2023 UMCRM Annual Impact Report : simplebooklet.com

Note from the DirectorNote from the Board Chair Reflecting on 2023, our journey was a delightful blend of inspiration and growth. Weembarked on some truly exciting projects, such as the second round of Ministry Impact Grants andthe expansion of Intentional Leadership Groups, both serving as highlights of the year and bringingabout positive change. Another standout moment was the 2023 National Gathering, featuring livelyworkshops and fantastic speakers. This event continued to nourish our culture of collectivelearning and unity. In-person events like Compass Points classes and the Conference Staff Summit, coupled withonline opportunities like Intentional Leadership Groups and Community Conversations, deepenedour community ties. All that 2023 offered was made possible by the incredible support flowing from our communitythroughout the year. Volunteerism saw a notable increase, and the community's generous financialsupport surpassed expectations. Your active participation empowers us to enhance support for allcamp and retreat leaders. Stepping into 2024, let's carry the warmth and inspiration from our journey forward. Yourunwavering dedication and resilience illuminate our path, and I'm genuinely excited to see theextraordinary destinations our shared inspiration will lead us to next.The LORD is my light and my salvation – whom shall I fear?The LORD is the stronghold of my life – of whom shall I be afraid? Psalm 27:1 Being from the coast of North Carolina, I am keenly aware of and enthusiastic aboutlighthouses. Our state has seven of them that line the coastal waters that, for years, protected thesailors and mariners of the Atlantic. Their beacons have been recognized for decades as a symbolof safety and protection and illumination. Lighthouses have come to be an earthy example of a spiritual principle. The strength andpowerful effects of lighthouses are often likened to the ever-present “light of the world,” JesusChrist. We look for the light. We move towards the light. We embrace the light. Similarly, I think of the United Methodist Camp & Retreat Ministries Association (UMCRM) as alight to our world of ministry – including all the joys and successes as well as the challenges andhardships. As our own professional beacon, UMCRM provides incredible resources, advocates withand for us; it inspires us through the “darkness” of our challenges and strengthens our bondsthrough networking opportunities each year. It is but one of the many lights that partners witheach of our camp and retreat centers. Lighthouses are towers with bright beacons of light atop the tall structures. Similarly, UMCRMmembers and staff stand atop the tall and broad shoulders of our predecessors who created andshaped this amazingly formidable and resilient Association for none other than YOU. As we lookbehind us at all that we have achieved together, we also look ahead to 2024 and beyond,positioning UMCRM to be a towering influence of strength, power, and brilliance to all those we serve. I am grateful for our transformational history and look forward to the light of tomorrow for us all.Reflectionson 2023Jessica GamachéDail Ballard

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About Our CommunityCommitted to the mission of The United Methodist Church (“making disciples of Jesus Christ for thetransformation of the world”), the UMCRM Association resources, advocates, inspires, and networks toenhance the effectiveness and sustainability of United Methodist Camp and Retreat Ministries.519LEADERS179CAMP/RETREATMINISTRIES50ANNUALCONFERENCES17BUSINESSAFFILIATES124 VolunteersSHAPED 18+ PROJECTS AND INITIATIVESLegacy of LeadershipAward RecipientsUMCRM honors with the Legacy of LeadershipAward those who especially embody ourcommunity’s heritage of servant leadership. The2023 award was presented at the January NationalGathering event. This year's recipients are:Anne HortonAndrew Thornton

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Our weekly e-newsletter continues to be the centerpiece of UMCRM's ministry.This newsletter is key in distributing and communicating the resources and educationalopportunities that our network provides to camp and retreat leaders. In 2023, S'more Mail reachednearly 1,300 subscribers weekly, with an open rate above 50% (even in the summer months). The most clicked items last year included anything related to the Ministry Impact Grant or the National Gathering. Other popular items were:“Results - Outcomes - Impact” article by Dail Ballard“We Don’t Rent Our Sites” article by Lisa Jean HoefnerThe Job BoardThe Clergy Retreat Guide2023 Community Accomplishments232 ATTENDEES & 19 VENDORS We were delighted to secure a second round of this year!These grants are provided by a family foundation and managed by UMCRM. Selected grant projectsare focused on making small steps that will lead to long-term ministry impact. This year we received 107 applications from our community. Sixty-eight proposals were funded, totaling $1,773,802. Projects included initiatives in consulting, marketing, recreation equipment,building upgrades, septic system repairs, and more. Each project addresses a need that wascreating a barrier to long-term ministry impact.National GatheringSpecial Guests included Rev. Dr. Joy Moore, Casey Fuerst, andThe Geechee Gullah Ring ShoutersThis year also featured workshop tracks in Retreat Ministry,Professional Development, Faith Formation, Personal Growthand Self-care, and DEIMINISTRY IMPACT GRANTSS'MORE MAIL Through an exciting partnership with the Presbyterian Church Camp & Conference Association,ONLINE RESOURCE LIBRARYS'more Mailcelebrated its 10thyear and 500thS'more-Mail-versarythis fall.UMCRM has launched a new which our members can accessthrough their membership portal or by going directly to CampSource.org. This newest version of ouronline resource library is loaded with high-quality policy and procedure templates, job description examples, marketing ideas, and so much more.

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, lovingly called “ILGs,” continue to be a platformfor our camp and retreat leaders to connect and support one another between in-person events.These groups meet online monthly and are based on timely discussion topics.Ten groups are meeting during the 2023-24 season. Group topics include:Nonprofit Management, Summer Staffing Strategies, Women in Leadership,Balancing Family & Ministry, Creation Justice, and Disciple Bible Study.68ILGPARTICIPANTS(some in morethan 1 group)INTENTIONAL LEADERSHIP GROUPSUMCRM is committed to providing our members and supporters withup-to-date empirical data on both the health and impact of UnitedMethodist camp and retreat ministries.In early 2023, we were able to distribute valuable findings from twoRESEARCH REPORTSdifferent . First, theEffective Camp Research Project Report pulls datafrom over 4,000 surveyed campers at 25 United Methodist camps across the country. This studyfound that UMCRM campers showed clear, consistent, and significant growth in multiple desiredoutcomes of camp, including self-confidence, social skills, leadership, appreciation and regard forothers, and the understanding that faith is relevant to their lives. Additionally, the post-camp surveydemonstrated that much of the growth exhibited during a UMCRM camp experience was maintainedmonths after returning home. In particular, campers showed ongoing positive outcomes related toself-confidence and faith relevance. Camp ministry leaders are now able to apply these findings tostrengthen their approach to sharing the story of camp with supporters and communities.
UMCRM's, re-envisioned in 2023, engaged eightorganizations in expanding the skills and knowledge of their volunteer counselors and deans.Adapted from the 2021 and 2022 Camp Volunteer Masterclass, this new organization-focusedformat gave camp directors autonomy to distribute the training materials in a way that worked bestfor them. Most organizations incorporated the training materials to enhance existing onsiteeducation for volunteers.CAMP VOLUNTEER TRAINING SUITE UMCRM's online, topic-basedhave brought incredible value to our network over the past severalyears. Held every other Monday, attendance at the 2023 CommunityConversations totaled 224 participants over 15 sessions. The spring and fallseasons brought a variety of topics including facilities management, grantwriting, planning for climate disruptions, A.I., and partnering with other localcamps and organizations.COMMUNITY CONVERSATIONS123MembersATTENDED ONE ORMORE COMMUNITYCONVERSATIONSThe second research report, the OMC Director Survey, was produced inpartnership with five sister denominations’ camping associations. The resultsfrom this survey build on data from five preceding surveys over a nine yearspan. In this report we are able to observe trends in the operational health ofUnited Methodist camp and retreat ministries compared to otherdenominational camping organizations. In general, there were clear signs ofrecovery from the lows of the COVID-19 pandemic. Summer camp numbers andretreat/conference numbers showed strong rebounds in comparison to 2021enrollment, though summer camp numbers remained lower than 2019.Responding camps indicated a collective 34% increase in summer campenrollment from 2021 to 2022.

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U M C R M G O V E R N A N C EThe UMCRM Board of Directors strives to ensure that the Association fulfills itsgoals by addressing these outcomes:The people of The United Methodist Church will be well-served by effective leadersof camp and retreat ministries, at a cost of leadership development willingly borneby members of the Association.L E A D E R S H I PS U S T A I N A B I L I T YM I S S I O N A L E F F E C T I V E N E S S Association members will exhibit strengths of transformative leadership.Camp and Retreat Ministries will be operated sustainably.Camp and Retreat Ministries will be missionally effective.B O A R DM E M B E R SChair - Dail Ballard, Class of 2025Vice-Chair - Jeff Parsons, NCJ, Class of 2026Treasurer - Brant Henshaw, Class of 2025Secretary (Q1&2) - Sarah Ratz, SEJ, Class of 2024Secretary (Q3&4) - Sam Richardson, NEJ, Class of 2025B O A R DD E V E L O P M E N TC O M M I T T E EChair - David Berkey, Class of 2024Apryl Miller, Class of 2024Scott Gilpin, Class of 2025Kirstin Shrom-Rhoads, Class of 2025Mike Huber, Class of 2026Arthur Spriggs, Class of 2026Vickie Lawson, Class of 2026Martha Pierce, Class of 2024Josh Shaw, Class of 2024Bishop Pete Weaver, Class of 2026Mitzie Schafer, Class of 2027Patrick Roscoe, SCJ, Class of 2027

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Association Financial Health$302.1KTOTAL INCOME*$302.1KTOTAL EXPENSESEvents44.4%Grants**26.5%Contributions24.5%2 0 2 3I N C O M E S O U R C E S* T o t a l i n c o m e i n c l u d e s $ 8 , 6 1 7 o f e a r n e d i n t e r e s ti n c o m e t r a n s f e r r e d f r o m t h e O p e r a t i o n a l R e s o u r c e sI n v e s t m e n t F u n d .* * W e c o n t i n u e t o b e b l e s s e d b y t h e g e n e r o s i t y o f a n a n o n y m o u s f a m i l y f o u n d a t i o nw h o s e g r a n t p a r t i a l l y f u n d s t h e f u l l - t i m e D i r e c t o r p o s i t i o n f o r U M C R M t h r o u g h 2 0 2 4 .Note from the Treasurer I'm pleased to report a positive transformation in UMCRM's financial performance this year. Thechallenges of 2022 stemming from the enduring impact of the pandemic and economicuncertainties no longer posed significant impediments to our ministry. Instead, we navigatedthrough the year with financial prudence and strategic resilience. Reflecting on the pivotal decisions made in 2022 to expand our services even amidst financialchallenges, I'm pleased to announce the tangible outcomes of those strategic choices. The greatturnout in attendance at our 2023 National Gathering, coupled with an impressive 56% increase indonor contributions, has strengthened the financial foundations of UMCRM. While uncertainties persist, the optimistic trajectory we find ourselves on coming out of2023 is a testament to the value and impact that UMCRM is making on our community of leaders.The National Gathering and the substantial growth in donor support have not only reinstated ourfinancial equilibrium but have paved the way for sustained growth.I extend my appreciation to each member of our UMCRM for your enduring support. Together, wehave demonstrated faith, tackled challenges, and laid the groundwork for a financially thrivingassociation.Brant Henshaw

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020,000 40,000 60,000 80,0002020202120222023G I V I N G S U M M A R Y$74,0382023 DONATION TOTALGOAL FOR 2024 - $100,000Donation amounts by year As an association supported by members and organizations, the board spent this year deepening ourown fundraising efforts. We set an audacious goal to grow giving from $45K to $75K. We beganimplementing some additional best practices around storytelling, informing, inspiring, asking, andthanking. Camp friends, you responded! We are pleased to share that we raised $74,038; an increase of$27,043 over last year's giving. Thank you for your generosity which is a witness to the value you place onthis ministry we share. In 2022, we raised $9,980 from individuals, and this year, we raised $30,604!! Fromorganizations last year, we raised $37,015, and this year, we raised $43,433. With this generous increase incontributions, we've significantly enhanced our assistance to camp and retreat leaders on multiplefronts. In 2023, our efforts have led to a substantial increase in resources available to our members,thanks to a fruitful collaboration with the Presbyterian Camp and Conference Association. Theculmination of this collaboration is the establishment of an extensive online resource library,conveniently accessible at CampSource.org. Beyond downloadable resources, we were able tointentionally expand dedicated staff hours, enabling us to offer more tailored one-on-one support tocamp and retreat Executives and Directors. Additionally, we're excited to share that we were able toconduct a comprehensive Salary & Compensation Survey at the end of 2023; those results will beavailable by February. Thank you to all who engaged in new ways with our association over the past year.Mitzie SchaferINDIVIDUAL DONORS:Seventy individuals donated $30,958 to UMCRM in 202370$30,958ORGANIZATIONAL DONORS:Fifty-one camp and retreat organizationsdonated $45,483 to UMCRM in 202351$45,483L E G A C Y O F L E A D E R S H I P F U N DBalance Č152672Amount awarded in 2023 ± Č4350 to 12 recipientsS O L O M O N C R A M E R G R A N T A W A R D SAmount awarded in 2023 ± Č34000 to 10 organizationsO P E R A T I O N A L R E S O U R C E S I N V E S T M E N T F U N DBalance Č219486

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Thank you to all of the incredible donors who have made it possiblefor UMCRM to resource, advocate, inspire, and network the amazingUnited Methodist camp and retreat leaders across the country.Organizational Donors by giving level:Heritage Circle (>.2% of annual operating budget)Camp TekoaFlorida ConferenceNew England CRMNorth Georgia Camp & Retreat MinistriesSustainers’ Circle (.15% - .2%)Camp TanakoHolston Conference CRMIowa ConferenceJumonvilleLake JunaluskaNC UM Camp & Retreat Ministries, Inc.Oregon Idaho CRMPacific Northwest Conference CRMQuinipet Camp & Retreat CenterUpper New York CRMSupporters’ Circle (.1% - .15%)Bay Shore CampCamp ChippewaCamp HorizonCamp IstroumaCamp LouconDesert Southwest ConferenceGlen Lake CampMinnesota and Dakotas CRMNorthern Illinois ConferencePecometh Camp & Retreat CenterPocono PlateauSouth Carolina CRMSusquehannaWisconsin Board of CRMContributors’ Circle (<.1%)Lakeshore Camp & Retreat CenterBeersheba Springs AssemblyBlue Lake CampCamp AlleghenyCamp WrightwoodCedar GlenColby Camp and Retreat CenterEast Ohio CampsEpworth by the SeaGreat Plains CRMGretna Glen Camp & Retreat CenterHinton Rural Life CenterILGR East BayILGR Little GrassyLazy W. Camp and Retreat CenterMichigan Area CampingMount EagleMountain T.O.P.Olmsted ManorWesley ForestWest Ohio ConferenceWestern PA Conference

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Contributing Donor ($1-$249)Jenna AmbergeShirlee BeasleyDon BerkeyJen BurchDave BurfeindTom CarterGene HaningLeslie HobsonJenna JohnsonLaura LambAugie LankfordJulie LauttBrenda LintKate MettsContreda NavarroPatricia ParfettRandy PasquaJane & Daniel PetkeEthan PorterKelley PriceSue RussellDaniel SchallDave&Sharron ScharJacob SorensonDennis TawneyJanet ThomasKathleen TrotterMegan WestonWhitney WinstonCora YoderSupporting Donor ($250-$499)Todd BartlettKaren BolinJeff CaseyKayla HardageLu HardingPam HarrisRoss JanovecJeff ParsonsMartha PierceWilliam (Russ) PolsgroveSarah RatzSamuel RichardsonPatrick RoscoeElizabeth SchuesslerArthur SpriggsCommunity UMCMatthew Williams

2023 UMCRM Annual Impact Report

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