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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.

Last week, over 100 spirited individuals from the United Methodist Camp & Retreat Ministries community gathered at the SEJ Gathering, and let me tell you, rain or shine, it was a game-changer. Sure, the weather wasn't exactly on our side, with rain making up a good 70% of the weekend forecast. But did that dampen our spirits? Not a chance! Our theme for the event was "Breaking Forth," and many wonderful things did, in fact, break forth. The SEJ Gathering wasn't just your run-of-the-mill professional meet-up. It was a vibrant hub of ideas, connections, and career growth. From seasoned Directors to fresh-faced staff, everyone brought something valuable to the table. Workshops and sessions were alive with discussions on the latest trends, innovative programming, and navigating the challenges of the camp world. The focus wasn't only on work, either; it was about creating a community where everyone felt heard, supported, and ready to tackle the next big adventure in camp life.

Now, let's talk about the elephant in the room – the rain. Did it try to put a damper on our parade? Absolutely. But did it succeed? Not a chance. Instead, we embraced it. We adapted our outdoor activities, turned those rain boots into a fashion statement, and found creative ways to keep the energy high. After all, isn't that what camp is all about – adapting, overcoming, and making the best of any situation? And speaking of weather challenges, let's not forget the spontaneous polar plunge that some brave souls took during the SEJ Gathering! 

As if the rain wasn't enough, a group of camp enthusiasts decided to embrace the elements even more by taking an impromptu dip in the chilly waters. It was a moment of pure spontaneity and camaraderie that added an extra layer of adventure to the already memorable weekend.

During one of the reflective sessions, amidst the pitter-patter of rain on the roof, a thought-provoking quote from Pete Scazzero was shared, stirring deep contemplation among the participants.

"Is our being with God sufficient enough

to sustain our doing for God?"

This question resonated within the hearts of those gathered, prompting reflections on the importance of spiritual well-being and its impact on our roles in the camp community. The SEJ Gathering not only nurtured professional growth but also sparked introspective conversations that went beyond the surface. It reinforced the idea that the essence of camp goes beyond the external challenges, whether it's the weather or the hurdles in our daily lives. It's about the spirit of togetherness, adaptability, and the shared passion for creating positive experiences for campers. As we carry the memories of the SEJ Gathering forward, let Pete Scazzero's words echo in our hearts, reminding us that our connection with each other and with something greater than ourselves is the foundation upon which we build the vibrant tapestry of the camp community. So, let's continue to break forth, not just in our professional endeavors but in the richness of our relationships and the depth of our spiritual well-being. Until the next adventure unfolds, stay inspired and keep the campfires of enthusiasm burning!

After a beautiful few days spent with camping leaders and friends, I begin this week feeling inspired, renewed, and enmeshed in neglected emails. I watched people pile into cabins, eat beside one another, and gather up (in circles, of course) to talk about the challenges we face in our worlds. These otherwise mundane efforts felt remarkable to me, mainly because I would otherwise only see these faces on Zoom. I sat beside my heroes and heard them speak in chapel. I did not mind the cold, rainy walk along the creek, as I was always met with a good conversation or a seat by a fire. Every night I went to bed tired of talking. I listened to our collective voices rise and fall, choosing to mainly listen for the small harmonies that some make seem so easy to find. Because I have been with you, I am more ready and open to whatever this year will bring up in me and in others. I am left feeling grateful for those who have come before me and for those who stand beside me as we join in the work of moving forward and breaking forth.

Rachel McGuire is Village Program Director at Glisson Camp & Retreat Center in North Georgia. She served on the planning team for the 2024 SEJ Gathering. 

Great-looking crew from the Holston Conference took part in the SEJ Gathering

Participants in the NEJ "Be Inspired" Gathering were indeed inspired by the many new friends, new ideas, and speakers that we encountered at the event. Many of us drove hours to be part of the NEJ experience. We were met with hospitality from our host site, Mount Asbury Retreat Center, and it just got better and better throughout our short-but-inspiring visit. Our lovely chats and get-to-know-you games were just the beginning of our NEJ community experience. We were inspired by Jessica Gamache (UMCRM Association) and Rev. Kevin Witt (Susquehanna Conference) in a beautiful location to think about the outdoors and creation care.

Shea James (West Virginia Conference) noted that “community is central to camping ministry. Being able to gather, share, and support one another was invaluable!”, a consensus shared by all of the attendees of the conference. Participants came from many sites: Spring Heights Camp (WV), Pocono Plateau and Gretna Glen (Eastern PA), Pecometh (Peninsula Delaware), Greene Hills, Wesley Forest, Camp Penn, and host site Mount Asbury (Susquehanna). Cheryl Bostwick (Pecometh) noted that she felt like “all of the participants were on a level playing field” regardless of the ministry or role in which they served. Executive Directors, Directors, Hospitality staff, Kitchen staff, Programming staff, and clergy all had something to share and learn from each other, because all staff are integral in running a Camp and Retreat Center. Support is invaluable!

Rev. Lisa Jean Hoefner inspired us by introducing a conversation about older adults. We were challenged to think about our programming for this demographic. Many of our camps already do some sort of senior programming, but for others it was a light bulb moment when they realized how much more they could be doing for that group of knowledgeable, skilled, and very interesting adults—the adults who don’t want to be put out to pasture, but want to be challenged, energized, and encouraged. Patty Weidman (Mount Asbury) and Apryl Miller (Gretna Glen) shared about programs their sites offer. Taylor Johnston (Greene Hills Camp) said, “Be Inspired: NEJ allowed me to connect back to why I am committed to camp and retreat ministry. In community we have such a larger opportunity to learn how our ‘whys’ form a much larger picture of just how formative camp and retreat ministry is through all generations.”

Beth Jones of Deep Green Journey led our well-bundled-up group through the forest of Mount Asbury for Forest Therapy. We took a quiet walk through the snow-covered woods and trails, keeping our eyes and ears open for what might happen. We saw green moss poking through a layer of snow, green pine trees, small and large trees which had lost their leaves, but still show the promise of life in the forest. Beth led our journey of “discovering extraordinary possibilities through a restorative connection with the natural world.” An occurrence too rare in our busy lives, we were invited to be quiet and to think, listen, and see the beauty around us. Often, we don’t make the time to do this in our daily lives. We were challenged to make it happen and to restore a little bit of time for ourselves.

More than once throughout our two days of community, the overwhelming feeling was one of positivity. We were inspired by being with other people who understand what we do and why we do it. Camp and Retreat Ministry: you live it, you love it, you have passion for it. Now, leaders from across the NEJ are inspired by it anew.

Richelle Darrell is the Director of Retreat Ministries at Pecometh Camp & Retreat Center (MD), where she has served for over 20 years. 

When Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) work, anti-racism, or white privilege are talked about these days, there are almost instantaneous walls that go up. It is true, these are all difficult conversations that require just that, conversation, they are not a sound bite that can be distilled for a 20 second TikTok or news clip. As a result, it is becoming increasingly difficult to do DEI work across all sectors. We know that the same is true for The United Methodist Church and our Camp and Retreat Ministries as well. There have been actions throughout the long history of The United Methodist Church that failed to lift up people of color in the love that we have been called to. For example, the split into the Methodist Episcopal Church North and South, forming the Central Jurisdiction to segregate black members, and failing to treat our black and brown clergy and laity equitably all have contributed to harm. 

Acknowledging our history and embracing our calling to love our neighbor, we can see how DEI work is crucial to Camp and Retreat Ministries. Every year, we welcome children and adults to our spaces who come from many different backgrounds with differing ideas about everything from meals to religiosity. Our work is to welcome all of these people. Chances are that you have made accommodations and accessibility updates at your ministry site for campers who are wheelchair users. Maybe you have signs in multiple languages to accommodate those whose first language is not English. Maybe you have a specialty week of camp over the summer for a group with special needs whether they’re deaf, in the foster care system, or developmentally delayed. These are all ways we work to be more diverse, equitable, and inclusive of our neighbors. I challenge us to dedicate time this year to bringing focus and attention to making our sites inclusive and safe spaces for people of color who are so vital to the growth, strength, and wholeness of our ministries.

Racism is a polarizing issue in the U.S. This can result in leaders often shying away from difficult DEI conversations for fear of alienating donors or camp families. Through faith, we can strive toward making our camps more equitable for all people, even if it means loving someone in our community through uncomfortable conversations. We are called to live out the words of 1 John 3:18 “let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.” When we say we love our neighbor, let there be action behind our words, even actions that make us less popular or make us uncomfortable. 

In our baptismal vows, we accept the freedom God has given us to “resist evil, injustice, and oppression in whatever forms they present themselves.”¹ Racism is a clear evil that is still pervasive in our country, and our Camp and Retreat Centers are not exempt. Even when we gather as a UMCRM community, we can visually see the growth we still need to do in bringing up diverse leaders.. If you look at the demographics of your campers, guests, and camp staff you may find a similar reality.. Mostly this is unintentional, it's just the way things have always been, however; the way things have always been isn’t how they need to remain. Jesus did not leave us the way we were, our baptism does not leave us the same, the Christian journey changes us into a new creation. Let’s lift up our Camp and Retreat Ministries as we work to fully reflect that change. 

Angela Davis said, “in a racist society it is not enough to be non-racist, we must be anti-racist.” Recently, the UMCRM Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Leadership Team has developed a resource to guide camp and retreat leaders in putting our faith into action.

This guidebook walks you through thoughtful questions that will move your ministry toward more diversity, equity, and inclusive environments. I encourage you to explore this resource and make the time to work against racism that we can see in our communities and even at our sites. It is time to make the bold declaration that “I have decided to follow Jesus, no turning back, no turning back.”² Our campers, our staff, and our retreat guests deserve spaces of radical welcome where all people not only have a space at the table, but they have a voice to be heard. 

I do not make any claim that it is easy or fun work, but it is necessary work. It is work for the kingdom, work that brings us closer to the kingdom, work that follows Christ. We know that God is already at work in the world. It’s time to look around us to see where God is working with the marginalized, working to “bring glad tidings to the poor, liberty to the captives, recovery of sight to the blind, set the oppressed free, and proclaim a year of jubilee.”³ Join me in choosing to take a stand against racism and to work in our spaces to make the world look more like the kingdom of God. It’s time to work towards Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for all people.

1. The baptismal covenant, UMC Book of Worship

2. “I Have Decided to Follow Jesus” The Faith We Sing #2129

3. Luke 4:18-19

Jenna Johnson serves as Assistant Director at the West River Center in the Baltimore-Washington Conference. Jenna grew up in the Mississippi Conference where she received her call to ministry while working at summer camp. She holds a Master of Divinity from Union Theological Seminary and is an ordained Deacon in the UMC. Jenna is passionate about empowering young people, traveling, and desserts. She enjoys rock climbing and hiking in her free time and has a growing collection of plants. Jenna has blessed the UMCRM community through her active role on the DEI Leadership Team.

At UMC Support, we understand the unique needs and challenges faced by camps and retreats, offering specialized administrative support services and collaborative partnerships designed to enhance your ministry's success. With a focus on the unique needs of camps and retreat centers, our array of over 45 services aims to streamline operations and boost efficiency across various crucial areas, such as website building, recruiting, and compliance, ensuring a seamless experience for camp directors and retreat coordinators alike.

[Watch the Getting to Know UMC Support video on our YouTube Channel]

Specialized Support Services for Camps and Retreats

to discover how we can significantly enhance your camp or retreat center.

Unlock Savings and Exclusive Benefits Through Our Ministry Partner Program

Enhancing the sustainability and maintenance of your camp or retreat, our partnership with leading entities such as Home Depot, Ace Hardware, Staples, UMC Market, and more brings exclusive discounts and specialized benefits through our Ministry Partner Program. Ensuring that your camp or retreat receives cost-effective solutions and essential support for ongoing operations is our priority.

Insights from Collaborator Features on Ministry Partners

The Collaborator, our invaluable newsletter, often showcases stories and experiences from our Ministry Partners, highlighting their importance and benefits to camps and retreats. The articles featured in past editions shed light on the unique advantages these partnerships offer, focusing on how other ministries have harnessed these benefits to drive success. Explore our latest partner spotlights:

Check out Ministry Partner Home Depot's DIY Line for Your Ministry - full of tips, how-to resources, and inspiration for that perfect upgrade you've been thinking about. Be sure to sign up for the Home Depot Pro Xtra account for your ministry - access to discounts and much more, exclusively for United Methodist ministries!

• DIY Livestream Workshops
• DIY Resources
• DIY OnDemand

Is Your Church Ready for the Unexpected?

AEDs are an item we hope we will never have to use, but could make all the difference in critical situations. Through Staples, your church can access discounted rates for AEDs, trainings and supplies through the #1 AED provider in the USA, Cardio Partners.

Available Options:

• New AEDs

• Pad Replacements

• Battery Replacements

• Online CPR and First Aid Training (Group and Individual)

• On-Site CPR and First Aid Training (Group and Individual)

• AED Program Management Service Plans

Click here to learn more and to register for your StaplesAdvantage.com login credentials.

More Savings For Your Ministry

Did you know that you can save 10%* on purchases for your ministry, school, and camp at www.acehardware.com and in participating** stores?  For details on how to enroll in the program so you can receive your exclusive discount, click here.  

Ace offers everything you need to maintain your facilities, including paint and painting supplies. As you plan for your next ministry painting project, come to Ace for top brands you can count on. We offer Benjamin Moore, Wooster, Purdy, ArroWorthy, Linzer, Whizz, and more. Click here to learn more about painting applicators you can save on with your discount. 

*Exclusions apply.  For a full list of exclusions, visit www.acehardware.com/customer-service 

**A complete list of participating store locations can be found at www.acehardware.com/store-locator 

AmazonSmile is No Longer an Option - UMC Market is Here to Stay

You may have seen the news in January that Amazon is no longer providing donations to charities via its AmazonSmile program. Now is the time to update your supporters and encourage them to adjust their shopping habits to ensure your ministry still benefits from their online shopping activity.

• UMCmarket is powered by iGive, which launched in 1997 and is still going strong. 
• Your supporters can shop nearly 2,000 partners, including Expedia, Kohl’s, Ticketmaster, and Walmart to earn donations. 
• Check your website & marketing materials now to make sure you’ve updated all references to AmazonSmile with links to your UMCmarket listing.
• Here’s a list of tips & tricks to help you get the word out about your ministry & UMCmarket powered by iGive.

Need more personal help? Email Us at Support@iGive.com

Webinars and Resources Tailored for Camps and Retreats

The UMC Support website hosts a library of recent webinars focused on key topics relevant to camps and retreats. These webinars cover areas like leveraging technology for a better retreat experience, protecting your tax-exempt status on unrelated business income tax, employment law, and ensuring compliance with regulations unique to the camp and retreat environment.

Stay Informed with The Collaborator

Subscribe to The Collaborator, GCFA’s Administrative Newsletter, to gain access to a wealth of tailored resources designed specifically for camps and retreats. Join over 20,000 subscribers benefiting from specialized resources, explainers, checklists, and more, all geared towards empowering your camp or retreat center.

UMC Support is committed to being your partner in advancing the success and sustainability of your camp or retreat. For a deeper understanding of our services, ministry partners, and the latest insights tailored for camps and retreats, visit our website and explore how we can elevate your ministry today.

Most camp and retreat centers serve individuals, families, educational institutions, religiously affiliated groups, social service agencies, community service organizations, and other nonprofit organizations that enrich life in the world. Sometimes you’ve called them “rental groups.” Stop! Let me share why, when someone calls to ask about our site, I say:

“We don’t rent our sites. But we are interested in meaningful partnerships with a wide variety of organizations. Perhaps you’re one of them.”  

Language matters. When people think they are “renting” your center, they often think they can do whatever they want to, which can sometimes lead to trouble or to missed opportunities. Our ministry of hospitality can be best expressed when we enter a relationship as a partner with guest groups. When we understand their purpose, we can align our services to help them meet their goals. Sometimes it is through simple things that support their experience: not mowing the lawn in front of their meeting space if we know they have scheduled an hour of quiet discernment time, letting the kitchen staff wear or decorate the dining area with tie-dyed shirts when we know that it’s “Tie Dye Tuesday” for this group, guiding them to nature trails, meditative spaces, or recreational options in line with their activity schedule. Sometimes a group’s experience as a partner can lead to larger collaborations.

I like to use the language of “guest groups.” Everyone is a guest at our site. They didn’t build or pay for the building of this site; they are likely not contributing to the maintenance or capital improvement funds needed by this ministry (though they might be invited to, if their experience becomes more meaningful to them than a mere rental of space!). So here are my ways of explaining to others who may wonder why we do what we do. Maybe this rings true for you. 

“We support groups that serve the world” 

Nonprofit groups of all kinds seek out camp and retreat centers for their planning, training, and programs. Much investment has gone into building, maintaining, and improving quality, year-round centers designed to serve multiple groups. More than an investment in buildings, it is ultimately an investment in changed lives. All of the groups that are guests at our centers share one thing in common: they exist to make life better in the world and to address real needs. As we host and partner with them, we help that happen. We extend nurturing hospitality for these groups because we understand them to be partners in healing, justice, personal and spiritual growth. Through our ministries, the church extends its love to people and places far beyond what we alone would ever know. We nurture people so they can go forth to be a blessing to others. 

“Enhancing community”

A fundamental change in U.S. society has been observed as we have moved from a “front-porch” culture to a “back-deck” existence. We know our neighbors less and less as we get busier and busier. Our population is the most diverse in U.S. history and the farthest away from families and communities of origin. Social isolation is a pressing challenge of our time, with many folks more disconnected and lonely than ever, needing places of belonging and a sense of shared purpose. 

One notable dimension of camp and retreat ministry is its consistency in giving groups of diverse people the vision, the tools, and the sensitivity to become a caring community for one another.  There are few other settings today where strangers come to live together 24 hours a day with the goal of becoming a loving community for each other. That explains in part why these temporary camp and retreat experiences have such lasting impact. Our “sacred places apart” provide a unique opportunity for deepened bonds and intentional group processing.

“Caring for the earth”

Climate chaos is a wake-up call to most of us today. People do not stand outside Creation but are part of it. Whatever happens to the earth affects us all. 

The natural settings of our camp and retreat centers make us ideal partners with schools, outing clubs, conservationists, and public agencies who share a commitment to environmental care. The spiritual, biblical roots of our faith speak powerfully to the sacredness of Creation and make it clear that earth care is vital to discipleship. Our sites provide an invitation to encounter the natural world up close. People who know and enjoy nature – land and landscapes, flora and fauna, water and watersheds – will be the people who act to preserve, protect, and share it.

“Nurturing leaders”

Our ministries have a long history of engaged learning – people actively participating in a shared experience, reflecting on what it teaches them, and putting new learning into practice. Our sites offer outdoor and indoor learning spaces conducive to this action/reflection process. Experiential learning keeps interest high since participants involve their entire beings, not just their minds, in the learning. We provide opportunities for a healthy balance of activity and restful renewal – the ebb and flow of action and contemplation – often enabling the application of faith to life issues and the thoughtful integration of learning. We seek to support groups that come to us with educational goals, and we are honored to be partners in nurturing learners and leaders for the community, church, and world.

The guests we welcome to United Methodist Camp/Retreat Centers ought to be treated with a care that the term “rental groups” just doesn’t convey. Our centers offer much more than building space as we enable and enrich the mission, connection, learning, and world-transforming potential of those we are privileged to host. Leaders in the UMCRM community are invited to choose terminology that aligns with these foundational values and helps all those with whom we minister to understand themselves as partners in something much more powerful than a short-term “rental.” After all, we are in the business of “the transformation of the world”!

Rev. Lisa Jean Hoefner has served in United Methodist Camp & Retreat Ministries in various capacities for over 40 years. She served as Executive Director of Camp and Retreat Ministries in the Oregon-Idaho Conference, as Director at Wesley Forest (PA), Sky Lake (NY), Suttle Lake (OR), and Lake Tahoe UMC and Retreat Center (CA), and as a camp staff member in New York Conference camps (Sessions Woods, Epworth, Quinipet). Lisa Jean was ordained in The United Methodist Church in 1977 and has served churches and directed cooperative ministries in Connecticut and New York. Twice she began new congregations as part of the camp’s ministries in the communities in which they are located – in Weikert, PA and Sisters, OR. Lisa Jean has been an UMCRM supporter from its beginnings, served on the UMCRM Board and various committees and task forces, and is a frequent and beloved workshop leader, teacher and mentor.