news article
New interim director at Casowasco
August 14, 2024 / By Shelby Winchell, UNY Director of Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
The Rev. Colin Kerr-Carpenter is the new interim director at Casowasco Camp & Retreat Center. He is a retired Elder in the California-Nevada Conference with ties to Upper New York.
“When Pam Harris approached me about serving at Casowasco, I was truly honored. I remembered all the life-changing events I was part of at this beautiful place. As I pondered the possibilities of working there, I felt a deep call to help further the blessed experiences that Casowasco provides,” explained Rev. Kerr-Carpenter.
Rev. Kerr-Carpenter began his ministry in 1985, serving United Methodists of Upper New York. He served several Upper New York churches, including Sauquoit Valley UMC, Cedar Lake UMC, Fayetteville UMC, North Mexico UMC, Philadelphia UMC, and Evan Mills UMC.
“My biggest joy was helping form the North Central New York Conference Council on Youth Ministry. In that role, I was blessed to work with many young people as well as helping plan retreats for youth, including a high school winter retreat at Casowasco.”
In 1996, Rev. Kerr-Carpenter was appointed to serve in the California-Nevada Conference as the Coordinator of Youth and Camping Ministries.
“In this role, I had oversight for camp programs throughout the conference. I helped train local church youth leaders and coordinated conference-wide youth events and retreats,” said Rev. Kerr-Carpenter.
“After serving in that position, I felt called to go back to the local church. I retired from active ministry in 2022 after having served the Walnut Creek United Methodist Church.”
Rev. Dr. Pam Harris, Interim Executive Director of Camp & Retreat Ministries, said Rev. Kerr-Carpenter's connection to UNY and Casowasco will help him step into this new role quickly and effectively.
“I am thrilled to welcome Colin to Camp & Retreat Ministries (CRM) and to Casowasco! Colin brings a wealth of experience. I am especially excited about the skills he brings in program development and look forward to exploring new program possibilities with him. We look forward to Colin joining the other site directors as we work together to strengthen the ways that CRM supports the mission of the UNYUMC Conference and its churches,” said Rev. Dr. Harris.
In addition to serving several local churches in UNY, Rev. Kerr-Carpenter is married to the Rev. Dr. Kathy Wren Kerr-Carpenter, a retired Elder in UNY. Together, the two have three children and two grandchildren.
His first day serving in this new role began on Monday, August 12.