant to successfully complete Phase 1 of the 5-phase plan for an Earth Center for environmental education and eco-spirituality. Phase 1 saw the expansion of kayaking ministry and the launch of a composting ministry, along with a Land Acknowledgement initiative and partnership of land legacy with the Cowasuck Band of the Pennacook-Abenaki People. The plan for Phase 2 was to hire a part-time instructor/consultant to help envision and launch a comprehensive environmental education program of natural history and indigenous history. Rolling Ridge was thrilled to connect last fall with just the right person to move this vision forward. Todd Warfield, who is indigenous in heritage, Methodist in spirituality, and an herbalist by training, is well connected in the New England Annual Conference and is currently in the final stages of being confirmed as a Home Missioner. With Todd’s expertise supported in the first year by Ministry Impact Grant funds, Rolling Ridge will be able to move forward with the research, program design, and partnerships that will continue to implement the overall Earth Center vision.

Twinlow (ID) – Waterfront Safety

Twinlow takes the safety of campers, visitors, and staff very seriously. The CPR portion of their staff/lifeguard training was a weak point in their system, as the camp did not have enough CPR training materials. Fifteen staff using two training manikins was ineffective. The grant allowed Twinlow to purchase an adequate number of manikins, AED trainers, CPR masks, lifeguard tubes, and more. It provides wonderful peace of mind to know staff will be well trained and equipped for situations we hope will never happen. The grant also covered replacement boat paddles, life vests, and a few paddle craft. This project alleviated training challenges and will enhance waterfront safety at Twinlow for at least a decade. It also enables the camp to become a hub for low-cost CPR training for local churches and the community.

Pecometh (MD) – High Ropes & Challenge Course Upgrades

The Challenge Course has been one of the best investments ever made at Pecometh. In 1998, a group of volunteers built, with their own money, a low challenge course. The following year, a professionally built high course was added. Every summer, hundreds of campers learn team building, leadership, and cooperative skills. In 2022, 22 guest groups, composed of 600 guests, came to Pecometh because of the challenge course to help them achieve their group objectives. At that time, most of the camp’s climbing obstacles were in trees and would need to be retired due to tree growth in the very near future. New pole obstacles have an estimated 30 year life span, compared to the 7-10 year lifespan of tree obstacles. With the Impact Grant funds, Pecometh replaced two high climbing elements and made renovations to a third. They also were able to purchase necessary program equipment to support climbing activities. The new elements enable participation by larger groups. Campers and guests at Pecometh will have two new exciting challenge elements to enhance their experience this summer and for many years to come.

Overlook (VA) – Climbing Wall & Zipline

Camp Overlook utilized the grant to build a climbing wall that can handle 4 climbers at a time, with varying degrees of difficulty and adjustable features. Adjacent to the wall, a zero gravity zipline was installed to provide an exciting challenge for participants from a wide range of age, size, and abilities. Participants can climb up the wall or use a ladder to reach the launching point of the zipline. These new program elements will help campers and guests to experience success in the face of challenges, learning about themselves in the process. The project cost included ground preparation, tree removal, structure materials and professional installation, and activity gear. Additional donors pitched in to match the grant to fully fund project completion in time for summer camp 2024!

Mount Shepherd (NC) – Environmental Education Program

Mount Shepherd Retreat Center is passionate about teaching children and youth about the environment and and how God has called us to take care of the world around us. This project envisioned new ways to bring those lessons alive for campers and school groups year-round. Monday-Thursday in the “second season” (non-summer) is the camp’s period of least use over the year. In partnership with local school districts, they developed a daylong environmental education program for students to explore the natural world amid the beauty of Mount Shepherd. They are also implementing enhanced Creation care programming during the summer camp season. The new educational modules include:

- Pond Studies

- Educational Nature based hiking

- Wildlife studies

- Star Gazing (specific to our overnight camper program)

The grant money equipped the program with supplies such as fish nets, bug viewers, microscopes, telescopes and much more!

Camp Horizon (KS) – Challenge Course

This grant provided the catalyst Camp Horizon needed to launch a capital campaign to repair and improve their challenge course. The funds received from UMCRM springboarded the acquisition of an additional $150,000 from other donations. Camp Horizon’s challenge course is the iconic activity for their camp community, featuring 11 high ropes elements and 14 low ropes elements, first built in 1998. New course design technology offered the opportunity to improve the existing course while accomplishing needed repairs. The new course offers transformative learning experiences for hundreds of campers and guests each year.

Learn more and view previous Ministry Impact Grant project summary reports here

When I was in seminary, I had a Black classmate tell me that he would rather be in the South where the racism is clear and understood than the North where you never know how it will show up. This surprised me on two levels when I first encountered this sentiment, first that the racism of the North was as bad as he was indicating, and second that he would rather be in the South. 

As a northerner, I carry pride of place, just as I imagine others carry pride of the place from which they come. It didn’t surprise me that there was racism in the North; I had seen it play out in high school and college in some pretty ugly ways. Even so, I didn’t understand how bad it was for my Black and brown friends. The disillusionment that I experienced was necessary and extremely important to my learning more about racism, how it shows up, and how it impacts my colleagues and friends. It also felt important for me to look in the mirror and see it within me. To be “dis-illusioned” is to be rid of an illusion – always a good thing, in my mind.

When we can let go of the illusion with which we are living, we have an opportunity to see more clearly how the world has been shaped (culture) and the impact that culture has on how all people live within the confines of that space. Every culture has been set up by those who previously held power to benefit those in power. The rules of the game were established to dictate how it is played and who will be successful in the game. This includes the culture of camp, which may not be the same across the country, but every camp has a culture. 

As a Site Director of a retreat center and as the Executive Director for Camp and Retreat Ministry in the Oregon-Idaho Annual Conference, I continue to learn about how we are different as people. These learnings come about because we make mistakes and/or someone points out to us how their needs are different than mine and/or the dominant culture. It could be something as small (to me) as the shampoo we offer. I have learned from several women of color that the shampoo that they would like to have provided also includes conditioner. I hardly give shampoo a thought personally, with my extremely thin hair. De-centering our own priorities and paying attention to the concerns of others can help apply broader perspectives in shaping the culture of today and tomorrow. 

The steps we take will make a difference to those who offered the suggestions, if we are lucky enough to have them return, and/or others who have a similar need and experience how we care for them. Being seen, heard, understood and acknowledged are key elements for our campers and guests in having transformative experiences at our sites. 

If we want our camps and retreat centers to be places where all are welcome, I think that it will require an experience of dis-illusionment, followed by introspection, engaging in conversation with our campers/guests, and then taking action to adjust how we do things. I invite you to take a look around at the culture of your place, ask others for their input, and consider the importance of “how we have always done it.” There well may be some illusions that will need to be deconstructed to enable something new to emerge. Incorporating those new insights, may your ministry's leadership be moved to take action toward making your site a place where all are welcomed and appreciated for who they are.

Rev. Todd Bartlett is the Executive Director of Camp & Retreat Ministries in the Oregon-Idaho Conference. He formerly served as Director of the Alton L. Collins Retreat Center near Portland and in parish ministry as an elder in the UMC. Todd engages issues of racism and inclusion as an active member of UMCRM's DEI Committee. He enjoys being outdoors-- especially on or around water, photography, and being engaged in the work of discipleship through camp and retreat ministries.

The American Camp Association (ACA) is engaging the United Methodist Camp & Retreat Ministries Association (UMCRM) and other faith-based outdoor ministry associations regarding their groundbreaking initiative – “Character at Camp,” funded by a generous $45M grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. The project presents an exceptional opportunity for our United Methodist camps to apply for substantial sub-grants, with approximately 250 grants available, ranging from $50,000 for one-year projects to $300,000 for three-year projects. 

Learn more about the initiative here

The UMCRM Association is dedicated to ensuring that our camps are well-prepared and positioned to secure these transformative grants. Our commitment lies in providing the necessary resources and support to help our camps articulate their role as vital spaces for character development among children and families. Faith formation and character-building are deeply intertwined with several of the 7 Foundations of UM Camp and Retreat Ministries and are central to the meaningful, missional impact of UM camps.

ACA has outlined some key attributes of successful grant proposals. Camps that prioritize cultural relevance and value the diverse perspectives of youth and families, or those that aim to increase accessibility to camp experiences, will be given priority. Therefore, camps interested in applying for these grants must develop comprehensive plans detailing how they will implement culturally responsive programs that cater to a wide array of campers, especially those historically underrepresented in camping experiences. This provides a fresh opportunity for camps to consider whom they are not yet effectively reaching, and to envision a more expansive way for our ministries to transform the world.

UMCRM has proactively positioned our camps to lead in these areas. Our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Leadership Team, through initiatives like the "Love in Action" virtual event and the DEI Guidebook, has highlighted our commitment to cultural responsiveness and inclusivity. Additionally, UMCRM’s annual Solomon Cramer Grants have prioritized support for programs serving campers and rising leaders from racial-ethnic minority communities. Our work as a community has united diverse voices, reinforcing our dedication to welcoming campers from all backgrounds.

Moreover, UMCRM has a long-standing tradition of providing invaluable resources that align with the “Character at Camp” initiative’s goals. Our ecumenical InsideOut curriculum is meticulously designed through a collaborative effort to foster character development through faith-based teachings. Programs and partnerships like this that support the “Character at Camp“ objectives will strengthen our camps' eligibility for these coveted sub-grants. Additionally, UMCRM camp leaders have gained significant experience in visionary thinking and grant writing through several years of the Ministry Impact Grant initiatives.

We encourage all our camp leaders to actively engage with opportunities like these and leverage the support that UMCRM offers in the coming seasons. Stay tuned for upcoming UMCRM resources, educational opportunities, and National Gathering workshops providing valuable insights and support for grant applications and program development.

UMCRM stands ready to advocate for and support United Methodist-affiliated camps throughout ACA’s “Character at Camp” grant project. By emphasizing our shared mission of faith formation and character-building, we are confident that our camps can secure these transformative grants and continue to make a lasting impact on the lives of countless young people and their families.

We know you’re focused on summer camp at the moment, but the UMCRM Association wants to be sure that camp leaders are prepared for an important labor law change coming up in just a couple of weeks. Starting July 1, 2024, a new law from the U.S. Department of Labor will drastically alter overtime pay eligibility for salaried workers. The new rule raises the wage threshold for overtime exemption, which might affect your ministry. Ministries must prepare for these changes by evaluating their payroll procedures and modifying the wages of employees who fall below the new levels. 

Disclaimer: None of these resources should be construed as legal advice. Please seek legal employment counsel as needed.

Last week, the UMC’s General Council on Finance and Administration (GCFA) led a webinar and published a fact sheet helping to interpret the implications of the upcoming rule change.

View the GCFA Resources, including the June 5th webinar recording

This week, the American Camp Association (ACA) published an article addressing key wage issues for camps that provides camp-specific interpretation of the Seasonal and White Collar Exemptions. 

Read the ACA article, Compensating Camp Staff in 2024: Key Issues to Consider In Setting Your Pay Policies

Here are the facts you need to know: 

• The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) applies to organizations with annual revenue of $500K+ (does not include donations & grants) OR if you engage in interstate commerce (if your campers and guests cross state lines, for example) – pretty much all camps do this. 

This is figured upon your 501c3 umbrella organization, so if your organization is part of your Annual Conference, that is the entity that will be considered.

• Camp/retreat ministries need to comply with federal minimum wage laws unless your state has a higher minimum wage that you must meet. 

• “Exempt employees” are not entitled to receive time-and-a-half pay for overtime. For everyone else, you must track actual time for hourly workers on a DAILY and WEEKLY basis (on paper or online is fine). They must be paid time-and-a-half for any hours worked over 40 in a work week. Paid time off does not count toward that calculation.

There are 3 tests for an employee to be considered “exempt”: Job Duties, Salary, and Pay Rate. All must be satisfied. 

1. Job Duties

• Executive: managing a department, supervising at least 2 full-time employees
• Administrative: not just job title, but duties listed in job description must be primarily office, non-manual work AND they make independent business decisions
• Professional: generally won’t apply for camp/retreats; mostly applies to doctors, lawyers, software developers

2. Salary: The employee is paid a guaranteed, unchanging weekly salary.

3. Pay Rate: Right now this minimum rate is $684/week. The updated rule we must be prepared for: On July 1, this threshold increases to $844. On January 1, 2025, it will be increased again to $1,128/week. Anyone who makes less will be reclassified as non-exempt, must track their time worked, and will be entitled to overtime pay over 40 hours.

Ministerial Exception: The employee doesn’t fall under FLSA protection. They do not need to be ordained clergy, but their job duties must be carefully analyzed. You would need to document this and consult an employment attorney. State laws may come into play, as well. Also consider labor justice – don’t try to use this to unfairly compensate people in ministry roles!

Camp Specifics (starts 27:08 in GCFA webinar recording)

• Most camps must comply with FLSA. Possible seasonal exemption: if you operate less than 7 months of the year OR if receipts from your camp’s 6 least-busy months equal no more than 33.3% of your camp’s 6 busiest months (based on previous calendar year). Those 6 months do not need to be consecutive. This calculation must be done every year to make sure your organization is continuing to meet the exemption requirements. 

View the Dept of Labor Seasonal Exemption fact sheet 

• A salaried worker CAN be classified as non-exempt. They need to track their hours and must be paid at least the equivalent of minimum wage (federal, or state if that is higher). They receive their regular salary unless they go over 40 hours, in which case they are entitled to overtime.

• If you have currently-exempt employees who will no longer meet the pay threshold and will be reclassified as non-exempt on July 1, then make sure that is communicated to them, they are set up for hours tracking, and they are trained in the new procedures. Do they know they cannot work off the clock? (They also cannot be considered an unpaid volunteer for the same duties they are normally paid for.) Will overtime require approval? (Note that you legally still do need to pay unapproved overtime). Review your personnel policies.

• Consider PTO policies and break requirements. Are those different for your exempt and non-exempt workers? What does your state require regarding breaks for hourly workers? FLSA says a true meal break is at least 20 minutes in duration.

• Housing and utilities are NOT considered part of the salary for threshold requirements. The exception is if a housing allowance is included on the worker’s paycheck.

• If you are knowingly misclassifying your employees, you are at risk of a charge or audit and liability for overtime back pay for up to 3 years.

• Part-time salaried employees are still protected by FLSA. 

The UMCRM Association engaged legal counsel in 2019 to create a white paper full of robust FLSA information for UMC Camp & Retreat leaders. GCFA encourages us to share this with Treasurers. 

View UMCRM FAQ White Paper - FLSA 2019

Still have questions? 

Join the UMCRM webinar

Contact Jessica by Sunday evening if you have a question you would like to see addressed in Monday's webinar.