Outdoor and Retreat Ministries
Nurturing Disciples, Transforming Lives!
July/August 2009

Also in this newsletter: Ministry Jubilee   Shirt Photo   Supporting the Ministry

Core Foundations of Camp and Retreat Ministry

United Methodist camp and retreat leaders across the United States have committed ourselves to seven core foundations that undergird our ministry. These values emerged from several grass roots gatherings, with broad and inclusive discussion throughout our United Methodist camp and retreat leaders’ network. There is wide agreement through United Methodist camping that these are important aspects of our ministry that we will seek to implement in an intentional way. This powerful statement of shared values has inspired us, and we would like to share them with you. The seven foundations (not in order of priority) are:

• Nurturing Faith and Discipleship
• Providing Intentional Places Apart:  Sabbath, Silence, Solitude, and Prayer
• Developing Christian Spiritual Leaders
• Extending Genuine Christian Hospitality and Community
• Collaborating with United Methodist Churches and Agencies
• Teaching Creation Care and Appreciation
• Equipping Guests to do Love and Justice

In each newsletter, we will share how we are implementing one of these foundations. This time we focus on “Teaching Creation Care and Appreciation”

Teaching Creation Care and Appreciation

 The location of United Methodist camps and retreat centers within beautiful natural environments is no accident.  The church wants people to engage with God’s creation because the natural world speaks of the Creator. Multitudes of individuals sense God’s presence afresh, while in the midst of nature. Faith communities have discovered time and time again that the natural world is a powerful avenue of God’s self-revelation. All creatures are loved by God, and the diversity of species is precious. Nature sustains us, revives us, stirs a sense of awe, and reveals insights into the meaning of life because its source is God. It is crucial today to resist and prevent the rapid destruction of the natural world, which is happening on a large scale across the planet. Camp and retreat ministry, at its best, encourages and models practices that reduce consumption, recycle products, and reuse items, in order to educate and stir people to live more simply so that other creatures and their environments are not destroyed. All this is part of Christian faith and living.  People can learn about and observe conservation techniques and participate in practices that can then be implemented back home within business and personal lives.

We Practice Being Green at Lake Huron Retreat Center 

           Staff and guests at Lake Huron Retreat Center have the opportunity on a regular basis to practice ways of supporting the environment and caring for our Earth. A bulletin board is located in the lobby of Littleton Lodge that gives several ways we’re being environmentally consciousness. Here are just a few of things we’re implementing at the retreat center.
            First, we encourage the simple practice of turning out lights when one leaves a meeting room or guest room. All bulbs in lamps have been changed over to the new energy efficient bulbs and we encourage guests to use those lights in the common areas as opposed to the larger, overhead lights.

Home in the Woods

    Our 2008 T-shirt read “CAMP KINAWIND – Our Home in the Woods”.  There is a double meaning there.  You see – a “Home in the Woods” is an integral part of our program model.  Each group builds one. It usually includes a shelter, a table, a fire ring, and possibly other conveniences for rustic camping. Such a home is a place for cookouts, devotions, evening campfires, games, and other camp activities.

As Stewards of God’s Creation We Look to Lead

   Myers Lake is your place set apart for great family fun! However, Myers Lake Campground is more than your typical RV Park or Campground. As a United Methodist Camp we lift up seven core foundations as principles to guide our ministry. Over the last several newsletters you have read in detail about a few of these foundations and in this newsletter we are excited to share how we are currently teaching creation care and appreciation to our guests this summer. As stewards of God’s creation we look to lead by example in our day to day decisions as well as offering teachable moments to our guests.

     Did you know that Myers Lake is currently working with three different Boy Scouts who are planning their Eagle projects here at Myers Lake as they pursue the highest rank a boy can achieve through scouting? In working with these young men, Myers Lake seeks to assist in developing leadership skills through the effective implementation of planning, funding, and finishing their project. All three projects will have a direct effect on our campers and model good stewardship of our natural surroundings. Project one is a handicapped accessible entry way to the beach and waterfront which is being planned by Alex Husted of Troop 212 in Fenton, Michigan. In addition to offering accessibility and function to the beachfront, Alex will be eliminating some erosion problems caused by the excessive foot and bike traffic to the beach. Project two is a accessible fishing dock for campers which Adam Dietz of Troop 212 in Fenton, Michigan is heading up.  Besides being a safe and comfortable place to fish for all Adam believes his project will protect the natural shoreline habitat that campers often trample while finding a good fishing spot. The third project is to identify trees, shrubs, and natural habitat found along the nature path and to develop a self guided tour of the beauty found here at Myers Lake along with key points on the plants importance to it’s ecosystem. This project is being planned by Tyler Wells who is both a boy scout in Troop 212 but also a seasonal summer staff person from Fenton Michigan.
    Did you know that Myers Lake has been recognized by Trailer Life Directories for its efforts to be a “green” RV Park? With a special designation in the 2010 directory Myers Lake will be highlighted for its efforts to implement energy saving practices. Having met the standards for this distinction, Myers Lake continues to find new ways to be a good steward of our resources and to model these ideas to our guests. From fluorescent light bulbs, to motion activated lighting and plumbing, purchasing and utilizing recycled paper products, timers on ventilation systems, and properly disposing of electronics, light bulbs, and paint, we seek to be an example and more importantly protect the beauty and natural surroundings of Myers Lake as they are constantly telling the glory of God to our guests. It is our hope that by working with Eagle Scouts and modeling good stewardship and ecological practices, we will inspire others to do the same when they leave Myers Lake and we will be effective in taking care of our piece of God’s glorious creation.

God's Creation All Around Us
   Something was distracting the campers and staff. I could hear the whispers, the eyes darting around trying to see what everyone else was seeing behind me during worship one evening. What could be seen as an interruption to our evening program was quickly becoming the center of attention.  While we were all gathered at the campfire by the lake and camp was quiet, a deer was walking through the field eating its dinner at dusk.
   We stopped what we were doing and just watched her as she walked and nibbled. It’s amazing to see the fascination on the camper’s faces.  We took a moment and spent time thanking God for that moment of delight. Our theme for the day was Jesus shows compassion and during our discussion the topic quickly transferred to how many different ways compassion could be related to our friendly visitor.

God’s Treasures Camp – Truly a “Treasured” Experience
     For two weeks each summer, Lake Huron Retreat Center becomes a very special location for nearly 70 adults with special needs.  God’s Treasures Camp is held twice – a session in June and a session in July.  Nearly 30 volunteers come and serve in the area of counselors, crafts, music, drama and recreation – many of them love the program so much they come for both sessions. Many campers have been coming for well over 10 years. It is a time filled with rich experiences of Bible study, worship, fellowship and love. Each camper has an extravagant gift of love to share with one another and with the staff. Their enthusiasm for each element of a camp day is unlike anything one experiences in the normal routine of life. Money received through Ministry Jubilee supports the program by providing resources for craft supplies, musical instruments such as tambourines and wood sticks, supplies for Bible story time and much more! 
       We’re always looking for men and women interested in serving on the leadership team for God’s Treasures Camp. Interested people can contact the Director of the center – Reverend Ann Emerson at 810-327-6272.
       Please note that MJ 1353 also supports Acorn Camp held at Widewater Retreat Center and Summer Fun held at Judson Collins Center. Thank you for your support of these life-changing programs!

Your camp shirt, that is! We want to see photos of you wearing your camp shirt. Send us a photo of you in your camp shirt from Camp Kinawind, Judson Collins Center, Lake Huron Retreat Center, Acorn Camp or Myers Lake. You could be at an interesting vacation spot, working on a service project, or hanging out with friends you met at camp. All submissions with a correctly completed entry form will be posted on our website. Photos with inappropriate content will not be posted. The most interesting submissions will be placed in our newsletter.
Enter your camp shirt photo; for contest rules and form go to http://umccamps.org/shirtcontest.htm

Supporting the Camp and Retreat Ministry  

How can you support Outdoor and Retreat Ministries? 

Visit www.umccamps.org and click on “Support Our Ministry” There you will find: 

• On-Line Donations! You can make an on-line donation at www.umccamps.org
   

• Wish lists for each camp site. You can see what items camps would like, or a dollar amount for each item if you wish to donate financially toward a specific item.
   

•  Ministry Jubilee programs. Your church will receive credit from the Detroit Conference if a donation is made through Ministry Jubilee. The website lists the 19 programs offered by ORM in the Ministry Jubilee booklet and tells how donations will be used.
   

•  Volunteering Opportunities. The website lists the opportunities available at each camp site.

 Other ways to support Outdoor and Retreat Ministries:

• Use Goodsearch. When you use the Goodsearch engine for your internet searches you can designate Outdoor and Retreat Ministries to receive donations.  Go to http://www.goodsearch.com.
   

• Attend one of our programs!  For a full listing of events go to www.umccamps.org.
   

• Prayer. Support camp and retreat ministries with your prayers as we endeavor to nurture disciples and transform lives!
   

•  Major gifts.  Did you know...

o        that you can make a planned gift or estate gift to camp and retreat ministries?

o        that good things would result from a gift?

o        that assistance in gift planning is available?

For more information, contact:
Jan Thomas, Director, Outdoor & Retreat Ministries
800-334-0544 or
jthomas@umccamps.org