Summer Camps Previously Held at Greene Hills Now Held at Camp Penn

Previously held at Greene Hills, these camps provide a perfect opportunity for kids to connect with God, enjoy nature, and build lifelong friendships. This year, to make the transition easier for families, transportation will be available from the Huntingdon and Woodbury areas to Camp Penn.

Campers will enjoy all the best parts of summer camp, including delicious meals, fun-filled activities, inspiring worship, and plenty of adventure. 

Register at suscrm.org

Camp Connect Mini 

June 15-17, Grades 1-3 | Deans: Josh & Angie Tobias

A great introduction to camp, this shorter session allows younger campers to experience the joy of summer camp in a safe and exciting environment. 

Cost: $247 (Early Bird: $222)

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Camp Connect 

June 15-20, Grades 3-7 | Deans: Josh & Angie Tobias

A full-week adventure packed with outdoor activities, worship, and fun challenges. Third graders can choose between mini-camp or this full-week option. 

Cost: $480 (Early Bird: $455)

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Elementary Music & Arts Camp 

June 15-21, Grades 2-6 | Dean: Michelle Whitlock

Campers will explore faith through music, theater, and visual arts, concluding with a special performance. 

Cost: $515 (Early Bird: $490)

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Youth Musical Theater Camp 

June 15-21, Grades 7-12 | Deans: Sara Billman & Jenn Myers

Campers will design sets, create props, and perform Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka JR! while engaging in games and faith-building activities. 

Cost: $525 (Early Bird: $500)

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Register at suscrm.org

Adventure Camps Offered by Camp & Retreat Ministry

This summer, take your love for the outdoors to the next level with Susquehanna Conference Camp & Retreat Ministry adventure camps! Whether you’re paddling through scenic waterways, trying to catch the big one, or conquering your fears while white-water rafting, these camps are designed to challenge, inspire, and create lasting memories. Check out the details below and secure your spot today! Register at suscrm.org

CP Adventures: Potomac River Canoe Trip

May 23-26 | Dean: Sam Richardson

Spend Memorial Day weekend canoeing along the stunning Potomac Water Trail, 

enjoying scenic landscapes, peaceful waters, and nights under the stars.

Ages: Adult

Cost: $439 (Early Bird: $414)

Starts: Friday 7:00 pm | Ends: Monday 3:00 pm

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CP Adventures: Canadian Canoe Trip – NEW ADVENTURE CAMP!

May 16-19 & June 27-July 5 | Deans: Josh & Susie Yorks

Explore the untouched beauty of Algonquin Provincial Park on this immersive 

canoeing adventure, deepening your connection with nature and faith.

Ages: 16+ without parent, 13+ with parent

Cost: $1000

Starts: Friday 6:00 pm | Ends: Saturday 3:00 pm

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Wesley Forest - Fishing Camp

June 22-27 | Deans: Frank & Mel Bolles

Join this week-long fishing adventure, where campers will explore top fishing spots, improve their angling skills, and enjoy classic camp activities.

Grades: 9-12

Cost: $480

Starts: Sunday 3:00 pm | Ends: Friday 4:00 pm 

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Camp Penn - Adrenaline H12 Elementary

July 13-18 | Deans: Becca Swartz & Amber Heberlig

Young adventurers will experience an action-packed week of canoeing, high ropes, hiking, and sleeping under the stars while learning to live out Hebrews 12.

Grades: 3-6

Cost: $575 (Early Bird: $550)

Starts: Sunday 3:00 pm | Ends: Tuesday 3:00 pm

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Camp Penn - Adrenaline H12 – HIGH ADVENTURE CAMP

July 27-August 1 | Deans: Melissa Galla & Susan Yorks

Thrill-seekers will take on white-water rafting, high ropes courses, and outdoor challenges, building confidence and faith through adventure.

Grades: 7-12

Cost: $575 (Early Bird: $550)

Starts: Sunday 3:00 pm | Ends: Friday 3:00 pm

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Register at suscrm.org

SUSUMC Staff Updates

Christine Sims, Conference Benefits Administrator

Please join us in welcoming Jarrett Eyer as the new Administrative Assistant to the Northern Wilds District. He began on December 31, 2024. Jill Johnston retired as AA after 24 years. “I’ve been so blessed to have great Superintendents, Assisting Elders and Administrative Assistant  sisters. And everyone at the Conference Office & IT have always been so helpful.”

Please also join us in welcoming Ashlyn Miller as the new Camping & Retreat Ministry Executive Assistant.  She will begin on January 13.

Celebrating Patricia Frye and Her 10 Years of Ministry in CRM

Camp and Retreat Ministry Administrative Assistant Tricia Frye will be retiring at the close of 2024. She manages a varied and complex range of leadership responsibilities including registering summer campers, being an information hub for the ministry, organizing staff and volunteer paperwork, and so much more. We have all been blessed by Tricia and her many gifts and abilities. Tricia remembers how it began and reflects on what it has meant for her. 

“Earlier, I worked for travel agencies. I was between positions when a colleague showed me a job opening at the Conference office for the Camp and Retreat Ministry Registrar and Admin. It was perfect timing. I thought to myself that if I could send people to the Caribbean, I could send kids to camp! 

It is a joy to serve in a way that is truly beneficial for others. I have really cherished working with the people at the Conference. The atmosphere is uplifting and collaborative. We care about each other and it’s like family.

Getting kids to camp is deeply gratifying, especially for those who really need a loving camp experience. It makes such a difference in their lives.”

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.”

New Strategic Directions for the Future of Camp & Retreat Ministry

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.

2nd Annual Camp Fancy Gala

Mike (left of center, back row) and Nadine “Dee Dee” Ogden (center, middle row), the honorees at the second annual Camp Fancy Gala, are pictured with many camp friends made throughout their 40+ years serving at Camp Penn.

Words of deep appreciation for all who came and generously supported SUSUMC Camp and Retreat Ministry at our Second Camp Fancy Gala. Your time and gifts were so very much appreciated. A special thanks to our honorees Mike and Dee Dee Ogden for their years of leadership and inspiration among young people seeking a deeper connection with God and the way of love. 

Join us in celebrating that our donors and sponsors surpassed the Camp Fancy Gala goal and raised over $36,000 in ministry support and scholarships! This money directly supports the mission and ministry of our beloved Camp and Retreat Ministry.

We offer our deepest gratitude to our event sponsors: Aldersgate UMC (Mechanicsburg); Beaver Memorial UMC (Lewisburg); Calvary UMC (Harrisburg); Cardinal Cree; First UMC (Mechanicsburg); Graham Company; Hess, Hanna & Associates; and Strock Enterprises, Inc.

Nadine (or “Dee Dee” as her family and camp family call her) heard her call to be a camp counselor in her teens, but that call wasn’t realized until her early 20’s when she and Mike were invited in 1978 to counsel at a High School camp at Camp Penn. The couple was newly married at the time with no children.

Mike went to camp with Dee Dee in 1979 and the couple soon realized that their gifts complimented one another as a team; Dee Dee called them the “right and left brain.” They continued to be counselors or Deans in High School and Elementary Camps until 2022, having raised their 4 children and some grandchildren at camp.

When Mike wasn’t at camp he worked for the US Army Corps of Engineers, retiring after 36 years. After retiring he worked as Risk Management &; Safety Director for the Harrisburg Diocese for 9 years. He retired a second time and continues to serve through various church and Conference committees.

Dee Dee worked at home full time and was involved in church and her children’s school life, including about 20 years on the church staff and then employed by her School District for 15 years. Dee Dee discovered Moms in Prayer International in 1997 and continues in that ministry, praying for her children and grandchildren and their schools. She serves the ministry as the PA State Roster Manager.

Mike and Dee Dee will tell all who ask that they don’t know a more valuable time invested for the Lord than the camp week. They witnessed as God transformed hundreds of lives, including their own and their children’s.

Dee Dee writes, “We have been honored to serve beside Deans and counselors of the highest degree of faith, integrity, creativity and of course crazy fun, using their gifts as the Body of Christ to make disciples—SO many disciples—who are now scattered throughout the world continuing God’s work! God is amazing!”

Thank you again for your continued support of SUSUMC Camp and Retreat Ministry as we partner together Building Authentic Connections in Christ, Community, and Creation. If you would like to make a donation please click here.

Camp & Retreat Ministry Announces New Director for Wesley Forest

Susquehanna Camp and Retreat Ministries is delighted to announce that TayLavor (TayLa) Fugate has been selected to serve as the new center director for the ministry at Wesley Forest Camp and Retreat Center.

Originally from Southwest Virginia, Fugate is a Pennsylvania transplant by way of New Jersey, pursuing her Master of Divinity at Drew Theological School of Drew University. As a lifelong member of the United Methodist Church, she has discovered a passion for building relationships with others through her 10+ years of experience in several different ministry areas including worship/arts, children, youth, young adult/campus, and camp/retreat ministries.

While earning a Bachelor of Science Degree in Recording Industry at Middle Tennessee State University, she found a home away from home at Cedar Crest Camp in Lyles, TN where she served in different capacities including waterfront director & office administrator. These, among other key ministry experiences, have greatly shaped and influenced her love and passion for camp!

When asked about her own connection to camp ministry, Fugate said, “I deeply believe camp has made every part of me better. It’s helped me learn to slow down, take test, and be WITH that which is around me, all of creation! It’s strengthened my spiritual well-being, my connection with the created, and the creator.”

She continued, “Camping is an incredibly unique experience that invites people out of their comfort zone to be challenged and grow in their faith and spirituality.” Her hope is to bring love and support to all the amazing things Wesley Forest is and all that’s already taking place. She plans to put her best self forward in the form of ideas and passions that may help Wesley Forest grow and expand for the better.

In her free time, you can always find TayLa painting, playing & writing music, at an open mic or a local music show, or out on the water with her pup Zero. She & Zero are overjoyed about heading west to Wesley Forest and can’t wait to meet you and your loved ones!

Camp Scholarship Fund: Camp is for Everyone!

Have you heard about the camp scholarship fund?

The scholarship fund exists to help send children, youth, and young adults to camp. Generous donors continue to give to the scholarship fund because they believe in the power of outdoor ministry and desire to remove financial barriers so that more youth can experience camp!

We welcome anyone to apply for a scholarship regardless of church affiliation, faith community, and life circumstances. The fund can cover any amount of the listed camp fee. Anyone needing financial assistance simply needs to complete THIS FORM.

Additional resources such as sleeping bags, Bibles, and other packing list items can also be provided. For questions about these possibilities, please contact the Camping Office at 717-766-7395 or email camps@susumc.org.

If you’d like to donate to the Scholarship Fund, click HERE.

www.suscrm.org

All Are Welcome at Camp!

We have received multiple inquiries this spring about whether young people, families, and adults from beyond The United Methodist Church can come to our camp and retreat centers and sign up for summer camp. The answer is an enthusiastic YES! 

This includes those who may decide to disaffiliate from membership in The United Methodist Church. 

Camp and Retreat Ministry continues to provide places where all are welcome in Christian love. In addition to serving our United Methodist faith communities, we have a long tradition of connection and collaboration with a wide variety of denominations, nonprofit organizations, and seekers who may have no faith community affiliation. This ongoing ecumenical spirit is deeply rooted in the wide embrace of God and the valuing of all as beloved children of God. 

As a ministry of the Susquehanna Conference of the UMC, we are blessed to be a blessing.

Find more information about our camps and retreats at suscrm.org

2022 Camp & Retreat Ministry Impact Report

As we move through the opening months of the new year, we can’t help but look back on 2022 with immense gratitude for your support of the outdoor ministry.

In 2022 you were part of....

Giving $91,636.00 in donations and gifts to ensure a bright future for these spaces we love so much. 

This total includes surpassing the funding goals for the annual Matching Monday Campaign and surpassing the funding goals for the first ever Camp Fancy Gala!

Impacting 841 camper lives.

425 volunteers who gave time to volunteer for a week (or more!) of summer camp or came to lend a hand during a work day.

Welcoming 129 retreat guest groups to these treasured places apart.

Thank you, thank you, thank you for your support!!!

www.suscrm.org 

Camp & Retreat Ministry Hosts Camp Fancy Gala

by Kristin Hoover, Chair of the Camp and Retreat Ministry Board

On October 22, 2022, in the large recreation field at Wesley Forest, surrounded by stunning autumn leaves, The Susquehanna Conference UMC Board of Camp & Retreat Ministry held their first Camp Fancy Gala.

When at camp, things get a little silly! Guests dressed in their “Camp Fancy” finest; Camp Fancy means anything from prom night outfits to outdoor gear, and in most cases a fun blend of the two. Guests celebrated the goodness of God with smiles and laughs as we offered the Superman Prayer before our meal and sang and danced to camp classic “Pharaoh, Pharaoh.”

Campers and former campers offered testimonies- sharing their memories of camp and explaining how the camping program has impacted their lives.

 

The SUSUMC camping community generously participated in the Live and Silent Auctions. Guests bid on items like a Fly-Fishing Experience, Wesley Forest Rolls, Old Camp Signage, Camp Penn Metal Trays, Philadelphia 76ers tickets, Hershey Bears tickets, local theatre tickets, Greene Hills Oreo Fluff, Camp Tie Dye Shirts, and a Mystery Box of Camp Lost and Found Items!

Guests also celebrated gala honoree Dave Poole, one of the most prolific and longest-serving camping program mentors/volunteers. Dave first came to the camping program in 1982 in the form of a counselor.  In 1990, he became a camp dean at Wesley Forest, alongside Beth Jones.  Since then, Dave has impacted thousands of lives with his kindness, his care and his love.  He has launched the career and nurtured the call of at least a dozen pastors in the Susquehanna Conference. 

The Board is thrilled to announce the Camp Fancy Gala raised over $20,000 for the Camp and Retreat Ministry! Many thanks to our generous gala sponsors- Aldersgate UMC Mechanicsburg, Swissdale UMC Lock Haven, Trinity Charge Williamsport District, Calvary UMC Harrisburg, Cardinal Creek, Hess Hanna & Associates, and Juniata UMC Altoona.by Kristin Hoover, Chair of the Camp and Retreat Ministry Board.

 

Dave Poole ended his remarks at the gala with the simple, yet profound statement “Camp Changes Lives.” The success of this event allows us to change the lives of even more young people. You too can offer your support to the SUSUMC Camp & Retreat Ministry through the Matching Monday campaign. https://susumcamps.org/index.php/donate/matching-monday

Stay tuned for information on the 2023 Camp Fancy Gala!

 

So That...

“Using the two important words “so that” has the power to change the way [church] leaders work... so that everything that God’s people do is shaped toward mission and results in fruitfulness.” 

— Lovett H. Weems, Jr. 

Recently, the Connectional Ministries staff of the Susquehanna Conference assessed our work areas to refocus on why we do what we do... 

Rev. Dr. Kathleen Kind

The Director of Connectional Ministries exists to be part of and lead the Connectional Ministries team so that we can resource and support clergy, laity, and congregations in being followers of Jesus who are making new followers of Jesus.

Amy Wynn

I serve as the Administrative Assistant to the Director of Connectional Ministries so that I can assist the director to provide resources and make connections to help pastors and laity to transform their lives, and those that they come into contact with, by sharing the love of Christ.

Connie Waggoner

As the Receptionist, I am here to greet, investigate, answer, help, and smile so that people know we are a loving, giving, and faithful community.

Liz Lennox

As Director of Communications, I strategize with and direct the Communications Team to share pertinent information with clergy and laity so that they remain well-informed and fully connected to the conference and one another. Stories and experiences are chronicled so that we can celebrate our transformative ministries while educating the public about who we are not just as United Methodists, but as followers of Jesus Christ. 

Stacy Eckert

As a Communications Specialist (Web/Graphic design) for the Communications Team, I help resource our Conference through effective and consistent communications in a variety of communication outlets, so that by witnessing God’s work and inspiring new ideas through these communications we can Grow, Equip and Connect in an ever-changing world.

Sandii Peiffer

As a member of the Communications Team, I publish the news of God’s work in and through United Methodists in the Susquehanna Conference and throughout the world so that our readers can understand and feel part of the powerful connection we have as a global church and be inspired to join us in making disciples and transforming the world. I also maintain a presence for the Susquehanna Conference on Facebook so that we can reach and connect with even more people about God’s work in and through United Methodists and portray a positive Social Media presence.

Rev. Kevin Witt

Age Level and Beloved Community Ministries provide opportunities for the wide diversity of people in our communities to experience the embrace of God so that all understand their giftedness and more deeply value each other; so that together we join Jesus in making the way of love our way of life; so that the world increasingly embodies the Beloved Community of God

Cindy Weaver

Our ministry area (Age Level Ministries, Equipping Vital Congregations, Building the Beloved Community) provides resources and learning opportunities to pastors, laity, and local churches so that they become energized and excited (as their next faithful steps occur) in creating new places for new people, revitalizing their ministries, bringing young people to know Jesus, and building the beloved community.

Kim Shockley

I serve as the Coordinator of Lay Excellence so that lay people throughout the Susquehanna Conference have the tools needed to engage others in abundant Christian love that transforms lives wherever they go.

Tricia Frye

I perform administrative tasks for the Camp & Retreat Ministry so that our camps and retreats are places where participants can be themselves, form new relationships, experience personal growth, appreciate nature, and encounter Jesus in new ways.

Douglas Hoy

We do Disaster Response Ministry so that members of the Susquehanna Annual Conference can be equipped and empowered to answer the fundamental calling to be missionary communities and missionaries in the community, share the love of Jesus with and be a caring, Christian presence in the lives of those suffering from disasters in their lives.

Michelle Schwartzman

As the Volunteer in Mission Coordinator for the Susquehanna Conference, I cultivate connectional relationships, and I train and mobilize volunteers so that we in the local church can put our “Love into Action.” We act in love with intentionality and awareness so that we enter into service as a partnership and uphold the dignity of our partners.

Joni Robison

Discovery Place provides free Bible study and spiritual growth resources, guidance, and support so that churches have access to a wide selection of materials from a variety of authors and viewpoints to nurture spiritual growth; so that study participants can grow in their faith or meet Jesus for the first time; so that Sunday School teachers will have access to a variety of teaching resources; so that teachers of children and youth have access to a myriad of creative ideas; so that people can find deeper meaning in seasonal studies such as for Advent and Lent; and so that churches can save money to fund other outreach and ministry programs.

Donors Continue to Make the Difference

pixabay: Alexas_Fotos

This is a note of thanks to all of you who are donors to Camp and Retreat Ministry! You have been a shining light, especially during the last couple of years when the need has been so great. Last year, you surpassed the needed $100,000 goal to reach $125,000! Such generosity!

This year we share the good news that we are continuing our comeback following the COVID pandemic. Camper numbers were up again this year exceeding 2021 numbers by close to 250 additional participants. We are still 450 campers short of our pre-COVID levels, so we have a ways to go but will arrive. We are counting on donor partners again to raise $100,000 in 2022, not only to sustain the ministry, but to expand it!

Our Fall Fundraising season will soon begin. Please consider coming to the Camp Fancy Gala on October 22 at Wesley Forest, contributing to the Monday Match Campaign beginning in late October, supporting Evan Funk with his Eagle Scout Project at Wesley Forest (see article on page 9), or give right now! It really does make a difference for so many!

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

www.suscamps.org

Camp and Retreat Ministry Team

Camp and Retreat Ministry Receives Ministry Impact Grant

By Kevin Witt, Director of Age Level and Beloved Community Ministries

Earlier this year, The United Methodist Camp and Retreat Ministry Association announced that a major donor contributed more than 1 million dollars to strengthen United Methodist Camp and Retreat Ministries across the denomination. The donor recognizes the unique power of this ministry to change lives, inspire young people and adults in their giftedness, and create deeper connections with Christ, community and creation. We are thrilled to share that the grant request from the Susquehanna Conference is one of the those chosen to receive funding.

The grant must focus on an initiative that “elevates future sustainability and lasting impact of your camp and retreat ministry”. Here in the Susquehanna Conference the Camp and Retreat Ministry Board is now working with Kaleidoscope —one of the most highly regarded consultants for non-profit and religiously affiliated camp and retreat centers in the country. The board has been discussing the need for a consultation to build upon the good work that has been done in recent years to improve the ministry and its reach. The grant comes at the perfect time. Kaleidoscope excels at helping ministries assess a wide range of factors that contribute to vitality, effectiveness and missional impact long-term. 

The consultation and strategic planning process go deeper in examining key areas to strengthen the overall ministry. One example is mission clarity, focus, and specific outcomes and changes identified as central to the purpose of our camp and retreat ministry. Some other areas of assessment include leadership models and preparation, participant and guest analysis, church and community needs, financial health and sustainability, facilities and programs, staffing, and much more. Kaleidoscope has worked with hundreds of faith-based and nonprofit camp and retreat centers and programs. They bring a wealth of information about innovative possibilities and important milestones to reach for long-term sustainability and greater missional impact. They are very familiar with United Methodist Camp and Retreat Ministries, which adds to their insight in helping us do our own planning for the present and the future.

“The board is excited to engage in this process! We are committed to exploring opportunities to grow the reach and impact of our camp and retreat ministry. We strive to understand more fully and prayerfully discern how we can best serve those in our communities,” said Kristin Hoover, Chair of the Board of Camp and Retreat Ministry.

What a blessing it is to have such a visionary donor who is gifting us and many others with a real opportunity through the Ministry Impact Grant! Thanks to all of you, also, for your prayers as the board seeks God’s guidance in steps that will “elevate sustainability and the lasting impact of Camp and Retreat Ministry” here in the Susquehanna Conference.

Camp & Retreat Ministry: Creation Speaks, Are You Listening?

Each year, the Camp and Retreat Ministry team selects a summer curriculum that staff and volunteers at each center and summer event utilize to teach campers about God, self, and others. We are so excited to announce that Creation Speaks is our 2022 Summer Camp Curriculum! As a curriculum intentionally designed to draw campers closer to the natural world, we know our beautiful outdoor camp settings will bring this nature-inspired curriculum to life for campers!

Creation Speaks invites us to look to God’s Creation, including each other, as we listen for God’s voice in the world today. By taking a fresh look at the Creation story, campers will imagine what each part might teach us about God and our place in the world. Light, water, earth, seasons, animals, humans, and even a day of rest will invite campers to listen for God, still speaking to them today.

Through our new understanding of the interdependence of all creatures and responding to our call as caretakers of Creation, we are moved to awe and wonder at the gift of Creation and the Creator.

If the people of God stop and listen to Creation, what might we hear? Shhhh, listen. Creation Speaks!

www.susumcamps.org

You Did It! Thank you for making Matching Monday a huge success

The Matching Monday Challenge is our most important appeal of the year. This year, the challenge was to raise $40,000 for Camp and Retreat Ministry. We are absolutely thrilled to celebrate you, and share that you have far surpassed that goal and have currently raised $49,000 for camps during this appeal!

As if that wasn’t impressive enough, we know that some of you are continuing Matching Monday in your own ways. Churches in the Scranton Wilkes-Barre and Williamsport Districts, did you know you’ve been challenged!? If you are a church in one of these districts, check with your district office to see how you can continue to raise financial support for these sacred spaces through the Challenge your districts have put out.

While the six weeks of the Matching Monday Challenge may be complete, you can always support Camp and Retreat Ministry. Your generosity in financial giving remains a need. Donate Anytime!

Click here and select “2021 Camp Comeback Campaign” on the donation page. Any amount helps!

Do you prefer to donate with a check? Make an off-line donation by check payable to:

Susquehanna Conference
c/o Camp & Retreat Ministry
303 Mulberry Drive
Mechanicsburg, PA 17050

Memo line: “Matching Monday”

Thank you for your support!

www.susumcamps.org

Growing Spiritual Transformational Leaders: Become a Camp Retreat Ministry Donor Partner

Rev. Kevin Witt, Director of Growing Spiritual Transformational Leaders
Kim Shockley, Coordinator for Pathways of Spiritual Leadership

Give to the Fall Camp Comeback Appeal 

We celebrate the return of summer camp this year!! What a summer it has been! The children, youth and families came so ready and energized to connect with Christ, Community and Creation. Parents, church leaders and campers continue to express how much this particular summer meant and the profound positive impact it had. We want to say a special thanks to all of you who partnered as donors, volunteers, and staff who met every challenge with grace, love, and the wide embrace of God.

People may assume that since summer camp is underway again that the need for donations has lessened. The reality is, however, that participant numbers only reached less than half of what a typical summer would be due to continued Covid concerns, restrictions, and protocols that are a part of life right now. Operational and staffing expenses resumed, but with greatly reduced revenue. This year presents another pivotal opportunity to make a true difference exactly when it is needed, as an individual, family, congregation, or group. 

Let’s join together as people who understand the importance of Christ centered camps and retreats. Camp and Retreat Ministry invites us to step up and bridge the gap through the practice of generosity. It is so gratifying to see our camp and retreat centers coming alive again with people in community growing in faith and finding joy in these special places we all share. Let’s keep the momentum going through our gifts. Close to $20,000 has already come in to encourage other donors. Let’s complete the journey to the $100,000 goal together by the end of the year. 

Give now and know how deeply it is appreciated!!

Give On-line: www.susumcamps.org and click on the donate button in the upper right corner. 

Donate By Check: Make payable to “The Susquehanna Conference UMC” and on the description line indicate 2021 Camp Comeback Campaign. Send to: SUS Camp and Retreat Ministry, 303 Mulberry Drive, Mechanicsburg, PA 17050

Thank You Everyone! We cherish being in ministry together with you!

Growing Spiritual Transformational Leaders: A Great Collaboration is Bringing Summer Camp Back for 2021!!

Rev. Kevin Witt, Director of Growing Spiritual Transformational Leaders

Meister Eckhart, renowned 14th Century Christian teacher, said “If the only prayer you ever say in your entire life is thank you, it will be enough.” The spiritual practice of gratitude notices the good, trusts in God’s love, and participates in new possibilities. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-19 offers some counter intuitive wisdom encouraging us to rejoice, pray, and give thanks in all circumstances (not necessarily for all circumstances). Thanksgiving helps us avoid quenching the Spirit’s work within and among us. 

Camp and Retreat Ministry noticed something amid the mass cancellations due to COVID, the financial hardship, furloughing of staff, and the illness and suffering many of our camper families and local churches went through. Amid all that struggle, an outpouring of love and stunning generosity emerged. We see the good and thank God for YOU! 

You turned a time of hardship into a fountain of blessing. Many individuals and congregations stepped up as donor partners and volunteers to create a different outcome by contributing to the vitality of our 5 Camp and Retreat Centers. You make it possible to offer sacred spaces and experiences that transform so many lives. People need faith journeys in community that become milestones of inspiration in their life with Jesus. In 2020, you provided over $170,000 in gifts for the Camp Comeback Campaign, scholarships, and much needed projects. In addition, thousands of volunteer hours improved the centers. Your generosity makes all the difference for those served by a ministry we all have a part in as United Methodists across Central PA.

Summer Camp is coming back in 2021 with your help! We thank the many volunteers who will play pivotal roles as leaders with the campers this summer. They are now preparing diligently along with the Center staff. Pray for all those who will live the way of love as Christian mentors for the children, youth and families attending this summer. It will be a more complex and demanding summer due to additional health protocols. At the same time, it promises to be one of the most meaningful summers ever for campers who really need to connect with God and each other as they grow in discipleship. Children and youth long to regain a sense of adventure, joy, and fun, which camp also offers in a big way. For information on Summer Camp in 2021 and to register go to: www.susumcamps.org

Donor support is crucial again this year! We deeply appreciate every gift you will give to the 2021 Camp Comeback Campaign, and we want to be sure you realize how much it is needed. Almost all groups cancelled again this Spring due to COVID restrictions and concerns. Summer camp will operate at ½ of our normal capacity this summer. We will need to bring additional staff back on for the summer, but our revenue will be much less than normal. Outdoor canopies will need to be purchased so groups can spread out, food service operations will be more costly in providing meals differently, more equipment will be required, etc. Families where parents have been furloughed or lost jobs will need scholarship help from all of us who can give. Together we can reach the $100,000 goal for 2021.

Give Online: www.susumcamps.org and click on the donate button in the upper right corner. 

Donate by Check: Make payable to “The Susquehanna Conference UMC” and on the description line indicate Camp and Retreat Ministry. Send to: SUS Camp and Retreat Ministry, 303 Mulberry Drive, Mechanicsburg, PA 17050.

Thank you Everyone! We cherish being in ministry with you!