.JPG)
Dear friends and supporters of Susquehanna Conference Camp & Retreat Ministry,
The Susquehanna Conference Camp & Retreat Ministry Board has been working diligently for the past two years studying, assessing, prayerfully discerning, and developing strategic direction. The goal of this in-depth process is to provide the best way forward for the future of the overall ministry, its growth, and its missional impact among a widening circle of people in our congregations and communities. Central to it all has been a deep cherishing and valuing of the importance of camp and retreat experiences and the unique benefits and life transforming opportunities they provide.
As many of you know, the past several years have been very challenging and the landscape in which we all do ministry has changed significantly. It is a great responsibility to steward this ministry forward so that it can be responsive and thrive within the changing dynamics, and re-orient to address the emerging needs of our congregations and communities. The Board of Camp and Retreat Ministries will be bringing key recommendations to Annual Conference this year that include strategic realignment to enhance the programs, leadership preparation, outreach, and facilities.
This recommendation also involves reducing the number of facilities we manage, and reinvesting resources and re-aligning staff focus to enhance the fruitfulness and impact of the overall ministry. The plan is to transition programs to Wesley Forest, Camp Penn, and Sky Lake (our Upper New York partner to serve northern tier churches closer to this center.) The recommendation is to sell Mount Asbury and Greene Hills and reinvest the resources for improvements and growth of the overall ministry.
We encourage all of you to attend one of the upcoming regional gatherings to learn more about the background, details, and important reasons for these recommendations. This will also be an opportunity to ask questions and be in conversation together.
Important: These recommended changes do not affect 2024. Camps and Retreats will proceed as normal this current year. Implementation of changes will begin in 2025.
Two gatherings have already taken place. Remaining gatherings are as follows:
Harrisburg Supervisory Area –
Sunday, March 3, 3 – 4:30 pm
Fishing Creek Salem UMC, 402 Valley Rd, Etters, PA 17319.
Scranton Wilkes-Barre Supervisory Area –
Sunday, March 10, 3 – 4:30 pm
Trucksville UMC, 40 Knob Hill Road, Trucksville, PA 18708.
(in the Education Building.)
State College Supervisory Area –
Saturday, March 16, 10 – 11:30 am
Park Forest Village UMC, 1833 Park Forest Ave, State College, PA 16803.
