ABOUT US

The United Methodist Camp & Retreat Ministries Association (UMCRM) is a membership organization open to all who share our mission:
Committed to the mission of the United Methodist Church, UMCRM resources, advocates, inspires, and networks to enhance the effectiveness and sustainability of camp and retreat ministries.

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 we intend to be a more agile and creative organization to respond to the changing needs of our ministries, our denomination, and the world in which we serve.

UMCRM Board of Directors

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 (2016-20) At-Large (Young Person)

Genée Morrison (2016-20) At-Large (Young Person)

Brant Henshaw (2017-21) At-Large (Expertise), Treasurer

Ron Bartlow (2019-23)

North Central:

Jody Oates (2017-21)

Jeff Parsons (2018-22) Development Chair

South Central:

Joel Wilke (2015-23)

Kim Carter (2016-21) Executive Secretary

Northeastern:

Jessica Gamache (2015-23) Vice Chair

Samuel Richardson (2016-21)

Southeastern:

Russell Davis (2013-21) Board Chair

Arthur Spriggs (2015-23) At-Large (Diversity)

Sarah Ratz (2015-23) Member Services Chair

Ex-Officio:

Kim Bell (2019-23) National Gathering Event Co-chair

Matthew Williams (2019-23) National Gathering Event Co-chair

 

Committees

Committees are chaired by members of the UMCRM Board of Directors and made up of Association members and others with relevant expertise. Please contact a committee chair if you are interested in serving.

Member Services – Chair:  Sarah Ratz 
The Member Services Committee creates valuable services for Association members, communicates that value to and recruits prospective members, and provides for Association member care. This committee houses the Intential Leadership Groups (ILG) initiative, the UMCRM Book Club, and the Business Affiliate program.

Education – 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 – 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.

Staff

jen 2014

Jen Burch

Since 2013 Jen Burch has served as Association Administrator on a part-time contract 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.
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Communications Team

This volunteer team was recruited for their expertise in communications, graphics, and social media. They are asked to contribute 2-4 hours per month and to serve 2-year renewable terms. Those interested in volunteering in Communications should contact Jen Burch.

Cameron Jones

Mark Walz

Lu Harding

Whitney Winston

Michaela Dotsch

David Riddell

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