The passion for camp and leadership development never really leaves you, even after you retire from camping ministry. At least, that’s been true for Lee Padgett. Lee’s deep appreciation for the profound impact that camps have on individuals' lives and camps’ broader influence within the church and community fabric is as strong today as it was when he started his 24-year tenure as Director at Aldersgate Camp (KY). 

In his career, Lee experienced firsthand the constraints on finances for ongoing education, while also understanding the invaluable nature of collegial relationships among fellow leaders. As he looks back, he remembers that “it can get lonely out there” for camp staff – leading a ministry at a rural site with no nearby peers who actually understand what you do.

He recalls finding the connections he longed for and being deeply enriched by the biannual UMCRM National Gatherings. It was at these Gatherings where Lee absorbed fresh ideas, perpetually learned from peers, and contributed his own talents within a vibrant nationwide community.  He has fond memories of hilarious shenanigans and warm team spirit from his 12-year stint on the National Camp & Retreat Committee, UMCRM’s predecessor board and National Gathering planning team. He was the longest-serving member to date!

The UMCRM Association has always been an important connecting point, even more so in recent years. Lee is impressed by the many innovative ways that UMCRM supports and connects United Methodist Camp & Retreat Ministry leaders – through small group cohorts, Community Conversations, publications, and other resources. He is encouraged to see that the Execs (Conference Staff) Summit is still going strong, having been part of the earliest one. 

Lee has been retired since 2013, playing a supporting role as a Bishop’s spouse, but he has stayed engaged with the work of the UMCRM Association in various ways – through financial giving, assisting with projects, advising camps experiencing leadership transitions, and regularly reading the S’more Mail e-newsletter. He and his wife, Bishop Debbie Wallace-Padgett, are delighted to keep investing in the training and development of camping ministry leaders through the Legacy of Leadership Fund. 

Lee is passionate about the ways experiential learning in a Christian community prepares leaders for the church and world, and it’s important to him that camp & retreat ministries are led by well-trained and supported leaders who are able to disciple the next generation of leaders who will follow them in ministry. He supports the UMCRM Association so it may continue to meet the needs of United Methodist Camp and Retreat Ministry leaders and serve as a central source of information and advocacy for the ministries that remain so close to his heart.