news article
Moving forward at Casowasco
June 23, 2025 / By Casowasco Discernment Team / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
During this sabbatical season at Casowasco Camp & Retreat Center, we’re reminded of the vital importance of rest. Jesus invites us in Matthew 11:28–29: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest… and you will find rest for your souls. Though this pause hasn’t always been easy, it has given Casowasco the needed space to lie fallow—preparing the way for future renewal and revitalization.
God is still at work at Casowasco even in this season without campers and guests. We’re grateful for the many volunteers who are generously sharing their time and talents to care for this sacred space. From mowing lawns and clearing brush to tidying up beloved areas like the Courtyard of Churches near Emmaus Commons—every act of service is a blessing.
Interim Site Director, the Rev. Colin Kerr-Carpenter, is the sole staff member in charge of helping maintain the site. On any given day you will find him out on the site doing everything from mowing and weeding to performing building repairs around the site. Part of his work has been to address the “big ticket” items like addressing damage to the drainage system that occurred in 2021 and 2022.
All of this is good work—and God’s work! The most exciting news from Casowasco is the launch of our partnership with Ministry Incubators. Our consultants are guiding us in creating a strategic plan to ensure the site’s long-term sustainability. They’ve begun by hosting listening sessions with selected stakeholders to gather a wide range of ideas and dreams for Casowasco’s future. At the same time, they’re conducting an in-depth review of our program history, finances, and the current state of our buildings and infrastructure. This thorough research will be compiled into a comprehensive report, which our Casowasco Discernment Team will receive in July.
Casowasco continues to be a place of unmatched beauty on Owasco Lake. The echoes of children, youth, and adults who found the presence of God’s spirit in their lives is evident throughout the site. If you or your church would like to volunteer at Casowasco, please contact Rev. Kerr-Carpenter at colinkerrcarpenter@unyumc.org to schedule or you can donate by clicking here.