This week we feature 5 more projects funded by the 2022 Ministry Impact Grants. Last year, 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. We still have more to share in the coming weeks as we reflect on all that was accomplished over the past year.

Building Toward a Fiscally Sustainable Future - Wisconsin Annual Conference Camp & Retreat Ministries

The staff and board worked with The Fund Coach, Mark Duncan, to develop skills in relational fundraising. They learned to systematically identify donors, deepen the relationships, and help donor prospects understand the value of giving to the mission of camp. This learning experience will impact future fundraising efforts and board recruitment. 

Strategic Planning with Run River - Camp Dickenson (VA)

The camp engaged Run River Enterprises to conduct a full site and master plan, replacing an old plan from 2005 that no longer fit its vision and legal requirements. The process began with an in-person board retreat weekend that delved into the history of the site and built understanding of the width and breadth of five decades of ministry. Smaller group discussions clarified visions for our programming, site, and overall business plan for the coming decade. The camp board now has a three-year plan including hiring a consulting hydrologist, executing a timber sale, implementing a depreciation recovery schedule, and consulting architects for facility drawings. This groundwork will enable a capital campaign launch in the 4th quarter of 2025. Camp leadership is now able to focus on what’s possible for a thriving future.

Mobile STEAM Lab - Camp in the Community (Holston Conference)

The implementation of the Mobile STEAM Lab created an immense amount of joy, learning, and friendships for Camp in the Community. Campers, staff, and volunteers loved it, and for many, it was their favorite part of camp! In just the first season, the lab allowed 1,005 children in 24 communities to have hands-on experience in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics. They got to work with a 3-D printer, microscope, lego wall, circuit boards, chain reaction machines, magnet wall, robotic arm, and so much more. Many campers expressed interest in becoming an engineer, scientist, or inventor when they grow up. 

Tiny House Village Infrastructure - Camp Magruder (OR)

Housing is one of the great inequities in Camp Magruder’s community. The ministry desires to support employees and volunteers with comfortable housing, a better value than any other compensation they might offer, in order to support and retain talented, long-term leaders. The grant enabled installation of the electrical infrastructure necessary to construct a tiny house village on site. This foundation enables the camp to begin raising money to build the tiny homes and further inspires the vision of a sustainable, holistic, connected staff community.

Fishing Pond Project - Canyon Camp (OK)

The Canyon Camp Fishing Pond Project has provided new recreational options for campers, family retreats, and children/youth with special needs. The UMCRM grant provided an ADA compatible concrete landing, sidewalk, and railing for the fishing pond, along with a solar pond aerator, paddleboat, sit-upon kayak, and lifejackets. The conditions of the ground in the canyon allowed for a pond of 1⁄4 acre by 8 feet deep. This new program infrastructure will be a blessing to future generations of campers and guests.