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In honor of International Coaching Week, Jen Burch reflects on implementing coach training, the practice of coaching, and resources for ministry and life.

Last fall, I embarked on a week of Coach Approach Skills Training with a group of twenty UMCRM peers, a grant-funded opportunity offered by Holmes Coaching Group and hosted by Glisson Camp & Retreat Center in North Georgia. I want to share three ideas or principles from coaching that have stuck with me and found their way into my life and work. 

One principle featured in our training was approaching each client as “creative, resourceful, and whole.” This orientation toward others (and ourselves) is a stance of positivity, trust, and faith. It provides the foundation on which the process, action, and results of coaching can build. It’s a helpful corrective in a world too often characterized by cynicism, mistrust, low self-esteem, and scarcity mentality. Believing that people and groups are creative, resourceful, and whole can help a coach empower clients to be their best selves and achieve their goals. My faith understanding also aligns with this approach in that I believe God wants us to live fully into who we were created to be, and that we co-create that self with God over a lifetime through deep listening and courageous action. The coaching relationship, insofar as it empowers clients to live in this way, can be a spirit-filled process. As I practice seeing myself and others as creative, resourceful, and whole, I find this approach softening my natural inner critic and providing a more optimistic view of what is possible. That is making me a more effective coach, of course, and I think it’s also making me a better person in all the roles and relationships of my life. I commend this to you! Remember, you and everyone you meet are creative, resourceful, and whole. This reminder that you are enough is one of the gifts that participating in a coaching relationship can provide. 

Another foundational coaching skill is listening content-free. By that I mean that one listens without thinking of what to say next, without judgment, with an open mind. Even those of us who have a pretty good grasp of basic interpersonal communication may find this challenging. When someone else is speaking, our minds are often looking for ways to relate to what they are saying, finding points of sympathy or agreement, thinking of how our own ideas and experiences are similar or different. Especially when they are talking about something that we have an opinion or expertise about, or that triggers our memory or emotions, it can take a lot of self-control simply to be present and listen. Coaching training has reminded me to practice the art of listening without bringing my own content into it. Bringing intention to this skill is calling my attention to how difficult and non-intuitive it is! However, in the moments when I succeed at being fully present and truly listening, I recognize it as a blessing to the other person, and deeply beneficial to my understanding of them. I think of the admonition in James 1:19 to be “quick to listen, slow to speak.” I encourage us all to practice truly listening, and to seek out friends, family members, colleagues, and perhaps a coach who is able to provide that space to you.

The third idea I want to introduce is a “wheel of life” tool which can help a coach and client to identify which parts of life are going well and which need some attention. As I remind myself that I am a whole person, I have found it useful to visualize the dimensions of my life as parts of the circle. In an ideal world (not the one we actually live in!), each of the parts is strong and balanced. In the real world, the different dimensions are in constant flux, some naturally stronger or weaker due to temperament or circumstances or the varying seasons of life. Taking a moment to assess how I’m doing in each of the dimensions is a great reminder of my wholeness as a person, and it gives me some perspective and power to decide what and how I would like to change and grow. I encourage you, reader, to spend some time with the wheel of life and see what it reveals to you. While it seems obvious that we might work on the aspects of our life that are lacking, also consider ways to build off of the dimensions are strong, leveraging those areas to help boost those you want to improve. A coach can help you in this process. 

If these principles spark something in you and you would like to pursue a coaching relationship with me or another trained coach, please reach out. You can also access coaching, mentoring, and other supportive resources in the UMCRM Hive. Creating a safe and encouraging space for people to think, feel, try things, be heard, be vulnerable, dream, decide, and commit is a special gift. Within the UMCRM community we have a compassionate group of peers willing to provide that space. 

Jen Burch serves as the Director of Communications and Community Engagement for the United Methodist Camp & Retreat Ministries (UMCRM) Association. She is a former Camp Director and holds a Masters of Divinity from the Iliff School of Theology. She lives in Colorado, is an INFJ, and offers her coaching skills to members of the UMCRM community as she logs hours for her International Coaching Federation credential.

For a second year, the UMCRM Association received word that it was granted one million dollars from an anonymous family foundation to distribute to United Methodist Camps & Retreat Ministries in the U.S. The goal of the gift was to enable individual sites and ministries to take one significant step in the 2023 calendar year toward long-term impact and sustainability. Once again, it is a joy for our organization to assist in stewarding this generous gift for the benefit of camping and retreats in the United Methodist tradition! 

By the numbers: 

• 107 proposals were submitted, totaling $4,617,000

• 68 projects were funded at just under $1,774,000

• • 20 were from new applicants (that did not apply in 2022) 

  • 38 were from applicants that also received funding for a project last year

  • 9 are from applicants whose projects were not funded last year

• • 11 were from new applicants

  • 22 were from applicants that received funding for a 2022 project

  • 6 applicants had projects that were unfunded both years

The review team did not give special consideration to previous or new applicants, but reviewed each proposal on its own merits. This year, additional consideration was given to equity between Conferences and within Conferences. 

Similarly to 2022, after the review team considered all proposals, the granting foundation was inspired to generously increase the original pledge amount, enabling more projects to receive funding. The additional $774K brought the total grant to $1.7M, adding 18 more accepted projects and fully funding 9 more. The UMCRM Association is thrilled to distribute the grant funds in the coming weeks to the projects listed below.

Collectively, United Methodist Camp & Retreat Ministries will broaden our  impact in reaching more people with the love of Christ for a thriving future. Praise to the “God who is able to do exceedingly, abundantly more than we could ask or imagine” (Eph.3:20). May we be worthy stewards of the gifts entrusted to us. Stay tuned in the coming months as projects are completed and together we celebrate all that these ministries have been able to build and accomplish.

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

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

UMYC Transportation - Urban Methodist Youth Camp, MI

With some patience and diligence, the ministry was able to secure vehicles to meet their program needs. Instead of just one large bus, they opted for a 15 passenger van (that can be driven by anyone with a regular license), and a 28 passenger bus that requires a CDL-certified driver. This combination allows for flexibility for different types of youth group and camp events. The grant will enable safe storage and ongoing vehicle maintenance, as well, making the bus and van assets that will last a long while in service to the youth programs. Having this ready and reliable transportation enables better access to enriching and faith development experiences for more young people. 

Foundation Board Development - Upper NY Conference

The grant has allowed the Conference’s six governance groups to take significant steps forward toward making the camps more sustainable and effective. Training was held for the Conference CRM Committee and 5 Foundation boards with an attorney who specializes in nonprofit law, and a coach who specializes in fund development. The Conference purchased and implemented software designed for board effectiveness, which will continue the process of becoming healthy boards. They also purchased a subscription to Board Source as an ongoing resource for growth and development. The direct impact of camp and retreat programs is possible only when the organizational infrastructure is strong. This funding has provided for a strong foundation for the ministries’ future.

“All In For the Journey” Consulting - Susquehanna Conference Camp & Retreat Ministries (PA) 

The Conference engaged Kaleidoscope to do a deep assessment of the Camp and Retreat Ministries and discern future directions that will strengthen the ministry for years to come. The consultants visited all of the centers to gather information on their assets, current guest and camper programs and participation, and insights from the staff about strengths, challenges and possibilities. Jody Oates then led the Camp and Retreat Ministry Board in a process of learning best practices and assessment of all aspects of our ministry over multiple in-person and online discernment sessions. The team explored missional purpose, core values, operational changes for vitality, the changing landscape of our communities, and adaptations needed to expand ministry reach. The recommendations focused on maximizing the impact of Christian Camp and Retreat Ministry now and in the future.

Environmental Education - Rolling Ridge Retreat Center (MA)

Rolling Ridge is reaching new people and transforming lives through environmental and eco-spiritual programming. The funds received through the Ministry Impact Grant enabled the purchase of new kayaking equipment, storage shed, decking, and stair dock so that someone like Tracy, with mobility issues, could “pray and paddle” and find her quiet center on the water. The grant helped to create websites for Pray and Paddle and Conscious Composting along with social media hubs for both. Nine popular Pray and Paddle events were held in 2022, along with 6 monthly composting workshops. Rolling Ridge was also able to implement Land Acknowledgement initiatives, including a naming event and signage for the island off the peninsula in collaboration with the Cowasuck Band of the Pennacook Abenaki people.

Staff Housing Repairs - Loucon (KY)

Grant funding helped create a home for a staff family who will help the camp achieve its ministry goals. Quality staff housing helps us care for them well as they care for our campers and guests. The original house was gutted, flooring and drywall replaced, bathrooms renovated, painting and repairs completed. Another donation enabled replacement of the windows. The outcome is a space that looks and feels like a brand new house. The environmental remediation expert who came to check the air quality couldn't believe it was the same house. The camp is blessed to be able to house staff in a safe and comfortable house, a key asset to attracting and retaining good leadership.

We all just want to be happy campers, right? And we’d hate for any guest to be hurt. Preventing injuries and losses protects the people you serve —and your ministry.  It also makes it easier to find affordable insurance coverage. In a difficult market, this is important even if it’s not the main goal of loss prevention.

The basics of loss prevention are fairly simple:

1. Understand the potential risks.

2. Formulate a plan to reduce the chance of loss.

3. Establish policies and procedures.

4. Conduct training (and retraining).

5. Apply the policies consistently.

6. Update the plan to conform with changes to laws and regulations and new exposures.

Property presents a particular challenge to camps. Remote locations and traditional construction types make fire a particularly difficult exposure. This is especially true for camps in the Western states when it comes to wildfires. Redwoods insurance has an excellent Wildfire Risk and Hazard Checklist that has tips that apply to general fire prevention as well.  

Over 96% of the dollar value of claims paid by UMI over 14 years were for property losses. As would be expected, most losses were related to storms.  Wind and hail accounted for about 59% of all reported claims.  While we will always have weather events, we can mitigate losses.  We have seen situations where claims were denied or exacerbated by things that care and maintenance could have improved or eliminated:

• Ensure that your roof, eaves, flashing, and gutters are maintained. Damage caused by water that enters a building is only covered if it does so through an opening created by a covered peril.

• A newer, well-maintained roof may also reduce the likelihood of disputes with insurance carriers over the cause of interior damage, possibly speeding up the resolution of claims.

• Keep drains and sump pumps clear of debris and in good working order.  If possible, provide a back-up source of power for your sump pump in the event of a power failure that often accompanies severe storms.

• Keep large trees clear of your roof and ensure that dead limbs are removed.  This can be expensive, but it can prevent a loss – the greater your deductible, the greater the risk to your camp’s finances. This may be difficult in heavily wooded areas but do as much as you can to have good clearance from trees and tree lines.

• Another potentially expensive fix is to make sure that there is proper drainage around your buildings.  Water entering under doors may not be covered. This was the number one source of property claims being denied by UMI.

Leaks and overflows were the third leading cost of claims.

• Leak detection alarms have become less expensive and widely available. More expensive systems can automatically shut off water when a leak is detected. These systems should be professionally installed for best results.

• Frozen pipes can cause significant damage.  Insulate any exposed pipes, make sure there is sufficient heat in the building, open cabinet doors, and let water drip.  If you attempt to thaw a frozen pipe, use a hair dryer not a torch.  Please, do not stand in water while doing so! 

A 2006 study found that there were 1.15 adverse events (injuries and illnesses to us non-academics) for every 1,000 camper days. 68% were illnesses and the rest were injuries. Cuts, scratches, and scrapes were the most frequent injuries (33.3% of injuries) followed by fractures (14.6%) and sprains/strains (10.4%).

Given that illness is twice as likely to happen than injury, it’s an important point of emphasis. This was certainly driven home in our recent pandemic experience. Education is key. If campers and staff show signs of illness, they should stay home or be separated from others. It’s one instance where not sharing is caring.

Good hygiene, food safety, and keeping sick people out of the kitchen are basic precautions. Teaching people to wash their hands, encouraging them to do so, and providing adequate places to do so are best practices.

Slips, trips, and falls account for close to 30% of all injuries.  Here are some steps to take:  

• Make sure that all outside walkways and parking lots are clear of water, ice, snow, and debris.

• Store all equipment and belongings properly when not in use.

• Repair all broken or loose stairs and handrails.

• Give immediate attention to all uneven surfaces to eliminate trip hazards. Place brightly colored warning signs where repairs are still pending.

• Keep interior doorways, floors, and aisles dry and free of obstacles.

• Provide adequate lighting in all interior and exterior walkways and parking lots.

• Properly secure electrical cords, mats, and loose flooring.

• Ensure that staff are wearing appropriate non-slip, closed-toe footwear.

Head injuries represent a significant risk to long-term health. Proper head protection should be provided for all activities where it is appropriate (e.g. horseback riding and zip lining).  It is also important to provide proper surfaces in play areas and to reduce the impact of falls.

Cuts from sharp objects, such as knives, account for up to 17% of injuries. Make sure that everyone with access to knives understands how to properly use and store them.

• Always use a sharp knife 

• Use a cutting board

• Always keep the point of the knife on the board and lift the handle to cut

• Hold the food in one hand (with fingers held back like a claw) and the knife in the other

• Never leave knives in the sink – always keep them clean and properly stored

• Keep them clear of the edge and don’t try to catch them if they fall

• No horseplay

Fatigue and free time are other sources of injury. Be sure to allow ample time for rest and recovery and have systems in place to make sure that free time is used appropriately. Above all, make sure that when it comes to good behavior, your staff is leading by example.

One article won’t make you a loss prevention expert. The keys to loss prevention are knowing your risks, developing a plan, and implementing and updating that plan.  Your colleagues, your insurers, and the internet are great no-cost sources of information and resources.  An active loss prevention program helps protect your ministry’s people, property, and finances.

A chorus of birdsong floats through the canopy above and grasses and forbs (wildflowers) stir in silent accord with the soil below. As guests meander through the wild spaces stewarded by UMC camps and retreat centers, a deep sense of interconnectedness and wonder begins to overtake whatever frustrations or anxieties they may have brought with them on their journeys. As racing minds subside and become more attuned to the undersong of Creation, our guests begin to perceive the current of the Holy Spirt at work, always flowing, not just around us, but through us. 

We all know countless iterations of this experience that have happened at our sites. We also know that these experiences sometimes happen despite our best made plans, not because of them.  As camp and retreat ministries, we live close to these wild spaces that offer wisdom, beauty, and sacred connections to God that transform us into a new way of life. As leaders in ministry, we are not only called into communion with the spaces we inhabit, but we are also called to share with others and invite them to experience that same connection with Creation. This can be where things get daunting. 

“Where do I start? What does “Creation Care” actually mean? How do I fund new programs? Do guests even care? Am I actually doing anything for the planet?” I propose that the next right step to take is the one that you can do faithfully. Oftentimes, outward-facing programs like environmental education and recycling come to mind when “Creation Care” is mentioned. When run well, programs like these connect countless guests each year to new understandings of our relationship with the spaces we inhabit and practices that protect those spaces. I am forever grateful and proud of the ministries that are able to pull off programs likes these. At the same time,  the reality is that many of our sites aren’t able to support programs like these for financial, cultural, or infrastructure reasons. That’s okay! This doesn’t mean your role in Creation Care is any less meaningful.

There are many ways we can live out our call to be good stewards and inspire our guests to wonder about Creation. Actions as small as providing maps for guests to walk trails, may become the catalyst for guests to create new connections with Creation. Recycling may not be feasible in your area, but reducing and reusing waste is a practice in which we can all continue to grow. Do what you can. You may not have an experienced naturalist on staff, but there are always scientists and educators (or authors of this article) who would love the chance to come to your site to study and teach you about the unnoticed creatures that call your site home. Who are the untapped experts in your circles who could be a ministry resource? You may not be in a place where a formal environmental education program is viable right now, but you have ecosystems on your site that you are able to responsibly manage. Is there one new step you could take this season to be a more informed caretaker of the web of life right where you are? Every small step towards God’s wildness is a worthy step to take and brings us closer to to Creator, Sustainer, and Redeemer of all nature.

Jeff Wilson is the Assistant Director at Camp Lake Stephens (MS). He holds a degree in Biology and Earth System Sciences from the University of Alabama - Huntsville. His love for camp began after his freshman year in college when he joined the CLS summer staff as a counselor. Four summer seasons later, Jeff made the commitment to go into camping ministry full time. In addition to spending time with spouse Emily and baby Jude, he enjoys spending his free time hiking and photographing wildflowers. Jeff is a student in the Compass Points Certificate Program and volunteers on the National Gathering Design Team.

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.