news article
One donation keeps things hot at Aldersgate Camp & Retreat Center
August 22, 2024 / By Shelby Winchell, UNY Director of Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
This past summer, Aldersgate Camp & Retreat Center experienced one of its largest camping seasons in recent years. Having reliable equipment to prepare and serve meals is crucial. Early in the summer, the ovens used to make meals stopped working altogether.
“The staff was being quite creative in providing hot meals. A few examples were hot dogs cooked on the campfire with cold salads. They also had "floating dinners" which is sandwiches while guests were riding in the canoes. "Foil dinners" were also cooked over the campfire. They even purchased pizza for the campers,” explained Shari Mudge, Camp & Retreat Ministries Administrative Assistant.
It’s no surprise why the ovens died. They were 27 years old and as Site Director Ben Mudge explains, repairing them has been getting more difficult over the years.
“When we were quoted to have them fixed for $4,000 we decided it wouldn’t make sense to waste money on 30 year old technology, and it was time to replace them.”
The problem was replacement ovens would cost $8,000. Shari knew all about the history of the ovens as she served as Aldersgate’s Site Director for three-and-a-half years from March 2015 until October 2018. Her husband and Ben’s father, the Rev. Bill Mudge, is the current pastor at Liverpool First UMC and also chair of the UNY Camp & Retreat Ministries.
“During the ‘Joys and Concerns’ portion of worship at Liverpool First, Shari and Pat Toukatly raised the need. Following worship, an emergency Administrative Council meeting gathered and voted to provide the funds. An email vote for members not present was sent that afternoon,” explained Rev. Mudge.
Pat Toukatly is a member at Liverpool First UMC and is considered the camping agent for the church. She helps raise money so anyone can experience camp.
“Camping is one of our main gateways to those who don’t attend church. Camps are a vital part of The United Methodist Church. All churches are responsible for helping maintain our sites and helping out when they can,” said Pat.
“I put a plea out to the Liverpool First UMC, stating that it would benefit both campers from Aldersgate and Casowasco, as the Casowasco campers would be at Aldersgate for three weeks. Liverpool First donated a check for $8,000 to purchase the ovens. I was so excited!” said Shari.
The new ovens were delivered on July 12.
“Youth from the Liverpool First UMC attend both Aldersgate and Casowasco. I have found in my more than 40 years of ministry, camping ministry is one of the best disciple-making and church growth tools that we have. When a congregation supports camping ministries, they are sowing seeds for the future leaders, clergy and laity, of our churches,” said Rev. Mudge.
This summer alone, Aldersgate fed upwards of 600 people. They anticipate continuing to grow in both camper and retreat programs and plan to serve hundreds if not thousands of more meals using these ovens thanks to the generosity of Liverpool First UMC.
All five camp & retreat sites are in need of donations, not only to replace aging equipment, but to offer the experience of camp in the form of scholarships. To donate, click here as every contribution matters.