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    United Methodists of Upper New YorkLiving the Gospel. Being God's Love.


    news article

    Celebrating and continuing to support UNY’s Camp & Retreat Ministries

    March 14, 2023 / By Rev. Dr. Aaron Bouwens, Director of Missional Excellence

    Transforming lives! That is the heartbeat and purpose of the Camp & Retreat Ministries (CRM) of the Upper New York (UNY) Conference. This mission is carried out at the five Camp & Retreat Centers found across the Conference. Like local churches, the impact of COVID-19 has prompted CRM to be innovative and inspired them to be more creative in living out their mission. Additionally, like local congregations, CRM has had to manage the ongoing operating cost while seeing lower revenue. On top of that, sites have experienced natural disasters, as well as the increase expense of property maintenance impacted by supply chain issues and inflation. Yet in 2022, CRM made history; for the first time since the start of the UNY Conference, CRM finished the year with a small financial surplus.

    “Although the year of 2022 saw much turmoil, the Upper New York Conference experienced a shining light. The Camp & Retreat ministries of Upper New York have never operated at a surplus in the first 12 years since our four predecessor Conferences merged. In 2022, our camping ministries endured the extended pandemic by expanding ministry services, building a fundraising base, and managing expenses. Through this process, our Camp & Retreat Centers were able for the first time in our Conference’s history, to operate at a surplus. I thank the camping staff for all their hard work and I look forward to what The Lord has in store for the future,” said Bob Flask, the UNY Treasurer.

    Through the hard work of staff, cost savings were pursued; fundraising activities were engaged; and slowly people have begun to engage in the ministries of the sites once again. The challenges of managing the ministry and properties of CRM have some similarity to that of a local congregation; however, there is a significant difference in scale compared to most congregations. CRM sites have far more property and building issues than the average congregation and there are many more staff members needed to serve the mission. With all of those factors, the leadership and management of CRM managed to end the year with a positive ledger.

    We are blessed with the Rev. Pam Harris as our Interim Executive Director of Camp & Retreat Ministries. Prior to accepting this role, Rev. Harris consulted with the UNY CRM team for many years. Much of the success of  CRM this past year can be attributed to Rev. Harris’ outstanding leadership.

    Finishing the year with a surplus is a reason to celebrate, as long as during the celebration there is recognition of the need to continue to support and invest in this vital ministry of the Upper New York Conference. As the celebration of a surplus is ongoing, the realization of the significant work needed to be done in the ministry should not be minimized. Each of the sites has significant building concerns they are caring for; several positions remain unfilled; and supplies continue to cost more than in previous years.

    “This is a significant milestone for CRM. The generosity of many donors has been key to this accomplishment, as well as the hard work of the staff. We have developed new tools for managing the budget that will continue to serve CRM well. Our goal is to realize both missional viability and financial sustainability for our sites. The UNY Conference is truly blessed with exceptional sites. Camp & Retreat Ministry is truly an essential part of the Church that God is calling us to be.,” said Rev. Harris.

    Much great work has been done; much great work is still to be done, and together we, the people of God, can keep this mission moving forward in the vision God is inviting us all to. Together we can reach toward living the Gospel of Jesus Christ and being God’s love with our neighbors in all places.

    Help keep the success of UNY’s Camp & Retreat ministries continuing. Summer camp is around the corner—encourage parents to register their kids by clicking here. You can find volunteering and staff opportunities here. Don’t forget that many sites like Asbury Retreat Center offer year-round events and retreats. Donations to our Camp & Retreat Ministries are always welcomed by clicking here.


    With more than 100,000 members, United Methodists of Upper New York comprises of more than 675 local churches and New Faith Communities in 12 districts, covering 48,000 square miles in 49 of the 62 counties in New York state. Our vision is to “live the Gospel of Jesus Christ and to be God’s love with our neighbors in all places."