news article
UNY Camp and Retreat Ministries to receive $118,000 in grant money
May 11, 2022 / By UNY Communications
The Upper New York (UNY) Camp & Retreat Ministry (CRM) sites will be receiving a total of $118,000 in grant money to impact sustainability for each site and foundation board development. An anonymous foundation initially offered $1,000,000 to UM Camp & Retreat Ministry sites across the United States through a Ministry Impact Grant application process. Members responded enthusiastically submitting requests totaling $4,000,000. Inspired by the wonderful requests, the granting foundation was able to offer $2,500,000, with approval for 62.5% of the grant applications.
The grant funds are being administered through the United Methodist Camp and Retreat Ministries Association (UMCRM), an organization which is committed to the mission of The United Methodist Church, and resources, advocates, inspires, and networks to enhance, the effectiveness and sustainability of camp and retreat ministries. In the words of Jessica Gamache, Association Director, “We are thrilled to be able to expand the impact of United Methodist Camp & Retreat Ministries through this generous gift.”
With the grant funding, Aldersgate Camp & Retreat Center will be implementing leadership development and enhance its mission programs.
Asbury Retreat Center will be creating a memorial garden which includes beautification of its waterfront and a prayer labyrinth. Sue Russell, Site Director at Asbury Retreat Center said, “With this grant, Asbury is excited to upgrade the waterfront to be a beautiful sacred place for guests to spend time with God for years to come.”
Casowasco Camp & Retreat Center will be purchasing new boats to enhance its waterfront programs. This will help compensate for the boats that were damaged in the 2021 floods.
Sky Lake Camp & Retreat Center will be adding a new convection oven and ice machine to its kitchen. Matt Williams, Site Director at Sky Lake said, ““We began this year by joining an initiative of the Broome County Health to improve the long-term eating habits of our region. Receiving the funding from the Ministry Impact Grant for a new double convection oven and ice maker at Sky Lake certainly better equips us to serve healthier meal options to our campers, guests, and visitors for years to come!”
Skye Farm Camp & Retreat Center will upgrade windows in Ogden Lodge. Each site’s foundation board’s will be able to work with a consultant and procure books on board effectiveness. Robyn Vernon, Site Director of Skye Farm, said ““The new windows in Ogden Lodge will greatly improve our guest experience by making the space more comfortable. The energy efficiency of the new windows will increase our site’s sustainability in multiple ways. We are incredibly grateful for this opportunity.”
All these projects will help our UNY CRM to keep moving forward in its efforts to be sustainable. The projects will be completed by the end of 2022 according to the grant requirement.