news article
A new season at Casowasco
January 21, 2026 / By Rev. Colin Kerr-Carpenter, Casowasco Camp & Retreat Center Interim Site Director / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Casowasco Camp & Retreat Center is working toward reopening on April 1, 2026. In 2025, Casowasco shut down operations with the purpose of creating a new ministry plan to ensure a bright future for the site. Throughout this past year the Casowasco Discernment Team has worked hard on a ministry plan for reopening and creating a sustainable future for Camp & Retreat Center. On November 15, 2025, the Upper New York Conference Leadership Team (CLT) officially approved this plan.
The first phase of our reopening plan will focus on attracting guest groups, both church-related and non-profit organizations, for retreats and events. The other part of our plan includes site-sponsored events such as Camp Echo, our retreat for children and youth over the New Year holiday.
Casowasco will offer discounted rates to groups for their retreats. These can be overnight or day long retreats. Click here to learn more about our discounted rates and to make a booking inquiry.
Casowasco is aware local churches might need certain resources to help them plan their retreats. I served as a pastor for churches in New York and in California and can come alongside churches—both in helping churches plan their retreats and to help lead retreats in such areas as local church leadership development.
Our reopening plan leans heavily on volunteers to help at the site. We seek volunteers of all ages and skill levels. We have opportunities for those skilled in plumbing and electrical work. We especially need volunteers for cleanup, painting, and organizing various spaces around the site.
For more information on volunteering or planning a church retreat, please contact the Rev. Colin Kerr-Carpenter, Interim Site Director at colinkerrcarpenter@unyumc.org.
Casowasco has been a part of the Upper New York Conference for almost 80 years. It will be through the gifts, the prayers, and the presence of United Methodists and others that Casowasco will continue to thrive and be part of Christ’s presence in the world.