Formerly the National Camp & Retreat Committee (NCRC), the UMCRM Association was formed in 2013 with the vote of confidence and pioneering spirit of our Charter Members. As a member Association, our organization is more able to respond to the changing needs of our ministries, our denomination, and the world in which we serve.
The Association is a collection of camp and retreat leaders sharing their gifts, enthusiasm, and talents with one another. UMCRM’s role is simply to provide the setting for this sharing to be beneficial and productive for all of us as members. All Association resources, projects, and initiatives that bring benefit to our membership are also initiated and provided by our membership. UMCRM’s expertise in camp and retreat ministries is held in the collective expertise of the individuals that are part of the community, which includes you. Our strong culture of volunteerism and participation in Association initiatives drives our success in bringing timely, relevant resources to camp and retreat ministry leaders.
The majority of association work is done through our strong and active committees and teams. You are invited to bring your expertise, gifts, and talents to their projects. Reach out to a committee or team chair below to explore how your gifts will contribute to that committee’s work.
Member Services Committee – Chair: Joel Wilke
The Member Services Committee creates valuable services for Association members, communicates that value to and recruit prospective members, and provides for Association member care. This committee houses the Intentional Leadership Groups (ILG) initiative, the UMCRM Book Club, and the Business Affiliate program.
Communications Team – Chair: Jen Burch
This volunteer team shares expertise in communications, graphics, and social media. They are asked to contribute 2-4 hours per month and to serve 2-year renewable terms.
Education Committee – Chair: Cat Holbert
The Education Committee provides direction and input for the full spectrum of educational needs of Association members including the UMCRM Certification program, Sustainable Pathways, online training, National Gathering workshops, partnership with Compass Points, professional coaching, and more.
Event Design Team – Co-Chairs: Kim Bell and Matt Williams
The Event Design Team creates and implements the National Gathering, the primary education, training, professional and spiritual development, worship, fellowship, renewal event for all involved in United Methodist Camp & Retreat Ministry.
Development Committee– Chair: Jeff Parsons
The Development Committee coordinates and ensures implementation of the fundraising activities of the Association. Members of this committee must have an understanding of best practices of development and have experience fundraising in the camp and retreat ministry context, including branding, case statements, annual fund, endowments, and evaluation.
UMCRM Board Directors are elected by voting UMCRM Association members from their United Methodist Jurisdiction or as At-Large representatives by the UMCRM Board, for 4-year terms, renewable once. As outlined in the bylaws amended at the 2019 Annual Meeting of Members, each Jurisdiction shall elect one representative. Up to ten (10) At-Large Directors may be appointed for diversity and expertise, including two Young Person At-Large Directors.
Apply for the Board of Directors- Jurisdictional Rep application
Apply as an At-Large Board Member
Western Jurisdiction:
Cat Holbert (2011-21) Education Chair
Sharon Godbolt (2014-22) At-Large (Diversity)
Abigail Fuesler (2016-24) At-Large (Young Person)
Brant Henshaw (2017-21) At-Large (Expertise), Treasurer
Ron Bartlow (2019-23) Vice Chair
North Central:
Jody Oates (2017-21)
Jeff Parsons (2018-22) Development Chair
South Central:
Joel Wilke (2015-23) Member Services Chair
Northeastern:
Samuel Richardson (2016-21)
Southeastern:
Russell Davis (2013-21) Board Chair
Arthur Spriggs (2015-23) At-Large (Diversity)
Sarah Ratz (2015-23) Board Secretary
Ex-Officio:
Kim Bell (2019-23) National Gathering Event Co-chair
Matthew Williams (2019-23) National Gathering Event Co-chair
Jessica Gamaché, Association Director
Jessica’s role as Association Director is to guide the association and its members in work through visioning and member engagement. After earning her Masters degree in Recreation Management from Slippery Rock University, Jessica served various camps and retreat centers in both the United Methodist and Lutheran connections and most recently as the Conference Camp and Retreat Ministries Coordinator for the Western PA UM Conference.
Jen Burch, Association Administrator
Since 2013 Jen Burch has served as Association Administrator on a part-time basis. Jen brings experience as a former United Methodist Camp Director and other youth-serving nonprofits. She holds an M.Div. from the Iliff School of Theology. She works from her home office near Denver, Colorado, where she edits weekly S’more Mail and the UMCRM blog, assists the Board of Directors, serves as Registrar for UMCRM events and memberships, and more.