news article
Casowasco Discern & Design Summit update
August 5, 2025 / By Casowasco Discernment Team / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
On July 18-19, a group of leaders, alumni, and supporters gathered at Casowasco Camp & Retreat Center for a Discern & Design Summit. Guided by consultants Scott Pontier and Heather Kenny from Ministry Incubators, the goal wasn’t to solve every problem—but to listen and imagine what a renewed future for Casowasco could look like.
The summit was designed to celebrate Casowasco’s legacy, understand the financial, structural, and operational realities of the camp as well as explore new ideas for ministry. Above all, the goal was to discern God’s guidance for Casowasco’s next chapter and identify practical next steps that can lead to real momentum.
What We Did
Over two days, we moved through a rhythm of listening, reflecting, imagining, and planning.
We started Friday evening by reflecting on what God might be saying in this season. We acknowledged the emotional weight many carry for this place and explored key findings from recent surveys and listening sessions. Saturday morning, drawing on research from other camps and creative ministry models, we generated over 100 ideas—everything from financial strategies to new programming concepts to staffing shifts.
By midday Saturday, the group narrowed the field, identifying the most appropriate ideas—those that felt both possible and feasible as next steps. These were workshopped into concrete, actionable game plans that will be utilized as we take the next steps.
As we closed, members of the group took on some next steps and committed to working a two-month process to begin implementing the game plans.
In addition, the team met on Saturday, July 26 to clarify the purpose for this season of Casowasco and the values with which this season will be approached:
Our purpose in the next season: We are dedicated to shaping a sustainable future for Casowasco, building on its legacy as a place where all are invited to experience peace, purpose, and hope—whether called to Christ or simply seeking a welcoming, supportive community.
Below are the values that anchor us in this work—intentional commitments that will help Casowasco rediscover its purpose and inspire the next chapter. They are not meant as a permanent statement of Casowasco’s identity, but the commitments we believe are essential for this season as we help the camp move forward.
- Radical Hospitality: As Christ welcomed outsiders, we set a place at the table for everyone to feel heard, valued, and at home.
- Sacred Sanctuary: As Christ created space for trust and healing, we nurture Casawasco as holy ground and a natural sanctuary for every person.
- Transparent Accountability: As Christ modeled honesty and openness, we build trust by holding ourselves to transparent and accountable standards.
What’s Next?
The summit didn’t produce a single “silver bullet.” Instead, it clarified a shared calling: to revitalize, not retire, Casowasco with strategic next steps. The team is starting to see the next chapter take shape as it addresses some foundational issues for health.
Over the next eight weeks, task teams will develop and begin executing game plans for:
- Staffing and leadership strategy: A staffing strategy is created that considers the new program offerings, on-site events, and year-round needs of Casowasco. This includes exploring hybrid staffing models with volunteers and paid staff as well as exploring creating separate site director and program director roles.
- Capital repairs and site use: A multi-year capital repair plan is developed, outlining projected repairs, costs, and funding strategies. This includes specifically identifying the spaces that can be used now and next.
- A refreshed summer programming model: The session schedule and program curricula are refreshed to better meet the needs of today’s families.
- Donor engagement and communication: In partnership with the Friends of Casowasco, past donors, churches, and constituents will be individually contacted to enthusiastically invite them back to Casowasco so that relationships are strengthened, and support for the camp grows. In addition, strategic development of an expanded donor base will occur accompanied by intentional practices to maintain relationships with all donors.
- Expanded retreat and facility offerings: Exploration into year-round opportunities will include partnering with the local community and developing new categories of guest groups so that revenue streams are diversified.
Again, none of these will, by itself, prove to be a quick fix, but will instead build a solid foundation for what’s to come.
One of the team’s goals was to engage others in the process—nothing is happening without transparency and invitation. With this in mind, the team invites you to join them by:
- Praying for wisdom, courage, and unity in this phase
- Donating to support immediate capital or program needs
- Sharing the impact of this work with those who support Casowasco
- Offering your skills, time, or input to one of the project teams
Casowasco’s story isn’t finished. Together, we’re writing the next chapter—with faith, imagination, and the belief that God is not done with this Holy ground.