"A Wider Reach"

Some might think that the UMCRM Association exists mainly to serve full-time camp ministry staff. Leslie Hobson’s story shows how it turned out to be a valuable resource for her as a volunteer and influenced her journey in ministry. Leslie was part of the UMCRM community for nearly a decade before she became a full-time Camp Director. Attending the National Camp & Retreat Leaders’ Gathering in 2009 while serving as the capital campaign fund manager for camps in her conference, Leslie attended every fundraising and finance workshop. To this day, she says she’s still using information she gleaned from that event. 

The following year, Leslie's engagement with UMCRM deepened when she responded to a survey about inclusion of people with disabilities in camps. This led to an invitation to present at the 2011 National Gathering at Lake Junaluska. At that time, Leslie was an Integration Specialist and Coordinator for “Camps Without Barriers” in the Minnesota Annual Conference. Leslie had been serving as the volunteer dean of a camp program for people with disabilities since 1998, so brought a wealth of expertise to share with camp and retreat leaders at that Gathering. Little did she know then that 2016 would find her accepting the position of Director at Northern Pines Camp!

Leslie’s journey to becoming ordained as a Deaconess started because of camp. She had been active in ministry as an Integration Specialist and was feeling a nudge to pursue her calling in ministry. As an exploring candidate she was asked, “do you feel called to ‘equip’ or ‘do’?” This question helped her to clarify her role as a “doer,” a natural fit for the order of Deaconesses, who serve in ministries of justice, love, and service. It was her hands-on ministry at camp that qualified as an “approvable appointment” for commissioning as a Deaconess. 

Reflecting on her journey, Leslie encourages camp leaders not to allow financial constraints to hinder participation in training opportunities. Through the years, she found support through UMCRM's Legacy of Leadership scholarship fund for attending various events that have shaped her vocational path. “Don’t be afraid to ask!” she says. 

Leslie's story serves as a testament to the transformative power of community and support that UMCRM provides to leaders of all kinds. Who knows where the journey might lead?