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.