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THE LEAF FEBRUARY 2024 1THE LEAFI SS U E 6 • F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 4SHARED IMPACT STORIES FROM UMCRMScan to switch toreceiving a digital copyof The LeafNavigating LeadershipSHEA JAMES'S STORYWhen Rev. Shea James’s role was created in 2016 to support Youth & Camping Ministries in theWest Virginia Annual Conference, she felt fortunate to inherit an existing positive connectionwith the UMCRM Association. She had been involved in camp as a volunteer in the KentuckyConference, but, new to this Exec role, she found deep value in connecting with her peers inother conferences who brought a depth of knowledge and broad experience. Sheaacknowledges, "Without UMCRM, I would have just been making it up." Fortunately, UMCRMprovided her with strategic guidance, sample documents, diverse ministry models, and,crucially, a network of knowledgeable individuals who understood the Executive Director rolefirsthand. Working alongside passionate leaders in camp ministry, Shea felt supported andencouraged to succeed.It was during the COVID pandemic, however, that the value of theUMCRM Association’s resources and support were, as Shea says, “tentimes proven.” In the uncharted territory of that time, being connectedto other leaders grappling with similar challenges and uncertaintieswas invaluable. The Association offered timely resources andsupportive fellowship, making the challenges feel more manageable. Over the years, the UMCRM Association’s resources have been a sourceof inspiration and encouragement in various situations. Shea feltempowered to effectively communicate the impact of camp and retreatministry. The Association provided a broader perspective as shenavigated decisions regarding the potential sale of district camps.When a flooding event devastated nearby communities, a SolomonCramer Grant provided timely financial support so that camps couldrespond to the needs of local families.UMCRM has been instrumental in interpreting the value ofaccreditation through the American Camp Association, encouragingWest Virginia UMC camps to maintain accreditation by offering thespecial UMCRM member discount.

THE LEAF FEBRUARY 20242Joyfully UnleashedAUSTIN HADDEN'S STORYNavigating Leadership, continuedIn addition, the annual Execs Summit has been a vital platform for Shea to be renewed in ministry,learn, and strategize alongside like-minded leaders.Despite modest budgets, Shea and the WV Conference Camp & Retreat Ministries prioritize annualsupport for UMCRM. Shea emphasizes that UMCRM "fills a need that no other organization provides,"expressing gratitude for its resources, advocacy, inspiration, and, especially, the relationships with itssupportive network of peers-in-ministry. Through her journey, Shea's leadership has been profoundlyenriched by her interactions with UMCRM, embodying the transformative impact of robust resourcesand connection.An always-energetic kid, at camp Austin found himself joyfully unleashedin a place where his energy was welcomed and constant activity was thenorm. United Methodist camps have impacted Austin’s life since he was a6th grader unleashed at Warren Willis Camp in Florida.Austin thrived there for 8 summers and stayed on to pay it forward on the summer team. Warren WillisCamp was a constant in the life of a young adult who tried out 8 college majors before finally settling ona degree in Recreation, Tourism, and Events. A conversation with a college buddy led to swappingstories and finding a shared love for camp, which led Austin to join his friend for a new adventure at anawesome camp in North Carolina. At Tekoa it dawned on Austin that that special feeling that had kepthim coming back to Warren Willis Camp wasn’t only found in one place. The energetic fun, radicalacceptance, and love of Christ were a hallmark of other United Methodist camps, too. This marked the moment when Austin fully embraced the UMCRM community. Following atransformative stint as an environmental education intern at Camp Don Lee (NC), a fellow Methodistsite, Austin delved even further into the intersection of camping and faith leadership. There herecognized that serving as a Christian and bringing his whole self to the work would be a key piece toliving out his call. Eager to continue his journey, Austin turned once again to the UMCRM Job Board inthe autumn of 2021, embarking on a new chapter of learning and personal growth across the country asa dedicated staff member at Camp Indianola (WA).Now serving as Program Director at Mt. Shepherd in North Carolina (thanks again to the UMCRM JobBoard!) Austin reflects that the UMCRM Association has been a through-line tying his experiencestogether. The Association has helped him to build and maintain connections and stay grounded in faith.Now UMCRM gatherings feel like a family reunion as he reconnects with friends and mentors from allalong his vocational journey. He was amazed to realize when Mike Standifer, a childhood idol as the “bigboss” up front at Warren Willis Camp, became a colleague and friend! Association events and resourcescontinue to help Austin build collaboration and provide opportunities to develop as a leader. He ishonored to be a part of this community of deeply passionate leaders who invest in him and inspire himto keep unleashing that God-given energy as a leader to others.

THE LEAF FEBRUARY 20243The following year, Leslie's engagement with UMCRM deepened when she responded to a surveyabout inclusion of people with disabilities in camps. This led to an invitation to present at the 2011National Gathering at Lake Junaluska. At that time, Leslie was an Integration Specialist andCoordinator for “Camps Without Barriers” in the Minnesota Annual Conference. Leslie had beenserving as the volunteer dean of a camp program for people with disabilities since 1998, so broughta wealth of expertise to share with camp and retreat leaders at that Gathering. Little did she knowthen that 2016 would find her accepting the position of Director at Northern Pines Camp!Some might think that the UMCRM Association exists mainly toserve full-time camp ministry staff. Leslie Hobson’s story showshow it turned out to be a valuable resource for her as avolunteer and influenced her journey in ministry. Leslie was partof the UMCRM community for nearly a decade before shebecame a full-time Camp Director. Attending the National Camp& Retreat Leaders’ Gathering in 2009 while serving as the capitalcampaign fund manager for camps in her conference, Leslieattended every fundraising and finance workshop. To this day,she says she’s still using information she gleaned from thatevent. "Don't be afraid toask [for support]!"LESL IE HOBSONWider ReachLESLIE HOBSON'S STORYLeslie’s journey to becoming ordained as a Deaconess startedbecause of camp. She had been active in ministry as anIntegration Specialist and was feeling a nudge to pursue hercalling in ministry. As an exploring candidate she was asked,“do you feel called to ‘equip’ or ‘do’?” This question helped herto clarify her role as a “doer,” a natural fit for the order ofDeaconesses, who serve in ministries of justice, love, andservice. It was her hands-on ministry at camp that qualified asan “approvable appointment” for commissioning as aDeaconess. Reflecting on her journey, Leslie encourages camp leaders not to allow financial constraints tohinder participation in training opportunities. Through the years, she found support throughUMCRM's Legacy of Leadership scholarship fund for attending various events that have shaped hervocational path. “Don’t be afraid to ask!” she says. Leslie's story serves as a testament to the transformative power of community and support that UMCRM provides to leaders of all kinds. Who knows where the journey might lead?

THE LEAF FEBRUARY 2024www.umcrm.camp1550 Lenora DrivePittsburgh, PA 15237Scan to support themission of UMCRMIn this issue:JOYFULLY UNLEASHEDAustin Hadden's StoryPage 2WIDER REACHLeslie Hobson's StoryPage 3I am continually inspired by the profound impact our associationmakes on our members and the ministries we serve. From nurturingspiritual growth to fostering connections with one another, ournetwork provides a sanctuary of support and renewal for ministryleaders. The transformative experiences shared within ourassociation ripple outwards, shaping lives and strengthening faithacross the UM connection. Together, we embody the spirit ofcollaboration and encouragement, welcoming all who seek solidarityand inspiration in their journey of service.Our association stands as a beacon of hope and resilience, offering aunique platform for leaders to come together, share resources, andfind inspiration that cannot be found elsewhere. This issue of TheLeaf shares stories of how our collective efforts have created spaceswhere individuals have found inspiration and support in the midst ofchallenges and transitions. Note from the DirectorNAVIGATING LEADERSHIPShea James's StoryPage 1-2Jessica Gamaché