Across the country, United Methodist Camp and Retreat Ministries continue to be places where lives are transformed, faith is nurtured, and communities are strengthened. The Outdoor Ministries Connection (OMC) 2024 Directors’ Survey Report offers a valuable snapshot of where denominational Christian outdoor ministries are today and where we might be headed.

Based on responses from 249 ministry organizations – including many from the United Methodist Camp & Retreat Ministries (UMCRM) network, the research shows outdoor ministries in motion: recovering, adapting, and rediscovering our purpose. While it’s clear that change is inevitable, our calling to offer sacred space remains as vital as ever.

Three key trends identified in the report offer guidance and inspiration:

Rediscovering Our Roots in a New Day

One of the most important insights from the survey is that our connection to churches and denominational identity is evolving. While only 26% of camp leaders described their ministries as having a “strong” connection to congregations or denominational teachings (down from 41% in 2016), this shift presents an opportunity, not a crisis. It invites us to ask: What does it look like to nurture faith in today’s campers? How can we creatively integrate our Wesleyan theology into experiences that are hands-on, relational, and relevant?

The good news is that many camps are already finding new ways to embody their faith. While still a growth area, clergy involvement has slightly increased after a dip in the early 2020s. Among UMCRM camps, structured Bible study remains common, and many are writing or adapting curriculum to fit their unique context. These efforts are planting seeds for the next generation of discipleship.

This is our moment to reimagine faith formation not as something separate from camp life, but woven into every story shared around a campfire, every worship song under the stars, and every quiet moment by the lake.

Signs of Renewal and Momentum

After the challenges of the pandemic, there’s no denying the momentum building in our ministries. The numbers tell a story of resilience and growth:

• Fundraising is on the rise, with 48% of camps reporting higher revenue than the previous year.

• Staffing is stabilizing. In 2024, 44% of camps were fully staffed—more than double the number in 2022.

• Director morale is high, with 60% describing themselves as feeling “energized” or “fresh,” compared to just 12% two years ago.

• Retreat and conference use is growing, with 29% of camps reporting 75%+ weekend occupancy—a major rebound from 2022.

Even as traditional summer camp enrollment numbers remain relatively flat, there is evidence of growing interest in year-round ministry like family camps, leadership training, outdoor education, and spiritual retreats. These programs reflect the evolving needs of our communities and our ability to meet them with creativity and care. This is a season of renewal and reinvention, where we can build on what’s working and boldly try new things. The Spirit is moving.

Responding to What Families and Campers Value Most

An encouraging theme in the survey is that the elements people love about camp—connection, growth, and belonging—are more important than ever. Across all regions and denominations, the top priorities for camp programs were clear: participant safety, community-building, and character development.

Interestingly, “fun for all participants” now ranks above many traditional religious outcomes. And the desire to “unplug from technology” has become a defining feature of the camp experience, with 88% of directors affirming its importance. These shifts aren’t signs of decline—they’re signs of where our culture is searching for hope, meaning, and rest. Isn’t that exactly what camp is designed to offer?

We don’t have to choose between relevance and faithfulness. As United Methodist ministries, we are uniquely positioned to respond to the spiritual hunger of this generation with practices rooted in grace, justice, and intentional community. Our camps can be places where faith is not forced, but formed gently, deeply, and lastingly.

The Outdoor Ministries Connection (OMC) Survey results suggest a threshold moment for leaders in United Methodist camp and retreat ministries. Our challenges are real—but so are the opportunities. We’re being invited to do what we do best: listen deeply, lead with love, and create sacred spaces where all people can encounter God, connect, and find renewal.

The research findings don’t just highlight change; they point to growth, strength, and potential. So let’s move forward with hope, trusting the God who brought us this far and who guides us onward. We will keep trying new things, building partnerships, and welcoming all who enter our gates. Along with our OMC colleagues, the UMCRM community will seek to apply the insights from this data set to spur growth and innovation in Christian outdoor ministry.