news stories Tagged “Camp and Retreat Ministry (CRM)”
Update on CRM in Upper New York
March 19, 2025 / By Office of Missional Excellence / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
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 …more
A new era of snowshoe ministry at Skye Farm
March 13, 2025 / By Hannah Lasher, Skye Farm Camp & Retreat Center Assistant Director / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Getting people outside and connected to Creation during summer camp can be as simple as stepping out the door. Doing the same during a snowy Adirondack winter, however, requires a bit more gear. And now, thanks to the generosity of Burnt Hills UMC, Skye Farm Camp & Retreat Center once again has snowshoes for retreat guests to use to get outside and explore during the winter months. Each fall, Burnt …more
Rev. Deb Coatsworth joins Asbury Retreat Center as Assistant Director
January 7, 2025 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
The Rev. Deb Coatsworth is the new Assistant Director at Asbury Retreat Center. She is a Deacon who formerly served the Elma UMC. After being a member since 1994, Rev. Coatsworth began her ministry as Christian Education Director at Elma UMC in 2006. She was ordained in 2023 in the Upper New York Annual Conference. She is leaving her current role as Director of Christian Education/Youth Ministries and Spiritual Care Ministry. Highlights …more
2025 Casowasco Sabbath
January 6, 2025 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Editor's Note: The following message was shared with United Methodists of Upper New York on Monday, January 6, 2025 on behalf of Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez, Rev. Bill Mudge, and Rev. Dr. Pam Harris. Dear siblings in Christ, Today, we share with you an important update regarding Casowasco Camp & Retreat Center. Starting this month, all programming and hosting at Casowasco …more
Next faithful steps for Casowasco Camp & Retreat Center
December 9, 2024 / By Rev. Dr. Aaron M. Bouwens & Rev. William Mudge / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Dear United Methodists of Upper New York, We ask for your prayers as the next faithful steps for Casowasco Camp & Retreat Center are being discerned. In late Spring 2024, preparations were underway for another summer of campers gathering on the shores of Owasco Lake at Casowasco Camp & Retreat Center. During those preparations, it became clear for the best camp experience there was a need to make …more
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 …more
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 …more
Casowasco on the road
June 18, 2024 / By Rev. Dr. Pam Harris, Interim Executive Director of Camp & Retreat Ministries / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Editor's Note: The following note was sent electronically to United Methodists of Upper New York on Tuesday, June 18, 2024 on behalf of Rev. Dr. Pam Harris, Interim Executive Director of Camp & Retreat Ministries regarding changes to the 2024 summer camping season. Dear United Methodists of Upper New York, The summer camping season is upon us. We cherish this time of connecting with campers, forging new and rekindling old friendships, …more
Reflections on 2023 Cady Grants and new applications being accepted
February 2, 2024 / By Dr. Blenda Smith, Chair of the Cady Grant Team / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Each year, Cady Grants are awarded to projects and programs that seek to be used for the “benefit or education of minority groups, preferably black or American Indians,” as directed by Ercil Cady, the originator of the Ercil Cady Grant. The committee is pleased to share an update on how the grants were used by the 2023 recipients: Church in the Wild: As this New Faith …more
Steve Alexander named new Site Director at Casowasco
January 9, 2024 / By Shelby Winchell, UNY Director of Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Casowasco Camp & Retreat Center’s newest site director is no stranger to Upper New York. Steve Alexander is a member of Lansing United Methodist Church and a former certified Early Response Team leader. Steve stepped into the role on Jan. 8 following an extensive search. He replaces the Rev. Dr. Pam Harris, who has served as the Acting Site Director since October 2022. Rev. Dr. Harris will remain in the …more