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This week we feature 5 more projects funded by the 2022 Ministry Impact Grants. Eighty-six United Methodist camp/retreat ministry projects from around the United States received a total of nearly $2.5 million in grants from a private foundation. The impacts will continue to ripple out as those ministries steward the gifts for future sustainability.

View the full 2022 Ministry Impact Grant Report

We continue to celebrate the vision, hope, and expanded ministry reach represented in these project reports. Thanks be to God!

RV Sites Upgrade at Ocean Park Camp & Retreat Center (WA)

Aging infrastructure at the RV sites at Ocean Park posed a risk to one of the camp’s great assets: its NOMADS volunteers. The ministry is especially grateful for support for this behind-the-scenes and hard to fund, but very necessary project. Upgrading the RV electrical system allows Ocean Park to provide safe space and good hospitality to vital volunteers who help to maintain the site year after year. 

Marketing Strategy at Camp Uskichitto (LA)

Uskichitto’s grant funded the creation of a comprehensive marketing strategy. The ministry staff grew in their marketing skill set and were challenged to trust in God’s leading as they are faithful to the mission. The camp engaged a professional videographer, adopted new social media strategies, created ad campaigns, made web design improvements, and more. Retreat business has doubled since 2021, and they are excited to see how the outreach improvements will impact summer camp numbers. The impact of this marketing plan will continue far into the future to help Uskichitto keep touching hearts and making disciples for Christ.

Managing More Ministry at Olmsted Manor (PA)

The acquisition of a reservation software system enabled Olmsted Manor to transition from antiquated manual record keeping to a much more efficient electronic data keeping and payment system. It feels like the ministry has finally stepped into the 21st century! The new reservation system has  improved every aspect of retreat center hospitality encounters, from individual and group reservations to housekeeping, food service, and maintenance coordination. The impacts of data collection will flow out into fund development and marketing, as well. The small staff now has a wonderful tool to help them communicate and coordinate their work for greater efficiency and higher quality guest experience.

Restroom Renovations at Mount Eagle Retreat Center (AR)

Before completion of this vital project, groups with individuals who need

ADA restrooms would not have been able to stay in Kaetzell Lodge. Other groups preferred not to stay in Kaetzell because the restrooms were not private. The new, renovated restrooms now provide for guest needs and are in accordance with safe sanctuary guidelines for youth groups. It was exciting for this small, rural site to engage volunteers and professionals in a project of this scope. Now there is new inspiration for additional upgrades to make the lodge an even more welcoming space for retreat groups. 

Solar Array at Luccock Park Camp (MT)

To be a safe sanctuary of Christian hospitality, renewal, and learning within God’s natural world includes setting the example of caring for Creation. The new solar array allows Luccock Park to reduce its carbon footprint as well as reduce expenses for greater financial and environmental sustainability. They are already seeing credits on their monthly utility bills! Camp constituents are thrilled with this new ministry asset.

Even with the best planning, things inevitably go wrong. It might not be your fault when they do, but it will be your responsibility. Do you know what to say when the worst happens?

Tic Tac Toe Marketing works with camps to build Crisis Communication Plans so that when something bad does happen you know exactly what to say. From nuisances like bed bugs to the unthinkable, crisis hits every camp eventually. We don’t like to think about the worst, but when we plan for it we limit the fallout and walk away with less damage.

It’s bad enough when a child is injured at camp or a staff member is accused of sexual misconduct. It’s all of our worst nightmares. You may know what to do when it happens. You may have a plan of action through Safe Sanctuary or an emergency response plan. But those plans only deal with the event itself. What about what comes after? Public relations issues will inevitably arise and you will need to answer questions like: how could you let this happen? Why didn’t you do more to prevent this? What will you do to prevent it from happening again?

With a Crisis Communication Plan from Tic Tac Toe Marketing, you’ll know exactly what to say and who’s supposed to say it. Every member of your staff will understand their role in the conversation surrounding the event, even if it’s just staying silent. This will prevent your camp from being defined by your worst day and enable you to return to your best days. 

We want to help you. We have the Crisis Communications Plan written and are ready to customize it for your camp. All we need is an hour of your time and we can send you a completed plan, ready for use. And, to support United Methodist Camps and help you continue your powerful  ministry, we’re offering $150 off to any camps that call today. That means that you get your complete Crisis Communications Plan for only $600. 

Learn more at https://www.tictactoemarketingforcamps.com/crisis-communications-for-camps/

Casey Fuerst

Tic Tac Toe Marketing for camps

www.tictactoemarketingforcamps.com

casey@tictactoemarketing.com

612-979-3915

This week we feature 5 more projects funded by the 2022 Ministry Impact Grants. Eighty-six United Methodist camp/retreat ministry projects from around the United States received a total of nearly $2.5 million in grants from a private foundation. The impacts will continue to ripple out as those ministries steward the gifts for future sustainability.

View the full 2022 Ministry Impact Report 

We continue to celebrate the vision, hope, and expanded ministry reach represented in these project reports over the coming weeks and months. 

Cal-Pac Annual Conference, Retreat Visioning Launch 

The California-Pacific Annual Conference of the UMC used its grant funding to establish vision, goals and a plan for Retreat Ministry in the conference. Four pilot retreats were offered in four of the Cal-Pac districts, along with a retreat for the Visioning Team, which collected extensive evaluative data. Two day retreats for children and youth, referred to as “Camp on the Go,” were offered at two local congregations, facilitated by young adult interns. A new website was launched to promote spiritual retreats, and current and future retreat sites within the conference were assessed. The team eagerly shared the new Retreat Ministry Vision: To offer a banquet of spiritual nourishment with retreat ministry offerings to any person in CalPac who is experiencing a spiritual hunger. And the Mission Statement: To encourage and equip people within the CalPac Conference to retreat from the world into sacred space to connect with God and find balance, returning to the world renewed.

Chestnut Ridge (NC), Dining Hall Expansion

Chestnut Ridge was able to enclose the patio of the dining hall to provide 1100 square feet of additional dining and meeting space. This grant award inspired other major gifts and strengthened the overall donor base. The additional space positions the ministry well for future growth, enabling a greater capacity for future generations to reconnect with God, nature, and one another through the camp experience. 

Camp Horizon (KS), Septic Consultation

Horizon hired a sanitation consultant to review the camp's existing

waste treatment facilities and provide recommendations for expansion and

replacement. This much-needed work would not be appealing to many donors, so it was especially wonderful to have support from the grant. The information gained will guide future facilities planning and long-term sustainability for the ministry.

Camp Mechuwana (ME), Art Center Construction

Camp Mechuwana's plan to become a more sustainable facility included replacement of its “summer-only” Art Center with a facility that would accommodate multiple year-round uses, enabling expansion of the art program and use by second-season guest groups and the local community. The grant funded phase one of the building project, including 

architect design, permitting, earth/groundwork; foundation, roofing, insulation, and new electrical service. This momentum galvanized new and existing donors and partners, moving the ministry from "Covid survival mode" into new vision for the future. 

Lake Junaluska (NC), Confirmation Retreats

Grant funding enabled Lake Junaluska Youth Programming to develop and deliver a 3-day confirmation retreat for 75 Southeast Jurisdiction youth, including marketing, band, speakers, materials, and planning. The revenue from the event will be re-invested in future Confirmation Retreat weekends. The Confirmation Retreat celebrates and honors the step into faith at the completion of the confirmation journey. Youth engage with scripture, testimony, United Methodist history, and the goals is to send them forth encouraged, empowered, and connected with their fellow confirmands. Prior to the pandemic, confirmation retreats were led by an outside organization. This investment will allow Lake Junaluska to meet this programmatic need in-house and carry it forward with a broader reach for future generations.

Watch the blog for more of these in the coming weeks and months.

It's going to take a while to share all of the Ministry Impact projects!

Last year, the UMCRM community was blessed with a $2.5 million dollar grant to fund 85 projects at United Methodist camp and retreat sites across our network. At the time it was understood to be a one-time grant opportunity. But we have received a very exciting piece of news: Because of the excellence and integrity of this community’s ability to steward last year’s grant, the granting foundation has decided to expand its support of UM camping and retreats with an additional $1,000,000 for distribution this year. Together, the UMCRM community will once again leverage this generous gift to strengthen the long-term ministry impact of our individual sites. 

Any United Methodist camp and/or retreat ministry organization is invited to submit a grant proposal for funding a project at its location(s). The goal of this funding is to move our ministries toward lasting missional impact. Knowing that all of our ministries are different and the needs at each site are unique, grant proposals are not limited by the amount requested nor for what purpose. However, it is important to note that the grantor's goal is to fund as many projects as possible. While project types are not limited, there are a few requirements to keep in mind as you consider applying for a 2023 Ministry Impact Grant. 

• All grant-funded projects must be completed by May 31st, 2024. Any funding that is not spent by May 31st, 2024 must be returned to the Association. 

• All proposals are due by midnight on Friday, April 28th. 

• Proposals must be no longer than one page and submitted as a pdf through the Proposal Submission Link. Proposals longer than one page will not be considered.

• A Project Report will be required at the completion of all grant-funded projects.

The selection group’s priority is to ensure the funding makes as broad of an impact as possible. Projects should be summer camp- or retreat ministry- specific; after school programs were not funded last year. Proposals should also be written for specific projects or initiatives; camperships and general budget needs were also not funded last year. The selection group will be looking for the following information in the proposals:

• A summary and timeline of the project.

• The dollar amount required to complete the project and the total amount being requested.

• The outcomes or impact that this project will have on the long-term effectiveness of your organization.

• While not required for funding, the grantor is encouraging applicants to use this grant as a way to engage additional donors through matching challenges for the proposed project.

As we learned last year, not all project proposals will be funded; however, this opportunity comes as a renewed blessing to our whole community. When any of our ministry organizations are strengthened, we are all strengthened. 

Proposal Submission Link

Please direct grant related questions to Jessica Gamaché.

As temperatures begin to warm (for some of us), we start to get out and about around our sites to make note of preparations that need to be made for summer. One area that can be quite daunting to inspect is our ziplines and challenge courses! For many of us, these programs carry our sites’ greatest risk and liability, so we want to be especially diligent to ensure their safety. The inherent risks associated with our challenge courses do not mean we have to leave every task to our yearly inspection. In fact, only paying attention to the condition of your course once a year could leave your site open to liability lawsuits if an accident occurred. The good news is that many of items on the checklist below can be done by any trusted staff or maintenance crew member. Many of these tasks are very quick, very easy, and can even wind up saving you money over the long run! I hope these questions can help you frame your management and preventative maintenance schedules on your challenge course / zipline / rock wall beyond your yearly inspection.

Gear:

• Everything still in good shape?
• Anything obviously broken?
• Are your ropes free of knots, glazing, sheath damage, frayed ends, etc.?
• Have you had any winter visitors in your gear boxes or gear sheds?
• Did any of your gear “age out” over the winter?
• Do you have a reliable vendor to replace your gear?
• Lead times for buying gear are getting longer and longer!
• Have you set up a gear log?
• Keeping track of how old your gear is important! Many manufacturers have specific guidelines on retirement ages.
• Have you set up a user log?
• Keeping track of how often your course is used and who is facilitating it is important information for thinking about wear and tear!

Staff / Process:

• Have you scheduled a yearly inspection?
• Have you planned in-service training / refreshers for you or your returning staff?
• Have you set up training for new staff?
• Were there any issues you identified last summer with the process for your course?
• Trip / hazards, elements too easy / hard, sequences that didn’t quite work out?
• Anything you want to change or try new?

Elements:

• Are there any obvious signs of damage or intrusion to your course? Human made? Natural damage?
• Are your warning signs and preventative access measures still in good shape? (Signs, locks, doors, etc.?)
• Any woodpecker holes on poles or wooden elements?
• Are there any trees or tree limbs that might need removal from around your course or zipline?
• Are there any obvious rust spots on cables or metal equipment?
• Have you waterproofed your wooden decking recently? You can do this with deck sealer products like clear Thompson’s Water Seal.
• Does any of your wood decking need algae removed? Water and a new plastic bristled scrub broom do wonders!
• Does any of your wood decking need replacing? Replace like with like and use treated lumber!
• Are there any nails that have backed out?
• Are there any rock holds that are loose?
• Do you have a supply for wood chips?
• Have you spoken with your Inspector / Builder about any problems you have encountered?

Jeff Wilson is Assistant Director at Camp Lake Stephens in Oxford, Mississippi. Thanks, Jeff, for creating this handy checklist and for helping our colleagues also address "spring cleaning" their challenge course areas. We're all in this together; UMCRM is blessed that our members so willing share their time and expertise. 

When we hear the letters “A, C, A”, many of us cringe:

• “It’s our year to be visited and I haven’t started yet”
• “It’s so expensive!”
• “We follow their guidelines, so accreditation doesn’t really matter.”
• “There’s not much there for faith-based camps.”
• “I can get all the resources I need through UMCRM.”
• “Been there, done that!”

Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes and yes – AND it is still important to stay in touch with the American Camp Association as the standard, leader, trendsetter, and advocate for our industry. We are a ministry first, but we also participate in the marketplace of commerce and ideas that is an industry that spans the globe involving 15,000 day and overnight camps, 26 million children and youth served and 1.2+ million staff.

Full disclosure: I served on the National Board of ACA for six years, I am a standards visitor, a donor and I am committed. I serve an organization now that must stretch a bit financially to participate fully, yet there are many ways to engage in the resources of ACA without spending much money.

The most recent ACA National Conference in Orlando was attended by 1700+ persons over four days with keynotes, workshops, forums, vendors, and many sideline conversations. I always find it valuable to share with our professional colleagues who don’t necessarily work for faith-based camps or even nonprofits (many of these are self-sustaining, market-based enterprises with a similar mission) – that camp changes lives – yet many operate without a safety net of a parent organization. And there are so many young people, increasingly diverse, more and more each year, who are called to this mission and have such great enthusiasm and ideas. It is energizing and hopeful.

What were the key learnings from this year’s ACA National Conference for me?

1. Day camps are the trend and the key to a sustainable future. Many attendees who operate both have seen a decline in overnight camp enrollment and an increase in day camp enrollment. Parents are less likely to send their campers overnight or a place far away than they are to put them in a local day camp which can provide a meaningful camp experience. This is especially true for urban parents and parents of color – they want local.
2. Intergenerational events are also on the rise – people want to spend time away as families and feel safer and happier doing so, even sharing with other families, grandparents, aunts/uncles, cousins, too!
3. Attendees from faith-based camps did meet for breakfast and conversations about what we have in common. About 24% of ACA membership is faith-based and there is a continuing desire to have a stronger voice. ACA can provide the unique opportunity for interfaith camping conversations among Protestant, Catholic, Non-Denominational, Jewish, and Muslim camps. We share a common scripture and basic theological perspectives on caring for creation, working for justice, the love of neighbor, and care for all God’s people. Yet we face the growing societal bias against organized religion, some based on real trauma, hurt and fear. We seek a way to communicate who we are that corrects misconceptions and emphasizes common values.

Note: I led a workshop at the ACA Conference in Orlando last month on using summer camp curriculum and when I got about 20 minutes into the presentation and it was revealed that I was from a faith-based perspective, about half of the attendees in the workshop walked out! It was in the description, but not that clear. The 23 who stayed had a good time, I think!

4. Networking with hundreds of vendors again helped me realize how large our industry is and new innovative ways entrepreneurs are seeking to resource us with new ideas and products. There are more and more choices for registration software, insurance, training modules, consulting, apparel, and activities-based equipment! Even if it isn’t affordable, visiting with the vendors helps to generate ideas of how to do it ourselves.

5. The two best workshops were a forum of day-camp leaders that involved shouting out challenges and the community of leaders offering ideas of support and solution. So full of energy! The other was the best staff training workshop ever, attended by almost 200 people – showing how to best organize the subject matter and time. It was led by Kim Aycock (you can find her online).

So, what can we do to stay in touch with what ACA has to offer?

A. Join as a member – first timers are free – which opens a huge box of resources on the website and beyond.

B. Attend your local ACA gathering, which usually happens once a year. You meet the folks doing camp in your area and get a sample of what the national event has to offer. It’s usually not too costly.

C. Become a visitor. An associate visitor is the way to start – you just help the main visitor yet gain the whole experience of visiting a different camp and going over the details to refresh your operation.

D. If you are not accredited, create a timeline towards a time when you will be. There is great help from the ACA staff including phone consultations, pre-visit visits, and online resources. As most of us are more about ministry than details, this helps so much in getting together what we need to do. And UMCRM Association membership gives you a 15% annual organizational discount on the cost (and 50% off for those being accredited for the first time!)

E. Since there is no UMCRM National Gathering in 2024, why not put aside some money each month and plan to go to the next National ACA Conference February 6-9, 2024, in, wait for it…New Orleans!

Rev. David Berkey is Executive Director of Michigan Area United Methodist Camping. He is an active member and longtime supporter of the UMCRM Association, former ACA and UMCRM Board member, and a lifelong advocate for Camp and Retreat Ministries. Thanks for sharing your insights, David! 

What is an exciting addition to your camp? Is it your returning alumni, an amazing week of planning, or volunteers coming back? One of my favorite additions to my camp is international staff, but I am biased, being originally an international staff member myself. 

How it all started

A little back story about me… I am originally from Northern Ireland. Back in 2009 a friend suggested going to an American summer camp since I needed experience with kids for my college program. At first I thought I could never do that, as I had never been away from home for more than a week (let alone 10 weeks)! But I jumped on the opportunity and signed up. I got placed at Aldersgate Camp and Retreat Center in Rhode Island in December 2009. I did my pre-camp training, started talking to other staff members, and was really excited about going to camp in the United States. 

When my extremely long day of traveling started, I said "bye" to my parents at the airport, boarded a plane, and went to London where I got on another plane to go to Boston, MA. When I got off in Boston, I had to get to South Station (keep in mind, I had never been to America before). Wandering around with a map, trying to work this all out (not my strong suit), eventually I got on two trains and then boarded a bus to head to Providence. When I got off the bus it was around 10 pm. I was exhausted after traveling over 18 hours. I was greeted by a person (not in a staff shirt) who said, “You Megan?” I said “Yes?” to which they said “Great, let’s go to camp.” Did I know this person? NOPE! Did I go anyways? YUP! Stupid, I know. We got to chatting in the car and we went to Dunkin. I remember they asked, “You want anything?” I was so overwhelmed that I said, “Mmmm okay, I will have a hot chocolate.” I didn’t have a clue what to order.

We drove for what felt like forever! We got to camp around 11:30 pm and I arrived at a cabin. I was introduced to everyone in the cabin and shown my bed. Then they turned the lights off. I hadn’t opened my suitcase or been shown where the bathroom was. I laid down in the clothes I had traveled in because I didn’t have a flashlight in my backpack. It was in my suitcase. 

It was 4 am when I finally texted another UK staff member and asked if they were awake, which thankfully they were. They were able to show me around the camp… at 4 am. What an awful start, right? BUT I had the best experience that summer. The staff were great, the campers were great, and I was so excited to come back the next year; which I did for many summers.

Why do I start with that? This is some of what NOT to do! The international staff go through a lot to get to camp, between so many interviews with their agencies, visa interviews, your interviews. In addition, they have to think of what they are going to do if they don’t like it, what they should bring, etc. 

I am getting ahead of myself.

Why should camps consider hiring international staff members?

There are a million great reasons, but here are a few from my perspective: They bring different cultures to your camp, they bring different skills, and give our campers different insights. Not all our campers are originally from the States, so you might have a staff member who can connect with a camper where otherwise that might not have happened. 

Where do we find international staff?

Aldersgate uses Camp America, IENA, Wildpacks, Camp Leaders/Smaller Earth, and CCUSA. They are great to work with. During the hiring process, be honest with your international staff. They typically get paid less, as camps do have to pay a fee to the agencies. I didn’t know this until my third summer. We include this on their contract so we establish honesty right from the start. 

How to do better

Pick-up can be a scary experience. Thinking back on my first pick-up, it could have been a really unsafe situation. Now at Aldersgate, I make sure our staff knows who is getting them. How? Easy! I send the staff member a picture of who is picking them up. The pick-up person will have a sign with the staff member’s name on it and I even send what kind of car they should be getting into. In 2020, I sent a staff member my pictures and said I will be in either the camp car or my personal one, depending on if it is hot or not (as the camp car does not have a/c). It sounds silly, but it can calm some nervousness they may have. Back in 2009 I would have loved to know who was picking me up. If you’re not sure which of two people will be picking them up, send them both! Please ask your staff that you are picking up if they want food. Give examples of the food that is around, as they might not have eaten in a very long time and probably aren't familiar with your local food options. 

Our staff in 2018 created a video tour which has been an amazing addition to our pre-staff arrival. It doesn’t just help our international staff, but all new staff to have some idea of where things are when they arrive and what to expect. 

Your sponsoring agency will have resource people at every stage of the process who are there to support you and the international staff member pre-summer, during, and after the summer. You just need to ask.

If your camp is new to hosting international staff, Megan is more than willing to provide advice and support to fellow UMCRM leaders. This is a special area of expertise for her and she is happy to help others to do it well. Thanks, Megan! You can reach her at megan@campaldersgate.com.

This week we feature 5 more projects funded by the 2022 Ministry Impact Grants. Eighty-six United Methodist camp/retreat ministry projects from around the United States received a total of nearly $2.5 million in grants from a private foundation. The impacts will continue to ripple out as those ministries steward the gifts for future sustainability.

Learn more about the 2022 Ministry Impact Grants

We continue to celebrate the vision, hope, and expanded ministry reach represented in these project reports over the coming weeks and months. 

Marketing and Branding Initiative at Blue Lake (AL)

The grant enabled Blue Lake Camp to develop a strategic communication and outreach plan that is already bearing fruit in increased interest in its programs and facility. The ministry is reaching new people, and their new logo better represents Blue Lake and tells its story. The new website makes it easier for individuals to connect and to learn about the camp. This investment was an incredible boost in recovering from the challenges of the pandemic and will continue to expand Blue Lake’s ability to impact lives with the love of Christ well into the future.

Future Staff Residence at Butman Camp (TX) 

Staff housing is one of the hardest needs to raise funds for, and yet without adequate housing it is difficult to recruit and retain qualified full-time staff. Butman Camp had been working on a major housing renovation project for a year when the Ministry Impact Grant greatly accelerated its completion. Praise God for this investment in the future of Butman Camp’s leadership.

Project BRIDGE at Wesley Acres (ND)

Wesley Acres had just begun fundraising for this bridge that had been a dream for seven years when the Ministry Impact Grant opportunity arose. The grant allowed that dream to become reality in a short time frame, helping to fulfill the camp’s mission of providing access to all our campers regardless of mobility. The new bridge crosses the creek to the challenge course area and includes an observation deck with a new ADA ramp to the Chapel. These improvements are integral for camper safety, both removing the need to walk along the highway and allowing faster access to emergency services without the need to hike out.

Waterfront Improvements at Twinlow (ID)

The waterfront at Twinlow is an integral part of the camp experience, but the equipment and recreational features had outlived their safe usefulness. The grant funded lifejackets, paddles, and inflatable features that allow current and future campers to safely enjoy favorite waterfront activities. The grant provided impetus for the camp leadership to clarify local and state mandates regarding waterfront development as well as refine the vision for dock replacement and reconfiguration. 

Healthy Communities Project at Sky Lake (NY) 

Sky Lake Camp and Retreat Center has a goal to improve the long-term eating habits of its greater community. Serving healthier meal options to campers, guests, and visitors is one tangible way to increase overall sustainability for the next 75 years of ministry. When their kitchen returned to serving overnight guests in 2021, the food service manager added roasted Brussel sprouts to the rotation of vegetables on the menu. They observed that people are more apt to have a positive experience with Brussel sprouts when roasted—even the camp’s youngest guests love them this way. One elementary-age guest who is also a summer camper excitedly asked, “are we going to have Brussel sprouts this summer!?” With only a single convection oven, that wasn’t possible. The kitchen upgrades funded through the Ministry Impact Grant will open up new, healthy menu options, even in the camp’s busiest season. The new ice maker and double convection oven, together with salad bars and a heated buffet funded through a state health initiative, will further enable the camp’s continuing ministry of hospitality through food service.

Watch the blog for more of these in the coming weeks and months.

It's going to take a while to share all of the Ministry Impact projects!

In the fall of 2022, twenty United Methodist Camp/Retreat leaders from across the country met at Camp Glisson in North Georgia to participate in CAST (Coach Approach Skills Training) with the Holmes Coaching Group. A similar coach training opportunity is coming up this spring at Jumonville (Western PA) as part of the Sustainable Pathways program.

Interactive coaching is a supportive, goal-oriented process to help the "coachee" become their best self and be more effective in life and ministry. That turns out to be a powerful skill set for leaders like us who work with people and desire for them to grow in success and wholeness! A few of the trainees from the fall class have shared their endorsement and testimony as a way of encouraging other Camp & Retreat Ministry leaders to pursue training in the co-active coaching model. 

Check out what these colleagues had to say: 

Coaching training was very impactful and is something I will continue to practice with summer staff. I love that coaching guides us towards our own wisdom – to me it feels like we're allowing people to believe in their own power. It has especially changed the way I speak to folks when they bring up problems –- I find myself trying to be more curious and ask more questions rather than trying to solve a problem for someone when that's probably not even what they're asking for. [My most important take-away was] the power of presence and listening deeply to people. I really enjoyed the training and am grateful to be given the gift of a new mindset!

 - Rachel McGuire, Assistant Director of Village & Sparrowood, Glisson (North GA)

The Coach Approach Skills Training is the #1 thing I’ve done to enhance a skill set I didn’t even realize I had. Our trainers were phenomenal at pulling out our creativity and increasing our confidence with hands-on exercises to put our learning to the test. I use what I learned almost daily in my natural “habitat,” but I also use it professionally as I coach clients, staff, friends, mentees, etc., in working towards my certification. I am so grateful for the opportunity given and I wouldn’t hesitate to tell ANY camp leader to make the time for this training!  

 - Suzanne Akins, Director of Camping & Retreats, South Georgia Conference

CAST put words and structure to so much of the transformational leadership I've experienced and observed in camp ministry in a way that I can better practice for myself, share with others, and translate to a variety of contexts.

 - Cameron Jones, North Georgia Camp & Retreat Ministries

The approach that each person is “creative, resourceful and whole” empowers my coaching process and has benefited the way I understand myself and others. It’s the human condition to say we want to do things (reach a goal, change a habit, etc.) but never get around to it. This style of coaching helps people to move through our obstacles and take the action God is calling us to. I would encourage anyone to seek out a coach. And whether or not you plan to pursue professional coaching, this approach will make you a more effective supervisor and friend.

 - Jen Burch, UMCRM Director of Communications & Community Engagement

The "Intro to Coaching" Sustainable Pathways program will be held April 16-19, 2023 at Jumonville Camp & Conference Center near Pittsburgh, PA. Learn more and register

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

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

• Experiences that minister with youth living in poverty

• The intentional development of young people for spiritual leadership and/or leadership with Camp & Retreat Ministries

• Camp experiences that collaborate with local churches and agencies in processes of faith formation 

• Opportunities for increasing racial/ethnic diversity within ministry participation and leadership. 

Special consideration is given to Camp & Retreat Ministries that focus on more than one of those priorities and that are launching new opportunities. 

Eight programs received Solomon Cramer Fund grants in 2022: 

Connect-2-Camp

Connect-2-Camp was a new initiative for Quinipet Camp & Retreat Center and the NY Annual Conference. The hope was for this project to connect the local UMC with young, diverse families, especially those who may not have otherwise had the opportunity to go to camp or feel called to the church. Through the traditional fun of camp we hoped our campers would make connections with each other as well as their faith. This introduction of local young families to the Cornerstone UMC was intended to make them feel more comfortable in that space and to feel welcomed. Another important outcome was to encourage social and emotional development through meaningful, fun programming. Ideally, participants would make connections in their daily life to their Christian formation.

Program Director Vernessa Kingsbury reflects, “There is a saying in camping ministry, ‘it only takes a week to change a child’s life,’ and Connect-2-Camp reconfirmed our faith in this sentiment. In only five days, we watched 25 children blossom into unbelievably confident, expressive, and engaged members of their community. Several of our campers came to us knowing little to no English, two of whom had only just moved to the United States in the last month. Every single one of those campers was an integral part of the community we created, each bringing a different cultural and spiritual perspective and a unique voice! Without any one of them C2C would not have been the same, and it is for that reason that the Solomon Cramer Grant was an incredible blessing. The Quinipet team is looking forward to recreating this model of friendship, creation care, and Christian formation again and again in different communities in need.

Open Arms Initiative

Pocono Plateau Camp & Retreat Center in Eastern PA received scholarship funds for youth from Methodist Services in Philadelphia. The funds provided the opportunity to provide a residential camp experience for three youth who had never camped or been in the Pocono Mountains before. The grant provided not only registration fees, but transportation, sleeping bags, funds for camp store, flashlights, toiletries, and a reusable water bottle for three campers. Two of these campers had never been away from home for a whole week. They experienced growth as they learned independence. They enjoyed swimming in the shallow part of the lake, crafts, and trying new things like the climbing tower. On the final campfire vespers of his camp week, one of the Open Arms campers stepped forward to accept Jesus into his life. He asked a lot of questions during the week and was very thoughtful about wanting to learn more. 

Wonders in the Woods Camp

This program at Johnston Woods (TN) provided gospel centered camp experiences to children in diverse economic experiences while providing leadership training to young adults in ministry and discipleship. The camp partnered with the Unity Center, an afterschool program that serves children from lower incomes and diverse populations, and Broad Street UMC. Three young adult leaders received ministry leadership training and college scholarships. Forty-two campers who otherwise would not be able to afford camp received financial aid to participate in the program, which also provided healthy snacks and field trips to places such as Red Clay State Park, where we learned about Native American culture.

Brooklyn UMC/North UMC Partnership

Camp Koronis (MN) provided lower-income children and youth from Brooklyn UMC, particularly those from the Liberian/West African congregation, a safe, wholesome, spiritual uplifting, cross-cultural, outdoor-oriented summer camp experience. The grant provided transportation for 33 campers who otherwise would not have a way to attend camp. 

HOPE Camp

HOPE (Helping Overcome Problems Everyday) Camp at Jumonville (PA) has a goal to make sure each camper knows that they are loved. The program 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 5 participants in HOPE Camp. Additionally, two senior high campers attended and excelled in Jumonville’s CIT program. Two other senior high campers expressed an interest in working on summer staff for 2023. Those same campers were observed volunteering at the dish room counter on several occasions without being asked. They just saw a need and decided to help out. HOPE Camp isn’t just providing positive camper experiences, it is raising up servant leaders.

Camps in the Community

West Ohio Camps in the Community sought to provide camp ministry experiences in marginalized communities while also bridging the gap in summer staff leadership from these communities. In 2022 the project launched in four locations and in partnership with a historically black college. The grant helped to bring a safe and engaging camping experience to children and families who have never experienced camping, beginning to build authentic relationships with new communities. Over 30% of the campers are African American or Black, and for the first time, they were able to see counselors just like them leading, worshiping, and caring about them. The principal of one elementary school that was a program partner said, "You have been able to provide an experience for my students to be kids, learn how to work together, have fun, and show care and compassion to others. I cannot wait until next year." A summer counselor stated, "I have grown more than I could have ever imagined this summer. I've done things I never thought I could and I've grown closer to God than I even thought was possible."

LEAD Camp

LEAD Camp is a leadership development program for middle- through high-school/graduates in the Oklahoma Conference. It’s focus is on creating leaders with skills that will transfer across camp leadership, youth group leadership, community, church, private and public sectors. LEAD is unique because it centers around concrete observable skills—what effective leaders DO and SAY that make them effective—skills that can be observed, taught and reinforced. It features an 8-year development plan, with core leadership skills covered in an intentional progression, including a camp experience and year-round activities.

The 2023 Solomon Cramer Grant application is open now through Friday, March 24th, so act now to plan your mission-driven program for this coming summer season. Apply now