We have just a few more of the 2022 Ministry Impact Grant projects to highlight and celebrate. 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. This week, we lift up five more completed 2022 projects that reflect long-term vision for these vital ministries. Soon we will shift the focus to the newly-funded 2023 Ministry Impact Grant projects, many of which are already underway. Thanks be to God for bringing together generous, visionary givers with mission-focused Camp and Retreat ministry leaders to lay the foundation for future sustainability and impact.

View the full 2022 Ministry Impact Grant Report

Tanako To Go - Camp Tanako, AR

Grant funding enabled Camp Tanako to expand its outreach outside of the residential camp property to minister with people right where they are at. With the purchase of a vehicle and supplies, staff traveled to churches to host one-day Bible schools and visit with children's ministries and Wesley Foundations, building new connections in the wider community and reaching churches that do not have a camp home. Taking camp on the road enabled new program opportunities and a way to help meet more of God’s children of all ages with the magic of Christian camping.

Catapulting Camp Wesley Pines into the Future - Wesley Pines, MS

Wesley Pines was blessed to contract with Kaleidoscope Consulting to define the next steps of ministry growth through a comprehensive Assessment and Strategic Ministry Plan. In combination with its capital campaign and physical plant blueprint, this final step in the camp’s revitalization strategy joyfully catapults Wesley Pines into a future in which it will continue its deep history of serving children and families through Christian camping experiences.

Camp Wesley Woods Lagoon Restoration - Wesley Woods, TN

Grant funding afforded Wesley Woods the opportunity to restore

a critical natural resource and program area. The lagoon is the landmark signifying that campers have finally arrived at camp. Bringing the lagoon back to health meant campers could enjoy paddling and fishing again. The improvements provided care for the watershed while significantly improving the aesthetics and first impressions of camp. The project required heavy equipment including an excavator, skid steer and dump truck. Approximately 400 cubic yards of silt were removed, including two islands formed at the inlet over 20 years and accumulated material along the edges and outlet. Gravel was brought into to repair the road and grass was seeded to complete the project. This opportunity opened up future planning with the local Soil and Water Conservation District on a larger scale watershed restoration project.

Worship Fest - Carson Simpson Farm Christian Camp, PA

Carson Simpson Farm expanded upon its PEACE (Partners Equipping All Children For Eternity) program which ministers with children from Philadelphia through summer camp. Extending the reach of the gospel message, experience of Spirit-led worship, and strengthened community connections into the fall, the camp hosted its inaugural Worship Fest. The event fostered the camp's partnership with three local church teams and with Ripe Creatives Ministry which brought two artists, three singer songwriters, spoken word poets, a painter, and worship team. Additionally, eight different ministries set up information booths. Over 600 people were enabled to join this worshipful and creative experience free of charge. This grant-funded opportunity bore short-term fruit in renewed faith among staff and participants, new relationships in the community, and glory to God in this day of praise and worship. Check out the recap video  Worship Fest 2022 also sparked longer-term vision and goals for future event planning, fund development, and further expanding the camp’s ministry reach.

Construction of Cabin 13/14 - Epworth By The Sea, South Georgia

Grant funding supported the completion of the final building in the multimillion dollar Aldersgate Youth Village renovation project. Cabin 13/14 had foundation issues that required its demolition and re-siting. Improvements included enlargement of cabins, vinyl wood flooring, central HVAC, handicap accessibility, tankless gas water heaters and expansion of bathroom areas. These facilities enhance the ministry to children and youth that serves more than 1000 campers each season and fosters hundreds of new and renewed commitments to Christ every year.