Crystal Springs (MI), United Methodism's second-oldest continually operating camp, was recently sold to the Pokagon Band of the Potawatomi. The camp's decommissioning service will be held at the site this Saturday, September 12th. View the announcement from Michigan Area UM Camping
Rev. David Berkey, Executive Director of Camping for the Michigan Area, clarifies that this action on the part of the Annual Conference is no heroic gesture; nothing could compensate for the injustices experienced by Native Americans on this land. Berkey encourages us to view the sale as a small step toward justice as we work to build relationships with native communities and churches, remove names, symbols, or rituals related to native culture in our camp sites and programs, and continue to keep vigil over sacred lands provided by our Creator. Read the reflection