Camp and Retreat Ministry: New Vision Forward Director for CRM

By Kevin Witt Director of Age Level Ministry / Beloved Community Ministry / Camp & Retreat Ministry

Beginning in January of 2025, Charlie Renner will be transitioning from his role as Center Director at Greene Hills Camp and Retreat Center to a new team role as the Vision Forward Director within Camp and Retreat Ministry (CRM). This new position reflects major steps underway to reach new young people and families in collaboration with local churches, enhance facilities and expand programming, enrich volunteer and staff training and preparation, build new relationships and partnerships with growing communities of color, and deepen the Christian missional focus and effectiveness of these important ministries. The Vision Forward Director will specifically facilitate follow through to keep the ministry staff and volunteer leaders moving forward on the vision, new directions, and master plan for CRM. 

Charlie brings many strengths to this new role. His long leadership experience and calling to Camp Retreat Ministry has its roots in childhood church and camp experiences. Grace UMC in Carlisle (Now Carlisle UMC) provided the love and pathways of discipleship that nurtured a heart for service and leadership. During his formative years through college, Charlie was deeply impacted by camp experiences. He went to Mount Asbury with his youth group, achieved Eagle Scout recognition, and worked at Greene Hills, Mount Asbury and Appalachia Service Project during his college years at Penn State. This was when his call to Camp and Retreat Ministry became clear. After first serving as the Program Director for the Keystone Area Council of the Boy Scouts, a deep desire to be involved in Christian leadership and ministry prepared the way for a long and meaningful 14-year tenure as the Center Director for Greene Hills Camp and Retreat Center. All along, Charlie has continued to grow in knowledge and experience through intentional continuing education in this specialized ministry.

Charlie shares the following thoughts and hopes as he enters this new role: 

“First, I am thrilled to be continuing my involvement with Susquehanna Conference Camp and Retreat Ministries. I have personally witnessed the tremendous benefits these experiences provide to campers and guests both related to their journey and their inspiration to share Christ’s love and grace with others in their daily lives. It is vital that we extend these opportunities to new people in new places and steward this ministry forward to fulfill its mission in fresh ways for long-term connection, relevance, and vitality. I feel blessed to be serving as part of our core team as we prayerfully discern and carry out the next steps in strategic planning as we launch a new chapter for Camp and Retreat Ministry.

There have been so many dedicated volunteers over the years who have been integral to the power of this ministry. Community and service are such vital parts of what Camp and Retreat Ministry offers. I cherish the opportunity to celebrate, nurture and create fresh avenues for even more people to find joy and purpose through serving in ways that help them use their own passions and gifts to transform lives. What a blessing it has been to serve at Greene Hills and to bring the heart of those experiences forward in the ongoing impact of Camp and Retreat Ministry here in our Conference. Thanks to all who have and continue to support me in life and ministry.”