Summer Staff Exchange

The Summer Staff Exchange Program, piloting in 2025, is an exciting opportunity for your camp to be part of a national effort to strengthen our connectional ministry and invest in the next generation of camp leaders.

Through this initiative, participating summer staff will spend most of the season serving at their home camp (their primary site) and travel for 1–2 weeks during slower parts of the summer to serve at another United Methodist camp (a host site). It’s a meaningful way for staff to experience new leadership contexts, connect to the wider UMCRM network, and return to their primary site with fresh energy and perspective.

Here’s how you can get involved:

1. Sign Up to Be a Host Site
Host camps commit to welcoming an exchange participant for a week or two (coordinated to arrive when you need them the most), integrating them into your team, and offering them mentorship, housing, meals, and a meaningful leadership role.

2. Encourage a Summer Staff Member to Participate
Think about who on your summer team is ready for the next step. Encourage them to apply for the program and support their growth by serving as their primary site.