news article
Update on CRM in Upper New York
March 19, 2025 / By Office of Missional Excellence / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
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Over the past 12 months, the Camp & Retreat Ministries (CRM) of United Methodists of Upper New York have experienced significant activity and movement. Each site has been actively involved in discerning the next steps to enhance their ministry's impact.
Summer Preparations and Group Hosting
- Skye Farm, Sky Lake, and Aldersgate have been gearing up for the summer camp season while also hosting groups.
- Asbury Retreat Center has been continuing to host groups and prepare for their summer season which looks different than the other sites.
- Casowasco continues to be in a season of Sabbath as a discernment team is beginning the next phase of the work to determine what the next right step is for ministry in that space. (Clergy respite opportunities still available. Contact Casowasco for more information.)
Leadership Transition
As we entered 2025, CRM experienced a significant leadership transition with the conclusion of the Rev. Dr. Pam Harris's tenure as Interim Executive Director. The site directors and CRM staff will collaborate with the Rev. Dr. Aaron Bouwens to further the critical work of our camp and retreat ministry. They will collaboratively assess, listen, and discern the optimal path for CRM's staffing strategy.
Achievements and Opportunities
Equally significant is the ongoing collaboration between the Camp & Retreat Ministries Board and the Conference Leadership Team. Over the past year, these teams have diligently worked to chart the next faithful steps for CRM, as well as for the ministry of each individual site. This collaboration has involved extensive data gathering, multiple conversations, and active listening to determine the best positioning for the CRM sites to achieve impactful ministry.
“We are deeply grateful for the steadfast leadership of Rev. Harris during her tenure as interim executive director. She navigated CRM operations through a remarkably challenging period,” stated Bishop Burgos. “As we forge ahead, I am inspired by the dynamic collaboration between CRM, the Conference Leadership Team, and the site directors. A profound sense of hope and new possibilities is emerging, as we collectively discern a path forward that will connect new, diverse, and younger generations with God, nature, and community for many years to come,” added Bishop Burgos.
Furthermore, there is much to celebrate regarding our ministries during this period. All five sites have successfully completed the necessary steps to establish foundations for receiving site-specific donations. These foundations, now set up as 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporations, are well-positioned to support the ministry at each site.
Some great ways you can get involved are:
- Pray for the people who will encounter and grow in Christ through CRM;
- Register campers for a summer camp program;
- Have a retreat for your church at one of the sites;
- Volunteer at one of the sites;
- Make a financial donation.
Stay tuned for more updates on the powerful ministry happening through our Camp & Retreat Ministries. You can visit the CRM website for more information on our summer camp programs here.