We Received a Character At Camp Grant!
Amazing news – In 2026, UMCRM will steward a $75,000 Character at Camp Network Planning Grant from the American Camp Association as part of a national, multi-year initiative funded by the Lilly Endowment. Ours was selected from over 70 applications as one of 14 network grants. The purpose of this planning-year grant is not program launch, but intentional design, laying the foundation for a strong, scalable Network Implementation Grant proposal next year.
UMCRM’s grant focuses on the values of integrity, spirituality, and leadership, with its goal to develop more intentional opportunities to build character strengths among camp ministry leaders who will model and build those values in our camper communities. The American Camp Association will be resourcing us throughout this planning year with access to experts, research, evaluation tools, and a community of camps that are sharing ideas and support. The talents of two new part-time Initiative Co-Coordinators, Rev. David Berkey and Dr. Gabby McHarg, have been brought on board to spearhead UMCRM's grant implementation over the coming year. Look forward to opportunities for you, as UMC camp leaders, to get involved.