Kevin Witt, Director of Growing Spiritual Transformational Leaders
Kim Shockley, Coordinator for Pathways of Spiritual Leadership
“Give thanks to God in all circumstances for this is God’s will for you Christ Jesus.” -Thessalonians 5:18
The Blessing
Camp and Retreat Ministry holds a very special place as sacred common ground for us all. Thousands from our congregations and wider community grow closer to God at our centers. We find inspiration to actively live the love of Christ wherever we go. Children, youth, and adults thrive in an atmosphere of deep valuing. They become more intentional in their faith journey, try new things, meet new people, and become more resilient in life. Many clergy and laity identify camp and retreat experiences as profoundly important in helping them hear and renew their calls to leadership. They return home inspiring others to deeper meaning, relationships of love, and action for good in the world. A wide spectrum of religiously affiliated and non-profit groups pilgrimage to our centers, too. These community partners clarify their vision and make plans that serve a multitude of people with a great diversity of needs, so they may have “life more abundantly”. God has gifted us with Camp Penn, Greene Hills, Mount Asbury, Sky Lake and Wesley Forest.
The Challenge
The COVID-19 virus spread across the globe requiring nations and local communities to take action to mitigate the harm and to protect others from contracting the disease. For our Susquehanna Conference Camp and Retreat Ministries along with vast majority of UM Camp and Retreat Centers in the U.S., this means the suspension of retreats this Spring along with all Summer Camps. We, also, face reduced guest group reservations for the Fall. The revenue from retreats and camps is a large, essential part of the ministry budget. Even with good stewardship and extreme cost-cutting measures, the year-end deficits for our local camp retreat ministry is projected to be $300,000 and could reach $350,000. Fortunately, your Camp Retreat Ministry Board, the staff, and dedicated volunteers have taken steps to keep the ministry healthy and financially sound prior to this crisis. By fully utilizing savings and dipping deep into operational reserves, the amount remaining to be covered is approximately $87,000. This must be raised with your help as generous congregations and donors who care about these special places, their ministry, and their impact.
The Opportunity
Together we can meet this challenge! Churches, groups, and individuals are already stepping up in support. Join the Camp Retreat Ministry Board, the staff, the Cabinet, camper families, congregations, and individuals who have already made generous donations and pledges. We are excited and tremendously grateful to announce that gifts and pledges received to date exceed $35,000. Widening the circle of giving is vital, in order to raise the remaining $52,000.
Here’s how you can help.
- Give generously as you are able. (We know some may be struggling now, also. Though you may want to give, you cannot right now. We give thanks for the many other ways you give support.)
- As a congregation, prayerfully consider donating your normally budgeted camp scholarship funds that were unused since summer camp was suspended. Several churches have done this, and it makes a big difference.
- Share the need with your circle of friends, family, and community. If people know how much it matters to you, they often will be generous in their support. We can help you with sample letters, social media appeals, etc. Contact Kevin Witt, kwitt@susumc.org
- Regularly check out the 2020 Camp Comeback Campaign page on the Conference website or the Quiklink to follow what giving opportunities are currently underway and our progress together in reaching the goal.
- Connect us with people who would find it meaningful to support camp and retreat ministry.
- Share stories and quotes with us about why camp and retreat ministry is important to you and others. This helps a lot and is very meaningful for donors.
- We can do this together with grateful hearts and a spirit of joy. God has blessed each of us to be a blessing. Let’s create an opportunity out of a challenge. It is a chance to express our love through financial generosity and other forms of support.
To Make a Donation:
- By Check Payable to:
The Susquehanna Conferencec/o Camp & Retreat Ministry303 Mulberry DriveMechanicsburg, PA 17050Note on the Check: For Camp Comeback CampaignThank you !!!!
